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Things to Do in Bergen: 30+ Must-See & Local’s Tips

The ultimate guide to the best things to do in Bergen , with tips and tricks from a local ! Bergen is one of the liveliest and prettiest cities in Norway, as well as being one of the largest and most famous. Its modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere blends with tradition, making Bergen a major hub for local art, history and culture.

Walking through the picturesque alleys of the old town will be like taking a dip back into its glorious past, when it was first the seat of one of the greatest Norwegian kings and capital of the country, and then one of the most important ports and trading post of the mighty Hanseatic League . Even today you can wander around the ancient medieval village called Bryggen , one of the best preserved in the world and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Bergen boasts a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere , a sophisticated lifestyle and a lively food scene , with fine restaurants serving excellent Scandinavian cuisine. The compact size of the city center makes it an ideal destination for exploring on foot, but the best attractions are just outside the city, such as the view from Mount Fløyen , a cruise in the surrounding fabulous fjords or a multi-day trip to the surrounding region .

Bergen is the ideal base for exploring South Western Norway , being well connected to Oslo and other European cities, so many travelers choose it as a starting point for renting a car and exploring the surrounding region, as a port of departure for a cruise of the Norwegian fjords or for an adventure on the legendary Hurtigruten ships. Whatever the reason for your trip to Bergen , in this guide you will find everything you need to better plan your trip and all the tips from locals on the best things to do in Bergen!

What you will find in this guide to the Best Things to Do in Bergen:

Things to Know Before Visiting Bergen

Best things to do in bergen, best places to eat in bergen, how to get to bergen.

Bergen is one of the most popular, large and picturesque cities in Norway. It is the gateway to the fjords of Southern Norway and the scenic mountains that stretch inland. The famous coastal express Hurtigruten and many coastal cruises also depart from Bergen. Many fjord cruises stop in Bergen for a few hours, and a tour of the city’s most scenic corners will certainly be one of the highlights of the trip.

Located along Norway’s southwestern coast, Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and two of the country’s largest fjords , the Hardangerfjord to the south and the Sognefjord to the north. Unsurprisingly, its name, Bergen , means mountain or person who lives in the mountains . So, when visiting Bergen know that the surrounding area is full of excellent opportunities for hiking and nature walks !

Few people know that Bergen was once the capital of Norway . The city was founded in 1070 by Olaf Kyrre , son of Harald III of Norway . This was a remote village active in the fishing and trading of stockfish. However, there was also one of the king’s largest residences here, so in 1217 the capital was moved from Trondheim to Bergen . However, it was not for long, since in the early 1300s King Haakon V decided to move the capital to Oslo .

However, Bergen retains a remarkable historical and cultural heritage and fabulous traces of its medieval past. You will be able to stroll through its picturesque alleys, explore the halls that once housed the Hanseatic League , which in the Middle Ages was the most powerful trade conference in the world, admire the iconic and colorful old wooden houses of Bryggen , the old port district that is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Today Bergen is one of the most vibrant cities in Norway and arguably the most visited in the country. It boasts an excellent arts, gastronomic and cultural scene. Travelers will find great hotels , a few good hostels , and a plethora of good restaurants serving the best of contemporary Scandinavian cuisine.

Read more: Best Hotels in Bergen – A Practical Guide on the Best Places & Areas to Stay in Bergen

Bergen is a great starting point for exploring Southern Norway and the Southern Fjords . Also from here you can go to some of the most popular and picturesque attractions, such as the Flåm Fjord and its scenic railway , the Flåmbana , and the scenic Bergen-Oslo Railway , which crosses one of the most amazing and unspoiled landscapes in Europe.

Bergen Funicular (Fløibanen) and Views from Mount Fløyen

The Bergen Funicular (Fløibanen) is one of the most popular things to do in Bergen. The short and fascinating journey on this old funicular will take you to the top of Mount Fløyen , the 320-meter hill overlooking the city.

The lower station of the Bergen Funicular is located right in the center of the city, behind the Bryggen . You can easily see the beautiful historic building on the corner of Vetrlidsallmenningen and Lille Øvregaten , which are two of the main boulevards in the old town. The picturesque funicular, dating from the early 1900s , climbs through the hillside through a breathtaking landscape.

Today it is operated with modern panoramic carriages with large windows, which allow you to enjoy the view to the fullest. The route lasts 5-8 minutes and ends at the upper station , where there is a panoramic terrace with a breathtaking view of the city!

Many people opt to get to Mount Fløyen by walking the path that starts behind the lower station and winds up the hill. This also passes the scenic Tippetue Viewpoint and then finally arrives at the Fløyen Panorama , which is the same place where the funicular arrives. The route is 3 km long and takes at least 1-1.5 hours. Here you will find the GPS track of the path to Mount Fløyen. An alternative route, just as nice and much less touristy, is the one that starts from Starefossen , east of the city center ( GPS track ) . This is also shorter and easier, but you will still need a long walk to get there from the city center.

Mount Fløyen is not only famous for its views that sweep across the fjord and surrounding mountains, but also for the many opportunities for hiking and nature walks . This is a popular area for mountain biking too, and there are several trails through forests dotted with ponds. The trails are suitable for the whole family.

Near the Fløyen Panorama there is a children’s playground called “Troll Forest” and a café, called Fløistuen , which serves fragrant freshly baked pastries. There is also a restaurant that boasts an unparalleled view, the Fløien Folkerestaurant .

A path leads to the small and pretty Skomakerdiket Lake , a good place for kayaking, canoeing or walking the paths around the lake. There is also a small café serving good pancakes and coffee, the Skomakerstuen , which is only open on weekends.

Hikers can follow the Vidden Tursti , a 15-km-long trail (about 5 hours one way) that leads to Mount Ulriken , the highest peak around Bergen. From there, you can descend by cable car or the trails that lead (in less than an hour) to the suburb of Lægdene , where you can take a city bus to the city center.

The Bergen Funicular is open all year round and also accessible by wheelchair and baby strollers. Opening hours: from 7.30 AM to 11.00 PM. Weekends opens at 9.00 AM (in summer 8.00 AM). Ticket prices: Round trip – Adults (16+) 150 NOK, Children 75 NOK, Families (2 adults + 2 children) 375 NOK.

Bergen’s most famous attraction is Bryggen , the old wharf dating back to the Middle Ages. With its marvelous colorful wooden houses and its compelling history, Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . A stroll through its narrow alleys, its galleries and hidden courtyards is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bergen.

Symbol of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century , Bryggen is a historic harbor district that boasts 62 beautifully preserved buildings that were once merchant houses, warehouses and offices and trading posts managed by wealthy and powerful German merchants.

The neighborhood was destroyed several times by fires and Bryggen’s appearance today stems from the time after the big fire in 1702 . Even today it is possible to appreciate its medieval aspect, with its long narrow rows of buildings facing the harbor, separated by narrow wooden passages . The port is right in front of it, and here once upon a time ships and vessels loaded with goods docked, there were taverns for sailors and a great coming and going of dockers and fishermen.

Overlooking Vågen Bay , Bryggen is now a quiet neighborhood that is home to some good restaurants , museums, jewelers and art galleries. What were once warehouses of cereals and stockfish now house artisan workshops and offices. A short walk from Bryggen you can also visit the interesting Bryggen Museum , which displays a collection of archaeological finds and artifacts that tell the story of Bryggen’s merchants and craftsmen.

Hanseatic Museum

Want to find out more about the exciting history of the Hanseatic League ? This confederation of German merchant guilds was one of the most powerful commercial and military organizations of the past. The Hanseatic Museum tells its story through artifacts, maps, treasures and more that belonged to the wealthy German merchants who dominated the stockfish and cereal trade for over 400 years.

It is set within Finnegården , a fabulous large wooden house in the heart of Bryggen, which is one of the oldest buildings in the neighborhood and in the town. Inside you can admire the original interiors, perfectly preserved. There are still the stockfish warehouses , the merchants’ offices and dormitories, and the authentic creaking wooden floors of the era. You will find out what life was like here when Bergen was a major trading post.

Not far from the Hanseatic Museum you can also visit the Schøtstuene , located next to the Church of St Mary . This majestic palace housed the local headquarters of the Hanseatic League, with the assembly halls of the Hanseatic merchants at Bryggen, the banquet hall and the courthouse.

The Hanseatic Museum at Finnegården is currently closed for restoration and the collection is on display at Schøtstuene.

Mount Ulriken and the Bergen Cable Car (Ulriksbanen)

Mount Ulriken is the highest of the Seven Mountains , the hills surrounding Bergen. It has a height of 643 meters and boasts a crazy view of the city, the fjord and the surrounding mountains. A hike to Mount Ulriken is definitely one of the best things to do in Bergen for outdoor enthusiasts.

However, getting to Mount Ulriken is quite easy and there is no need to climb the trails. There is a convenient cable car , called Ulriksbanen , which takes you quickly to the top. From the cable car you will have superlative views of the fjord and the city, as well as from the top of Mount Ulriken. Otherwise there are a couple of trails leading from the Lægdene suburb to the top. It is about a kilometer with an altitude difference of almost 500 meters, it can be covered in about 1 hour.

You can reach the lower station of the Ulriksbanen with the shuttle that leaves every half hour next to the Fish Market or by bus no. 50. Otherwise you can walk there, it is about 45 minutes walk. On the summit there is an observation deck with telescopes, a cafe and a restaurant. Fit hikers could continue along the Vidden Trail , the 15 km trail to Mount Fløyen .

Ulriksbanen is open daily from 9.00 AM to 11.00 PM and return tickets cost: Adults – NOK 355, Children – NOK 145, Families – NOK 790. The cable car leaves every 5 minutes.

Bergenhus Fortress

Located at the entrance to Bergen’s harbor, right next to Bryggen, Bergenhus Fortress is one of Norway’s best-preserved medieval stone castles. Today it appears as a large complex of buildings with gardens, courtyards and tree-lined avenues where you can enjoy a nice walk (admission is free). Bergenhus Fortress is located right in front of the cruise terminal, so it is the first attraction in Bergen that cruise passengers will encounter on their walk to the city center.

This fortress dates back to 1240 , when Bergen was still the capital of Norway, and was built as the residence of the royal family. Inside you can visit the marvelous King Håkon’s Hall (Håkonshallen) , a 13th-century ceremonial hall commissioned by King Haakon IV . While it may seem a little bare today, this was once the luxurious banquet and royal party hall. Today it occasionally hosts events and concerts. The (somewhat overpriced) ticket for the visit costs 120 NOK.

A short distance from Håkon’s Hall you can visit the Rosenkrantz Tower (Rosenkrantztårnet) , which is the most important Renaissance building in Norway. This was once the castle where King Magnus Lagabøte lived in the 13th century . You will be able to visit the chapel, the royal bedrooms, the guard rooms, the armory and the dungeons dating back to the 16th century.

The tower also had a defensive role for the town and its port, and the weapons shown were actually used in the Battle of Vågen in 1665 . From the top of the tower you can enjoy a delightful view over the town. Tickets cost 120 NOK. Around the fortress you will notice some old German WWII bunkers and other buildings that once housed the quarters of the royal guards, the fortress commander and a small museum dedicated to the history of the fortress.

Bergen Fish Market

One of the best things to do in Bergen is to taste the delicious local specialties based on the catch of the day. Bergen’s Fish Market has been one of Norway’s most important open-air markets since the 1200s and boasts an important supply of the freshest fish from fishermen across the region.

Here once fishermen and merchants met, then for centuries it was one of the most important markets of the town, now it is one of its main tourist attractions. A covered market was also recently built which, despite its name, is more of a food court than a real fish market.

If you visit Bergen in the summer, however, you will also be able to see the more authentic open-air market : dozens of stalls neatly display an amazing variety of fish of the highest quality. You can buy what you want and cook it yourself at home, or you can eat it perfectly cooked on the spot. You will be able to try a wide choice of fish , from the famous Norwegian shrimp to cod, halibut and salmon, of course. But also the prized king crab , lobsters and even whale . Fish soups are also good. If you can, wash them down with a good glass of Riesling, just like a local would.

The stalls of the covered market serve fabulous seafood dishes in a very nice setting. Some also have good wines and drinks and also sell other specialties, such as cheeses, jams and more. The prices of a meal at the Bergen Fish Market are not cheap! On average, you spend NOK 250 for a main course.

KODE – Bergen’s Art Museums

Bergen’s vibrant art scene condenses into KODE , the city’s premier art museum. Actually, these are 4 different museums , each focused on a specific theme. The main artistic associations of the city merged to offer art lovers the opportunity to visit all the venues with a single ticket. However, the 4 museums are located next to each other, around Lille Lungegårdsvannet , the octagonal lake located in the city center.

KODE 1 , formerly called Permanenten , offers permanent and temporary exhibitions on local art, design and crafts, including jewelery made by Bergen artisans.

KODE 2 is Bergen’s premier contemporary art museum and exhibits valuable works from the Stenersen Collection , one of the most notable in Europe, as well as hosting interesting temporary exhibitions. At the ground floor, you’ll find Bergen’s largest art bookstore with a large selection of books on the visual arts, architecture, photography and design.

KODE 3 is another interesting museum focused on modern and contemporary Norwegian art. The highlight of the museum is the remarkable Rasmus Meyer Collection which boasts some of the best masterpieces by the most famous Norwegian artists, such as Edvard Munch and Johan Christian Dahl .

KODE 4 is the newest of Bergen’s contemporary art museums and hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions featuring works by prominent international artists, such as Picasso , Paul Klee and Dahl .

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest buildings in Bergen and dates back to the mid-1100s . Located behind the Bryggen , it is characterized by an imposing facade with an exquisitely medieval appearance with two asymmetrical square towers, which differ in style windows.

This church is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Norway, and boasts a precious altarpiece depicting the Madonna and Child surrounded by saints, including St. Olav, St. Anthony and St. Catherine.

St. John’s Church (Johanneskirken)

Bergen’s largest and most important church is located on a small hill south of Bergenhus , the most popular and central district of the city. Its red brick facade, in late 19th century Gothic style, hides a beautiful interior that reflects the canons of Nordic architecture, with minimal decorations and geometric motifs, an organ and beautiful stained glass windows.

Gingerbread City (Pepperkakebyen)

One of the best things to do in Bergen during the Christmas season , especially if you’re traveling with kids, is to check out Pepperkakebyen : a miniature city built entirely of gingerbread. Born as a temporary event in 1991, the Gingerbread City has been revived every year for over 30 years.

Each year a new Gingerbread City is built by local children and some volunteer artists. You’ll see a plethora of gingerbread buildings and monuments, including local and international landmarks, as well as cars, boats, trains, and more. In many European cities, nativity scenes are popular this time of year, while in Bergen the nativity scene is a huge and fabulous gingerbread town!

Opens from mid-November until New Year’s Eve. The venue often changes from year to year. Ticket prices start at NOK 150. You can find more info on the official website .

Fantoft Stave Church (Fantoft Stavkirke)

The fabulous Fantoft Stave Church is a medieval wooden Christian church in the classic Northern European style, dating back to 1150 . It was once located in a village along the idyllic Sognefjord , not far from Bergen. It was moved at the end of the 19th century to save it from demolition, as a more modern church was being built there.

This wooden stave church can be visited today in the village of Fana , 15 km south of Bergen and easily accessible by car or bus. The current church is actually a replica, as the original was burned down in 1992 . The arson caused quite a stir, and the church was quickly rebuilt exactly like the original. Inside you will be able to see some relics parts of the old church, such as the original crucifix – which miraculously survived the fire – and a stone cross. An impressive fact is that the church is built exclusively of skilfully intertwined wooden beams , without nails or glue.

In the same village you can also visit Gamlehaugen , the Norwegian Royal Family’s official residence in Bergen. This wonderful royal palace is nestled in a large beautiful park along the banks of a peaceful fjord. In the summer, locals love to come here, lie down on the lawns and relax with a book. In the summer there are also sporadic guided tours of the palace.

Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen

Just a few kilometers south of Gamlehaugen and Fantoft Stave Church do not miss the chance to visit the Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen , a museum dedicated to the prominent Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg set in what was his residence for the last twenty years of his life of him.

The fabulous villa is located on a small hill, called Troll’s Hill , overlooking Lake Nordås , which is not actually a lake but a scenic fjord connected to the sea only by a narrow canal. Here Grieg wrote some of his most famous compositions, and today his house can be visited and you can see his office, the rooms with the original furnishings – including his Steinway grand piano – and the objects that belonged to him.

In the beautiful garden there are other outbuildings, including an auditorium that still hosts concerts, Grieg’s tomb and the hut where the composer took refuge in search of inspiration for his works. It is worthwhile even just to see the charming villa and romantic Grieg’s composition hut located along the banks of the fjord.

The Troldhaugen is open every day except Mondays, the ticket price is 130 NOK. In summer you can attend a piano concert in the chamber music hall of the Troldhaugen, with a repertoire of Grieg’s famous lyric pieces as well as his arrangements of Norwegian folk songs. Ticket prices from 200 NOK. From late June to mid-August there are guided bus tours from Bergen to Troldhaugen which include the lunchtime concert. Ticket prices start from 340 NOK. Info and reservations on the museum’s website .

Gamle Bergen – Old Bergen Museum

One of the nicest things to do in Bergen is to walk along Sjøgaten , the road that leads to the suburbs north of the city center, along which there are some small but interesting museums. Worthy of note are the Storeblå Aquaculture Visitor Center , a one-of-a-kind museum entirely dedicated to the world of aquaculture and salmon farming, and the Norway Fisheries Museum (Norges Fiskerimuseum) focusing on the history of fishing and local fishermen.

But the coolest attraction is the Gamle Bergen Museum , reachable by a 45-minute walk or just 10 minutes by bus (city bus no. 3). This open-air museum is the best place to breathe the atmosphere of medieval Bergen: you can wander through a 19th century village, with typical wooden houses, shops and markets of the time. There are over 50 brightly colored wooden houses , most of which were originally located in Bergen’s city center. You will be able to freely explore the alleys and houses: the village is populated by dozens of traditionally dressed figures, which will allow you to discover many interesting things about Bergen’s history.

The Gamle Bergen Museum is open every day from mid-June to mid-August and only from Thursday to Sunday for the rest of the year. Ticket costs 140 NOK. May be closed in winter, check opening hours here .

Bergen Aquarium

A nice thing to do in Bergen, especially for those traveling with kids , is a visit to the Bergen Aquarium , located on Bergen’s Nordnes Peninsula , a stone’s throw from the city center. With its 60 aquariums, it is home to various indigenous species of fish, from cod to rarer and lesser known species. There is also a section dedicated to tropical fish and reptiles, including crocodiles and snakes, and one dedicated to the Arctic, with penguins and other species.

If you are lucky, you will also be able to see the penguins’ feedings ! There is also an interesting program of activities, such as presentations about penguins and other species, films about the sea and whales, as well as activities for children, such as touch-tanks. Ticket prices from 320 NOK. You can check the opening hours and schedule of the day’s activities here .

Damsgård Country Mansion (Damsgård Hovedgård)

Located just 4 km from the city center and easily reachable in 10 minutes by city bus n. 9 stopping in front of the Torget , near the Fish Market, the Damsgård Country Mansion is a beautiful villa dating from the 18th century, built entirely of wood in an enchanting Rococo style.

