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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.

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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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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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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

3 Magical Days in Bergen: Complete Itinerary

20 December 2023 · In: Bergen , City Guide , Norway

Are you looking for an epic  Bergen 3-day itinerary ? You have come to the right place! From exploring the UNESCO-listed Bryggen to admiring the stunning fjords on a cruise or hiking on Mount Fløyen, this travel guide is perfect for  first-time visitors , especially on a  long weekend getaway . It will show you all the  unique things to do and see  to make the most of your time in the Norwegian city.

I visited Bergen in  November  with my partner Matt, and we loved it! After taking a cruise along the Norwegian fjords 4 years ago, we were eager to come back and discover this  picturesque town , and we were not disappointed. What I loved the most was the  diversity of experiences Bergen offers  between  culture, history, nature and relaxation . There is something for everyone!

And even though Bergen is a compact city, you will find  plenty of places to visit and hidden gems . A short stay in the Norwegian city provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy unforgettable adventures, such as  kayaking expeditions ,  open sea swimming  and  mountain biking .

So, are you excited? Keep reading this  city guide  to discover the perfect  Bergen 3-day itinerary  covering the top things to do and enjoy your vacation stress-free, without rushing. You will also find  practical eco-friendly tips  for  responsible travel  at the end. Enjoy!

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, please  read our full affiliate disclosure .

5- Enjoy the view from Skansens Bataljon

5- visit the kode art museums, 5- take a dip at nordnes sjøbad, overview: how to see bergen in 3 days.

DAY 1 – CITY CENTRE

• Bergenhus Fortress
• Sandviken walking tour
• Bryggen’s back streets
• Skansens Bataljon

DAY 2 – NATURE & CULTURE

• Fløibanen Funicular
• Scenic hike
• Hanseatic Museum
• Fish market
• KODE Art Museums

DAY 3 – RELAXATION

• Mostraumen Fjord cruise
• Kayaking expedition
• Nordnes District
• Nordnes Park
• Nordnes Sjøbad

3 days in Bergen, Norway – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

Detailed Bergen 3-day itinerary

This Bergen guide covers all the  best things to do and see in 3 days  and is perfect for travelling with family, friends or as a couple, whether it is your first time in the city or you have been there before.

On the other hand, remember that this itinerary is  only a guide with recommendations . You can spend more days in the Norwegian city or add other stops to your city break.

Day 1 – Explore the city centre

1- stroll along bryggen.

Your first day in Bergen begins at one of its most iconic landmarks and picturesque symbols:  Bryggen , a  historic wharf  renowned for its vibrant and  colourful wooden houses  – so do not forget your camera!

Dating from the Hanseatic period, these structures are a  UNESCO World Heritage site , showcasing the  unique maritime history  of the city. The buildings, leaning against each other along the waterfront (in a crumbling way), today house a mix of  shops, galleries and restaurants , offering scenic views of the harbour and surrounding mountains.

Bryggen is a  must-see attraction  and the perfect way to start your 3-day itinerary, providing an excellent glimpse into the  rich trading heritage  and  charming atmosphere  of the town whilst you enjoy a morning stroll through its narrow alleyways and visit the  Bryggens Museum .

🎟️ Book your tour:  Pocket Bryggen: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Bergen .

2- Visit the Bergenhus Fortress

Not far from Bryggen, as you continue your walk along the waterfront, you will come across the historic  Bergenhus Fortress , one of the  oldest and best-preserved stone fortifications  in the country, located at the entrance of Bergen Harbour.

Dating from the 13th century, it has played a  significant role  in Norwegian history. The fortress complex includes  notable structures  such as  Haakon Hall , a medieval banquet hall, and the  Rosenkrantz Tower , a defensive tower with a rich history. 

This unmissable fortress will offer you an ideal insight into the  medieval past of the country , combining  architectural heritage, exhibitions and panoramic views  of the surrounding harbour and city from the top of its tower – a visit I highly recommend!

🎟️ Book your tour:  Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present .

3- Go on a Sandviken walking tour

For a unique and family-friendly experience, why not take an  audio-guided tour of Sandviken , a  charming neighbourhood  located northeast of the city centre? Lasting just over an hour, it is a perfect activity in any season.

Known for its  picturesque setting  and  historic architecture , Sandviken is characterised by colourful wooden houses lining narrow streets. The area retains a  traditional and small-town atmosphere , with views of the harbour and mountains adding to its scenic appeal. 

As you follow your audio guide, you will  explore the cultural heritage  of the neighbourhood,  enjoy waterfront walks  and  experience the local charm  of this residential area. Sandviken offers a quieter alternative to the bustling city centre, providing a deeper look into the  maritime history  and  coastal lifestyle  of the town.

🎟️ Book your tour:  Off the Beaten Track in Bergen: Sandviken Walking Tour .

4- Get lost in Bryggen’s back streets

When you return from your guided tour, take the time to wander further afield and  get lost in the quaint cobbled streets  behind Bryggen. Just walk around, stop at one of the  cafés , visit  cute shops  and enjoy the scenery.

You might encounter a few  hilltop paths , but it is not too bad and accessible to everyone. As an added bonus, you will be motivated with  great views over the town .

In addition, do not hesitate to stop at  Mary’s Church . Built in the 12th century, this Romanesque church is one of the oldest surviving structures in Bergen.

To end your first day in Bergen and enjoy a  peaceful sunset with a scenic view , head to  Skansens Bataljon , an old fire station (I thought it was a white church) just above the Fløibanen funicular building.

From there, you will be blessed with an  uninterrupted panorama  of the town, the harbour and the surrounding mountains. In the summer months, you can even pack and  have a picnic  – the perfect romantic evening for couples!

You will also find nearby a  leafy park with a popular recreational area , perfect for families with children, and the Skansedammen, an  artificial pond  which can transform into an ice skating ring in winter. 

Finally, for the bravest (and depending on the weather, as it can be slippery in winter), this spot is where you can  start your hike to the summit of Mount Fløyen  – if you prefer walking rather than taking the funicular.

Day 2 – Natural & cultural immersion

1- take the fløibanen funicular.

Your second day in Bergen will begin with a trip aboard the iconic  Fløibanen Funicular  to reach the summit of  Mount Fløyen , one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen and a  popular tourist destination  offering  stunning panoramic views .

Operating since 1918, the  Fløibanen  takes you on a  picturesque journey  from the city centre to Mount Fløyen. This funicular ride is not only a  convenient way  to get to the top but also a  memorable and scenic adventure  in itself.

Once on the summit, you can  enjoy the views from the platform  as well as  hiking trails ,  beautiful landscapes  and  recreational activities  (including a playground, a shop and a café). Mount Fløyen is a  breathtaking natural attraction  and a  hub for outdoor enthusiasts , providing a fascinating escape for everyone (also accessible to families and young children).

I recommend booking your tickets online through the website or the app, as it can get very busy, with long queues down the street. In addition, I would advise taking the funicular early morning to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the area.

Additional information :

⏰ The journey takes only 6 minutes. 🚃 There is a funicular every few minutes.  💰 The cost for a return ticket is £8. 🧍🏻 You can sit down or stand.  👩🏻‍🦽 There is a section for wheelchairs and prams.

2- Venture on a scenic hike 

Mount Fløyen is a haven for nature lovers! No matter your level, you will find a  hiking trail suitable for all ages . The options are endless, so I would recommend checking out this article:  Ten wonderful walks in delightful scenery . I used it to plan our short hike,  Tour 2 – Revurtjern Lake , which took us around 2/3 hours, with a picnic halfway. 

The landscapes were  covered with snow , and we were incredibly lucky with the weather as it was sunny – but freezing! In winter, the lakes will be frozen, and everything will be quiet, but we loved it. It was  so peaceful .

In summer, the area transforms into a  beloved spot to enjoy water activities , such as  swimming or hiring a canoe (for free)  on the Skomakerdiket Lake. It is also the perfect location to  have a picnic  as you will find barbecues, benches and tables all around.

And for the most adventurous, you will have  plenty of opportunities for full-day hikes  if you prefer. One of the most popular journeys is the one to  Ulriken , offering a real day out on the mountains.

Finally, for families with children, you will come across a  large playground  and an  exciting   obstacle course  in the forest. Plus, do not miss the mysterious  Troll Forest . And if you want a little more speed and excitement,  rent a mountain bike  and venture across the mountain.

3- Tour the Hanseatic Museum

For the remaining half of the day, you can either  spend it on Mount Fløyen  or  go down with the funicular  (sit in front if you can for a fun ride) to continue your discovery of Bergen with a few museums. 

The first museum you should add to your bucket list is the  Hanseatic Museum , housed in one of the  preserved buildings  on the historic Bryggen Wharf. This museum provides a  fascinating glimpse into the Hanseatic past  of the city, particularly in medieval times. 