Surrounded by a garden with a beautiful view of the fjord, this was the country residence of Joachim Christian Geelmuyden Gyldenkrantz , a notable and wealthy government official from Bergen, who was also a minister of war in the second half of the 1700s.

Today the delightful villa can be admired for free from the outside, walking in its exterior gardens. The inner gardens , adorned with statues and fountains, can be visited together with the interiors of the villa. There are guided tours that are held in small groups, only in the summer and only on certain days of the week. If you are interested in visiting, you could try asking about the visiting hours at the Bymuseet i Bergen , which manages the venue.

The Old Voss Steam Railway

One of the lesser known things to do in Bergen is a trip on the Old Voss Steam Railway , located about 30km northeast of the city center. This historic train runs along an old railway that was once the last leg of the Bergen-Oslo Railway .

Here you can travel aboard an old train with vintage carriages dating from 1910-1930 along the 18-km railway between the villages of Garnes and Midttun . The steam loco is a ten-wheeler built in 1913 as the first generation mountain locomotives for the Bergen-Oslo Railway .

The train only leaves on Sundays from mid-June to mid-August. Depart at 11.30 AM from Garnes Station, which can be reached by car from Bergen. Round trip ticket prices from 210 NOK.

Cruise on the Fjords – Osterfjord and Mostraumen

Bergen is surrounded by some of the most scenic fjords in Norway . The reason why many visit Bergen is to explore its amazing surroundings: you can explore some of the most beautiful and wildest landscapes in the world, stunning fjords dotted with remote villages , spot seabirds and climb some of the most impressive mountains in Europe.

Among the most popular things to do in Bergen is definitely a cruise on the nearby Osterfjord , located just north of the city. The ships depart from Bryggen pier offering a beautiful view of its colorful houses, and then continue on to the Esterfjord , a fjord 27 kilometers long and surrounded by steep mountains. From here you will reach the Mostraumen Strait , a very scenic and remote point. Along the way you will see old villages with traditional houses and you will be able to see dozens of scenic waterfalls , whose cold water is pristine and drinkable!

This could also be an idea for a nice road trip. You could hire a car in Bergen and follow the E39 road to the picturesque village of Romarheim . From there you can continue on the scenic Fv569 road to the village of Mo . From Mo the Fv569 heads south towards the village of Dale , where you will find the junction with the E16 , which will allow you to explore the fjords northeast of Bergen. This road will take you straight back to Bergen. This road trip takes 2-3 days and you could stay along the way in the nice apartments of Old School på Eidslandet in the village of Eidslandet and the fabulous Solneset Farm in Arna .

The King of the Fjords: Sognefjord and Flåmsbanen

The two main fjords around Bergen are also Norway’s most famous : to the north is the stunning Sognefjord and to the south, the Hardangerfjord . The Sognefjord is famous for its stunning scenery, remote villages and for having some of the most beautiful and pristine branches in Norway, such as the Nærøyfjorden . This is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

You can easily explore it with a day cruise trips from Bergen to Flåm , a picturesque village nestled in an enchanted valley at the far end of the Sognefjord . This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bergen , as it will allow you to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of Norway’s most beautiful fjord.

A scenic railway also departs from Flåm to take you to the village of Myrdal , in the rugged mountains between Bergen and Oslo. You will be able to see some of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls and glaciers in Norway. From Myrdal you can return to Bergen by taking the scenic Oslo-Bergen railway .

The entire route can be done on a guided day tour that includes transport by train and bus to the scenic villages from where you will depart for an eco-friendly electric boat cruise on the Sognefjord and Nærøyfjorden . Then you’ll visit the village of Flåm and enjoy the scenic ride on Flåmsbanen to Myrdal. In Myrdal you’ll take the scenic train back to Bergen. This is the most famous tour in Southern Norway .

Road Trip to Hardangerfjord and Trolltunga from Bergen – Itinerary

Located in Hordaland County , 100 km south of Bergen, the Hardangerfjord is one of the largest fjords in the world and the second longest in Norway. It is 179 km long and over 900 m deep, surrounded by scenic mountains and peaceful villages, grasslands and apple farms.

One of the best road trips from Bergen is to the Hardangerfjord and the stunning surrounding mountains. You could rent a car in Bergen and then travel along the E39 to Osøyro . Here you will take the public car ferry to Fusa and travel along the Fv552 to Eikelandsosen . You will continue on the Fv48 to Gjerdmundshamn and from there another ferry crossing to Rosendal , a pleasant town famous for the Baroniet Rosendal , a fabulous 17th century manor house overlooking the Hardangerfjord.

The area is full of trails that allow you to explore the mountains and enjoy a beautiful view of the fjord. You could stay at the Rosendal Fjordhotel and enjoy the serenity of the landscape, or continue on to Odda (50 km). This town is famous for being the base camp for excursions to Trolltunga , one of the most beautiful and famous hikes in Norway .

The hike to the Trolltunga takes about 10-12 hours (round trip) and allows you to reach an exposed rock on a fabulous lake nestled between rough mountains. It is essential to start the excursion early in the morning. There are some good accommodations in Odda , you can find out more on our Trolltunga Hiking Guide .

From Odda also start the paths towards Folgefonna , one of the largest glaciers in Norway. Among the most beautiful viewpoints are the Reinanuten and the Buerbreen . These hikes require some skill and involve rope passages and suspension bridges. Not for beginners!

From Odda you will continue towards the Eidfjord (72 km), a scenic branch of the Hardangerfjord surrounded by rocky walls and hills covered with apple and strawberry crops. From here you can follow the Rv7 road to Vøringfossen , one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Norway. Enjoy a relaxing stop at the fabulous Fossli Hotel , located near the waterfalls, at the picturesque Eidfjord Gjestgiveri or at the Eidfjord Fjell & Fjord Hotel , which boasts beautiful fjord views.

From Eidfjord continue west towards Hardanger Bridge (Hardangerbrua) which will allow you to reach the opposite bank of the Hardangerfjord. Here a short detour on the scenic Fv572 will allow us to visit the picturesque village of Ulvik (35 km from Eidfjord). Near Ulvik is a one-of-a-kind place to stay, the Hardanger Panorama Lodge .

The Fv572 continues towards a beautiful mountainous landscape, passing by scenic lakes and waterfalls, such as the Espelandsfossen , then returning south – to the village of Granvin – from where you will take the Fv7 Hardangervegen , a scenic road that skirts the fjord. From Ulvik to Norheimsund , where you will find the junction to Bergen, it is about 80 km. Here you can stay at the Hardanger Feriesenter Nesvika or the Thon Hotel Sandven . A valid alternative is the nearby town of Øystese , where there are the quaint Hardangerfjord Hotel and Mo Gardsferie . The next day you can continue along the Fv7 and E16 to Bergen , it’s about 80 km. Traveling this itinerary takes 4-8 days .

One of the best things to do in Bergen is to discover its vibrant food scene . This city boasts a huge cultural heritage and is one of the best places to discover traditional and contemporary Scandinavian cuisine. Here you will find a selection of our favorite restaurants in Bergen , selected for quality and authenticity of the food, value for money, atmosphere and location.

One of the best restaurants in Bergen is certainly Restaurant 1877 , which serves fabulous contemporary Scandinavian cuisine in an elegant setting. It is located in what used to be called “Kjøttbaseren” , which means “meat bazaar” , an old and delightfully restored meat market dating back to 1877. It offers fine 5 or 8 course tasting menus starting from 995 NOK. Wine pairing from 895 NOK.

Other good places to try contemporary Scandinavian cuisine is Colonialen 44 (menu from 785 NOK) which is also a good place to have a decent glass of wine and Marg & Bein (4, 6 or 8 course tasting menu from 765 NOK, wine pairing starting from 498 NOK).

Those looking for a fine dining experience could opt for the Bare Restaurant (tasting menu starting at NOK 2000) or the Lysverket (tasting menu starting at NOK 1849). Both were awarded 1-Michelin star .

For those looking for something more modest and less expensive , the Bien Basar serves good specialties that are a mix of Scandinavian and Iberian flavors (main courses around 350 NOK) while Horn of Africa serves excellent African specialties and also good vegetarian dishes (main courses around 250 NOK). Excellent African specialties also at the Savanna Restaurant (main courses from 160 NOK).

In Bergen’s Fish Market you could try Fjellskaal Seafood Restaurant , which serves excellent soups and fish specialties (main courses: 300-500 NOK). For a light meal, Daily Pot serves up good homemade soups and pies.

Bryggen’s most famous restaurants include To Kokker and The Unicorn Fish Restaurant (you can find it as Enhjørningen Fiskerestaurant ). Just behind the Bryggen there is also the Bryggen Tracteursted . They serve good traditional cuisine. An average main course costs NOK 350-400, NOK 800-1000 for a meal. Next to Bryggen there are also a couple of other good restaurants, 26 North Restaurant & Social Club Bergen – serving contemporary North European cuisine – and Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant , serving traditional cuisine.

For a sweet, coffee or freshly baked pastry, you could try Baker Brun located in the old telegraph building (on Starvhusgaten street), which is now a shopping mall.

Getting to Bergen by Plane

Bergen is the second largest and most important city in Norway, so it is well connected with the rest of the country and with Northern Europe. Bergen-Flesland Airport is located 20 kilometers south of the city and is easily connected by the Bergen Light Rail , the tram that connects the city center with the suburbs around Bergen.

There are connections to and from Bergen for various destinations in Europe, mainly Northern Europe , Spain and Great Britain , as well as seasonal flights to and from Italy, France and Croatia, Greece and Turkey, operated by Norwegian and SAS . In addition, there are several connections with other major European cities operated by dozens of national airlines and some low-cost ones. Flights to and from domestic destinations , operated by Norwegian , SAS , Flyr and Widerøe , are quite frequent and at affordable rates, especially those to Oslo .

Rent a car in Bergen

You can rent a car at Bergen Airport or in the city center. It is advisable to book well in advance in the peak seasons, especially in summer and in the Christmas season. You can find the best and cheapest car rentals on Rentalcars and Discovercars .

Getting to Bergen by Train

Travelers from Oslo to Bergen can opt for the comfortable and affordable train from Oslo to Bergen . This is one of the most famous scenic train journeys in Europe , as well as being the highest railway in Northern Europe, running through rugged and pristine plateaus at 1222 meters above sea level. A trip along this railway is one of the must-dos on a trip to Norway and you will be amazed by the landscape and the endless sequence of lakes, waterfalls and mountain resorts. You can find out more about our guide to the Oslo-Bergen Railway .

Getting to Bergen by Ferry

You can get to Bergen with the large and comfortable car ferry that leaves from the port of Hirtshals in Denmark . There are daily connections with night ferries (16.5 – 18.5 hours from Bergen to Hirtshals). Tickets from € 90, cars from € 200. Timetables, prices and booking on Direct Ferries .

Frequent ferries depart from Bergen to many destinations along the Norwegian coast , such as Stavanger , Flåm , Sogndal , Vik and many more. You can find routes, timetables and tickets on Direct Ferries . The famous coastal express Hurtigruten also departs from Bergen, traveling through the old route that runs along the entire Norwegian coast, up to Kirkenes , in the far north, on the border with Russia.

Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen is a beguiling city. During the early Middle Ages, it was an important seaport and a member of the Hanseatic League, as well as Norway's capital – a heritage that can still be glimpsed in the beautifully preserved wooden buildings of Bryggen, now protected as a Unesco World Heritage site. Chocolate-box, clapperboard houses creep up the hillsides, ferries flit around the fjords, and a cluster of excellent art museums provide a welcome detour, and not only in case Bergen's notoriously fickle weather sets in. Meanwhile, a large student population ensures the city has a buzzy bar scene and nightlife, and easy access to nature means you're minutes away from complete tranquillity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ole Bull Museum

This beautiful estate was built in 1873 as the summer residence of Norway’s first musical superstar, violinist Ole Bull. Languishing on its own private…

Bergen's oldest quarter runs along the eastern shore of Vågen Harbour (bryggen translates as 'wharf') in long, parallel and often precariously leaning…

A catch-all umbrella for Bergen's art museums, KODE showcases one of the largest art-and-design collections in Scandinavia. Each of the four buildings has…

Edvard Grieg Museum

Composer Edvard Grieg and his wife Nina Hagerup spent summers at this charming Swiss-style wooden villa from 1885 until Grieg's death in 1907. Surrounded…

KODE 3 is all about Edvard Munch: overall, the collection here is arguably even better than Oslo's Munch Museum. The rooms are fabulously intimate:…

Reopened in 2017 after two years of renovation works, this impressive museum makes a good place to start your explorations of KODE's collection. Two new…

Modern-art aficionados will want to make a beeline to KODE 4, which is home to a large permanent collection of European Modernist works including the odd…

Hanseatic Museum

This interesting museum provides a window into the world of Hanseatic traders. Housed in a rough-timber building dating from 1704, it starkly reveals the…

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45 Fun Things to do in Bergen, Norway [A Local’s Complete Guide]

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After living in Bergen for years now, this guide has been a long time coming. The city known as the gateway to the fjords has so much to offer its visitors, and hopefully this guide to the best things to do in Bergen will show you why I would say so.

Bergen is considered the western Norwegian capital, and lots of travellers find themselves spending a night or two there on their way to visit the Aurlandsfjord, the Hardangerfjord or the Lysefjord. They don’t call it the gateway to the fjords for nothing.

You will most likely arrive in Bergen at the airport, located just a 35-minute Light Rail ride from the city center. Once you have made it from the airport to the city , you have a lot of fun activities and things to explore ahead of you.

I’m telling you right now, don’t sleep on Bergen and head straight to the fjords. Spend at least one full day in the city before you go, two ideally.

Table of Contents

Quick Bergen Travel Guide

Where to stay : Hotel Norge is a centrally located, higher-end hotel that is perfect for any traveler – and my favorite (their scrambled eggs at breakfast are the best in Norway). If you are looking for something in the historic city center, Clarion Havnekontoret is just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen. For something more budget-friendly, CityBox and Moxy are great alternatives!

Where to eat : I have so many favourite restaurants in Bergen, and have covered them all in this guide . Don’t miss Bryggeloftet (traditional, Norwegian), Poca Madre (Mexican), Boccone (Italian) and JAJA (International Street Food).

Top activities and tours in Bergen :

• Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen (check out the best fjord cruises from Bergen in this guide )
• Seeing the UNESCO listed Bryggen (on your own or on a walking tour )
• Viking ship fjord cruise
• Hiking or taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen
• Going on a day trip to Flåm and the Nærøyfjord

Packing for Bergen : My golden rule when packing and dressing for any destination in Norway is layers. Layers, layers, layers – and Bergen is no different. Additionally, Bergen can be quite a rainy city, so a waterproof jacket such as this one is ideal. Good shoes for walking around the city is a must too (the city is very walkable).

Getting to Bergen : I have covered how to get from the airport to the city center in detail here .

Getting Around : Skyss is the official public transportation system in Bergen. Download the app Skyss Billett (ticket) to have tickets on your phone.

My Best Bergen Tips

Before I dive into the full guide to what to do in Bergen, I wanted to share a few tips first. I have collected these through the years as I have lived here, welcomed friends and family who’s visited, and even rented out my apartment on Airbnb as I have been travelling.

One small tip I’ll share to start is to know where the Bergen tourist information center is. It is located right by the Bergen Fish Market, inside the building there. It is a little tricky to understand how to get to the Tourist Information, as it is on the second floor of the building. Simply head straight up the long stairs facing the Fish Market, and there you are!

Side note : If you are looking for quick and easy Bergen itineraries, I have created two pre-made ones that are available for immediate download! Simply click the link for how many days you have:

1-day Bergen itinerary // 2-day Bergen itinerary

Tip #1: Den Blå Steinen

My first tip is to find and know where Den Blå Steinen is . You might be wondering what that is, and I’ll tell you. Den Blå Steinen translates to “the blue stone”, and it is a sculpture in the center of Bergen.

It is located at the end of Torgallmenningen, which is the main square of the city (a large open square with shops, malls and restaurants surrounding it).

Den Blå Steinen is just a large, flat, blue stone lying at an angle, and isn’t very special in and of itself (see the photo above). However, it is frequently used by locals when it comes to directions. So, if you know where it is, you will always be able to understand the directions you are given if you need to ask.

Prepare yourself for a lot of “ It’s just up the street from Den Blå Steinen ” or “ When you reach Den Blå Steinen, take a left and then go straight “. So, simply knowing where it is will get you far.

Tip #2: The Light Rail ByBanen

My next best Bergen tip is that if you want to save a little money and not live right in the city center, make sure you are staying along the Light Rail tracks . The Light Rail in Bergen is called Bybanen, and it is the city’s pride. It has two lines, that run from the city center and all the way out to Fyllingsdalen and the Airport respectively.

Line 1 goes to the airport, and line 2 goes to Fyllingsdalen. It’s really simple.

The Bybanen is a very efficient way of getting into the city center, so as long as you stay near one of its stops, you’ll be able to make it into the city center in a matter of minutes.

Danmarks Plass, for example, is where I live, and a hub where several restaurants and hotels have popped up in recent years (including one of my favourite pizza restaurants ). By staying at the Moxy there, for example, you are saving some money, yet are still just a 7-minute Light Rail trip into the city center (or a 15-20-minute walk).

Tip #3: Making Reservations

My final tip is for the foodies out there. There are some really great restaurants in Bergen (click the link to read my Bergen restaurant guide!), and during high season (and Christmas party season), booking a table is necessary if you want to be guaranteed a seat.

Of course, Bergen is not a huge city, so getting a table as a drop in customer is usually not a problem. However, if you have a very specific restaurant you want to cross off your list during your visit, do yourself a favour by booking a table in advance. Most restaurants in the city lets you do this online on their website, and it’s super easy.

This is especially important in June, July and August (the peak tourist months) and December (when the entire city is out for Christmas parties every weekends).

A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Bergen, Norway

Now that I’ve shared some of my top tips for visiting Bergen (I’ll probably add more as I can think of them), it’s time to get to the root of it all: the top things to do in Bergen!

The activities below are varied, and range from cultural, or active, to just straight fun. Whether you are looking to explore the museums and the history of the city, or want to go on some of the best hikes in the area, you’ll find them here.

You can always use the table of contents above to jump directly to the sight or activity you most want to learn about.

Note that some of the items on this list have been grouped together under a heading, such as with hiking. So, if you are looking for the best hikes in Bergen, simply head down to the Hiking heading, and then you will find my recommendations there. I have done the same for parks and day trips – as it just makes sense to do it this way.

I considered doing the same with museums, but decided not to. The museums in the city are all so different, that it didn’t seem ideal to group them together.

Perhaps the most famous of Bergen’s attractions is the city wharf area of Bryggen . This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the historic city center, with roots dating as far back as the 1100s.

Bryggen has for centuries been the center of Bergen’s trade, with the Hanseatic League establishing offices here in the 1700s and 1800s. Bergen’s strategic location on the coast of Norway, behind large islands protecting it from the rough weather at sea, made it a great spot for fishermen from northern Norway to connect with traders from Europe. The city started expanding beyond the dock area as a result.

Fun fact : in the 1800s, Bergen was the largest wooden city in Europe!

Today, you will recognise the buildings at Bryggen, as they are probably the most photographed destination in Bergen. The colourful wooden buildings that line the dock are beautiful to look at from afar, but once you venture behind them you will find that there is much more to explore than just their facade.

Behind them, you will find restaurants, cafes , cute shops (Heim is one of my favourite shops in Bergen, and they have a small outlet at Bryggen), galleries by local artists, and even a hotel .

#2 Bryggens Museum

Bryggens Museum is located just around the corner from the famous Bryggen buildings, and is a modern museum that covers the history of this World Heritage Listed wharf.

With Bergen having been a thriving city for almost 1000 years, archeologists have dug up countless of treasures and artefacts in the area surrounding Bryggen. Many of these are on display here.

The museum is actually built above the remnants of the oldest house in Bergen, and you can see it through a glass floor in the museum. These remnants date back to the 1100s.

Next up on the list is hiking. This listing is not numbered, because I have numbered the amazing hikes below instead.

Bergen is known for its hiking opportunities, and all are really close to the city center. You can walk in almost any direction from your hotel, and end up scaling a mountain within just a short amount of time.

In addition to being known as the gateway to the fjords outwardly, the city is amongst Norwegians known as Byen Mellom De Syv Fjell . This translates to “the city between the seven mountains”, and eludes to the seven mountains that surround Bergen.

If you are a hiker or outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be excited to hear that each of these seven mountains can be hiked! They are Fløyen, Rundemannen, Ulriken, Sandviksfjellet, Lyderhorn, Løvstakken and Damsgårdsfjellet, and I have included some of them below.

Side note : if you hope to see the northern lights in Bergen in winter, I recommend heading up on one of the mountains for the best view.

Here are the best hikes for visitors to Bergen:

#3 Fløyen (Mount Fløyen)

Fløyen is perhaps the easiest of the hikes on this list, and the easiest of the 7 mountains to hike. This (relatively) short mountain is located right in the city center of Bergen, just a short walk from both Bryggen and Den Blå Steinen (remember how I told you it was important to know where it is).

There are several trails going up Fløyen, in addition to the funicular (which is its own listing, see #14). The total hike time up the mountain is just 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace. On the way, you will pass a playground where families tend to stop to spend some time, and the views of the city just get better and better as you climb.

#4 Rundemannen Mountain

Once you have reached Fløyen, you can continue on to hike to Rundemannen, another of the 7 mountains surrounding Bergen. This is another 45-minute hike from Fløyen, continuing through the forests at the top, and up the Rundemannen mountain.

The trail is paved for the majority of the way, so this is a popular hike for families with strollers.

Ulriken is my favourite hike in Bergen, and I have even written a complete guide to this hike in the past! It is one of the more strenuous hikes in the city, but the view is well worth it!

This hike takes you to the top of Mount Ulriken, with spectacular views of the city. You can hike it in less than an hour, and the last 20-30 minutes go up stone steps built by Sherpas (this is quite common on hikes in Norway, so get used to it).

There is also a cable car that can take you up (or down) Mount Ulriken, and it’s been given its own listing as a Bergen attraction further below in this post!

The video below is from Ulriken, and should give you a pretty good idea of what this hike is like!

Vidden is another famous hike in Bergen, and it takes you across the plateau (“vidde”) between Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen. This is a long, but worthwhile hike, and it takes around 5 hours in total.

Most people start at Mount Ulriken, and if you want, you can take the cable car up. Then, when you get to Fløyen, you can either walk back down, or take the funicular.

Personally, I think starting at Ulriken is the best, since Fløyen is so close to the city center. After a long day of hiking, it’s always nice to have a short walk back to your hotel.

#7 Stoltzen

Stoltzen is somehow both the worst and the best of the hikes. It can take you as little as 20 minutes (if you are in insane shape), and is pretty much just steep, steep Sherpa steps taking you straight to the top of Sandviksfjellet Mountain, via the valley called Stoltzekleiven (thus the nickname, Stoltzen).

There is a race up here every year, and crazy people run it in around 10 minutes. However if you want to do it, you can set aside around 30-40 minutes to climb to the top.

Once you get to the top, the view is more than worth it. This is actually my favourite view of Bergen, so it’s worth the climb every time.

#8 Fjellveien

If you are looking for an easy family hike, Fjellveien is perfect. Whilst it is technically more of a walk than a hike in my opinion, it’s a great stroll for those who want to get some fresh air above the city.

Fjellveien goes from the bottom of the Fløyen hike (just above the base station for the funicular), and along the mountainside just a little higher than the water below. So, you can walk in alignment with the water the whole way, without any hills or challenges.

It is 4,6 kilometers (2,8 miles) long.

#9 Løvstakken

Løvstakken is one of the seven mountains of Bergen, and probably my least favourite of the hikes.

That’s not because it isn’t a good hike, or it doesn’t have great views (some say its their favourite view of Bergen), but because my friend and I took a wrong turn on our last hike here, which resulted in us hiking for about 1,5 hours longer than intended. In addition to that I fell and hurt my knee on the way down, so..

But regardless of my misadventure on this hike, lots of people love it. It will take you around 2 hours round trip, and the view from the top gives you panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas of Bergen.

Those were just a few of the hikes worth mentioning for those visiting Bergen. Of course, there are more, but if you plan to do one of these on your visit, you should be good to go!

#10 Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Fortress is one of the oldest and best kept fortresses in all of Norway, and an absolute must-visit when you are in Bergen. It is located just a stone’s throw from Bryggen, so seeing both in the same afternoon is easily done.

The building of the fortress started in the early 1500s, and Bergenhus has had a long history as the seat of bishops and kings. In addition, it has been of military importance to Norway for centuries. It has actually been an active military site since 1628 (and still is today).

Inside the fortress you will find the buildings Håkonshall and Rosenkrantzstårnet , each a sight on their own (and thus listed next).

The fortress area is open all day, and it is free to enter (all though there is an extra cost to visit Håkonshall and Rosenkrantztårnet). What is perhaps most fun is that there are events taking place on the fortress grounds through the year, such as Bergenfest (see its own listing) and the Bergen Food Festival .

#11 Rosenkrantztårnet

Rosenkrantztårnet (“the Rosenkrantz Tower”) is one of the main buildings to visit inside Bergenhus Fortress. Some say it is the most important renaissance building in Norway, and the majority of it was built by Erik Rosenkrantz in the 1560s. However, the oldest parts of the tower date back to the 1270s.

Erik Rosenkrantz built the tower to be his residence in Bergen, as he was the regional lord at the time. Before this, the medieval tower was home to King Magnus Lagabøte.

There are 4 floors and a cellar to explore in the Rosenkrantz Tower. You will be given a leaflet upon entry, and are free to explore on your own. Make sure to head out on the roof of the tower to get some great views of the city and Vågen (the water/bay in front of Bryggen).

Amongst the exhibitions on display here is one focusing on Anne Pedersdatter, who was a friend of the lady of the tower. Anne was a priest’s wife and one of the most famous women in Norway to ever have been charged with and executed for witchcraft.

Bonus : if you are curious about Anne and this side of Bergen’s history, consider this self-guided walking tour where Anne “herself” is the narrator. Basically, you download the audio guide and walk around the city on your own, as she tells the tales of Bergen and about the city’s history.

#12 Håkonshall

The Håkonshall, a large stone building that has been both a royal residence and a banquet hall, is the heart of Bergenhus Fortress. It was built between 1247 and 1261, and the fortress was eventually built around it.

Inside these four walls, the creation of Norway’s first set of common laws took place, as well as several royal weddings (such as the wedding between Magnus Lagabøte and the Danish Princess Ingeborg in 1261).

Lots of Medieval history in these walls, in other words.

As with Rosenkrantztårnet, you are given a leaflet upon entry, and can explore the 3 floors of Håkonshall on your own. In the summer months, there are tours in English held daily.

#13 Mount Fløyen

As mentioned above in the hiking section, Mount Fløyen is one of the most popular hikes in Bergen, as it is easily accessible from the city center, and not overly strenuous.

What a lot of people don’t know is that the top of Mount Fløyen is a bit of an attraction in and of itself.

Located at just 320 meters above sea level (1000 feet), you will find a restaurant, a cafe, and an ice cream kiosk (that’s open in the summer months). So lots of people opt to head up there to have lunch with epic city views.

Additionally, there are several playgrounds for children, a rope’s course, lots of hiking trails and even goats roaming around (in the summer).

Spending a few hours at the top of Fløyen is highly recommended, especially on a sunny day (all though Norwegian families never let the rain stop them).

The best thing is that you don’t even have to hike up! Let me introduce you to the Fløibanen Funicular!

#14 Fløyen Funicular (Fløibanen)

Getting to the top of Mount Fløyen has been easy for a century. The Fløibanen Funicular opened in 1918 and has been a trusted mode of transportation up the mountainside since then.

Making nature accessible is what we are all about in Norway !

The funicular is a fun Bergen activity on its own, in addition to working as a mode of transport for those who want to explore mount Fløyen.

the funicular leaves every 15 minutes from the bottom station (just at the end of Vetrlidsallmenningen), and takes you to the top in 5-8 minutes (depending on whether it stops at the halfway station to pick up people).

#15 (The Cannonball in) Bergen Cathedral

I know, I know. The beautiful Bergen Cathedral is the reason for this listing, but there is just no way I can fail to mention the cannonball!

To the left of the large window on the front of the cathedral (on the white tower), there is a cannonball lodged in the wall. It is quite an interesting sight, and a remnant of the only time Bergen has been in active battle.

The Battle of Vågen happened in 1665, when a group of Dutch merchants came into the harbour to escape the British ships chasing them. The Brits opened fire, and so did Bergenhus Fortress, and the battle was over pretty quickly.

One piece of evidence remains, however: the British cannonball that hit the front of the cathedral.

The oldest part of the cathedral dates back to around 1150, all though the church has been rebuilt several times since then due to damage from several fires. It is a beautiful white stone church, but in my opinion the cannonball is what makes it most interesting.

#16 Fjord Cruise from Bergen

Whilst Bergen might not be where the deep fjords of Norway are found, you’ll be happy to hear that you can access some of them by going on a fjord cruise from the city!

Below is a selection of great fjord cruise tours, some private (either by speed boat or even a private yacht) and some running on a schedule.

The most popular ones go to Mostraumen, which is where you will find the most “typical” fjord landscape. These depart all-year from the docks of Bergen – right in the city center.

I have written a complete guide to best fjord cruises from Bergen here!

#17 Day trips from Bergen

In addition to being able to go on fjord cruises right from the city center, there are also several great day trips from Bergen to consider. These are particularly good if you are limited on time, but want to see the fjords and explore the areas out of the city whilst here.

#18 Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord

Of course, Flåm is one of the most popular day trips from Bergen, even though it is a 3-hour drive away.

The reason for this is that it can be reached by train, and the train ride there includes the famous Flåm Railway. I have previously covered exactly how to get from Bergen to Flåm , but will summarise here:

• By train: take the Oslo-Bergen Railway to Myrdal, and change trains there to get on the Flåm Railway down to Flåm
• By boat: there is an express boat travelling all the way to Flåm at the end of the Sognefjord in the summer (all though this takes 5,5 hours)
• By car: drive north-east along E16 for around 3 hours to get to Flåm.
• By bus: there are two bus companies covering the route: Nor-Way and Vy.

Once you get to Flåm, you can explore all the great things to do there, and get a taste of what life is like in a small fjord village like this. A lot of people visit Flåm as a part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour (which can be done in a day), and I have covered exactly how to do Norway in a Nutshell on your own here !

#19 Hardanger

The closest “proper” fjord to Bergen is the Hardangerfjord, and whilst it is less dramatic than the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord, I’d still say it’s one of the best fjords in Norway .

The Hardangerfjord can be reached in just over an hour from Bergen, and from Norheimsund and Øystese you can go on an exciting fast-paced fjordsafari through the fjord, try some local cider, and enjoy a nice lunch at a historic hotel before heading back to the city.

It’s the perfect day trip for those who do not want to travel too far, and who still want to explore the fjords.

Voss is known for its extreme sports, and is a haven for those who want to try paragliding, base jumping, rafting and skiing. In the winter especially, the ski resorts Myrkdalen and Voss Resort are busy with skiers, and well worth a day trip if you want to go skiing in the Norwegian mountains.

In addition to this, Voss is a great place to go hiking in the summer, and it is just a 1-hour drive or train ride from Bergen.

The Voss Gondola will take you up to the top of mount Hanguren in just a few minutes, and once you are up there you’ll have several great hiking trails available for you.

Below you will find a few more tours and day trips from Bergen to explore:

#21 Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Museum)

Visiting Gamle Bergen (“Old Bergen”) will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the history of the city, and will give you an idea of what it was like to live in this coastal town in the 17, 18 and 1900s.

At Gamle Bergen you will walk alongside actors and hosts from the museum, dressed in period clothing in order to let you relive history.

This is an outdoor museum consisting of cute cobbled streets and 55 historic buildings, most of which were moved there from the city center.

The museum is located a little outside of the city center, about a 40-minute walk from Bryggen. Alternatively, you can reach it by bus (routes 3, 4, 12,19 an 16E all stop by the museum). Simply download the Skyss Ticket app to get your ticket on the go.

#22 Troldhaugen and the Edvard Grieg Museum

It isn’t a given that you have heard of Edvard Grieg, but I can guarantee you that you have heard some of his songs, like Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King .

He was a composer from Bergen and is especially known for those works, even today, over 100 years since he passed (Edvard Grieg lived from 1843 to 1907). His house, which was built for him and his wife and where he lived for 22 years, was called Troldhaugen, which means “the troll hill”.

Today, Troldhaugen is a museum dedicated to Edvard Grieg, and the interior of the living room has been kept the same as he left it in 1907. In addition to being a museum about his life, Troldhaugen is also home to the burial grounds for Edvard and his wife Nina.

In the summer months, there are lunch time concerts held at Troldhaugen, and these half-hour piano concerts are the perfect introduction to Grieg’s music.

When you visit Troldhaugen, don’t miss one of the guided tours of the interior of the house. They last a little under 15 minutes, and let you look at some of the original furniture, and one of Grieg’s pianos!

Walking around the grounds is also a must, and you can go down to the waterfront to see the spot in the mountain where Edvard and Nina’s ashes were left – in the spot where the evening sun shines the longest (Grieg chose it himself). His composer hut is also on the grounds.

The lunchtime concert lasted around 40 minutes when I last visited (even though they still say half an hour), and was a beautiful experience.

I recommend around 2 hours for your visit, including the concert. If you have more time, visit the gift shop and grab a glass of wine in the cafe.

#23 Gamlehaugen

This is the official Bergen residence of the Norwegian royal family, and in my opinion the most “castle-like” home they have in the country (due to its round tower).

In the summer months there are guided tours of the interior of the residence from Monday through Friday, whilst the large park and beach just below it is open year-round for visitors (free entry).

#24 KODE Art Museums

In the city center of Bergen, you will find the KODE Art Museums. It consists of four buildings next to each other, aptly named Kode 1, Kode 2, Kode 3 and Kode 4.

Each building houses different exhibitions, some permanent and some temporary.

The permanent exhibition in Kode 3 is worth visiting, as it contains the world’s third largest collection of Edvard Munch pieces (a Norwegian painter, and the man behind the famous Scream painting).

When you buy a ticket you will gain access to all 4 museums, so make sure to set aside some time for this. You can easily spend all day looking at the artworks and exhibits across the four buildings.

Beautiful parks

There are three parks I think you should know about in Bergen, all of them found in in the center of the city. These are Nygårdsparken, Byparken and Nordnesparken. All three are popular amongst locals, and you’ll find them quite busy on warm summer days.

If you are looking for somewhere to relax or take a stroll in Bergen, make a note of these three.

#25 Nygårdsparken

I believe this is the largest park in Bergen, stretching from the top of Nygårdshøyden (by the University and Natural History Museum), and down towards Puddefjorden. There is a small lake at the top of the park, and also at the bottom.

The way this park slopes downhill makes it a good spot for events, and through the summer there are free concerts put on here, for example by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

There is a kids’ playground and a small cafe at the top of the park, open daily in the summer season.

#26 Nordnesparken

At the very tip of Nordnes, just a short walk from Den Blå Steinen and the city center you ill find Nordnesparken. This half-moon shaped park is small, but a nice walk for those in the city center who want to move for an hour or so.

It is located right next to the Bergen Aquarium, so visiting the two with at the same time is a good idea.

#27 Byparken

Last, but not least, Byparken is worth a mention. Byparken means “The City Park”, and it is a cluster of beautiful flowers and symmetrical pathways surrounding a beautiful gazebo right in the center of the city.

The gazebo has been there since 1888 and is used for concerts, weddings and photography. There is usually a line of people in front of it waiting to take their photos there, and on weekends in the summer chances of seeing a bride and groom there are high.

#28 The Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet i Bergen)

Right at the tip of Nordnes, by Nordnesparken, you will find the Bergen Aquarium. Together with VilVite (next on the list), it is one of the best things to do in Bergen with children.

The Bergen Aquarium has a large selection of fish and aquatic life from all over the world. In addition to tropical fish and species (such as clown fish, small sharks and dory fish), they also have otters and sea lions, who are always fun to watch.

One of the absolute highlights of the aquarium are the penguins, and I remember how I loved seeing them when I was little.

Throughout the day they have scheduled feedings of some of the animals, so you can learn more about them from the knowledgeable animal keepers that work there.

#29 The Bergen Science Center (VilVite)

The Bergen Science Center is amongst locals known as VilVite, which means “ want to know “. It is perhaps best enjoyed as a family, but is also fun for adults (I usually really enjoy taking my nieces and nephew there).

This is your traditional science center where fun activities and stations aim to teach you about the world we live in through activities, experiments and other attractions.

There are daily science shows with fires, explosions and gas, which is always a good time. If you are visiting VilVite, make sure to catch one of them.

#30 Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church was actually built in Sogn (where I grew up!) in around 1170, before it was moved to Fantoft in Bergen in 1883. Since then it suffered a devastating fire in the late 1900s, and was rebuilt in 1992.

At the time, this was a really big deal because it was the first stave church to be built in Norway in 400 years!

The church itself is a traditional, dark brown structure with traditional carvings, so it is worth seeing if you aren’t able to see any of the other stave churches in Norway during your visit.

Fantoft is a little out of the city center, but with the light rail it isn’t too hard to get there. Simply take Bybanen to Fantoft (18 minutes or so), or bus 21 from the main bus station to the stop Fantoft Stavkirke (25 minutes travel time).

#31 Ulriken Cable Car

As mentioned above, Mount Ulriken is my favourite hike in Bergen, and a great workout for those who love hiking.

However, you can also get to the top by taking the Ulriken643 Cable car , which will send you up to 643 meters (2100 feet) above sea level in just a few minutes.

The cable car leaves every 7 minutes in the high season, so you never have to wait in line for long. Then, once at the top you can enjoy the view, grab lunch at the restaurant up there, or walk around some of the hiking trails on the mountain top.

You can also start the Vidden hike by taking the cable car to the top first.

To get to the base station of the cable car (and the start of the hike), you can travel by public transportation or take Ulriksbussen in the summer (100 kroner return). Ulriksbussen runs from just outside the tourist information in Bergen at set intervals (approximately every hour and a half) in the summer season.  