Explore the  meticulously restored living quarters and workspaces of Hanseatic merchants  as you learn about their daily lives, trade practices and the challenges they faced. The exhibits and artefacts of the museum also offer a  unique perspective on the maritime and commercial history  of Berger – a must-visit for history and culture buffs!

4- Stop at the fish market

Just a few minutes away from the Hanseatic Museum, you will find the  Bergen Fish Market  located along the waterfront, a  bustling and iconic marketplace  where locals and travellers can experience the  lively atmosphere of a traditional Norwegian fish market . 

Operating for centuries, it features a  wide variety of fresh seafood , including fish, shellfish and other local specialities. Explore the stalls, eat at one of the restaurants to  sample freshly caught treats  and  engage with local vendors . 

The market is not only a  captivating place  where you can purchase seafood but also a  cultural experience not to miss , offering a perfect taste of the  coastal culinary traditions  of Norway.

Note that the indoor Fish Market is open all year round, and the outdoor Fish Market is only running in spring and summer.

For your final stop of the day, head to the  KODE museums  for another dose of art and culture. KODE refers to a group of  four art museums , housing an  extensive collection of Norwegian and international art , including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and much more.

Permanenten  focuses on temporary exhibitions, craft and design collections and Chinese art.  Lysverket  is often associated with art from the 15th to 20th centuries, in addition to international modernism, whilst  Rasmus Meyer  features the works of Edvard Munch.  Stenersen , on the other hand, concentrates on international contemporary art.

The Kode museums collectively contribute to the  rich cultural scene of Bergen , offering a  diverse range of artistic experiences  worth the detour, especially on a cold and rainy day!

Day 3 – Fjord cruise & relaxation

1- join a fjord cruise to mostraumen.

Your third and final day in Bergen will begin with a  scenic and popular excursion : a magical  morning fjord cruise to Mostraumen . Hop on a boat and enjoy a breathtaking journey through the  beautiful landscape of the Norwegian fjords , giving you a different perspective on the country.

Your cruise will depart from the harbour and sail through the  narrow Mostraumen strait , surrounded by  rugged mountains  and  dramatic waterfalls . You will enjoy panoramic views of the fjords,  picturesque villages and wildlife  whilst the boat manoeuvres through the thin channels. 

The  Mostraumen fjord cruise  will provide you and your family with a memorable opportunity to experience the  natural beauty of the Norwegian coastline  – something I highly recommend you try!

You are welcome to compare online the cruise you want to join, but I would suggest  Rødne Fjord Cruise  for its work towards sustainability, aiming to run the most  eco-friendly operations  possible for cruise tourism in the fjords.

🎟️ Book your cruise:  From Bergen: Scenic Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen .

⏰ The cruise lasts around 3 hours.  🌦️ It is accessible all year round. ☕️ A shop is available inside the boat. 

2- Or go on a kayaking expedition

Instead of the cruise, if you feel more adventurous and independent,  rent a kayak  and  explore the fjord and inlets  on your own for the morning! Or you can also check out this  guided kayaking tour :  Bergen: Øygarden Islets Guided Kayaking Tour .

On this  beginner-level tour , you will experience  coastal wildlife  like eagles, hear stories from your guide about  local cultural and natural history  and taste  delicious food  prepared with locally sourced ingredients for a  scenic lunch . 

It is the perfect activity to unwind,  immerse yourself in nature  and  meet other like-minded people  whilst learning more about the local heritage – in an  eco-friendly and safe  way.

Please note this tour is only available from May to October.

⏰ The tour lasts around 5 hours. 🛶 Beginners are welcome.  🧥 Dress appropriately for outdoor activity. 🥪 Lunch with local apple juice included.

3- Wander through Nordnes

Once back in Bergen, you will continue your discovery of the town with a stroll through another of its  charming neighbourhoods , Nordnes, located on a  peninsula jutting into the harbour . 

Known for its  picturesque surroundings  and  historic architecture , Nordnes offers a combination of residential areas, parks and cultural attractions. The neighbourhood features  colourful houses, cobbled streets and a relaxed atmosphere  – perfect for photo lovers!

Explore its  coastal paths , enjoy the  maritime atmosphere  and discover the  local charm  that defines this waterfront community. Plus, it is an  ideal neighbourhood to stay in  during your 3-day vacation in Bergen, thanks to its  quaint setting and quiet location  away from the busier areas.

🎟️ Book your tour:  Historic Nordnes: Merchants, Witches, Crime, & Hidden Alleys .

4- Relax at Nordnes Park

On your wander through Nordnes, do not miss a stop at Nordnes Park, located at the tip of the peninsula, providing a  peaceful green space  with  panoramic views of the harbour and city . 

This  verdant oasis  offers locals and travellers a  tranquil escape  with lush lawns, walking paths and beautiful flowerbeds. It is also a perfect spot to  enjoy a picnic in the summertime !

With  benches, playgrounds and a laid-back atmosphere , Nordnes Park is an inviting space for fun, relaxation or leisurely strolls, contributing to the overall charm of the Nordnes district.

You will end your third day and 3-day Bergen itinerary with one of my favourite experiences,  Nordnes Sjøbad  (or Nordnes Sea Bath), a  historic outdoor swimming pool  overlooking the North Sea.

This sea bath provides a unique opportunity to experience  open-water swimming  in a controlled environment –  all year round ! If you are brave enough,  swim in the cold sea  or  take a dip in the heated pool  and relax whilst enjoying scenic views of the surrounding coastline. 

You will also find  wooden saunas  with sea views, a few  diving boards  for thrill seekers and  shower facilities .

Nordnes Sjøbad is a  fun activity  I highly recommend, even in winter, and a  popular spot  for both locals and travellers seeking a  refreshing and invigorating outdoor swimming experience . 

I also suggest checking the timetable on their website beforehand, as it will change depending on the day and season. You will also find free lockers inside and shared changing rooms.

Shop the printable travel itinerary

Plan your perfect Bergen city break & live a unique green experience.

How to get to Bergen

The best way to get to Bergen will depend on where you come from and your budget, but there are many options to reach the Norwegian city.

One of the quickest ways to get to Bergen is by plane . If you are travelling from another country or a distant city, you will likely arrive at Bergen Flesland Airport (BGO), the main international airport well-connected to major cities in Europe and around the world. But please, try to prioritise direct flights to reduce your carbon footprint – if flying is the only option. From the airport, you can take a taxi, the Airport Express Coach or Tram 1 to reach the city centre.

One of the most eco-friendly ways to get to Bergen is by train . The city is well-connected to the Norwegian railway network and neighbouring countries thanks to its central station. For example, the train journey from Oslo to Bergen, known as the Bergen Railway, is particularly scenic and considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

Finally,  the most affordable option for getting to Bergen is by coach . It is a great way to reach the Norwegian city if you are exploring Europe on a budget, but it may take longer. Long-distance buses connect Bergen with various cities in Norway and neighbouring countries. For example, check out the  Eurolines  bus service.

How to get around Bergen

Once in Bergen, you will find many options for getting around the city.

The best way (eco-friendly too) to travel around Bergen is on foot . The Norwegian city is compact and easily accessible on foot, even on a short day trip or weekend getaway, as the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Plus, it is the perfect way to experience the best of the place whilst getting some exercise!

The best option to get around Bergen faster (or if you want to travel further) is by public transport . Bergen has an efficient and extensive bus network operated by Skyss, connecting various parts of the city and its suburbs, ideal for reaching remote places. Alternatively, use the Bergen Light Rail, known as Bybanen, which links the city centre to different neighbourhoods and the airport.

The last and fun option is to travel around Bergen by bike . It is a fantastic way to get around the city whilst reducing your carbon footprint! Bergen has bike-friendly infrastructures with dedicated lanes, and you can easily rent a bike at various locations to explore on two wheels, taking advantage of the scenic coastal routes and encouraging slow travel.

Where to stay in Bergen for 3 days

The best neighbourhoods in bergen.

Are you looking for the  best place to stay in Bergen  for 3 days? Here is an overview of the  top neighbourhoods  in the Norwegian city:

• Sentrum (city centre) : the best neighbourhood  for first-timers  due to its ideal central location with easy access to shopping streets, restaurants and cultural attractions, also suitable for different budgets.
• Bryggen : the  coolest  area to stay in for its lively atmosphere and  nightlife , right in the heart of the historic district of Bergen. But keep in mind that it can be popular and potentially more expensive.
• Nordnes : the best area  for families  due to its charming and quiet location with parks and waterfront views, offering a more relaxed atmosphere whilst still being within walking distance of the main attractions.
• Nygård : the best place to stay in Bergen to soak up the  local vibes , known for its various cafés, restaurants and shops. It is also a great lively area for travellers  on a budget ! 

MY EXPERIENCE

My partner Matt and I stayed for a long weekend in Nordnes, and we loved the area! Our Airbnb was in a quiet location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, within walking distance of the centre and main attractions. Plus, the area was super cute with its wooden hours and narrow cobbled streets!