Bus 5 and 6 from Festplassen, or bus 12 and 16E from Xhibition will take you to the Ulriksdal bus stop. From there, follow the signs to the cable car (10-minute walk).

#32 The Fish Market (Fisketorget) and Mathallen

Bergen has a fish market right in the city center, that for a long time has been the most important part of the city (alongside Bryggen). This is where locals, traders and fishermen from the area have been meeting for centuries, to trade goods and seafood.

In recent years, an indoor market has popped up as well, right next to the original fish market. Mathallen is found in the same building as the Bergen tourist information (the tourist information is on the second floor, the food court/fish market on the first).

Thanks to Mathallen the fish market is now available year-round. The outdoor fish market usually starts in early May each year, running until late August/early September.

#33 Heit Sauna

I did this for a friend’s birthday one summer, and it was so much fun.

You know I love FjordSauna at home in Flåm, and I was very excited to find that there is a floating sauna in Bergen as well! At Heit, you (and your group) can spend some time in a privat sauna, with the refreshing Puddefjorden just outside the window.

You can either rent it privately for your family or group, or get a drop-in ticket for just one person in a shared sauna. Regardless of what you do, there is nothing more Nordic than mixing the cold water with the hot sauna benches.

My personal tip : hike Ulriken (or any other hike), and finish the day off in the sauna! That’s how I would spend a Sunday 🙂

#34 The Leprocy Museum (Lepramuseet)

Did you know that Bergen is a city of pretty decent importance when it comes to the history of leprosy?

I know I didn’t until I moved here. But actually, between the years of 1850 and 1900 there were three leprosy hospitals in the city, and the largest concentration of people living with leprosy in Europe was in Bergen.

In addition to this, Gerhard Armauer Hansen discovered the leprosy germ in Bergen in 1873!

The more you know, hey?

The Leprosy Museum is the former St. Jørgen’s Hospital (one of the three hospitals), and will give you a glimpse into what it was like to live there, and teach you more of Bergen’s role in this area of medical history.

The museum consists of 9 protected buildings and is one of the best kept leprosy hospitals in Europe.

#35 The Hanseatic Museum

The Hanseatic Museum and Schötstuene will give you a closer look into life for the Hanseatic merchants and sailors during Bergen’s glory days. Between the years of 1360 and 1761 Bryggen was a thriving community, and a guided tour through these buildings is highly recommended.

Located in Bryggen, the buildings are historic, and come alive during great guided tours offered by the museum . Tours are offered in English daily in the summer, and on weekends during the winter months.

#36 Bergen Maritime Museum

If you are curious about Norway’s history of seafaring through the centuries, the Bergen Maritime Museum should be on your list.

They have a large collection of maritime items, such as full-scale boat models, archeological findings, and smaller boat models – all to give you an idea of how important the ocean has been to Norwegians through history.

One of the highlights here is the 22-minute long movie called The Burnt Ship (in Norwegian with English subtitles), focusing on the findings of a burial ship from the Viking Age.

Side note : If this fascinates you, don’t miss my guide to the most famous Viking symbols and their meanings .

#37 The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum of the University of Bergen is a great museum with dedicated areas for botany, geology and zoology.

The famous Hvalsalen (“the whale hall”) is perhaps one of their most famous rooms, where they have the skeletons of massive whales hanging from the ceiling.

Amongst their permanent exhibitions, they have one focusing on the depths of the ocean, and what is yet to explore in the big blue world.

There is a cafe at the University, where they serve baked goods from Godt Brød (a Norwegian bakery), and it overlooks the museum gardens. It is a lovely place to grab lunch after exploring the museum.

Read later : The best cafes in Bergen, Norway

#38 A Hanseatic-themed Escape Room in UNESCO Listed buildings

One of my favourite things to do in Bergen is not necessarily a “typical” tourist attraction. At the time of writing, I have completed all Escape Rooms at Escape Bryggen, and I am waiting for them to update and create a new one.

But, assuming you haven’t been to Bergen before, you won’t have completed their rooms like me. And so, you need to add their Hanseaticus Escape Room to your list.

Escape Bryggen is actually located inside one of the UNESCO World Heritage protected buildings at Bryggen, and just upon entering you’ll notice that nothing in the room is even.

This makes for such a moody and unique experience, and the fact that their escape room is Hanseatic-themed makes it even more fun.

This is a truly unique activity for Bergen (I don’t think you’ll find a Hanseatic-themed escape room anywhere else in the world, and definitely not one in historic wooden buildings like this).

#39 Explore Nordnes (beautiful wooden houses – old town style)

Bergen may not be known for having a large old town like other Norwegian cities (such as Stavanger ), but there is actually a small area of Bergen where you can walk through quaint cobbled streets past cute white wooden houses.

This area is called Nordnes, and it is the “tip” of land that juts out between Vågen and Puddefjorden (both bodies of water).

So, if you want to explore some of these charming streets and houses, simply set aside an hour to stroll through the area of Nornes (just west of the main square Torgallmenningen and Den Blå Steinen).

The street that is perhaps most picturesque is Ytre Markeveien , so make sure to head there for a great photo op.

#40 Street Art

You may not know it, but Bergen is actually home to some of the best street art in Norway!

With over 200 unique pieces of street art scattered around the city, you’ll come across these by just walking from one attraction to the next.

But, if you are a street art fanatic, and want to find the best art pieces around Bergen, you’re in luck. There are luckily maps online where you can find all of them marked with a pin.

My favourite is a large mural in Lars Hilles Gate, just a short walk from the Nygård Light Rail stop, that is not to be missed if you love street art.

#41 Go on a walking tour

There are many great walking tours in Bergen, and most of them will take you to and around the historic Bryggen, and tell you all about the city’s Hanseatic history. Find some of my favourite walking tours below, both private and in groups, below.

#42 St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken)

Just behind Bryggen and Bryggens Museum, you will find Mariakirken – which is not only the oldest parish church in Bergen, but also the best kept building in the city.

The church dates back to 1130-1170 when it was built, and has been in continuous use since the Middle Ages.

It is worth visiting if you love old buildings and beautiful churches. One of the more interesting things about it is that the pulpit contains turtle skin! This is quite unique for Norway, and implies that the pulpit (or at least the materials) has travelled quite far before settling in Bergen.

#43 During Christmas: The World’s Largest Gingerbread City

From late November and through December, there is a really fun attraction in Bergen that is an absolute must-see. Pepperkakebyen (“the Gingerbread City”) is actually the world’s largest gingerbread city, and it is built in Bergen every single year!

The houses, buildings and creations that make up the city are made and donated by schools, kindergartens and work places from all around Bergen (and even from outside of Bergen). The pieces are then meticulously put together, to make for a truly unique experience.

The gingerbread city has changed locations in recent years, but is always in the city center of Bergen. It is open daily from mid-to-late November, and until the 31st of December (with the exception of Christmas Day). Tickets cost 150 kroner, and I strongly recommend you include this on your list of things to do in Bergen – it is such a unique sight (and it smells amazing).

#44 In June: Bergenfest Festival

Another time-dependent item on the list. If you are a music lover and you are visiting Bergen in June, you’ll be excited to learn about Bergenfest.

Bergenfest is the largest music festival in Bergen, stretching across 4 days around mid-June every year. The festival is truly unique because it is located at Bergenhus Fortress. Getting to enjoy live bands playing whilst in a historic location with medieval walls surrounding the festival area is something you might not be able to experience anywhere else in the world (that I know of).

They usually draw a mix of Norwegian and international artists, across all music genres. Past artists at Bergenfest include First Aid Kit, Zara Larsson, A-ha, Bon Iver, Patti Smith and Lucas Graham.

#45 Rent a SUP / Stand up paddleboard

At the local city beach in Bergen you can rent paddleboards surprisingly cheap. Starting at 200 kroner (around 19 USD) for an hour and getting cheaper the longer you rent for.

The rental is located here , right by the beach (and the bridge “Lille Puddefjordsbroen”), and is a super easy way to access a SUP.

Simply head to their website to book and pay for your rental, and pick it up at the locker! Then you’re free to explore the Puddefjorden (“Pudde fjord”); the mini fjord in Bergen.

More Bergen Tips

There you have my top recommendations for things to do in Bergen, a list that I have spent years curating (and will keep adding to). I love this city so much, and I am sure you will enjoy exploring it as much as me.

Where to eat in Bergen

Now that you’ve gotten a pretty decent idea of the best things to do in the city, you may be wondering where to eat. Luckily, I have written a complete guide to the best restaurants in Bergen here , but I will also list a few of my favourite restaurants below.

• Bryggeloftet: Bergen’s oldest restaurant serving traditional Norwegian food and the best steak in the city.
• Enhjørningen: Located in historic rooms behind Bryggen, known for their seafood and the traditional Bergen fish shoup.
• JAJA: One of my favourite restaurants with an ever-changing menu focusing on international street food.
• Poca Madre: authentic Mexican food paired with great margaritas and cocktails.
• Pergola: more of a wine bar than a restaurant, but with great pizza nonetheless, and the largest wine cellar in the city.
• Boccone: my favourite Italian restaurant in Bergen.

Where to stay in Bergen

Bergen is home to many great hotels, but I have listed some of my favourites below. I have stayed at all of these, and gladly recommend them all. Hotel Norge is my personal favourite, both in terms of amenities and location, but they are all great!

• Hotel Norge (luxury, and very central)
• Clarion Havnekontoret (mid-range to luxury, right by Bryggen)
• Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz (mid-range)
• Moxy (budget, just a short Light Rail trip from the city center)
• Citybox (budget)

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The 17 Best Things To do in Bergen Norway

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: September 13, 2023

If there is one city you should visit in Norway, Bergen is our pick. And once you see all of the amazing things to do in Bergen, you’ll agree!

I’ll never forget driving into the town center of Bergen for the first time. Seeing the colorful buildings of Bryggen lining the waterfront surrounded by the seven mountains contributed to that tingling of wanderlust that nipped at my consciousness. Bergen was our first stop in Scandinavia and it made quite the impression. Its beauty, history, and location

We spent four days in Bergen, Norway, and found it was just enough time to take advantage of all the top tourist attractions, and then some!

Table of Contents

Top Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

Colorful buildings, old-world architecture, and a mountainous backdrop made for picture-perfect views.   For outdoor lovers, Bergen has it all. It’s a city surrounded by seven mountains and the Norwegian Fjords. It’s a rite of passage for residents to hike all seven mountains in one day, but visitors can easily summit two mountains in one day. Urlikan Mountain and Mount Fløyen can either be summited by hiking to the top or taking the cable car or trolley. They have something for everyone. So are you ready to explore Bergen, Let’s look at all the most popular things to do in Bergen.

A good way to get acquainted with the city is to Bergen Hop-on-Hop-off tour . Explore Norway’s second-largest city with stops at the top tourist attractions. There are 13 stops in total that you can stop and explore including the Hanseatic Museum the Edward Grieg Museum, The old Bergen Exchange, and the Mount Floyen Funicular. It’s a great introduction to the city’s top attractions. Combine that with the Bergen Card which offers free entry or discounted admission to Bergen’s top attractions. It also includes, the Bergen Light Rail and transportation on the bus and boat.

1. Explore the Streets of Bryggen

The first place you should visit in Bergen is the historic center of Bryggen. Bryggen is a fairytale village of historic wooden houses lining the waterfront. This historic quarter of Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with good reason. It is also the best place to begin to explore Bergen.

We made a base at Clarion Havnekontoret Bergen on the wharf on the opposite side of the bay looking towards Bryggen. Because of our location, we were within walking distance from everywhere we took a walking tour to Bryggen to explore this picturesque World Heritage Site and learn of its Hanseatic History.

Bryggen is one of the oldest port cities in Northern Europe and it has been impeccably restored. 62 wooden houses remain intact giving visitors a glimpse into the world of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire that ruled this area from the 14th to the mid-16th century

While the buildings are beautiful to look at, the history is even more fascinating. The wharf is open to the public and can be entered for free. The buildings of Bryggen have seen many fires since its establishment in 1070, but much of the old town has survived since the 1700s. It’s a beautiful walk through the narrow streets taking you instantly back in time to the moment you stepped foot on the old wharf.

This highly rated walking tour let’s you discover Bergen with a local guide as you weave your way through the historic town and find hidden gems. We always love taking a walking tour when we arrive at a new city to get the inside scoop of the top attractions.

2. Hanseatic Museum

There is a reason that Bryggen is one of the star attractions in Beren, there is so much to see in this little corner of the city. We started our tour of Bryggen at the Hanseatic Museum where we learned about the Hanseatic culture. The Hanseatic League ran Bryggen in the Middle Ages and was a thriving merchant society and the town became an important trading center.

At the moment the Hanseatic Museum is being restored but it has been moved and you can still get a glimpse into it. Restoration is to be completed in 2024. The building dates back to 1704 and restoration is taking place to restore the wooden foundation.

You can visit the temporary museum at the assembly halls of the Hanseatic merchants at Bryggen. You’ll see the cookhouses, exhibitions and a medieval ruin.

• Get directions on Google Maps
• For an in-depth tour of the Hanseatic History book a walking tour with Get Your Guide. Free cancellation with 24 hours and last-minute bookings!

3. Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen

If you are only in Bergen for a short time, you must at least take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen. The base of the funicular is located right downtown and you will be at the top of the mountain in twelve minutes.

This offers another beautiful view of Bergen and here there are also hiking trails to take you to one of the other seven mountains surrounding the city. It’s a lovely afternoon sitting at the top, looking over the Norwegian Sea and sipping a coffee on the outdoor patio. Don’t forget to look for the resident mountain goats.

Make sure you walk along the path or to the bottom of the terraced steps to enjoy watching cut mountain goats scampering and munching on grass and leaves. Going to the top of this mountain is by far one of the top attractions in Bergen and it is not to be missed.

• Visit the website for prices and hours.

4. Ulriken Cable Car – Mount Ulriken

We had heard that sunset up Ulriken Mountain was the best place to see the city, so we made our way to the cable car for incredible panoramic views of Bergen. When we got to the top, we were amazed at the number of locals that had hiked up instead of taking the cable car.

You can take a local bus, but with limited time, we caught the tourist bus to the base of the mountain. It’s faster but more expensive. Everyone speaks perfect English in Norway, so it was easy to ask the driver for information. He even showed us where to purchase tickets for the cable car at the kiosk once we arrived at the base of the mountain.

If we had gotten to the mountain earlier, we would have definitely taken advantage of the endless hiking trails. We were told that we could hike all the way to the funicular closer to the city in a few short hours.

• See it on Google Maps
• How to Get there: Catch the tourist bus from the center of Bergen.
• You can also hike to the top from Bergen or take the local bus.

5. Ziplining and Paragliding from Urlikan

If you have time and are looking for something thrilling to do in Bergen, there is a zipline that takes you over the mountain vista from the top of Urlikan. And paragliders were soaring overhead for sunset.

As the final zipliners finished their rides and the last of the paragliders soared overhead, we took in the splendid view, feeling grateful to begin our trip in spectacular fashion.

6. Visit KODE Museums

Bergen has an excellent museum district and the top museum in Bergen is the complex of Kode Art Museums and Composer Homes. What makes it unique is it not only houses art, but it is also a collection of composers’ homes. KODE is one of Scandinavia’s largest museums for art, design, and music. It is made up of four museums, KODE 1, 2, 3 and 4.

There are four different museums displaying everything from modern art to furniture, music and arts and crafts. KODE is located right in the city center and is a must to visit.

Simply browsing the exteriors is interesting enough but definitely make sure to go inside to see the masterpieces from the likes of Dahl, Astrup and Munch.

Kode 1 opened in 1896 and is the museum of craft and design. If you want to have something to eat there is the restaurant Bien Centro as well.

Kode 2 houses temporary exhibitions and was completed in 1978. It also has a huge bookstore on architecture and design.

Kode 3 is the star attraction of the Kode Museums (in our opinion) It houses the collection by Edvard Munch and the Golden Age of Norwegian Art. Kode 3 opened in 1924 and has many historic artifacts from the Bergen area.

Kode 4 at the moment is closed for renovations until further notice. There isn’t an update on when it will open.

• Get directions to KODE on Google maps
• Visit the website for hours and information

7. Celebrate Edvard Munch

We weren’t going to visit Bergen without seeing Edvard Munch. If museums are your thing, then hold onto your hat because you just hit the jackpot. Bergen Kode number 3 has one of the largest and most important Munch collections in the world.

If you don’t know him, Munch is famous for his painting “The Scream”. There are four versions of The Scream around the world. Three are located in Norway, while one is owned by a private collector and one of them is right here in Bergen. Bergen has his pen and ink version which is very unique to see.

Even if you are not a museum lover, there is something quite exciting to see an original work of art like The Scream. It was the main reason we visited the Kode Museums and while seeing The Scream was exciting, we enjoyed the entire experience. Make sure to at least go inside Kode 3.

• Get directions to KODE 3 on Google Maps
• Visit the website for hours and prices.

8. Composer Edvard Grieg Museum – Troldhaugen

After spending two days in Bergen on our own, we joined our tour group for a trip to Troldhaugen where the famous composer Edvard Grieg spent his days writing music. I must confess that my knowledge of composers doesn’t extend much beyond Bach and Beethoven. But I was curious when our guide Derek told us Grieg was Norway’s most famous composer and wanted to learn more.

When you visit Bergen, make sure to put this countryside museum on your list. It was fascinating. The museum was the former house and property of Edvard Grieg where he wrote and composed his music. The tour takes you through his villa and also outside to his sanctuary where all the magic happened.

One of the more unique things to do in Bergen is to attend a concert in the concert hall of the museum. Every day during the summer months, live music is performed in its concert hall playing chamber music and music from the composer. You can check out the schedule here.

Edvard Grieg was more famous than Strauss

To give you an idea of how popular he was in his day, Edvard Grieg was offered $20,000 USD to perform in America. He had terrible seasickness, so he turned it down and they replaced him with Strauss who was only paid $6,000. If you would like to listen to some Grieg you can check out some of his music here.

• Check location on Google Maps.
• You can take public transportation out to Troldhaugen but the Bergen City Card offers free transportation and entrance to museums in Bergen. You can purchase 24, 48 or 72 hour passes. More details here. (free cancellation up to 24 hours notice)

9. Old Bergen Museum

Located just a few km outside of town the Old Bergen Museum is a collection of 40 wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is Europe’s largest wooden city. Step back in time as actors dressed in historical costumes reenact what life was like. There’s also a lovely park to go to for a stroll.

• Find it on Google Maps
• Get the Bergen City Card for transportation and entrance to the Old Bergen Museum.

10. Explore the Fish Market

Norwegian culture was built on fishing and Bergen’s fish market is one of Norway’s most popular. If you don’t embrace the fish culture, you’ll be missing a lot of what makes Norway tick. The Bergen fish market dates back to the 1200s and today merchants still sell their fresh catch of the day as they have for centuries. The market lines the waterfront and is worth strolling through to check out the dried cod hanging from the fluorescent lights.

One of the most popular things to do in Bergen is to grab a meal at The Fish Market. With patios lining the waterfront, the Fish Market has an excellent atmosphere for dinner. Add its fresh and delicious seafood and you have a memorable moment in Norway’s most beautiful city. My preferred choice was the bucket of muscles.

• Take a more in depth tour of Bergen on a walking tour.

11. Bergenhus Fortress

Located on the waterfront, the Bergenhus Fortress is a historic castle. Dating back to the 1500s, it is one of the best-preserved stone forts in the country. There are rotating exhibits inside the fortress and it is free to enter. It has a long military history with it constantly being maintained from the 1500s to 1700. In 1665, a great battle was fought here between the British and Dutch with Bergen supporting the Dutch during the Battle of Vågen.

In World War II the Germans used it as their headquarters. Its roof was destroyed in an explosion but it was restored after the war.

12. Rosenkrantz Tower

One of the more popular attractions inside the fortress is Rosenkrantz Tower. It was constructed by Erik Rosenkrantz, the governor of  Bergen Castle at the time. Tours of the tower offer excellent views of the harbor and run daily on the hour taking you up the tower and to Haakon’s Hall.

• Take a self-guided audio walking tour to explore the Bergen Fortress and the historic buildings and harbour of Bergen with this mp3 guide. Download and get Details here

13. Bergen Maritime Museum

Another not to miss museum in Bergen is the Maritime Museum. It’s one of Norway’s oldest museums that traces the thousand-year history of Norway’s relationship with the sea. With the popularity of Vikings and the Last Kingdom, this is definitely a highlight as you will see replicas of a Viking ship and other memorabilia through the ages.

14. Leprosy Museum

There are many museums in Bergen and one of the more unique museums is the Leprosy Museum. Located in St. George’s (St Jørgen’s) Hospital the Leprosy Museums pays tribute to those who suffered from Leprosy from the 15th to 20th centuries. Between 1850 and 1900, Bergen treated the largest concentration of Leprosy patients in Europe. It is not far from the city center and admission is included in the Bergen Card. If it is raining, this is a good option for an indoor excursion.

The Bergen Card is a great way to bundle many of the top tourist attractions in Bergen into an affordable package. Details here . it includes transportation on the light rail, a fjord cruise, a Bergen city cruise, Mount Floyen Funicular, The Bergen Aquarium, Kode Museums and much more.

Day Trips from Bergen

The Norwegian Fjords have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bergen is located in the heart of the Fjords. It is no wonder that many Scandinavian tours begin in Bergen. You can book this Fjord Tour that includes a Fjord cruise and the flam railway.

This is ultimate Norway in a Nutshell tour. It takes you through Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in Europe that is surrounded by high mountains to Flåm. Here you’ll catch the Flåm Railway which is one of the world’s steepest railways. It’s a beautiful train journey with spectacular scenery and you will be able to hop off to take in the magnificent Kjosfossen Waterfall.

15. Fjord Cruise

Bergen is the jumping-off point for visiting Norway’s most famous fjords and if you are visiting Norway for the first time, you must make sure you take at least one cruise through its spectacular fjords. It’s from Bergen that you can take “Norway in a Nutshell” tour and be back in Bergen in time for dinner. Norway in a Nutshell was included in our Go Ahead Tour where we caught a train to Voss. We then hopped on a bus that took us through the scenic mountains en-route to Gudvangen for our trip through the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord.

The trip includes round trip transportation from Bergen with easy cancellation and last minute bookings. Details here.

It was here that we hopped on a ferry and took in the magnificent fjords towering 1800 meters above the sea. Taking in the towering gorges wet with the mist of the morning. Waving to local Norwegians that go about their daily routines in the small villages that dot this impressive landscape. 

This is what Norway is all about. I could have cruised for days among these giants, but another adventure awaited on our train ride back to Bergen.

• You can book Fjord tours from downtown Bergen or you can book in advance from GetYourGuide. This 11 private tour takes you to the same route that we did. Details here.

16. Flåm Railway

Our trip home ended along the Flåm Railway, the steepest railway in the world where we were treated to beautiful views of the mountains. It is considered one of the most beautiful rail trips in the world.

17. Fantoft Stave Church

Ornamental Stave Churches can be found throughout Norway and the Fantoft Stave Church is one of the most famous. Located just outside of Bergen it dates back to 1150. It was a victim of arson in 1992 and rebuilt, but it is a very good display of this architectural style. It was originally located in the Sogn district in Fortun Village but was moved to just outside Bergen.

• Find it on Google Maps here.
• Your Bergen City Card will give you access to the Fantoft Stave Church and access to transit to get there.

Where to Stay in Bergen

The Clarion Hotel was an excellent location in Bergen especially if it is your first time in Bergen. It was also a spot with modern rooms, fine dining, and an excellent bar overlooking the port. This was our base for exploring Bergen and exploring the city we did! Check out prices on TripAdvisor or Booking.com

Other Places to Stay in Bergen

When looking for where to stay in Bergen, we recommend a hotel with a central location that is within walking distance to the city center.

Hanseatic Hotel – Located in Bryggen this is a special historic hotel that is within walking distance to the City Center. It was built within the historic Finnegaarden Trading House and has kept its historic feel with its old timber walls and historic bar. You feel as if you are staying in a part of history.

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen – Located in the historical city center of Bergen, just a few steps from Bryggen, the Fish Market and Fløibanen this is an excellent location. A cool feature is the complimentary light meal served Monday-Thursday between 6-9 PM in the lounge.

How to Get to Bergen, Norway

Getting to Bergen, Norway, is a straightforward and scenic journey. Located on the western shores of Norway it is well-connected by various transportation options. The most common way to reach Bergen is by flying into Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), which is the primary international gateway to the city.

Bergen Airport is well-connected to major European cities, and upon arrival, you can easily take a short taxi or bus ride to the city center.

Alternatively, you can reach Bergen by train, as the scenic Bergen Line offers stunning views of Norway’s fjords and mountains. It connects Bergen to Oslo, the capital of Norway, with several daily departures.

Additionally, you can arrive by cruise ship, as Bergen is a popular port of call for many Norwegian coastal cruises

. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or cruise, the journey to Bergen promises breathtaking vistas and a warm welcome to this picturesque Norwegian city.

Visit Bergen

This post is in partnership with Go Ahead Tours  who sponsored our trip to Scandinavia. As usual, all our opinions are our own. With more than 150 guided tours across all 7 continents, Go Ahead Tours has dedicated travel sites for both U.S. and Canadian travelers.

Plan Your Trip to Norway With These Resources

• Norway in a Nutshell – Scenic Train Rides to Fantastic Fjords
• Visit Stockholm on a Budget With These 11 Easy Tips
• 14 Spectacular and Colourful Stockholm Pictures
• Trolltunga Hike – Trekking to Norway’s Most Famous Landmark

8 of the Best Things to do in Tromso, Norway in Winter

• Norway Travel Guide

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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36 thoughts on “The 17 Best Things To do in Bergen Norway”

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing the post!

Thank you for the post!

Thank you for sharing an amazing post!

wonderful article… Thanks for the share

I love history so Bergen looks like a dream! Thanks for sharing your experience! Would you say the Grieg museum is worth visiting just for its historical significance?

Great guide! Thanks

FLÅM RAILWAY Looks so fabulous.

Norway always an admirable place!

Amazing place and nice images.

Great post!! you covered almost all the popular and best places in bergen Norway.

It is interesting, thanks for sharing.

Hi, your blog is amazing. Thanks for sharing your adventures and advice. We are planning Norway for Sept 2020 with our children. They will be 8 and 6 when we go. I think we will have about 3 weeks in Norway so planning on driving holiday. I was only planning on ducking into Bergen for a quick stop off, but maybe I need to plan for a bit more time. Will keep researching. Cheers, Amber

Wow!!!! What a amazing place?

I have enjoyed this post. The traveling is more fun to do so in these places.

NIce pics and beautiful place to visit.

Your article has so much potential to learn from.

Nice places to visit.

Very exciting can’t wait go to there, had surprise my man 30 birthday take him to there few nights in April we stay in Oslo one night then road trip to there few night then back home

Have a great time, you are going to love it!

awesome picture. I didn’t have any plan to headed at Norway.But after seeing this post, it became one of my favourite place which I should visit.

Beautiful pictures of Bergen area! You were very lucky to have such nice weather there 😉

Such a beautiful place, pictures are just breathtaking. I’ll definitely add this place in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.

That looks great – you’ve definitely added another one to my travel list. Have never been to Norway and have always wanted to – brilliant post

Bergen looks amazing! Great post and photos as always.

Wow… Amazing place to see… nice to have such pics…!

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

Great pictures. Fun watching them. Thank you for sharing with us. Keeping sharing such awesome images.

I haven’t been to Norway yet but now, it’s on top of my must visit places, thanks to you guys! I really love the pictures you guys take. “The beautiful views of the Fjords of Norway” is my favorite from this post. If you tilt your head or rotate the picture 90 degree either way, it looks like 2 hands joined together to represent the greeting gesture called ‘Namaste’ from India! A very Mystical picture! Don’t stop, keep on traveling! Cheers

Great to hear! It took me a long time to get to Scandinavia. we’ve been traveling steadily for 7 years and had another decade under out belts before full time travel set in and this was our first trip there. It lived up to the hype for sure!

This is amazing! I love it, there is one more reason to Norway now. When i saw photos for first time, i tought it is in Avustralia. But it is not! This made me happy. 🙂

Great pictures! I’ve stayed in Bergen for 2 weeks while student in summer school, I really enjoyed the city. The nature is beautiful and you have impessive views and hiking trails wherever you turn. I specially enjoyed drinking fresh water directly out of lake (which supplies the city with fresh water as well) from mount just above Bergen, the feeling of purity is amazing.

Wooooowww, I supposed, it’s a kind of Heaven!

I just don’t have the money to go to norway otherwise i would really love to go their for me its like a heaven as i am from India.

The beautiful views of the Fjords of Norway is amazing 🙂

Wow, that pic from Mount Urliken is stunning!

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bergen, Norway

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Lura Seavey Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Bergen, Norway's second largest city, is also the west coast's largest port and one of Scandinavia's busiest cruise ship stopovers. Surrounded by a ring of hills known locally as the Seven Mountains (De syv fjell), the city's idyllic setting and stunning natural harbor has cemented its reputation as one of Norway's most popular tourist spots .

It's also one of the country's leading cultural destinations, hosting popular summer arts and music events, such as the Bergen International Festival , the Nattjazz Festival, and Bergenfest. Bergen is also home to one of Europe's oldest orchestras. Founded in 1765, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra was the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg.

Bergen is also full of museums that explore the city's rich history, celebrate art, and even let visitors get hands-on with science. To learn more about these and other fun things to do in one of Norway's best places to visit, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions in Bergen.

See also: Where to Stay in Bergen

1. Tour Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf

2. hike mount fløyen (fløyfjell), 3. grieg museum (troldhaugen), 4. hanseatic museum and schøtstuene, 5. bergenhus fortress, 6. visit the kode museums, 7. mount ulriken, 8. old bergen museum (gamle bergen), 9. explore norway's largest fjords, 10. university museum of bergen, 11. vilvite bergen science center, 12. bergen cathedral, 13. explore market square, 14. lisøy island, 15. gamlehaugen: the royal residence, where to stay in bergen for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to bergen.

Colorful Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf (Tyskebryggen) is one of Bergen's most popular tourist attractions. Chock full of restaurants, studios, workshops, and boutique shops, the charming narrow alleyways and old wooden merchant houses of this UNESCO World Heritage Site simply beg to be explored.

Guided English-language walking tours of Bryggen are available from June through September, where you can learn about the Hanseatic merchants and life in medieval Bergen, as well as visit ruins from the Middle Ages. While here, check out the fascinating Bryggen Museum with its many displays and artifacts dating back to the 14th century and the city's early settlers.

Address: Bryggen, 5003 Bergen

Official site: https://stiftelsenbryggen.no

To the northeast of Bergen rises Mount Fløyen. Also known as Fløyfjell, this 319-meter peak offers magnificent views of the city and the surrounding area. For the most dramatic vistas, time your visit for early morning or at dusk.

If walking is not your thing, you can take the Fløibanen, a fun 844-meter-long funicular railway that carries over a million passengers to the top every year. Once here, the views over Bergen are simply breathtaking.

When you're done with the spectacular views of Bergen, leave the station behind and head to Blåmann . At 551 meters, this tall mountain peak offers superb views from the top that are well worth the effort.

Address: Address: Funicular: Vetrlidsallmenningen 21, 5014, Bergen

Official site: http://floyen.no/en/

Located just a short trek to the south of Bergen, Troldhaugen is famous as the former home of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg . Built in 1885, the well-preserved home is now the site of the Grieg Museum and is dedicated to the life and work of the composer.

The Greig Museum is housed in the villa where Edvard and Nina lived, as well as a number of newer buildings constructed for the purpose of commemorating the composer's life and work. Visitors can also see the composer's hut, Greig's private workspace by the lake where he retreated for concentration.

The site also houses Troldsalen , a chamber music performance hall, which seats 200 people and overlooks the composer's hut and lake. Concerts are performed here regularly from June through September.

Address: Troldhaugvegen 65, 5232 Paradis-Bergen

The best preserved of Bryggen's 18th-century merchant homes, Finnegården has housed the Hanseatic Museum since its opening in 1872. This former counting house provides an excellent insight into the lives of the German merchants from the Hanseatic League.

The building, which was constructed in 1704, has its original interior and includes displays of weapons, furnishings, and equipment. Also part of the museum, the assembly rooms and kitchen of Schøtstuene sit in Bryggen next to St. Mary's Church and contain additional exhibits about the merchants' community.

Address: Finnegården 1a, 5003 Bergen

Official site: http://xn--schtstuene-2cb.no/english/

The old Bergenhus Fortress (Bergenhus festning) has dominated the entrance to Bergen's harbor since the late 16th century, and remains one of the most impressive such structures in Scandinavia. A highlight of a visit is seeing the medieval-era banqueting hall, Haakon's Hall (Håkonshallen).

Completed for Norwegian King Håkon Håkonsson in 1261 and fully restored in 1950 after damage, this impressive hall is open to the public year-round and is the largest surviving such structure from this period in the country.

Also of note is the Rosenkrantz Tower, built in the 1500s on top of an older structure from the 1270s.

Be prepared to spend time in the excellent Bergenhus Fortress Museum with its fascinating exhibits relating to the contribution of women and resistance groups during the 1940-45 German occupation. Afterwards, stroll up to the walled remains of Sverresborg , a fortress built around 1660 on the remains of an even older 12th-century castle.

Address: Vågen, 5003 Bergen

The KODE consists of four locations in central Bergen, all of which are located along Lille Lungegård (Lake Lungegard) . KODE1 , previously known as Permanenten, holds several of the museum's permanent collections, including the Silver Treasure, which features works in silver and gold that were created locally. KODE1 is also home to the Singer Collection, which includes works by the Old Masters as well as antiques from Asia and Europe.

KODE2 is home to a variety of changing exhibits and installations, as well as a comprehensive art book store. KODE3 is best known for its large collection of work by Edvard Munch, and the museum offers English-language guided tours daily June through August. KODE4 houses the museum's collections of Modernist art as well as the Kunstlab , an interactive art museum for children. The Kunstlab is free for kids 16 and under.

Also under the management of the KODE are the city's three historic composers' homes, including the Edvard Grieg Museum , the Harald Sæverud Museum , and the Ole Bull Museum .

Location: Rasmus Meyers allé, Bergen

Official site: http://kodebergen.no/en

Hiking up Bergen's tallest mountain is one of the most popular things to do here for tourists and locals alike. There are multiple trails, with the most common starting points at either the Ulriken Cable Car station or the Montana Hostel. The hike is relatively steep and takes between one and a half and two hours, but tourists are rewarded with gorgeous views of the city and the opportunity to rest up at the summit's restaurant.

Expert hikers can undertake the five-hour hike along Vidden Trail , which stretches from here to Mount Fløyen.

The Ulriken Cable Car is, of course, an equally enjoyable way to climb and descend the mountain. This popular attraction includes a seven-minute ride to the top and provides excellent views and photo ops along the way. A restaurant is located at the top of the ride, along with an exciting zipline adventure.

Address: Haukelandsbakken 40, 5009 Bergen

Official site: https://ulriken643.no/en/ulriksbanen/

Tucked away in the old city district of Sandviken is the Old Bergen Museum (Gamle Bergen). This fascinating open-air living history museum brings tourists back to the early 19th century, and is chock-full of interesting buildings and costumed characters drafted in to share the city's history.

The museum opened in 1946 as part of an effort to save Bergen's historic buildings and now preserves 55 original wooden houses, which once stood in the center of town.

While exploring the old city, visitors can watch the living history interpreters go about their day, ask questions, and get a sense of the atmosphere of Old Bergen. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year that reflect typical celebrations from the time period, and performances are put on in the town square several times a day.

Address: Elsesro, Nyhavnsveien 4, 5042 Bergen

Official site: www.bymuseet.no/en/museums/old-bergen-museum

Bergen's location is ideal for exploring many of the country's stunning natural waterways, earning its nickname as the "Fjord Capital of Norway." It sits between two of Norway's largest fjords, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. Visitors will have no problem finding cruise tours that depart from Bergen, offering the opportunity to admire the unforgettable sight of the fjords from the water.

The Hardangerfjord can easily be explored in a day trip. As Norway's second-largest fjord, it's notable for its rugged landscape.

The Sognefjord takes more effort to explore, but is well worth the extra time. It is the longest and deepest fjord in the country , stretching more than 200 kilometers long and reaching depths of 1,300 meters below sea level. The best way to access Sognefjord is from the town of Flåm, which is easily reached by train in about one hour, or can be reached via a somewhat harrowing mountain road in about 2.5 hours.

Tourists should be sure to leave some time to explore Flåm and the network of hiking trails that commence here. Despite its population of only 400, it is home to several tourist attractions, including a 17 th century church; a historic hotel; and Flåmsbana Museum , which is conveniently located next to the train station.

Those who don't have enough time to explore one of the bigger fjords can also take a shorter trip on one of the smaller fjords. The three-hour Bergen: Mostraumen Fjord Cruise is a great option that departs right from Bergen, offering a narrated tour with plenty of photo opportunities.

Bergen is famous for its university, which in turn is famous for its world-renowned museum collections. Well worth spending a day at, the University Museum of Bergen (Universitetsmuseet i Bergen) includes the Natural History Collection , the Cultural History Collection , and the Seafaring Museum . When you're ready for a break from all that learning, take a stroll in the university's lovely Botanic Garden .

If you are interested in gardens, stroll across to nearby Nygårdspark for a peek at the flora and famous Unicorn Fountain by Gustav Vigeland . Afterwards, make your way to the Norwegian Arboretum , a superb collection of more than 5,000 plants from around the world.

Address: Haakon Sheteligs plass 10, 5007 Bergen

Language barriers won't keep you from learning from the numerous interactive exhibits at the VilVite Bergen Science Center. Popular with families, the museum encourages visitors of all ages to get in some hands-on fun while learning about science.

Exhibits include an opportunity to experiment with hydropower, forecast the weather on-screen, and stand inside a bubble. You can also try your hand at navigating an oil tanker, or delve into the deep-sea world of offshore drilling in a Virtual Reality experience.

Other exhibits explore the properties of physics, energy, and weather. There's also a fun 3D film experience to enjoy.