Best time to visit Bergen

Overall, the  best time to visit Bergen is in summer (between May and August)  when the weather is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 13°c to 18°c and longer daylight hours, which can extend late into the evening. It is the ideal season for sightseeing and outdoor activities, like hiking on Mount Fløyen, going on a kayaking expedition and exploring the fjords. 

Spring (April to May)  and  autumn (September to October)  are also great seasons as they offer milder temperatures than winter, making them good times for sightseeing without the summer crowds. You will enjoy the beautiful flowers in bloom in spring and the stunning orange foliage in autumn, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Winter (November to March)  is mild compared to other parts of Norway but can still be chilly, with temperatures ranging from 0°c to 6°c. Although it is the low season for travel, it is a good time for those who enjoy a quieter atmosphere. You will have the chance to enjoy the Christmas festivities, go ice skating, see the fjords under a white coat and catch the Northern Lights.

We decided to visit Bergen in November as we love Norway in winter. We experienced a fjord cruise above the Arctic Circle years ago and fell in love with the country during this season. However, Bergen was less cold and drier, and we were lucky with sunny days, adding to its charm

How to reduce your impact in Bergen

Sustainable travel  means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.

Being a responsible traveller in Bergen is possible! Here are some  eco-friendly travel tips  for reducing your carbon footprint:

• If taking the plane is the only option, book direct flights  (which require less fuel than indirect flights)  and  offset your carbon footprint . But, do not use carbon offsetting as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase for your green city break. 
• Select an eco-friendly accommodation  that has implemented sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient systems and waste reduction initiatives. It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide.
• Be mindful of your energy and water consumption . Turn off lights, electronics and heating/cooling when you do not need it. Reuse towels and linens at your hotel or guesthouse to reduce your usage and impact.
• Once there, walk or use public transport . Bergen has an efficient public transportation network with buses and the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen), perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. The city is also highly walkable, with its main attractions close together. Finally, if walking is too tiring, use the bike! It is a great green way to enjoy the sights whilst lowering your environmental impact.
• Eat at local restaurants or markets  that use produce from the area and emphasise organic and sustainability. It will contribute to the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint by supporting restaurants where food does not come from long distances.
• Respect nature and wildlife . If you are exploring the natural areas of Bergen, such as the fjords or mountains, stick to marked trails, respect wildlife and avoid disturbing natural habitats. Leave no trace by picking up your litter and disposing of it properly.
• Always respect the local heritage . Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. Respect their local traditions, smile and learn a few Norwegian words.

More inspiration for your green vacation:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

• 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
• 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Bergen travel planning guide

Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your 3 days in Bergen stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over Bergen (the water quality in Norway is excellent). However, I also recommend travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

Yes, renting a car in Bergen is easy and is a great way to explore the countryside and nearby fjords freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

The best way to book your accommodation in Bergen is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

3 days in Bergen, Norway – FAQ

Yes, Bergen is generally considered one of the most expensive cities in Norway. But it is not impossible to explore it on a budget. Save in advance and be mindful of your expenses once there. Walk as much as possible, eat at local markets, stay in an Airbnb and consider free or low-cost activities.

Yes, 3 days are enough to explore Bergen and enjoy its top highlights and attractions. It will allow you to discover its quaint harbour, fjords and inlets, mountains, parks and museums. However, I would recommend staying longer if you plan to take day trips and explore the area beyond the city.

The best months to visit Bergen are between May and August, in the summer season, when the weather is warm and pleasant with longer daylight hours, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as hiking on Mount Fløyen, going on kayaking expeditions and exploring the fjords.

Although it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Bergen, they are not as common as in other parts of Norway, such as Tromsø or within the Arctic Circle. Being located at a more southern latitude, conditions are generally less favourable. So if witnessing them is a priority for you, consider travelling to more northern regions.

And you, have you ever visited Bergen or would you like to go one day?  Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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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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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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Complete guide to visiting Bergen in Norway

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2022

Discover the best things to do when visiting Bergen Norway plus practical information and tips to help you plan to make the most of your visit.

Bergen is a beautiful Norwegian city and also a designated UNESCO World Heritage City, a European City of Culture and the Gateway to the Fjords!

Bergen was founded in 1070 and is Norway’s second largest city with a population of approximately 280,000.  It is situated on the south western coast of Norway and is surrounded by the beautiful seven mountains and of course wonderful fjords.

If you are starting your exploration of Norway in Bergen (or simply visiting for a weekend break) I have chosen all the must-see places and must-do experiences to help you plan an incredible trip to this lovely Norwegian city.

2. Bergen Fish Market – Torget I Bergen

3. mount fløyen and the funicular (fløibanen), 4. fantoft stave church, 5. ulriken cable car, 6. museums in bergen, norway fact file, arriving in bergen – how to get from bergen airport into the city centre, the bergen card, when is the best time of year to visit bergen what is the weather like in bergen in winter and summer, radisson blu royal hotel bergen – luxury option, best western plus hotel hordaheimen – mid range option, hotel norge by scandic, bergen: guided full-day tour to nærøyfjord & flåmsbanen, from bergen: private tour to sognefjord, gudvangen, & flåm, bergen: private tour with a local, bergen: city walking tour, plan your visit to norway, things to do in bergen.

Bryggen is one of the main attractions in Bergen and is the site of the beautiful old Hanseatic wharf and buildings. In the middle ages this area was the hub of all trade after the Hanseatic League established an office here.

It is a charming area with lots of pretty wooden buildings to admire. The buildings along the harbour front are probably some of the most photographed in Norway and were built after the great fire of 1702.

I recommend wandering the beautiful narrow streets to soak in the atmosphere of this historical area. The wooden houses are charming and there are some lovely shops to stop and browse in.

Many of which sell traditional gifts. In particular we discovered a cosy coffee and book shop with comfy chairs where we spent some time warming up and sipping hot chocolate.

The fish market – Torget I Bergen – is located in the heart of the city. The market has existed since the 1200s and was an important place for trading in Bergen. Today the market sells seafood, fruit and vegetables.

There is plenty of choice of seafood to buy here (and seafood restaurants) the prices are fairly expensive. I don’t eat fish so didn’t buy (or try) anything!

Although the fish market seems to be  very tourist orientated it is still worth a walk around in my opinion!

If you are feeling energetic (which the entire population of Bergen seem to be on Sunday mornings) a walk (or a run) up to Mount Fløyen is to be recommended.

The views of Bergen from the top (320 metres above sea level) are amazing. If you don’t want to walk (or run) there is a funicular which will take you to the top in about 6 minutes.

Catch the funicular from the city centre only a few minutes walk from Bryggen and the Fish Market.

The  Fløibanen line was built in 1918 and consists of a single track with a central passing loop. There are only two cars that travel up and down the mountain and six stops on the way to the top.

Once at the top enjoy the beautiful view of Bergen that lies below you. There is also a restaurant, cafe, shop and play area for children at Fløyen

If you enjoy walking or hiking there are some great options detailed on the Mount Fløyen official website . Hiking is a popular pastime in Norway with some such as the famous Trolltunga hike in the Hardangerfjord region of Norway on many bucket lists.

TOP TIP –  If you are planning to take the furnicular up Mount Floyen try to avoid the weekend when most of Bergen will be there! Also go on a clear day to get a fabulous aerial view of Bergen.

6 kms from the city centre you can find the Fantoft Stave Church . Although the original which was built in 1150 and moved to Fantoft in 1883 burnt down in 1993 it has been rebuilt.

The wooden stave church is one of the last remaining in Europe though we did visit another near Laerdal – the Borgund Stave Church.

If you are particularly interested in seeing more of the stave churches left in Norway you may enjoy reading my post about Laerdal!

Free entry for Bergen card holders otherwise a fee applies.

Take the cable car to the highest of the seven mountains that surround Bergen. At a height of 643 metres above sea level you get views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords and mountains.

For more information including up-to-date costs and weather reports visit the official Ulriken Cable car website.

If you enjoy visiting museums to learn more about the history and culture of a destination you will find some great options in Bergen.

These include the Hanseatic Museum, Bryggens Museum, the Bergen Kunsthall  and the Bergen Maritime Museum.

Find out more about Norwegian Viking history, admire Norwegian traditional costumes or simply while away a morning admiring Norwegian art.

Logistics and FAQs for visiting Bergen

• The unit of currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krona called NOK.
• The language spoken is Norwegian but you will find English is widely spoken and understood.
• Norway is not a cheap country to visit so budget accordingly. Eating out is in particularly expensive. There is a McDonalds in Bergen – we know as we ate there quite a lot!
• If you are planning to purchase alcohol from a supermarket you need to do this before 6pm on a weekend as they will not sell it to you afterwards! And it is a LOT cheaper from a supermarket than in the minibar in your hotel so buy before 6pm!

• When I visited Bergen I flew from Heathrow Airport in London. The flight took 2 hours. Once in Norway, I didn’t hire a car in favour of travelling around the country by bus or train.
• The public transport system is excellent including free wi-fi on the buses! There are various options to get from Bergen airport into the city centre which is 12 km away.
• Catch the airport bus (Flybussen) which costs NOK125 from directly outside the airport building and takes approximately 30 minutes. (Buy tickets in advance for a 20% reduction) Alternatively, a quicker option is to catch the Bergen light rail. This takes 50 minutes but is a lot cheaper at 37 NOK per adult.
• If you have a Bergen card you can travel for free on the City Light Rail and all Skyss buses in Bergen and the surrounding region. There are also taxis available if you prefer but at 4-500 NOK I know what option I would choose (and did!)

The Bergen card gives you free entry or discounted admission to museums and attractions as well as events and sightseeing tours.

As I mentioned above it will also enable you to travel from the airport into Bergen city centre for free. The cards are issued in 24/48 and 72 hour options and cost in 2019

Adult/child (3-15 years old): 24h: NOK 280/100 48h: NOK 360/130 72h: NOK 430/160

Student /senior / Eurail: 24h: NOK 224 48h: NOK 288 72t: NOK 344

Click to buy the Bergen card

It can be extremely cold if you are visiting during the winter months so make sure your packing list reflects this. I purchased a furry hat with flaps to cover my ears which proved invaluable.

The icy wind can be quite cutting! Check out my packing list and tips for traveling Europe in winter for ideas of essential purchases.

If you are visiting Bergen in winter look out for the special outdoor candles places outside homes and businesses to guide visitors! They look so pretty!

Where to stay in Bergen

There are a myriad of places to stay in Bergen. Bergen is not a cheap city so prepare to budget accordingly especially if you choose to stay near the historic Bryggen district.

An excellent mid-range option in Bergen is the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel . This is the hotel we chose and it is perfectly located to see the best of Bergen during your stay.

I would recommend including breakfast when you book. Eating out is not cheap in Norway and if you start the day with a good breakfast it will reduce those costs. We found it so expensive that we actually ate in McDonalds on more than one occasion.

Other options in Bergen include the Best Western Plus Hotel Hordaheimen which is located near the train station and is a more luxury option.

For those seeking a true Nordic experience why not book a stay at the Hotel Norge by Scandic. With beautiful decor and furniture this hotel is cited as one of the best in Bergen.

This was our choice when we stayed in Bergen. Ideally located in the heart of Bryggen Wharf and just 300 meters from the fish market this is a great choice for visitors to Bergen.

Take a stroll to the Floibanen Funicular which is only 250 meters away. The Airport Shuttle bus stops right in front of the hotel too so transfers are easy. 

The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. There was a wide variety of choice at breakfast too – try the caramel cheese!

Another centrally located hotel the Hordaheimen offers guests free WiFi, cable TV and a rich buffet breakfast. Only a few minutes from all the sights of Bergen this is a popular hotel with travelers wishing to explore the city.

For lovers of Scandinavian style this hotel has it in abundance. Offering contemporary design and some rooms offering views over the city and Mount Ulriken the Hotel Norge by Scandic is located in the heart of Bergen. 

With restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions all within walking distance including Bryggen (10 minutes walk) this is another great choice of accommodation in Bergen.

Read – Area and accommodation guide for Bergen

Best day trips from Bergen to the Fjords and Flam Railway

I would highly recommend visiting the fjords in the part of Norway. Some of the most beautiful are within a few hours of Bergen and are definitely do-able in a day even by public transport.

You can read my guide to the best things to do in Flam and Gudvangen which includes an itinerary for a day trip.

This is a popular trip which features in the famous “Norway in a Nutshell” tour.

If you are able to add more days into your Norway itinerary I would suggest travelling to Flam via the Bergen to Oslo train line and spending a few days exploring Flam, Gudvangen, and nearby Laerdal .

This is all easily doable by public transport or if you are hiring a car add it into your Norway road trip itinerary.

If you prefer to take a tour there are some excellent options from Get Your Guide (my tour company of choice) including

Embark on a 1-day tour of Norwegian’s countryside which takes you through some of the most beautiful sceneries.

Experience the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world and travel by road, rail, and water while admiring the panoramic views.

This tour includes 

• A guided tour to Nærøyfjord & Flåmsbanen from Bergen
• A bus trip down the dramatic Stalheimskleiva to Gudvangen and see the beautiful Tvindefossen Waterfall
• Exploration of the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord on an all-electric ferry called the Future of The Fjords
• A trip on one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world on the Flåm Railway

You will experience the best of the Norwegian fjords, mountains, and valleys on this private 11-hour tour to Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flåm. Travel through the Norwegian countryside by road, rail, and water, and admire amazing panoramic views.

Your itinerary is flexible and can be personalized to your interests. 

Recommended tours in Bergen

Discover Bergen with a local guide who will show you the city’s hidden gems. A great way to experience this popular destination like a real local.

Choose from 2/3/4/5/ or 6-hour options.

Embark on a journey of discovery through Bergen with an informative and inspiring local guide.

Get to know the most important sights of the city including the fortress Bergenhus, the Hanseatic quarter (Bryggen), and St.Mary’s Church during the 2 1/2 hour tour.

I am sure you will love Norway as much as I do. It really is one of my favourite countries to visit anywhere in the world.

Hopefully, this guide to things to do in Bergen as well as all the practical tips will help you make the most of your time in the city.

Happy travels!

For more information about Laerdal (which I mentioned in this article) and why you should include a visit to this beautiful Norwegian village read the following posts.

• Books to read before you visit Norway
• 5 reasons why Laerdal should be on your Norwegian itinerary
• Best Norwegian TV shows on Netflix
• Best Nordic Noir fiction 2022

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!

February 9, 2023 by Silvia 3 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.

And 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. 

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
• Fjord and mountain helicopter tour 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. 

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. 

There are so many fjord cruises on offer from Bergen, but I actually much prefer taking a high speed RIB tour like this one , especially if you have nice weather. The ride is fast and thrilling, and such a fun way to get out on the water around Bergen for a bit. I’ve done these all over Norway and always have so much fun. 

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.

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. 

Marineholmen Sandstrand beach

If you’re in Bergen on a beautiful day, head to Marineholmen beach! This sandy 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. 

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. Here you can 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. 

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. 

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.  

Take a private helicopter tour

If you really want a once in a lifetime experience, Bergen offers quite a lot of private helicopter tours to some of the most magnificent nature landmarks near the city. 

This helicopter tour from Bergen takes you over Hardangerfjord, glaciers, waterfalls, and Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue), Norway’s most famous cliff. Or cheaper options are this helicopter tour over Folgefonna Glacier and this fjord and mountain helicopter tour from Bergen .

Then there’s this private glacier helicopter tour from Bergen , this private coast & lighthouse helicopter tour , or you can go all out with this 2.5 hour ultimate Norway helicopter tour from Bergen , including Pulpit Rock, Trolltunga, and Folgefonna Glacier. 

Norway in a Nutshell

One of the most popular tours to take from Bergen is the Norway in a Nutshell. 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 . 

There really are  so many tours offered from Bergen, and after reading through all of them this group cider tour was one of my favorites. This is a full day minivan tour and covers a lot of ground, including the Hopperstad Stave Church, Tvindefossen Waterfall, a cruise on Sognefjord, and lunch and a cider tasting at The Cider House in Balestrand. It is a big group tour, but that is reflected in the price – a private tour would be much more expensive. 

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, Jaja for Asian fusion and drinks, 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.

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!

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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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A Guide to Bergen

• Take a ferry onNærøyfjord

Dine on the freshest seafood Norway has to offer

Admire the art in the kode museums.

• Conquer MountFløyen
• Embrace the city’s heritage

Norway’s second largest city is situated on the west coast , and its charming, small town feel is enhanced by the seven mighty mountains that act as its natural enclosure; not to mention the breathtaking fjords that are only a short drive away. The city’s waterfront is adorned with houses of every colour, and the fishing heritage of the area dominates its modern day attractions. A few days here is highly recommended, leaving you with enough time to discover everything Bergen has to offer, whilst ensuring you make the most of what is a gateway to some of the world’s most unspoilt wilderness. Anyway, here are a few things to cram into your itinerary when you visit…

Take a ferry on Nærøyfjord

Just inland from Bergen is the stunning Nærøyfjord. A cruise on the fjord can be combined with a scenic morning train ride to Voss, before heading onwards to Gudvangen, where you can catch a ferry across the water to Flåm. Nærøyfjord is one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, and its beauty has been recognised internationally since it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. With any luck, you will witness goats grazing alongside the fjord and playful seals lounging by the water’s edge as you leave Gudvangen. 

Bergen’s fish market is one of Europe’s finest, with a huge selection of spectacular seafood. All produce on the stalls is fresh, and whilst a bite to eat is notoriously expensive, a wander through the market alongside the beautiful harbour is a great way to spend a morning. The city is also home to a number of fantastic seafood restaurants, offering traditional Norwegian cuisine to open minded tourists, including locally caught whale, incredible salmon and world class shellfish.