Address: Thormøhlens Gate 51, 5006 Bergen

Official site: www.vilvite.no/english/

The earliest recorded reference to Bergen's splendid cathedral dates back to 1181, when it began life as a monastic church. Bergen Cathedral (Bergen domkirke) has been rebuilt a number of times after fires, including in 1623 and 1640 after which the cathedral received its present façade. Its Rococo interior was added during renovations in the 1880s by architect Christian Christie.

The cathedral is open to visitors on weekdays during the tourist season, from the beginning of June through the end of August. English-language guided tours are available during this time. Off-season, the cathedral is only open on a very limited basis.

Address: Domkirkeplassen 1, 5003 Bergen

At the southeast end of the city's beautiful main harbor, Bergen's Market Square is always bustling. Its busy quays are where local fishermen land their catches each morning and, along with the 700-year old Fish Market (Torget) , it's a fascinating spectacle for early risers.

This is also where the city's best restaurants purchase their seafood daily; be sure to make note of the catch of the day, so you can sample it at lunch and dinner.

Address: Grensegrenden 1, 5035 Bergen

On Lisøy, an island in the suburb of Fana , sits the romantic 1873 villa of the famous Norwegian violin player and composer, Ole Bull . The grounds of Villa Lysøen (Ole Bulls villa på Lysøen), have been open to the public since 1973, and tourists can explore the 13 kilometers of paths, enjoy a picnic in a gazebo, or relax by one of the numerous ponds.

There is also an on-site museum, Lysøen Museum, which offers guided tours of the home and grounds.

The ruins of Lyse Abbey (Lysekloster), also known as the Monastery of Lyse , are another major attraction on the island. Founded in 1146 by monks from York, England, this was the first Cistercian house in Norway.

Address: Lisøy, Fana, Bergen

Bergen's Royal Residence (Gamlehaugen), an exquisite Renaissance structure, has been extended several times to act as a fortification and display of power. It is now the Norwegian Royal Family's Bergen residence.

Tourists are able to climb to the roof, where there are excellent views over the city, and tours include other areas of the building, including the ominous dungeon. Also fun is having the chance to explore the mansion's grounds, designed in the style of a classic English Garden.

Address: Gamlehaugvegen 10, 5230 Paradis, Bergen

Official site: www.bymuseet.no/?vis=78

Bergen is a compact city, and most of the top tourist attractions lie within walking distance of each other around the waterfront. For easy access to these sites, the best place to stay is close to the harbor, especially near Bryggen, Bergen's World Heritage-listed old wharf, or Torgallmenningen, the city's main square. Here are some highly rated hotels in these convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Locations in Bergen don't get better than that of The Hanseatic Hotel , which occupies an old heritage building on Hanseatic Wharf, Bryggen. The large guest rooms feature exposed beams and wood-paneled walls.
• Right next to Bryggen, the contemporary Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen includes breakfasts in the rates, while the ultra-modern Hotel No 13 serves complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner. It overlooks Torgallmenningen, steps away from a shopping center.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Located in a central location and just a short stroll from Bryggen, Clarion Collection Hotel Oleana oozes style, with contemporary furnishings and comfy beds dressed in bold hues. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and an evening meal are included in the rates here, and also at its sister hotel, the pet-friendly and plushly-appointed Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret . The latter occupies a quirky former bank building near Bryggen.
• In a picturesque residential area, but still within walking distance of all the city sights, the boutique Klosterhagen Hotel feels more like a B&B than a hotel, with its friendly staff and intimate size. It lacks a lift, but the staff help carry luggage on request, and the rooms are bright and modern.

Budget Hotels:

• True budget hotels are rare in expensive Bergen, but Basic Hotel Bergen offers good value, in a lively area of town, about a 10-minute walk from Bergen train station and Bryggen. Its well-appointed rooms come with flat-screen TVs.
• Also only 10 minutes on foot from Bryggen, Marken Gjestehus is a well-run hostel with shared and private rooms and comfortable beds.
• Hopping around Town: Perfect for those who want a hassle-free way to get to the city's top tourist attractions, the City Sightseeing Bergen Hop-On Hop-Off Tour provides transportation and interesting commentary for tourists. Route stops conveniently include the Skolten Cruise Terminal , the Hanseatic Museum , Mount Fløyen Funicular , and the Bergen Tourist Information Center .
• Bergen's Best Photo-Ops : Best Views of Bergen - Segway Day Tour is a great way to cover plenty of ground and catch all the city's best spots with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. This small-group tour is perfect for photo-ops, with stops at the best of Bergen's scenic vantage points.
• Fjords for Miles: Those hoping to explore some of Norway's most beautiful fjord landscapes and its largest fjord can take a full-day private tour to Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flåm , which includes private transportation, personal attention, and a flexible itinerary based on your interests. It includes visits to Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, as well as a scenic ride on the Flåmsbana railway.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

At the Heart of the Fjords: Bergen sits near the expansive Hardangerfjord, the country's second-largest fjord. The region surrounding Hardangerfjord is known for its stunning glaciers and waterfalls and has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century. The Sognefjord , the largest of Norway's fjords, is within driving distance from Bergen and makes a great day trip along the scenic coast.

Exploring Coastal Cities: Stavanger, the country's third largest city, sits about three hours south of Bergen and is a major cruise ship port, full of tourist attractions and things to do . The island city of Ålesund sits well to the north along the west coast and is best known for its Art Nouveau architecture. For more ideas see our article on the top attractions in Norway .

Inside the Arctic Circle: If you want to see the spectacular aurora borealis (northern lights) or the midnight sun, head to the port city of Tromsø , which sits about 350 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle and also offers plenty of other things to see and do. You can also witness these famous sights from the Lofoten Islands , a popular tourist destination, which is known for its beaches, camping, and Alpine mountains - not to mention the surprisingly mild climate.

• (A) Express coastal ships to Northern Norway (Hurtigrute)
• (B) Ships to Sognefjord and Nordfjord
• (C) High speed catamarans to Sognefjord and Nordfjord
• (D) High speed catamarans to Haugesund and Stavanger to the Hardangerfjord and Sunnhordland
• (E) Ferries to Newcastle, Iceland, Faroes and the Shetland Islands
• (F) Excursion boats
• Leprosy Museum
• Bergen University
• Harbor Area
• Municipal Museum Of Art
• Museum Of Applied Art
• Museum Of Technology
• Nygårdsparken
• Rasmus Meyer Collection
• St Mary's Church
• Schøtstuene
• Fishery Museum
• Bryggen Museum
• Hanseatic Museum

More on Norway

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Top 31 Things To Do in Bergen – From a Local!

June 14, 2024 by Silvia 6 Comments

I used to live halfway between Bergen and Oslo and whenever I traveled I would try to find flights out of Bergen instead of Oslo, because I liked Bergen so much more. And then I ended up moving to Bergen!

And I still always tell people to check for flights into Bergen instead of Oslo if they’re heading to Norway, especially if they only have a short time to get a taste of the country. Bergen is such a beautiful city, and it’s right by some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Bergen is also Norway’s second largest city, so you’ll find lots of fun things to do in Bergen. 

And yes, I guess I’m biased because I live in Bergen, but I could live anywhere in Norway and chose Bergen because it’s such a wonderful city.

If you want to take a road trip from Bergen to the fjords, here is my guide to the prettiest road trips from Bergen , from a day trip to a two week trip. I’ve also shared the best ways to get from Bergen to Oslo here and the best ways to get from Bergen to Flåm (Sognefjord) here . 

Table of Contents

Quick Bergen Travel Guide

Bergen Accommodation: Opus 16 , Bergen Børs Hotel (my parents always stay here and rave about the breakfast), or Det Hanseatiske Hotel (I’ve stayed here and loved it) for historic luxury accommodation,  Bergen Citybox for mid range accommodation downtown, and City Hostel Bergen for budget accommodation. I don’t recommend booking an Airbnb in Bergen.

Top Bergen Activities: 

• Private walking tour or Bergen food and culture walk
• High speed RIB Safari
• Private fjord cruise
• Kayaking from Bergen

Bergen was founded around 1070 and was originally called Bjørgvin, which means “the green meadow among the mountains.” And still today Bergen is known as the city of seven mountains, which contribute to the spectacular views from the city.

However, these mountains also help make Bergen one of the places in Norway with the most rainfall. But don’t worry! While chances are high that you’ll see at least a bit of rain while in Bergen, the weather changes really quickly here, so if you’re patient the sun will hopefully make an appearance as well. Just make sure you pack lots of layers for your trip to Bergen. You can read my guides for packing for Norway in summer and packing for Norway in winter . 

Bergen took over from Trondheim (then Nidaros) as Norway’s capital in the 13th century, and it was Norway’s largest city until Oslo (then Christiania) outgrew Bergen in the 1830s. But Bergen is still Norway’s busiest port city, seeing an impressive number of both freight and tourist ships each day. 

Norway Travel Guides!  I’ve gathered all my best advice for planning an incredible trip through Southern and Northern Norway in two 95-page ebooks covering my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and how to plan the perfect itinerary.

You can  purchase the Norway Travel Guides here .

Things to do in Bergen

Walking tour of Bergen

Downtown Bergen is very walkable, and if you’re new to the city a great way to start off your time here is with a walking tour like this walking group tour of Bergen , this private walking tour , or if you are a foodie, this food and culture walk . 

If you’ve seen photos of Bergen you already know Bryggen – that row of slender, colorful wooden houses. While Bryggen has been rebuilt after several fires, it still has its old foundations dating all the way back to the 12th century, giving you an insight into what the city looked like back then.

Bryggen is a must-see for every tourist visiting Bergen, but on a sunny day you’ll also find lots of locals outside here enjoying an  utepils (Norwegian for “beer outside”). 

If you explore Bryggen’s winding passages you’ll find small shops, galleries and artist studios. And then in the surrounding area you can visit lots of cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as Bergen’s famous Fish Market.  

The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene

At the Hanseatic Museum you can learn about the Hanseatic merchants who lived and traded in Bergen for 400 years. And then with the same ticket you can go inside the Schøtstuene behind Bryggen, which were assembly halls for the Hanseatic League, with meeting rooms, banquet halls and courtrooms.

Mount Fløyen and Fløibanen

Just 150 metres from Bryggen you can get the Fløibanen funicular up to the top Fløyen, which rises 425 meters over Bergen. This is one of the best places to take photos of Bergen – both from the top and on your way back down.

Or if you’re feeling active you can hike up from the city center instead, though it might be nicer to take the funicular up and then walk down. The walk back down to the center takes about an hour.  

Hike up Skredderdalen to Mount Fløyen

And if you want a proper hike, I can definitely recommend the hike up Skredderdalen to get to Fløyen, which is a quieter hike than hiking up from the city center. I love this hike because it starts close to the city center but really feels like you’re out of the city in wilderness. I usually take Alfie on this route because there are fewer people and other dogs. 

Skredderdalen is a great hike for people who are only in Norway for a few days and might not have time to get into the countryside, whereas the hike up Fløyen from the city center is much easier as it’s a paved walkway, and has some really nice views out over the city.

Mount Ulriken

While Fløyen is Bergen’s most popular mountain due to its easy access from the city center, Mount Ulriken is the tallest of Bergen’s mountains. There are several routes up Mount Ulriken. The most popular is probably the Sherpa steps, which you can get to by taking bus 12 from the city center to Montana. You can also take the Ulriken Cable Car up the mountain, or hike up from where the cable car starts and then take the cable car down. 

Løvstakken & Lovstien

And another popular hike from Bergen is Løvstakken, which at 477 meters is the highest mountain west of the city center. The hike is easy to reach from the city center, either by bus or the Bergen light rail. You can take bus 10 from the city center to Blekenberg. The bus stop is right by a Matkroken shop, and behind the shop you’ll see the sign for Løvstakken. 

Or if you’re taking the light rail, get off at Danmarksplass. It’s just a 10 minute walk from here to the start of the hike. The hike takes about an hour each way. 

Løvstakken isn’t a difficult hike, but if you want a less steep hike you can go along Lovstien instead. You can read about walking Lovstien here . 

Walk around Gamle Bergen Open Air Museum

In the 1800s Bergen was actually Europe’s biggest wooden city, and there’s no better place to experience some of this history than Old Bergen’s Open Air Museum , with houses from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Kayaking around Bergen

Another fun way to get to know Bergen is from the sea while kayaking! This Bergen kayaking tour picks you up in Bergen and takes you out of the city to the beautiful Øygarden Islets for kayaking. And don’t worry, you’ll be with a guide so beginners are welcome as well. 

Fjord cruise

There are lots of different public fjord cruises available from Bergen. The cheapest place to book these cruises is on the Visit Bergen website here . 

But if you want a more special experience, you could instead book your own private cruise, like this private fjord cruise from Bergen . 

KODE art museums

Bergen’s KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes is one of Norway’s biggest and best galleries, hosted in four buildings by the Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake in the city center. The collection consists of more than 50,000 paintings, sculptures, etc., so you’ll need plenty of time to explore. My mom still always makes time for a stop at KODE when she visits me in Bergen, as they often have new temporary exhibitions as well. 

Highlights of KODE include the Rasmus Meyer Collection , which covers the “Golden Age” of Norwegian painters, featuring works from Norway’s most famous artists including Edvard Munch, J.C. Dahl, and Harriet Backer.

Marineholmen Sandstrand beach

If you’re in Bergen on a beautiful day, head to Marineholmen beach! This sandy city beach is the perfect place to catch some sun with the locals and really feel like you live here.  

Swim and sauna at Nordnes Sjøbad

If the weather isn’t nice enough for the beach (or even if it is!) you can instead go for a swim in the heated swimming pool at Nordnes Sjøbad , which is set right along the water so that you can swim in the sea as well. They also have a sauna here, so you can keep warm between dips in the sea. The pool is open for winter swimming as well, from January through April. 

Heit Sauna is another great place for a sauna and dip in Bergen, year round. You can even book the whole sauna for a private group if you want. 

Troldhaugen, home of Edvard Grieg

Speaking of famous Norwegian artists, as part of the KODE museums you can also visit the home of Edvard Grieg, one of Norway’s most famous composers. Troldhaugen is a short journey outside the city center (about 20 minutes by car and 45 minutes by public transport) but it’s definitely worth a visit for the beautiful views here. 

The Villa was built in 1885 and Edvard Grieg called it his “best opus so far.” Troldhaugen became a museum in 1928 and includes Grieg’s Villa, the composer’s hut and the Grieg gravesite, as well as a new museum building and the concert hall Troldsalen, which seats 200 people. 

Damsgård Manor

Damsgård Country Mansion was built in the 1770s and is considered one of Europe’s best preserved wooden Rococco buildings with the original interior. At Damsgård you can join a tour of the building or wander through the garden exhibitions, which have been recreated as they would have been in the 1780s. 

Damsgård Manor is closed for 2024 for renovations. 

Bergen Maritime Museum

The Bergen Maritime Museum is one of Norway’s oldest specialized museums, telling the story of Norwegian seafaring over thousands of years and the particular importance of the port city of Bergen. 

Bergen Aquarium

If you’re visiting Bergen with kids, all of my friends with children love going to the Bergen Aquarium , which is the biggest aquarium in Norway.  I’ve written about visiting Norway with kids here . 

Bergenhus Festning

Bergenhus Festning dates back to the 1500s and is now one of the best preserved stone fortifications in Norway. The fortress was more recently used in World War II  by the German occupying forces, who used it as their western headquarters. Today it’s a nice area to walk around for some peace and quiet right by Bryggen.

Rosenkrantz Tower

At the Bergenhus Fortress you’ll also find the Rosenkrantz Tower, considered one of the most important renaissance monuments in Norway, with parts of the tower dating all the way back to the 1270s. You can buy tickets to climb up the tower, which offers great views. 

Fantoft Stave Church

If you’re up for a short trip out of the city I highly recommend catching the Bybanen Light Rail to Fantoft Stave Churce. Take Line 1 Bybanen to Fantoft and then simply follow the signs to the stave church. Fantoft Stave church was originally built in Fortun in Sogn in 1150 and then moved to Fantoft in 1883.  

In true Nordic fashion, the church was burned down in 1992 by members of Norway’s black metal scene, but it has since been rebuilt to look exactly as it did before.  

Norway in a Nutshell

One of the most popular tours to take from Bergen is the Norway in a Nutshell, as it takes you to Sognefjord and Norway’s famous Flåm Railway, which many consider to be the most beautiful train journey in the world. But watch out! This isn’t an actual tour, but instead just a collection of marked up public transport tickets. You can read my guide to booking Norway in a Nutshell yourself for way cheaper (like half the price) here . 

Cider tour to Sognefjord

There really are  so many tours offered from Bergen, but one of my favorites takes you on to the beautiful fjord village of Balestrand for a cider tour. This tour from Bergen  combines lunch and a cider tasting at Ciderhuset in Balestrand with stops at the Hopperstad Stave Church, Storesvingen Viewpoint, Tvindefossen waterfall, and a cruise on Sognefjord.

Bergen Christmas Market

And if you’re visiting Bergen during Christmastime, of course you will have to check out the Bergen Christmas Market downtown by Festplassen, which this year will run from November 25 – December 22, 2022. The Christmas market features a ferris wheel, horse carousel, and lots of cute little stalls selling warm drinks, Christmas treats, and of course plenty of Norwegian Christmas gifts. 

The Bergen Card

Depending on what you want to do in Bergen, you might save money by buying the Bergen Card, which offers free or discounted entry to many museums and activities, as well as free access to the Bergen Light Rail between the city and airport. You can read more about the Bergen Card here . 

Where to eat and drink in Bergen

Bergen has lots of cute cafés, restaurants, and bars, so you should definitely be able to find somewhere to satisfy your every craving while here. 

Cafés in Bergen

Godt Brød and Baker Brun both have several locations and offer excellent baked goods, Det Lille Kaffekompaniet is a Bergen classic by the Floibanen funicular (it’s tiny though, so often full), Kaffemisjonen , Blom and Bergen Kaffebrenneri are must visits for the true coffee buffs, Café Opera serves as a cute cafe and lunch spot during the day and popular cocktail bar at night with live DJs, Fjåk Café is famous for its coffee and  chocolate, Solros is in a picturesque blue building with nice seating outside for those sunny Bergen days, and Løvetann Café & Bistro is super cosy on a picturesque hillside in Nordnes, just a short walk from the city center. 

Restaurants in Bergen

I recently had such a good meal at Bergen’s newly opened Frescohallen , in the former stock exchange building. It’s worth dining here for the beautiful fresco covered halls alone, but the food is also so good! Definitely order the enormous seafood tower to share, and their cocktails are also excellent. 

I love Bien Basar , which serves Norwegian specialties made with local ingredients. This is the place to go if you want to try local persetorsk, a codfish dish from Bergen, and raspeballer, traditional Norwegian potato dumplings served with salted meats only available on Thursdays. And if you’re not lucky enough to be in Bergen on a Thursday, I’ve shared my raspeballer recipe here and you can make them at home. 

Bryggeloftet is another one of my favorites for traditional Norwegian food and a beautiful ambience in Bryggen. Bryggeloftet is Bergen’s oldest restaurant, run by the same family since 1910! The fish soup, steak, and raspeballer (only on Thursdays) here are all excellent. 