The four KODE buildings are made up of five museums, the Edvard Grieg Museum (Troldhaugen), the Harald Sæverud Museum (Siljustøl), the Ole Bull Museum (Lysøen), as well as the Bergen Art Museum and the West Norway Museum of Decorative Art. In total, Kode presides over a staggering 43,000 works of art, among which are paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations and videos, as well as furniture, artisanal handcraft and design. There are few places in Europe better than Bergen for those with a passion for the artistic, and there is no doubt that at least one of the famous KODE buildings will cater to your taste. 

Conquer Mount Fløyen

For an unforgettable view of the city, grab a place on the tram which climbs up to the peak of Mt Fløyen. At over 300m high, you will have an enchanting panorama of the city below, as well as access to plenty of well-marked hiking tracks which lead into the forest. All the possibilities are mapped out on a Walking Map of Mount Fløyen, which you can pick up from the Bergen tourist office in the city centre.

Embrace the city’s heritage

Several sights and museums pay homage to Bergen’s history, and the industries which helped it become so prosperous. From the Maritime Museum to the soon to re-open Museum of Fisheries, there is no doubting the influence that the sea has had on the city. Alternatively experience some of Bergen’s religious history by heading to the beautiful cathedral, Domkirke, where regular organ recitals still occur inside a building with a turbulent history. 

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• 1.1 Cityscape
• 1.2 History
• 1.3 Geography
• 1.4 Climate
• 1.5 Culture
• 1.6 Research and education
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3.1 From Oslo and Eastern Norway
• 2.3.2 From Western Norway
• 2.3.3 From Southern Norway
• 2.5 By boat
• 3.1 Orientation
• 3.2 On foot
• 3.3.1 Schedules
• 3.3.2 Fares
• 3.3.3 Lines and services
• 3.3.4 Accessibilty
• 3.4 By light rail
• 3.6 By taxi
• 3.7 By train
• 3.8 By bicycle
• 4.1 Panorama points
• 4.2 Traditional wooden architecture
• 4.3.1 Bergenhus fortress
• 4.3.2.1 Museums
• 4.4 Nygårdshøyden and Møhlenpris (southern downtown)
• 4.5 South of the city centre
• 4.6 North of the city centre
• 4.7 West of the city centre
• 5.1 Concerts
• 5.2 Stage art
• 5.3 Beach-life
• 5.4.1 Mount Fløyen
• 5.6 Fishing
• 7.2 Tax-free shopping
• 8.1 Local food
• 8.2.1 City centre
• 8.2.2 Around the train station
• 8.3 Mid-range
• 8.4 Splurge
• 9.1 Central downtown
• 9.2 Bryggen and Dreggen
• 9.3 Nordnes and Nøstet area
• 9.4 Nygårdshøyden and Møhlenpris – the University Area
• 9.5 Outside the city centre
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11.1 Emergency numbers
• 12 Stay healthy
• 15.1.1 Christian
• 15.2 Consulates
• 16.1 Bergen area
• 16.2 Further afield

Bergen is Norway 's second largest city and the most popular gateway to the fjords of West Norway . The city is renowned for its great location amidst mountains, fjords, and the ocean. Steep mountains and highlands within the city offer excellent hiking opportunities. The city center is compact and can easily be covered on foot, while the city as a whole is spacious and sprawling. Bergen and suburbs are home to about one quarter of the people in West Norway.

Having fostered many of Norway's greatest bands and artists, the city is also known for its cultural life and underground/indie music scene. Bergen's unpredictable weather adds to its quirky, unmistakable charm. Bergen was Norway's main city for centuries, and many patriotic inhabitants believe it still is.

Understand [ edit ]

The character of Bergen is defined by its location, surrounded by steep mountains and sea (straits and fjords). The city itself has many lakes. It is a typical Norwegian wooden town, even downtown there are notable neighbourhoods of small wooden houses in various styles. Few towns if any have so many wooden houses in the centre. In some areas wooden houses have been replaced by taller masonry structures, giving the city a fascinating mix of old and new.

Bergen is a sprawling city stretching some 40-50 km in either direction where the 286,000 inhabitants (2021) are separated by mountains, fjords and lakes. Only the central parts are visible from the panorama points at Mount Fløyen. The distant parts of the city are mostly of less interest to the visitor. The city centre is on the other hand compact and can be covered by walking for most visitors. Bergen is facing the ocean and coast, and the hinterland is relatively sparsely populated. Bergen is separated from eastern Norway by crooked fjords and wide, inhospitable mountain areas, and until the Bergen railway was built in 1909 the most practical transport east-west was several days sailing around the coast.

Cityscape [ edit ]

Central Bergen is characterized by a fascinating conglomerate of small, older wooden houses and newer masonry buildings as well as modern steel-and-glass structures. Bergen has some fine examples of functionalist architecture such as Kalmar House and Sundt shopping centre. "Brutalist" buildings include the science building at the university and the city hall.

Bergen grew organically from the small port and trading post at Bryggen from around year 1000. Because of frequent fires only some masonry buildings (notably Mariakirken and Håkonshallen) remain from the middle ages. But the city centre has retained many aspects of its ancient layout. Notable are the many wide streets or open spaces, called allmenning (commons), perpendicular to Vågen (the inner harbour). These allmennings often rise steeply from the waterfront. Torgallmenningen is not open to cars and defines the modern city centre. Ordinary streets in the medieval town were often long and more narrow, and ran parallel to the waterfront. Narrow and short streets, smug (alley), run among houses packed close together. Alleys are usually too narrow for cars and some are so steep that there are stairs.

Key areas within central Bergen:

• Bryggen (the German or Hanseatic wharf) on the East shore of Vågen, this is the historical centre (including Øvregaten/Lille Øvregaten streets)
• From Bryggen area, Mt. Fløyen rises steeply. The slopes of Mt. Fløyen are dominated by wooden residential buildings, some among the finest and most expensive in town.
• Just north of Bryggen is Bergenhus fortress and Håkonshallen (previously also known as Holmen , "the eyot", effectively Norway's capital during some periods of the middle ages).
• 60.391867 5.322908 3 Sentrum . The intersection of Torgallmenningen and Ole Bulls plass squares is the focal point of the modern city centre. Included in Sentrum is also the area around Lille Lungegårdsvann (the octagonal lake). The area is dominated by shops, restaurants, hotels and office buildings. ( updated Jun 2019 )
• 60.387971 5.322168 4 Nygårdshøyden . Nygårdshøyden: West of the very centre a distinct mountainous ridge runs in the north-south direction. By locals simply Høyden ("the hill") and is easily recognised by the landmark church Johanneskirken (St. John's). Home to the University and several museums. The northern part is known as Sydneshaugen while Nygårdsparken occupies the southern part. ( updated Jun 2019 )
• Store Lungegårdsvannet is a lake or bay of brackish water separating central Bergen from areas to the south. Puddefjorden separates central Bergen from Laksevåg area to the west.
• 60.4059 5.3242 5 Sandviken . Sandviken, Skuteviken and Ladegården are primarily residential areas north of Bryggen and the fortress. The area begins a few minutes walk from Bryggen and stretches for some 3 km along the base of a steep mountain. Dominated by pretty wooden houses, particularly in Skuteviken houses are packed in small space without roads. The Norwegian School of Economics ( Norges Handelshøyskole ), an elite education and research institution, is located in the northern end of Sandviken. ( updated Jun 2019 )

History [ edit ]

Founded around 1070 AD, Bergen quickly evolved into the biggest and commercially most important city in Norway. It was the country's administrative capital from the early 1200s until 1299, and the second largest city in Scandinavia. Bergen was one of the most important bureau cities of the Hanseatic League, interconnecting continental Europe with the northern and coastal parts of Norway, thus becoming a central spot for the vending of stockfish and the commercial hub of Norway. It was the largest city in Norway until the 1830s and has a long maritime history in shipping and finance. Until the Bergen railway ( Bergensbanen ) began operation in 1909 there was no convenient overland transport between Norway's principal cities.

The city still has relics of its Hanseatic heyday, most notably the old harbour of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Bergen has been ravaged by several fires; the most recent major fire took place in 1916, a fire which destroyed most of the buildings in what is today the central parts of the city centre, around on the large square Torgallmenningen. About 400 buildings were lost.

Because of a long tradition of wood building even in cramped areas like Bergen, the city has been destroyed several times by fire. In 1702 90 % of the city was destroyed including Bryggen.

While few medieval buildings remain, the historical centre of Bergen is along the eastern shore of Vågen (the inner harbour), notably Bryggen (the Wharf), the fortress and the two key churches (Mariakirken/St Mary's and Korskirken/Holy Cross church). The pattern of settlement is largely unchanged for almost 1,000 years, including Øvregaten/Lille Øvregate − one of Norway's oldest streets. St. Mary's and Holy cross church were built around 1150 at either end of what was then the city. St. Mary's, with its unusual double towers and prominent location, may have been planned as the city's main church at the time.

The western shore of the inner harbour were developed later and became the modern city centre. This shore was known as Stranden ("the Strand") and was dominated by Norwegians, while the Hanseatic merchants dominated the eastern shore. Strandgaten became the main shopping street for locals and visitors from the hinterland. Strandgaten was presumably established in the middle ages and the middle section is basically unchanged in the last several hundred years.

Geography [ edit ]

Bergen is located in the far west in Norway, sheltered from the North Sea only by a number of islands. It is situated along latitude 60 degrees north, on the same latitude as Oslo , Stockholm , Helsinki , Saint Petersburg and Anchorage . The city is the most hilly and mountainous in Norway. The city centre is surrounded by a group of mountains and peaks known as the Seven Mountains. This has given the city its name (berg is an old Norse word for mountain). The geographic conditions of the city are very visible; limited space to build on made it necessary in the 19th century that new city blocks be built on the steep slopes of mount Fløyen.

Except for the dense city centre, which made up the entire incorporated city before 1916, Bergen is the least dense of the four largest cities in Norway. Bergen covers the same width as Oslo but Oslo has 3 times more people within the city. London for instance has 10 times higher population density than Bergen. Most of the settlement inside the very wide city borders is concentrated in the western part of the municipality. The rest of the municipality is made up of mountains, as well as some farmland and smaller settlements. Except for the compact city centre, distances are relatively long within the municipality of Bergen.

The geographical centre of Bergen is the intersection of Torgallmenningen and Ole Bulls plass, indicated by the "blue stone" a nine meter long slightly inclined slab. Torgallmenningen square and Ole Bulls plass are the main axes in central Bergen. Historically, the centre was slightly more east at Vågen (the bay) or at Bryggen.

Climate [ edit ]

Due to the city's northern location, close to the northern sea and surrounded by mountains, special weather conditions occur, resulting in approximately 240 days with precipitation a year and a mean temperature of 7.6 °C (45.7 °F). In January 2007, a record of 85 rainy days in a row was set. Still, local people claim there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. An annual mean at close to 8 °C, with even January on average above 0 °C, makes Bergen the warmest city in Norway. Frost just below 0°C and some snow occurs between December and February, but temperatures colder than -10 °C are very rare. Temperatures above 30 °C are also extremely rare.

For the rest of us, the trick is obviously to choose the time of visit with caution. The infamous rain should not keep visitors away in summer, because when the sun breaks through after a rainy day, hardly any city twinkles and glows like Bergen. If you catch the city on a sunny day, you will find an incredible atmosphere as the citizens really know how to appreciate nice weather. City planners have probably had this in mind, resulting in the creation of open spaces, parks, flowers and lawns that are scattered all over downtown.

July has the highest mean temperature, 14.3 °C (57.7 °F), with August, 14.1 °C (57.4 °F) following close behind. May is usually the month with the least precipitation. Considering the number of local events this month, May is probably the best time to visit Bergen, with the summer months of June, July and August almost as good. April is also a relatively dry month, although cooler than the summer months. These averages are merely indications as weather is famously unpredictable and rain does not appear in any regular pattern.

Culture [ edit ]

Bergen is one of the most important cultural centres of Norway. The city is home to the Bergen International Festival, Nattjazz and Bergenfest, festivals of international renown within their genres. The local symphony orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, was founded in 1765. It is one of the world's oldest orchestral institutions. Bergen was the home of Norway's great composer, Edvard Grieg. Henrik Ibsen, the famous playwright, started his career in Bergen as manager of Den Nationale Scene.

Around 2000, a number of artists from the rhythmic music scene in Bergen gained international fame. In the domestic press, this became known as the Bergen Wave. Musicians and bands with roots in Bergen include Annie, Burzum, Enslaved, Gorgoroth, Immortal, Erlend Øye, Kings of Convenience, Sondre Lerche, and Datarock. Bergen still has a thriving underground/indie music scene.

Great international artists have visited Bergen, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, Bruce Springsteen, Depeche Mode, Kent and Mark Knopfler.

Research and education [ edit ]

Bergen is home to important institutions of research and education: The University of Bergen, the College of Applied Sciences, and the Norwegian School of Economics. Even before these institutions were created important work were done in Bergen. Armauer Hansen in 1873 discovered that leprosy was caused by a bacteria, a major breakthrough in medical sciences that laid the foundation for modern epidemiology and was also a major input to microbiology. Fridtjof Nansen, the great explorer, sportsman, humanitarian and diplomat, made his first contribution to the novel science of neuroanatomy when he worked at Bergen Museum during the 1880s. Nansen's research on neurons was so groundbreaking that it was not fully appreciated at the time. Vilhelm Bjerknes and the Bergen school of Meteorology developed the basis for modern weather forecasting.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Flybussen departs from right outside the terminal building. Flybussen makes frequent stops, including at Bryggen , the Fisketorget , and the bus terminal. The journey downtown takes about 30–40 minutes. Adult tickets are kr 120, return ticket kr 170 (discounts for children, students and senior citizens apply). Buy your ticket before boarding to save kr 10, either online, from a machine or from a ticket vendor. However, tickets can easily be bought on the bus, with either cash or cards. Busses run frequently throughout the day. There is a machine next to luggage collection in arrivals, and at the bus stop at the airport - so buy your ticket while you are waiting for your luggage.

The Bergen Light Rail has its southern terminus at the airport, the station is in the basement outdoor. This is the cheapest option for travelling downtown since it charges the regular public transport fares (kr 37 for an adult single ticket, kr 19 for children and seniors). The light rail runs very frequently, from 05:00 to past 00:00, with up to 12 departures an hour, but it is a stopping service and takes 45 minutes to its final stop at Byparken. The only other public transit line is bus line 23, which runs to the western neighborhoods of Søreide and Loddefjord. Line 23 runs only in the morning and evening rush hours Mondays to Fridays.

Taxis are also available but they cost much more (kr 300-350 on weekdays to downtown, more at night and at the weekend).

The car rental companies Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and National have offices at the airport. Located in the terminal building, by the exit, most of them are open 07:00-21:00 on weekdays. Opening hours in the weekend are limited, but some of the companies will offer 24 hours rental if you make a reservation.

By train [ edit ]

Bergen [dead link] is served by one railway line, Bergen Line ( Bergensbanen ), which runs from Oslo through Hønefoss. Bergen is the last station and there is only one station in the city (in addition one station in Arna, east of the city proper). Reforms of the railway structure have made it somewhat more confusing to travel by rail, as there are now several train companies that share the Norwegian rail network. The Bergen Line is served by Vy , the successor to the Norwegian State Railways. The journey takes about 7 hours and gives you beautiful views, especially for the last 3 hours across the plateau and down towards Voss and Bergen. When passing Geilo , you will cross over a high mountain plateau and then travel downwards through some of the best scenery in Norway.

If you buy your ticket online well in advance, fares may be as low as kr 199 for a one-way ticket. For an additional fee, you may upgrade your ticket to Vy Pluss , the equivalent of first class, with slightly better seats and free coffee and tea. If you want to make more out of your journey, get a window seat on one of the most recently upgraded trains (they're quite stylish and have power outlets by every seat) on the left hand side (this will give you the best view). There is a separate company, Entur , which handles tickets on all long-distance train and bus lines in Norway. It is easiest to buy tickets directly from Entur if you need to switch between train and bus, or different train operators.

The ticket office is only open limited hours - outside of which you must use the ticket machines. Note that travel tickets booked via an agent (including Norway in a Nutshell) must be collected from the ticket office. There is a small deli that sells coffee, snacks and some supermarket items open early and late. There is a small cafe with limited opening hours (closed before 17:00 most days).

Universal access is a priority to Vy. Book your ticket on the phone or buy it at the train station at least a day in advance to inform staff if you have any special needs. You will have the same offers as are available online. Most trains are equipped with lifts or ramps and handicap toilets. Wheelchairs can be secured on board. For the seeing impaired, there are tactile lines in the larger stations. Staff will assist you in the station. If you need an assistant and can provide documentation, you and your travelling companion will get a 50% discount off the full ticket price.

60.390351 5.333221 2 Bergen station ( QFV  IATA ) is located in the eastern corner of the city centre at Strømgaten 4, close to the bus station and the Bygarasjen parking facility.

By car [ edit ]

For more details see: Driving in Norway

If arriving in Bergen by car, you will be better off not taking your car into the city centre unless you know exactly where you're going, as most streets are one-way or do not allow cars at all (only buses and taxis), read more in the Get around section. Parking is generally forbidden (unless explicitly permitted) downtown inside zone 1, and restricted outside zone 1.