When walking around the harbor by Bryggen you won’t miss Bergen’s famous fish market. You can buy all sorts of fish here, as well as other local products. And if you want something a bit fancier, try the saltwater fish at Lokalt & Lekkert , located in Mathallen at the fish market. Or if you want to save some money, head up the street from the fish market and try the fish soup and fish cakes at Søstrene Hagelin instead. I often stop here to pick up a few fish cakes on my way home from the center – they’re so good! And quite cheap. 

Lysverket is an excellent (expensive) seafood restaurant inside the KODE museum. Colonialen Kranen in the Solheimsviken district offers a unique dining experience, serving meals in an old industrial crane overlooking the city through glass walls. And the beloved Restaurant 1877 offers seasonally inspired dishes in Bergen’s nostalgic meat bazaar.

Go to Stefano for the best pizza in Bergen (according to me), Pingvinen for budget friendly Norwegian food,  Zupperia for reasonably priced Asian fusion,  Nama for sushi, Namastey for Indian food, and Siam Ratree for Thai food.

If you want more suggestions, my friend Lisa has lived in Bergen for years and has a fantastic guide to the best restaurants in Bergen here (she has lots of other great Bergen and Norway tips on her blog as well). 

Bars in Bergen

Luddi is super cute and right by Bryggen, and down the street you’ll find Dark & Stormy , which has amazing cocktails and a really nice (and big) back garden area with heaters. 

HEM and Konrads Kåk are super cosy (and tiny) local bars, or if they’re too crowded Ferdinand på Engen is around the corner and has great cocktails and okay pizza. 

If you want to play pool, Salong Bar & Billiard is really lovely and has several pool tables. Or Kong Oscar is less cosy but has lots of different games, including darts, shuffleboard, and pool. 

Henrik Øl og Vinstove has over 50 beers on tap, Hulen is a student run bar and rock venue in a former WWII bomb shelter, Apollon Platebar is one of Norways oldest record shops from 1976 that now also has a bar with 35 beers on tap, No Stress is tiny but has excellent cocktails (if it’s fully you can go to nearby Dark & Stormy instead), and Rebel and 360 Xhibition are stylish cocktail bars. 

Day trips from Bergen

I’ve written a full guide to my top recommended day trips from Bergen here , but here is a quick summary: 

Hardangerfjord

This small cruise from Bergen  and  this minivan tour from Bergen and this sea kayak tour leaving from Jondal both look incredible.

Folgefonna National Park

  This epic day trip from Bergen to both Hardangefjord and Folgefonna Glacier , Norway’s third largest glacier would be amazing.

Flåm is the most popular destination along Sognefjord, largely because of its easy access from Bergen, as well as the Flåm Railway, which some consider the most beautiful train journey in the world. I’ve detail the best ways to get from Bergen to Flåm here .

You could take the  express boat from Bergen into Sognefjord  stopping at Aurland, Flåm, or Balestrand , among other places, or do the popular Norway in a Nutshell public transportation route. I’ve made a detailed  guide for Norway in a Nutshell here .

Sognefjord has a lot of branches, and my two favorites are probably Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. The village of Aurland is absolutely stunning, and as it’s on the popular Norway in a Nutshell route there’s a lot to do here, including the famous  Stegastein viewing platform , which offers incredible views over the fjord. 

And then Nærøyfjord is super narrow and dramatic, and here you’ll also find the famous Viking village of Njardarheimr .

From Voss you can try guided sea kayaking through the Nærøyfjord , whitewater rafting through the Raundal valley , river kayaking courses , and guided rock climbing .

Where to stay in Bergen

The main thing to know when booking accommodation in Bergen is that you need to book as early as possible! Bergen is an incredibly popular tourist destination, and the city doesn’t actually have enough hotel rooms to match the demand, so it’s very common for every hotel in the city to be fully booked. Moreover, prices tend to go up with demand, so you’ll get a much better deal if you book early. Like right now! 

Housed in a historic building from 1876, Opus XVI , is an Edvard Grieg Heritage Hotel. Each room is designed individually, but the highlight here must be the dining room, which often features live music. Check current rates and availability here

Located in an old stock exchange building from 1862, Bergen Børs Hotel is right in the city center. My parents always stay here when visiting Bergen and they love all the personal touches and say the Bergen Børs Hotel has the best breakfast in all of Norway – in the most beautiful restaurant. Check current rates and availability here

Det Hanseatiske Hotel is one of the most unique luxury hotels I’ve stayed at. It’s housed in a 16th century building in Bryggen, probably the most beautiful part of Bergen. I love all the little details here, like the bookshelves, artwork, leather couches, and deep bathtubs.

Staying here is a real cultural experience and just such a wonderful way to get to know more about Norway. It’s also right downtown, so you’ll be near all the main sights (though it can get noisy especially on weekend nights, so ask for a room on an upper level). My parents have also stayed here and while they did prefer the breakfast at Bergen Børs, they loved their stay here as well. Check current rates and availability here

Hotel Norge is right in the city center and a favorite amongst celebrities visiting Bergen. If you book well in advance you can get a surprisingly good rate, considering how fancy this hotel is. Check current rates and availability here

Mid-range 

Citybox Bergen City is also an excellent choice for a lower budget, but be sure to book early as it sells out quickly. Check current rates and availability here

City Hostel Bergen is a self-service hostel with a kitchen so that you can cook for yourself (a huge money saver in Bergen!).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Bryggen so gives easy access to most of Bergen’s main attractions. Check current rates and availability here

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Roger Gould says

April 9, 2023 at 6:11 pm

Silvia. Great site. We are an American couple in our 80,s and only have 3 nights in mid may to visit Bergen, the fjords and some of your favorites. Any chance we can hire you to be our guide? Or set up all the logistics. We will get in and out of Bergen

If you can’t, can you recommend someone?

Silvia says

April 10, 2023 at 11:25 am

I don’t offer that service, but you could try contacting Lisa @ fjordsandbeaches.com – she lives in Bergen and sets up custom itineraries for people.

Caroline says

August 29, 2023 at 5:38 pm

Silvia! Thank you so much for this; it’s exactly what we have been searching for. We’re heading to Bergen from Chicago for our anniversary next month and could not be more excited now that we’ve found your handy guide!

Sarah Davies says

June 3, 2024 at 2:42 am

We are visiting Norway in August 2024. We fly into Bergen in a Friday afternoon and then will have an entire Saturday and Sunday in Bergen . We then will drive up and stay at an Airbnb on the fjord in Luster. Then we drive and stay 2 nights in Eidfjord before driving back to Bergen a taking the train to Oslo where we spend 2 days . My question is about how to spend our two days in Bergen. With two days and our itinerary- do you recommend a Fjord cruise? Either the bigger boat or the shorter RIB tour. The smaller tour that takes off from outside the city sounds great but we don’t want to lose a whole day given our short time in Bergen. Love your site and I purchased your travel guide. Thank you!

June 3, 2024 at 8:49 am

If you really enjoy being out on the water, then definitely do the fjord cruise! The bigger boat is better, unless the weather is really amazing. But if you don’t care that much for boat trips, you can certainly find plenty to do in the city. I would either hike or take the funicular up Fløyen, have a drink outside by Bryggen, coffee and pastries at Godt Brød, and visit some museums.

June 3, 2024 at 1:57 pm

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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This City in Norway Is Nicknamed the 'Heart of the Fjords’ and Is Surrounded by 7 Mountains

Here's what you need to know about visiting Bergen, Norway.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

What to eat and drink, where to stay in bergen, norway, when to visit bergen, norway, how to get there.

Ryhor Bruyeu/Getty Images

Most towns have one or two main attractions —  a beautiful mountain setting , interesting architecture, or a UNESCO World Heritage Site . And then there are places like Bergen, Norway, which seem to have more than their fair share of natural beauty and charm.

The town is situated on the southwestern coast of Norway between two of the country’s biggest fjords , the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. It’s surrounded by seven mountains, two of which are accessible by cable car, and entire neighborhoods cling to the steep hillsides. Down near the water is Bryggen, a picturesque wharf lined with colorful wooden buildings that you’ve likely seen on Instagram. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is not far from where the scenic Bergen Railway sets out from the city.

Meanwhile, foodies can check out the lively fish market, which has been serving up fresh-caught seafood since 1276 and remains one of Norway’s most-visited outdoor markets.

In short, there’s a lot to do. To help guide your travels to Bergen, we’ve outlined some of the best things to do, as well as offered our recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and when to visit. 

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If you’ve made the journey to Bergen, chances are you’re here to see the fjords. The city lives up to its nickname “the heart of the fjords” by acting as a basecamp for some of the country’s most iconic fjord excursions. The legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour is a full-day, 11-hour tour that includes a fjord cruise, a journey on the famous Flåm and Bergen Railways, and a visit to the Kjosfossen waterfall. There are also several fjord-specific tours based out of Bergen.

If you’re not the tour type, make sure to plan a trip on the Bergen Railway, the highest-altitude railway in Northern Europe, and the Flåm Railway, which is one of the steepest normal gauge railways in the world. Both journeys offer panoramic views of Norway’s wild mountain ranges. 

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If you enjoy hiking, you can conquer one (or two) of the seven surrounding summits quite easily. The most accessible summit, Mount Fløyen, is just around an hour's hike from town, while the highest of the seven mountains, Mount Ulriken, takes a similar amount of time, but is noticeably steeper. The most popular route for hiking Ulriken is to walk the 1,333 Sherpa Steps to the top. Both peaks can also be reached by cable car — so you can hike up and ride down. 

To get a sense of Bergen’s history, swing by the Old Bergen Museum , a reconstructed town of around 50 historic houses. The open-air museum shows what Bergen, which was Europe’s biggest wooden city in the 1800s, looked like in the past.

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

Bergen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so most people arrive with sky-high expectations and leave with happy bellies full of fish. With seafood at the core of Bergen cuisine, you’ll find menus packed with dishes like fish soup, fish cakes, and persetorsk, a dish made of cod cured with sugar and salt that’s native to the city of Bergen.

For a good array of seafood restaurants, swing by the historic fish market near Bryggen. In addition to stands of fresh-caught seafood and local fruits and veggies, you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, including Fjellskål Seafood Restaurant , which has been recognized for its outstanding seafood.

If you’re interested in a totally unique dining experience, check out Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant , a raw seafood restaurant perched on its own island off the coast of Bergen. To get there, you have to hop aboard a boat at the historic Bryggen Wharf for a 25-minute, view-filled journey.

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Not far from the historic Bryggen Wharf is Opus XVI , a modern boutique hotel with just 65 uniquely designed and decorated rooms. There’s an on-site French-inspired brasserie and daily afternoon tea.

Nearby is the Bergen Børs Hotel , a larger, 127-room property with modern Scandinavian touches. Their suites are over the top, especially the harbor-view suite with big windows overlooking the water and a spacious living room area. 

Thanks to warm waters from the Gulf Stream, the fjords surrounding Bergen are open year-round. That said, most people tend to visit Bergen in the summer, between May and September , when the days are long and the weather warms. In general, May and July are thought to be the best months to visit, with the former showcasing cherry blossom blooms and the latter boasting warm weather. 

No matter when you visit, you’ll want to pack a raincoat — Bergen gets around 200 days of rain a year. 

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As quaint as it is, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, so getting there is easier than you’d think. Most travelers fly into Bergen Airport (BGO), an airport that’s just large enough to have a decent selection of direct flights. Other travelers fly into Oslo or Flåm and take the train.

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Home » Travel Guides » Norway » 15 Best Things to Do in Bergen (Norway)

15 Best Things to Do in Bergen (Norway)

Norway’s second city was the home of kings in the Middle Ages and a trading post for the Hanseatic League. A remnant from that era is Bryggen, a photogenic quayside district of painted wooden houses with triangular gables.

Bergen’s city centre is watched by an arc of seven mountains capped with snow for much of the year. And two, Fløyen and Mount Ulriken have a funicular or cable car waiting to lift you to the summit. From there you can scramble over rocky trails with constant view of Bergen and its fjords.

And on that subject, the Hardangerfjord is a landscape that hardly looks real until you’re in it. A comfortable day trip destination from Bergen, the fjord is hemmed by formidable walls of rock that descend to bucolic little villages and orchards.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Bergen :

The row of slender wooden houses painted in yellow, ochre and red on the eastern quayside in the Vågen bay is one of Bergen’s enduring images.

Bryggen is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and these edifices would once have been warehouses, holding cereal from Europe and stockfish caught further north.

The passages between the storefronts hint at of how Bergen might have looked in Medieval times.

The city was born around this waterside community almost a millennium ago, and in the mid-14th-century Bryggen became a “Kontor”, a foreign trading post for the Hanseatic League, which had a presence across the whole of northern Europe at this time.

The architecture here now is from after a fire in 1702, but when these houses were rebuilt the same centuries old foundations were used.

2. Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene

Raised in the wake of the fire at the start of the 18th century, the beautiful timber building hosting the Hanseatic Museum is one of the oldest wooden structures in Bergen.

Since 1872 there has been a museum here, documenting the 400-year history of the German merchants’ guild’s association with Bergen from around 1350 to 1750. It is the only building at Bryggen to have retained its original interiors.

Its occupants were prohibited from lighting fires for light, heat or food because of the fire risk.

By day they would work downstairs in the warehouse and offices and spend nights in dormitories above.

On the same ticket you can go inside Schøtstuene a brief walk to the rear of Bryggen, assembly halls for the Hanseatic League, with meeting rooms, banquet halls and courtrooms.

3. St Mary’s Church

The oldest building in Bergen is by the Schøtstuene behind Bryggen and is an unusual example of Romanesque architecture in Norway.

In fact, no other church in Norway has a western facade like this, with square, unadorned towers and semicircular windows typical of the Romanesque style.

St Mary’s Church would have been erected in the middle of the 12th century.

In the choir the pointed windows are Gothic and suggest that this part of the church was rebuilt after a fire in 1248. At the southern portal you can see Romanesque bestial and foliate motifs on the capitals in the jambs.

The church’s greatest treasure though is its altarpiece, carved in the Hanseatic capital, Lübeck in the 15th century.

The triptych shows the Madonna with Child at the centre, flanked by St Olav and St Antony on the right and St Catharine and St Dorothy on the left.

4. Fløyen and the Fløibanen Funicular

Just 150 metres from Bryggen you can catch a funicular launching you to near the top of the 425-metre Fløyen mountain in no time at all.

The Fløibanen first started running in 1918 and is Bergen’s most popular single visitor attraction.

The track is 850 metres long and the train carries you more than 300 metres up the slope in just six minutes.

When you arrive you can stand at the Fløytrappene and revel in the views over Bergen, looking over the fjords and water traffic making its way to and from the North Sea.

This can be the first step on a hike along this balcony over the city, while there’s also a restaurant and children’s playground up a broad flight of stairs.

5. Troldhaugen, Home of Edvard Grieg

Edvard Grieg, Norway’s preeminent composer, lived the final 20 years of his life at this scenic hilltop villa above Lake Nordås.

Named Troldhauden (Troll Hill), the house was designed by Grieg’s cousin Schak Bull, and was completed in 1885. Grieg spent the summers here with his wife when he was home in Norway, and would compose pieces in a little hut overlooking the lake.

In 1985 the discreet, 200-seater Troldsalen auditorium was built at the site, while a decade later a museum building was added with an exhibition about Grieg’s life and music.

Meanwhile the house is an intimate living museum, filled with the Griegs’ personal effects and complete with the Steinway grand piano Edvard received as an anniversary present in 1892.

6. KODE Art Museums

In 2013 a group of four art institutions and cultural sites around Bergen were brought under a one umbrella named “KODE”, with a single ticket providing entry to all four attractions.

KODE 1 is for craft and design, and has a permanent exhibition of gold and silver objects produced in Bergen, as well as paintings by Old Masters, and European and Asian antiques.

KODE 2 is a contemporary art museum which at the time of writing had an exhibition for Japanese installation artist Chiharu Shiota.

KODE 3 has works from the Golden Age of Norwegian art, including paintings by Edvard Munch and Romantic artist Johan Christian Dahl.

And finally KODE 4 is an art museum, also endowed with works by Dahl, as well as Paul Klee, Picasso and Asger Jorn.

Children are welcome at KODE 4, which has the Kunstlab, in which children can discover art through play.

7. Mount Ulriken

The highest of Bergen’s seven mountains crests at 643 metres, and like Fløyen there’s an easy way to reach the top.

In Ulriken’s case it’s the Ulriksbanen aerial tramway, which has been ferrying people to the peak and back since 1961. At the summit there’s another exhilarating vantage point set up with telescopes, as well as a restaurant and a TV tower visible across Bergen.

If you prefer a challenge you can hike up via a system of trails, and the route most travelled begins at Montana, which can be reached on the no.

12 bus and takes about 90 minutes in good weather.

After hitting the top, hardy walkers can continue their adventure on the Vidden Trail to Fløyen.

8. Hardangerfjord

In Bergen you’re close enough to Norway’s second longest fjord that a trip should be a no-brainer.

You’ll need at least a day to feel like you’ve scratched the surface, and fortunately the infrastructure is strong, with buses, ferries and tour companies vying to give you the best experience of a landscape of ethereal beauty.

Hardangerfjord is also Norway’s fruit orchard, as beside the water, at the base of towering walls of rock are lush apple orchards and strawberry farms.

In season you can buy apples using the honour system and visit villages with folk culture intact (embroidery, traditional fiddles). You may also want to see nature at its rawest, setting a course for almost inconceivable landforms like the iconic Trolltunga overhang (Troll’s Tongue), or the Folgefunna glacier.

9. Bergenhus Fortress

In one form or another, this fortress has guarded the opening to Vågen bay since the middle of the 13th century.

The outline of this sizeable complex is from the 19th century, and it holds buildings dating to any time between the 1200s and the 1900s (German WWII bunkers). One of the oldest is the beautiful Haakon’s Hall, a ceremonial hall that went up in the mid-13th century in the reign of King Haakon IV of Norway and was used for the wedding of his son Magnus VI of Norway to Ingeborg of Denmark.

On the walls are both Romanesque and Gothic window openings, while a crow-stepped gable crowns the facade.

Amateur historians should take a self-guided tour around the fortress enclosure, discovering that German bunker, quarters for guards and the commandant, stables, batteries and the Koengen, a former depot used today for high-profile outdoor concerts in summer.

10. Rosenkrantz Tower

On Vågen bay to the south of the Bergenhus fortress is another structure of real historical value.

The Rosenkrantz Tower is named for the nobleman and governor Erik Rosenkrantz who oversaw the remodelling of the tower into one of Norway’s prime Renaissance residences in the 16th century.

The tower has been here since the late 13th century when it was a home for King Eric II of Norway, the last king to hold court in Bergen.

Rosenkrantz Tower had a real upstairs-downstairs setup, as the king and later the governor’s residence was on the top floor, while the basement was a dungeon, a role it filled all the way to the 1800s.

In the 1740s the tower’s upper levels became a gunpowder magazine, and would remain so until the 1930s.

Visitors now come to scale the dark, narrow staircase to gaze over Vågen bay from the roof.

11. Fantoft Stave Church

You can catch the Bergen Light Rail down to this reconstructed timber stave church a few kilometres south of the city centre.

The Fantoft Stave Church is originally from the village of Fortun in the Sogn district, and was erected around 1150. It was moved here in pieces in 1883 to save it from demolition.

Unfortunately in 1992 the church was burnt down in an arson attack, but was carefully rebuilt over the next five years.