Generally, you will find that many roads in rural areas, even the highways between the cities, are partly narrow and slow. There are no motorways except a few kilometers around the city, most main roads (E16, road 7) are two-lane undivided and limited to 80 km/h (50 mph). Even if some people drive very fast, you should mind the speed limits (usually 80 km/h) and drive according to the conditions. In the mountains, help can be hours away. Furthermore, you will find traffic controls and police in unmarked cars nearly everywhere. Fines are very high. To avoid dangerous situations, it's a very good idea stop and let faster going traffic pass you. Except in and around Bergen, traffic is generally very light, although there may be some traffic on road 7 during summer vacation and around weekends.

Road E16 from Oslo and Voss makes a circle from Arna through Åsane where it joins E39 on a motorway to the centre (northern approach). At Sandviken the wide road continues through a long tunnel to the southern end of the city centre in order to avoid the centre, while those heading for the centre can either exit at Sandviken or just after the tunnel. The southern approach (E39) comes from the Halhjem ferry dock at Os and arrives downtown just before the long tunnel. Find a good parking, and use legs or public transport inside the centre.

From Oslo and Eastern Norway [ edit ]

The trip from Oslo to Bergen takes between seven and nine hours, depending on the route, the driving conditions and whether you choose to make any stops on the way. Be prepared to add some hours driving time in the winter - and remember that the daylight will be scarce for many months. All routes Oslo to Bergen run through mountain passes. It might be a good idea to use two days on the tour in the winter if you're not accustomed to these conditions. A 12- or even 14-hour drive on icy, dark roads in bad weather is not very nice. Keep in mind that many roads in Norway are often narrow and slow due to relatively low traffic and the difficult landscape in which they are built.

If you plan to cross the mountains (for instance by driving from Oslo to Bergen) in the winter season, it is imperative that you are prepared for the journey. The conditions are harsh. Always keep a full tank of fuel, and keep warm clothes, food and drink in the car. Make sure your tires are good enough and suited for winter conditions (studded or non-studded winter tires; "all-year" tires are not good enough), and that you have sufficient skills for driving in snowy and cold conditions. Roads are often closed on short notice due to weather conditions. For advice on conditions and closed roads, call 175 in Norway or check the online road reports (in Norwegian only) from the Norwegian State road authorities. Not all parts of the country have cellular phone coverage.

From Western Norway [ edit ]

• The quick route is E39, which takes you past Haugesund , Stord and Os . The trip takes approximately 5 hours and includes 2 ferries.
• The more scenic route includes a long detour along road 13 through the inner fjords via Odda and Hardanger.
• The shortest road is E39, preferably using route 60 past Stryn which saves one ferry crossing. There are still two ferry crossings.
• The more scenic drive includes detours along road 60 (Hellesylt and Stryn), road 63 (Geiranger) or road 5 (Fjaerland and Sogndal).
• E39 is an obvious possibility, but it has at least four ferries.
• E6 until Otta, then on road 15 towards road E39 via Stryn and the Sognefjord ferry, is a scenic alternative, and probably the fastest and used by the express buses.
• The inland roads (via E6, road 250 and E16, no ferry) might be an easier albeit longer and less scenic option.
• or road 55 Lom to Sogndal via Sognefjellet mountain pass, the highest main road in Norway. Open in summer only.

From Southern Norway [ edit ]

• Road E39. This route is the shortest but has two ferry crossings. No mountain passes, but mountains can be seen, and sea views also.
• Road 9 to Haukeli –Road E134–Road 13 to Voss –E16. This route is a little longer but has no ferry and is faster. Scenic mountain pass.

By bus [ edit ]

Via the network of NOR-WAY Bussekspress , Bergen is accessible by direct links from all of South Norway. Bus is usually the cheapest way to travel, but can take some time. The national buses are very comfortable, but not suitable for people using wheelchairs. Schedules and fares are available online, and it is also possible to pre-book. Booking may be required on some routes. The bus station is just a few minutes walk from the city centre. The terminal for long distance buses is situated on the rear side of the station. The en-tur website may be used for planning purposes.

By boat [ edit ]

There are fast boat services from several communities north and south of Bergen, including many of the islands. Because these passenger ferries stop at various small towns on the way there, you get a great view of the coast and its islands. Fjord1 runs ferries north of Bergen, Norled runs services south of Bergen, and Skyss also does a bit of both, including the Sunnhordland . Fjord Line operates a passenger ferry service from/to Stavanger .

The boat terminal ( Strandkaiterminalen båtkai ) lies right beyond the fish market. It has luggage lockers, charged daily.

Bergen is the southern terminus for Hurtigruten , a week-long passenger ship route with stops along Norway's coast all the way to Kirkenes in the far north of Norway. Ålesund can be reached overnight, and Trondheim will take one full day and two nights. The terminal is located at Nøstet. The Hurtigruten ships are accessible with a wheelchair.

There are car ferries which run to and from Hirtshals in northern Denmark , by way of Stavanger , operated by Fjord Line . The terminal is the Skoltegrunnen pier, some hundred meters beyond Bryggen.

Bergen is one of Europe's busiest cruise ports and is available by cruise departing from several North Sea ports.

Get around [ edit ]

Orientation [ edit ]

Downtown Bergen is compact and easy to walk for most visitors. Most sights and hotels are located within few minutes walk within downtown. While the very centre is located on a relatively flat piece of land, there are hills in virtually every direction out of the centre so heading downhill usually leads to centre. The main square is the east/west Torgallmenningen, a pedestrian zone. The Nordnes peninsula points north from the very centre, on the eastern side is Vågen, a small bay and once Bergens main harbour, lined on the eastern side by Bryggen and the Fortress. Overall navigation is generally easy as the summits and the bay provides clear indication of general direction, Mt Ulriken is a key landmark for large parts of the city, while downtown St John’s Church (Johanneskirken) with its characteristic red brick and green roof is another landmark. The sturdy theater building at the top of Ole Bulls place is also a point to note. Precise navigation through many irregular streets may still be challenging. Navigation by car can be equally difficult because of hills, narrow streets and many one-way streets, what seems close on the map may in fact be a long drive.

Bergen is idiosyncratic in many ways, including the layout and names of streets:

• Allmenning are wide streets or squares, laid out at strategic points to prevent fires spreading through the city, often perpendicular to main streets and to the water front, the main square is Torgallmenningen
• Smug / smau are narrow alleys, usually too narrow for cars, some are so steep that there are stairs
• Smalgang is even more narrow than smug
• Strede old name for street (rarely used but note Skostredet - "Shoe street")
• Gate street
• Vei / veg , road or street
• Kai , quay or dock
• Brygge , quay or wharf
• Plass , square

In addition there is a handful of specific names without generic suffixes like “−gate”, for instance Bryggen (“the Wharf”), Strangehagen (“Strange's garden”, a street), Klosteret (“the Monastery”, a square), Georgernes Verft (“Georges' Shipyard”, a street), Marken, Engen (“the Meadow”, a square), Krinkelkroken ("Nook and cranny"), Galgebakken ("Gallow hill"), Arbeiderboligen (“Workers' residence”), Torget ("The Market"), Vaskerelven ("Laundry river", a street).

On foot [ edit ]

Within the city centre, walking is the best way to get around. You can walk across downtown in 20 minutes in any direction. The most central streets of the city are relatively flat and generally have a good accessibility for the disabled, sidewalks have rounded corners to allow access by wheelchair. The characteristic alleys and narrow streets (often with stairs rather than ordinary streets) on the slopes are however not available by wheelchair and may be difficult to walk for the disabled. The most important pedestrian crossings have sound signals and are indicated by tactile paving. They are also accessible with a wheelchair. Although cobblestone is a popular material in the streets, it is rarely used in pedestrian areas. A map with more information on this subject is available from the municipality's website [dead link] .

Schedules [ edit ]

Bus schedules can be a bit difficult to understand. Ask a local or a bus driver; they will usually be able and happy to assist you. Or use en-tur.no . There are information desks at the bus station and off Torgalmenningen providing information on all local bus and train lines free of charge. Calling 177 will also put you in contact with the information centre (if you call from a cell phone, be sure to ask for the information centre for Hordaland county, as this is a national service).

Schedules and outline maps of the services are available online from the Skyss website together with an online travel planner. There are schedule and travel planner apps available for Android and iOS mobile phones and tablets. Printed schedules can be picked up from any bus, but are only available in Norwegian.

For a few major stops, the bus may have a fixed departure time, and will not leave before schedule. At other stops though, a bus may leave a few minutes ahead of schedule. During periods of high traffic, the bus may be several minutes late. Rush hour traffic is sometimes accounted for in the schedule by greater time allowances, but busy Saturday shopping is often not.

Fares [ edit ]

Tickets can be bought from the driver, from ticket machines at major stops, from many grocery and convenience stores, from the information desks at the bus station and off Torgalmenningen, or via the "Skyss billett" app for iOS and Android (available free of charge on Google Play and the App Store).