The rebuilt church is a memorable sight, even of little of the original monument could be salvaged, except for the gold cross on the altar, a relic on one wall and a historic stone cross brought here from the Sola municipality.

12. Damsgård Manor

Across the Damsgårdssundet (Damsgård Sound) is what may be the finest wooden Rococo mansion in the world.

Damsgård Manor was raised in the 1770s for the minister of war Joachim Christian Geelmuyden Gyldenkrantz at a time when aristocratic country retreats were cropping up on the outskirts of the city.

In summer the grounds are open to the public and include a Lord’s Garden and Lady’s Garden, both formal and enriched with statues, topiaries and geometric flowerbeds.

There’s also a looser English garden with undulating lawns and a pond.

As for the house, the decor has been returned to its 18th-century finery and can be seen on tours at 12:00 and 14:00, as well as 13:00 on Sundays.

13. VilVite Science Centre

If you’re in Bergen with little ones and the weather isn’t cooperating, the VilVite Science Centre means fun and education in equal measure.

The centre has 75 stations, inviting children to learn by getting involved with games and interactive experiments.

Kids can become a TV presenter to give a weather forecast, steer a container ship, drill for oil and go upside down on the “G-Force”, a bicycle on a track that does a complete loop.

Nearly all of the stations are centred on the topics of energy, the ocean and the weather.

On weekends and school holidays there are also 3D movie screenings and specially organised science shows.

14. Bryggens Museum

This museum in Bryggen owes its existence to a calamity.

In 1955 the district was struck by fire, but this gave the city a chance to conduct archaeological excavations.

The discoveries made during these digs opened a window on Medieval life and commerce in Bryggen.

They are at the core of the museum, which has been built around the 900-year-old foundations that were uncovered.

In display cases are Medieval weights, pieces of jewellery and a wealth of runic inscriptions etched into wood.

15. Fish Market

At the innermost quay on Vågen bay is the spot where fishermen have been trading their catch since the 13th century.

And while today’s fish market is more geared towards tourists, it remains something you have to see when you visit Bergen.

There are outdoor stalls next to a swish new indoor hall, which is more of a culinary destination than a traditional market.

Within you could down some freshly shucked oysters with a glass of Riesling, warming fish soup, a mango-salmon roll or fried calamari, or splash out on a supreme if pricey meal.

The outdoor market’s opening hours contract in the winter, when it is only open on weekends, but in summer you have to pop by any day to be amazed by the full bounty loaded ashore from the North Sea.

15 Best Things to Do in Bergen (Norway):

• Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
• St Mary's Church
• Fløyen and the Fløibanen Funicular
• Troldhaugen, Home of Edvard Grieg
• KODE Art Museums
• Mount Ulriken
• Hardangerfjord
• Bergenhus Fortress
• Rosenkrantz Tower
• Fantoft Stave Church
• Damsgård Manor
• VilVite Science Centre
• Bryggens Museum
• Fish Market

Bergen Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

Being a university town, the city is both lively and charming. While it does get a lot of rain, it’s nevertheless an amazing place to visit in any season (though the summers here are particularly magical). This city is a must-visit on any trip to Norway as far fewer travelers make it this far north, meaning you’ll be able to escape the crowds that plague other European cities.

This travel guide to Bergen can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this charming city.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bergen

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bergen

1. Visit KODE

In addition to rotating exhibits, the Bergen Art Museum (known as KODE) contains three primary collections, offering everything from contemporary art to traditional Norwegian art dating as far back as the 14th century. Comprised of multiple venues (it’s spread out over 4 museums and 3 composers’ homes), it’s the second-largest art museum in the country and features works by Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso as well as the country’s largest collection of Chinese works. Admission is 150 NOK.

2. Check out Gamle Bergen

Opened in 1946, Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen) is an outdoor open-air museum featuring 55 reconstructed traditional houses and buildings that depict life during the 18th and 19th centuries. You can wander buildings, interact with craftsmen and actors portraying people from that era, and get a sense of what life was like in the city a century ago. There’s also a relaxing park surrounding the area which makes it the perfect place for a stroll after your visit. It’s only open during the summer and admission is 140 NOK.

3. Stroll around the Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Stretching over 125 acres, this garden is home to over 5,000 trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs. There’s a Japanese garden as well as an Alpine garden home to all kinds of local plant life. The gardens are located outside the center and make for a relaxing place for a summer stroll or picnic with a book. Admission is free.

4. Climb Rosenkrantz Tower

Built in the 1560s, this tower served as a residence as well as a fortified defensive structure. It’s one of the most important renaissance monuments in the country and a must-see when you’re here. The Tower was the residence of Eirik Magnusson, the last king to hold court in Bergen. Make sure you climb the narrow stairs to the top of the tower, where you’ll get an impressive view of the surrounding area. You can take a guided tour for 120 NOK, though it’s only open in the summer.

5. Ride the Fløibanen Funicular

Take a ride up the 320m Mount Floyen, which offers views of the fjord and surrounding islands. Sit back and enjoy the view or take a stroll through the woodland terrain and around the nearby lakes. Roundtrip adult tickets are 105 NOK. You can also hike both up or down the mountain in under an hour.

Other Things to See and Do in Bergen

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best ways to experience a new city is to take a walking tour. You’ll learn about the history and culture from an expert local guide who can also answer all your questions. It’s how I start all my trips to a new city as I get tons of insights that aren’t in the guidebook. Nordic Freedom Tours offers daily tours in English which are a great way to start your trip. Just remember to tip your guides!

2. Visit the University Museum

Founded in 1825, this museum covers archaeological artifacts, zoology, natural history, folk art, and more. It was the first official museum in Norway and has over 4.5 million items in its collection. It’s a wonderful place to visit to get a feel for Bergen’s history, culture, and wildlife. Admission is 150 NOK (children under 16 enter free).

3. Go on a Fjord tour

Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful fjords in the country (fjords are long, narrow inlets with steep sides or cliffs). Most boat tours last a few hours and are a great way to spend a day. You can also tour the scenic Hardangerfjord, considered the Queen of the Norwegian Fjords. Expect to pay at least 530 NOK for a tour, depending on how long it is and where you go. There are also half-day kayaking tours in the fjords, usually costing around 995 NOK per person.

4. Visit the Bergen Aquarium

This aquarium boasts Europe’s largest seal and penguin exhibits, as well as an extensive marine fauna collection and one of Europe’s largest collections of fish and invertebrates. There are also crocodiles, lizards, and over 50 different aquariums to check out. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a good place to spend a few educational hours. Admission is 325 NOK for adults and 210 NOK for children.

5. Attend the Bergen International Festival

Every year at the end of May, the Bergen International Festival offers a wide array of performing arts including music, opera, ballet, theater, and more. It’s the biggest festival of its kind in all of Scandinavia, lasting over two weeks. Ticket prices vary (you pay per event; there isn’t a single festival ticket). Expect to pay at least 100 NOK per performance. Be sure to book your accommodation early if you visit during the festival!

6. See the Folgefonna Glaciers

Just north of Bergen lies the Folgefonna glaciers. They are three separate glaciers that cover over 200 square kilometers. This is the third-largest ice cap in the country, located within Folgefonna National Park. You can hike and camp in the park, and there are also guided glacier walks across the ice (they are expensive though, starting at 1,100 NOK for a day tour and 2,500 NOK for a two-day trip). If you’re here in the winter, try to hit the slopes at one of the nearby ski resorts as you get some world-class skiing here. Lift passes cost 405 NOK per day.

7. Hang out in Festplassen

This is a recreation park area used for various fairs, amusement parks, feast days, festivals, and more. If you’re looking for something engaging, ask the local tourism office if anything is going on here during your visit. Chances are something will be happening. Otherwise, just come to enjoy the scenery; it’s a nice place to relax in the summer with a book and enjoy the long sunny days.

8. Hike Rundemanen Mountain

This is one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen and is host to some of the most popular hiking trails in the area. The trails here are easy-moderate and usually take between 2-3 hours, with the route to the top of Rundemanen being just 7.4 kilometers (4.5 miles) total. You’ll start the hike behind Fløyen’s playground and follow the Blåmansveien road on the left. You’ll pass Revurtjernet Lake before arriving at Brushytten, where you’ll want to again take the trail on the left to reach the summit. At the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views over the Hordaland Mountains, including its alpine lakes and rolling valleys. Other nearby mountains to consider hiking are Brushytten (easy), Lyderhorn (moderate), and Ulriken (challenging).

9. Explore Bryggen

Bryggen (“The Dock”) is the historic harbor of the city. This is the area you see in most tourism ads or photography from Bergen. Many of the buildings date back to the 18th century, while some of the original cellars are from the 16th century. Today, the area is lined with colorful pubs and boutique shops selling crafts and handmade souvenirs. You’ll also find the Fish Market and the Bergenhus Fortress here. Spend some time walking around the narrow alleys, visiting the galleries, and taking in the historic houses.

10. See the Fish Market

This market dates back to the 13th century and is where you can find all sorts of fish and seafood. For centuries, it’s been the hub for local fishermen to sell their fresh fish and seafood. The indoor section of the market began in 2012 and is open year-round (the outdoor market opens on May 1 for the summer). It’s more of a tourist attraction now so the prices are a little high. While it’s not the best place to eat, it’s still worth exploring and seeing for yourself. Arrive early to beat the crowds (especially on weekends).

11. Visit the Maritime Museum

Bergen has depended heavily on maritime trade since its inception in the 11th century (it was an important base of operations for the Hanseatic League, a merchant guild). You can spend an afternoon at this museum learning about the city’s maritime history. The exhibitions include ships, paintings, films, artifacts, original maps, and some cannons from the 18th century. The highlight here is the Kvalsund boat, an old Viking longship that dates to the eighth century. It was excavated in 1920. There’s also an original Halsnøy boat that dates back to somewhere between 390 and 535 CE. Admission is 120 NOK.

12. Hike Mount Ulriken

Located just a few kilometers outside the city, Mount Ulriken stands 643 meters (2,100 feet) high and is the tallest of the seven mountains near Bergen. If you’re not feeling up for a hike to the top, you can take the cable car, which takes about eight minutes and costs 195 NOK round trip. At the top, you’ll get spectacular sweeping views of Bergen and the sea. There are some shorter hikes (2-3 hours long) up there as well. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush, you can speed down the mountain on Norway’s fastest zip line. It opened in 2016 and is 300 meters (984 feet) long. You need to book tickets in advance though (they cost 490 NOK).

13. Visit the Leprosy Museum

Leprosy ran rampant in Europe between 1850-1900. With three leprosy hospitals, Bergen was home to the greatest concentration of lepers in all of Europe. This eye-opening museum belongs to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme and you can take an educational tour to learn about the history, symptoms, and treatment of leprosy, as well as what the conditions were like in the hospitals during the outbreak. Admission is 120 NOK. The museum is open only from May to September.

14. See Bergenhus Fortress

Next to the Bergen Harbor is an imposing stone fort called Bergenhus Fortress. It dates to the 1260s and is one of the oldest fortresses in Norway. It encompasses Rosenkrantz Tower and Haakon’s Hall, a former royal residence from the 13th century. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed Haakon’s Hall and all of the interior decorations in 1944, so it is now decorated with tapestries and is mainly used for concerts and banquets (the Hall was used by occupying German forces during World War II). Admission is free.

Bergen Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start around 300-350 NOK per night for a 8-10-person dorm (there are mostly large dorms here — including 20-person dorms). If you want a private room, prices start at 730 NOK. Prices are pretty consistent year-round. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Of the few hostels in the city, only one includes free breakfast (HI Bergen Hostel Montana).

Additionally, hostels charge a 50 NOK surcharge for linens (this is standard practice in Scandinavia). You can bring your own to avoid the fee, however, you cannot use a sleeping bag.

Wild camping is a budget-friendly option as it is legal (and free) to camp almost anywhere in Norway. Norway has ‘Freedom to Roam’ laws (called “Allemannsretten”) that allow anyone to camp anywhere for two nights as long as it’s not on cultivated land. You’ll need to make sure you are not camping near someone’s house, that you take all trash with you when you leave, and that you aren’t in a farmer’s field or garden. But other than that, you can pretty much pitch your tent anywhere!

If wild camping is not your thing, campgrounds are also common around Bergen. Many require a Camping Key Europe card which you can purchase at your campsite for 210 NOK or online for 160 NOK. You can use the online.camping.no website to look for sites around Bergen that use the card. Most campsites have modern facilities, including toilets and showers. Expect most plots for two people without electricity to start around 150 NOK per night.

Budget hotel prices – A three-star budget hotel (there are no two-star budget hotels in Bergen) begins at around 1,190 NOK per night during the high season. During the low season, prices are closer to 900 NOK. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Private rooms on Airbnb can be found for 300-500 NOK per night, though prices average closer to 800 NOK. An entire home/apartment or house costs at least 700 NOK per night (though expect to pay double or even triple if you don’t book early).

Food – Norwegian cuisine is centered around seafood. Smoked salmon is one of the country’s staples and cod is also super popular. Prawns and crab are other local delicacies (locals host “crab parties” when they are in season). Lamb is the most popular meat, and open-faced sandwiches are the go-to choice for both breakfast and lunch (usually composed of dark bread, cheese, and either meat, seafood, or vegetables).

Street food like hot dogs cost between 40-50 NOK while fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 120 NOK for a combo meal. A meal at a casual restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 180 NOK. For a three-course meal with table service, expect to pay closer to 450-500 NOK.

A basic large pizza costs around 110 NOK (or 140 NOK with more toppings) while Chinese food is around 160 NOK for a main dish.

Beer at the bar costs 100 NOK though you can get it for half that price if you buy it at the store. Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 45 NOK while bottled water is 25 NOK.

Grocery shopping here is the cheapest way to eat on a budget. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 700 NOK for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Bergen Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 600 NOK per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like walking tours and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 100-200 NOK per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,325 NOK per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits and fjord tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,000 NOK or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NOK.

Bergen Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bergen, like the rest of Norway, is a very expensive place to visit. Nothing about your visit here will be budget friends. There are slightly cheaper eats thanks to the university here but it still takes work to save money. Here are some tips to cut your costs in Bergen:

• Cook your own food – Food is expensive in Norway so the best thing you can do is cook your own meals. It’s not fancy, but it will save you a fortune!
• Eat cheap – If you do decide to eat out, your cheapest options are shawarma and pizza.
• Couchsurf – Couchsurfing is the best way to save money on accommodation. While you might end up sleeping on a couch, you’ll get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice with you. Just be sure to send your requests early.
• Camp – Generous camping laws allow you to camp on public lands for free. You can stay for up to two nights in any area as long as you are quiet and respectful. Make sure to leave the area as you found it! If you plan on camping in campgrounds, make sure to get the Camping Key Europe card. It offers discounts to most of Norway’s campgrounds.
• Get the Bergen Card – The best way to afford all the city’s attractions is to get this city tourism card. It offers free entry into all the main attractions as well as free transportation. The card is available in 24, 48, 72, or 96-hour options and costs 300-540 NOK.
• Stay sober – At 100 NOK per drink (often more!), going out to drink will destroy your budget. While Norwegians love to go out and have a good time, if you are on a tight budget, skip the booze!
• Buy your drinks at the store – If you do plan on drinking, buy your drinks at the Vinmonopolet (the state-run chain of stores that sell alcohol). You’ll save 50% or more doing this!
• Travel with friends – If you rent a car to get out of the city (which is the best way to see the surrounding areas) try to find people to join you to share costs. You can use the Couchsurfing app or just ask around in hostels to find people. This can help you save money on gas and rental prices — which can eat into your budget quickly!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Bergen is super clean, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Bergen only has a few hostels and they’re all pretty comfortable and sociable. These are my recommended places to stay in Bergen:

• HI Bergen Hostel Montana
• Intermission Hostel

How to Get Around Bergen

Public transportation – Public transportation in Bergen is efficient, reliable, and clean. Tickets are priced per zone and increase if you travel to and from different zones. Tickets start at 40 NOK for a single journey within a single zone, 60 NOK for traveling between two zones, and 102 NOK for three zones. You can get a 24-hour pass starting at 105 NOK for traveling within a single zone.

Buy your ticket in advance using the Skyss Billett app. If you don’t, a single journey ticket costs 60 NOK when bought onboard (instead of 40 NOK).

Free public transportation is included with the Bergen Card.

The airport bus costs 179 NOK for a single trip or 309 NOK round-trip. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance; there’s a 30 NOK upcharge if you buy it on board.

Taxi – Taxis are prohibitively expensive here. Rates start at 90 NOK and go up 9 NOK per kilometer. Avoid them if you can. There are no ride-sharing apps like Uber here.

Bicycle – Cycling is a great way to get around the city as everything is compact and lots of locals bike as well. You can find rentals for 300 NOK for two hours or 500 NOK per day. You can also rent e-bikes for 600 NOK per day.

When to Go to Bergen

The ideal time to visit Bergen is from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long (sunset isn’t until after 11pm and sunrise happens around 4am). The country is at its liveliest during this time and locals take advantage of the good weather every chance they get. The parks are always full and there are always fun events happening around town. Temperatures peak in the 20s°C (60s-70s°F) during the summer. Not too hot, but warm enough to swim, hike, and lounge about.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Norway has a very short summer, Bergen can get busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. That being said, “busy” in Bergen is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Paris, Berlin, or London (or even Oslo for that matter).

The shoulder season makes for a good time to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 4-10°C (40-50°F). May typically has decent weather with occasional rain, while September offers cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around September/October, or at the very least reduce their hours. The days begin to get dark early in October and temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease and you’re likely to find cheaper airfare and accommodation. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year as it can be quite cool — even during the day.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. You only get a few hours of light each day and temperatures plummet to well below freezing. The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that you’ll find cheaper accommodation and fees for certain attractions are lower as well.

This is the prime time to see the northern lights or go skiing, so there is still plenty to do if you plan on visiting during the winter — you just might have to leave the city to make the most out of your trip.

How to Stay Safe in Bergen

While incidents in Bergen are incredibly rare, it’s still good to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train stations and on public transportation. Problems are virtually non-existent but it never hurts to be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.) but it’s unlikely anything will occur. Check out one of the solo female travel blogs on the web for more specific information on safety.

If you go hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you go as well.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it never hurts to be safe!

The tap water in Bergen is safe and clean. There is also no real risk of natural disasters or terrorism here either. Winter storms are about as bad as it gets.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for police, 110 for fire, and 113 for ambulance services.

At the end of the day, always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID as well. It never hurts to be prepared!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bergen Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Bergen Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Norway and continue planning your trip:

How to Spend 48 Hours in Oslo

The 22 Best Things to Do in Oslo

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

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• Norway’s magnificent fjords
• The stunning glass façade of Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral
• A Sami ceremony north of the Arctic Circle
• Sheep farming and wool production in a Faroese village
• The age-old tradition of smoking fish
• Stories of the daily life of the ancient Vikings
• Copenhagen’s brightly colored houses in Nyhavn
• The dazzling display of the northern lights

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2024-2026 OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select departures of Canada & New England Scenic Shores; Eastern Seaboard Discovery; Grand Hawaii & Polynesia; Hawaiian Islands Sojourn; Panama Canal & Central America; Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires August 31, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Premium upgrades may not be available on all departures. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.