The driver only accepts cash payment. Tickets are more expensive when bought from the driver.

If you purchase your ticket in advance, you will be given a receipt and a grey card that is actually your ticket. The ticket must be validated when you enter a bus by holding it close to the electronic card reader until you get a green light. Tickets purchased via the apps do not require validation.

The following ticket options are available (pr. August 2022; prices listed apply to adults and only for travels within Bergen and the neighbouring municipalities of Os, Øygarden, Osterøy, Alver, Austrheim and Fedje):

• Single ticket - kr 40 (kr 60 when bought from the driver)
• 24-hour ticket - kr 105
• 7-day season ticket - kr 235
• 30-day season ticket - kr 755
• 180-day season ticket - kr 3775

For an always updated price list, the bus company's official website is also available in English here

Senior citizens (67 years or older), children (15 years or younger) and disabled persons are entitled to discounts on all tickets. Students are entitled to discounts on tickets from 7-day tickets and season tickets.

One child (between the ages of 4 and 15) can travel free of charge together with an adult travelling on an single ticket. Children under the age of four travel free of charge.

Groups of ten or more get a discount on single journeys.

A person accompanying a disabled person who can present a companion/escort card travels free of charge on single tickets. The companion/escort must present the companion/escort card to the driver when embarking or in the event of a ticket inspection. The companion/escort does not need a separate ticket.

If you are caught without a valid ticket or fare card, you will be kicked off the bus and get a stiff fine. Controls are common and performed by both uniformed and plain-clothes personnel.

Fare cards in the form of the electronic "Skysskort" can be obtained at the customer service desk by the bus station.

Lines and services [ edit ]

Regular bus services operate throughout the day, major trunk routes running through downtown run with a 20-minute frequency or better. In the suburbs, there are smaller lines, generally operating from a local terminal, with less frequent services. There are not so many buses between the city centre and the southern neighbourhoods of Fana and Ytrebygda, instead the light rail runs from the city centre to the regional terminals at Nesttun and Lagunen, where feeder buses bring passengers onwards.

Most lines operate seven days a week, including all holidays (usually a regular Sunday schedule with a few exceptions), but some of the lesser lines may have little or no service in the weekends. During the school vacation (mid-June to mid-August), buses are less frequent, so make sure you have an updated bus schedule. On Christmas Eve (December 24), there are no buses after about 16:00. On Constitution Day (May 17), the parades and celebrations shut down the downtown streets; though buses do run to and from downtown, they will generally not run through downtown on that day.

After about 01:00, regular bus services cease to run. In the weekends, there are a few night bus lines available.

Accessibilty [ edit ]

The process of replacing old buses with newer ones accessible for people using wheelchairs is ongoing. All buses on central lines now have low floors and a built-in ramp. On the new buses, that are now a majority, the stops are announced on a display. The bus driver will usually be able to assist you in English, if required.

By light rail [ edit ]

A light rail line operates in Bergen, with two lines as of 2022. Line 1 runs between the city centre and southwards towards Lagunen before turning west to the airport. This is the primary means of public transportation to southern parts of Bergen. The line passes the railway station, the bus station, Brann football stadium and the student homes at Fantoft along the route. The line operates from 06:00-01:00, seven days a week, generally with a 7- to 8-minute frequency (a bit more often during rush hours, 15-minute frequency on Saturday mornings, 30-minute frequency on Sunday mornings). The entire journey takes about 45 minutes.

Line 2 runs between the city centre and the borough of Fyllingsdalen, and replaces former bus services to the borough. The line passes the railway station, the bus station, the Haukeland university hospital and the main campus of the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences along the route, and operates in the same time span as Line 1. Excluding the stop at the railway station, Line 1 and 2 uses separate platforms at the city centre and bus station stops.

Night lines operate all Friday and Saturday night with departures every 30 minutes.

You will need to buy your ticket from the ticket machine at the station before you board. Apart from that, the ticket and fare card system is the same as for buses, see the Get around by bus section for more details. It's possible to change from bus to light rail and from light rail to bus within the time of validity of a ticket. Tickets for the night lines must be bought on board. Fare cards can not be used. The price is 60 kr.

The light rail is accessible with a wheelchair. All stops are announced and displays also show the name of the next stop.

It is an expressed goal of both local and national authorities to reduce car traffic in the city centre. Downtown Bergen is cramped. Thus, the speed limit downtown is very low, and most streets are one-way streets. If you plan on getting from one part of downtown to another, walking is often faster than driving, even for locals who know their way around. Furthermore, parking in the streets is reserved for the handicapped and for residents that possess a special permit with only a very few exceptions. Street parking downtown and in most of Sandviken is generally not permitted except at parking meters.

If you plan to drive to the city centre from outside of it, unless you have any special needs, park your car in a garage, such as Bygarasjen (very large, at the bus station) and Klostergarasjen (in a tunnel under the centre, access from Nøstet, stairs/elevator to the main square), Bygarasjen being the cheaper. There are also several smaller (and more expensive) garages around town. If you take the chance to bring your car further downtown, be sure to read all signs – most streets are one-way streets and some are for buses and taxis only.

To park in a spot reserved for the disabled, you need a standard European "blue badge", a special parking permit (generally, handicapped parking permits from most countries will be accepted). It must be placed on the inside of your car's front window, clearly visible from the outside.

The municipal parking authorities provide a brochure with some information on the general rules of parking along with a map of parking spots, including parking spots for the disabled.

Driving in the area outside the city centre is quite convenient, with expressways going in most directions. The roads are well sign-posted, but a map will probably come in handy anyway. Mind the speed limits; traffic controls are common and fines are stiff. Do also keep in mind that a lot of the roads are toll roads. All toll stations are automated. When approaching one, keep driving and do not slow down. A photograph of your license plates will be taken, and you will receive an invoice per mail. During rush hours (07:30-09:00 and 15:00-17:00) traffic is jammed many places, but it's nothing compared to larger cities in Europe.

Between 1 November and 31 March, the use of studded tires is legal. Within Bergen municipality, you have to pay a fee to use such tires. You can pay at automated payment stations on the main roads into Bergen (Norwegian: oblatautomat ), Statoil gas stations or by visiting the municipal parking authorities in Bygarasjen or Vincens Lunges gate 3 (directly south of the railway station).

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are generally expensive in Norway and outside the very centre distances in Bergen are long. In downtown Bergen most stretches are walkable for the average visitor, although taxi can be useful in case of rain or heavy luggage. Throughout Bergen, there are a number of taxi stalls where taxis are parked waiting for customers. During the day, taxis will usually not pick up customers nearer than 300 metres from the stalls, except when called to an address. During the night in the weekends, taxi queues can be very long (up to one hour), and all customers are therefore required to go to the stalls. It is possible to order taxis to addresses also at this time of the week, but you shouldn't really expect the taxi to arrive.

The places where the taxis are stationed changes from time to time because of renovation of the city streets, but usually you will find them at the bus station, the railway station, Festplassen, Ole Bulls plass, Torget and in Torggaten and Vetrlidsalmenningen. Look for signs saying "Taxi". Some taxi stalls are only open during the night, and vice versa. Information about this is printed on a separate sign below the taxi sign. If no taxis are available at the taxi stall, call 07000 (Bergen Taxi), 08000 (Norgestaxi), +47 55 70 00 00 (Taxi 1) or +47 55 70 80 90 (Bryggen Taxi). There is usually a fee associated with calling a taxi. Taxis may also be ordered in advance by calling one of these numbers, which is recommended if you are able to.

Fares are approximately the same regardless of the taxi company. All companies are regarded as reliable and safe. If several taxis are available at a taxi station, you may pick the one you want from the line.

It can be added that taxi drivers rarely expect or receive any tip.

• Norgestaxi . Smartphone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Jip . Smartphone app offers address based routing and calculates price according to them. ( updated Feb 2021 )
• Yango . Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. ( updated Nov 2021 )
• Bolt Bergen

There is one local commuter train service, between downtown Bergen and the suburb of Arna in the east (schedules are available from Vy's web site ). If you are going to Arna, the train is by far the fastest option from downtown since the roads run around the mountains while the railway line runs straight through them; it is an eight minute train ride, running every half hour during most of the day. Tickets should be purchased beforehand, either in the office at the downtown station, in the machines both downtown and in Arna, or online in the app.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Getting around by bike can be difficult in Bergen. Many central streets are paved with cobblestone, and there are only a few roads with designated cycling lanes. Cycling in such lanes can even be challenging, as car and bus traffic may cross the lane. It is however legal to cycle on the sidewalks as long as you do not disturb pedestrians. Front and rear lights are mandatory after dark. Bicycle theft and vandalism is common, so be careful where you leave your bike and always use a lock.

There is a city bike rental service . For kr 69, you will get unlimited rides of up to 60 minutes for 24 hours. Since 2020, various companies rent out e-scooters, which have been begrudgingly accepted by most inhabitants. Prices vary, but are generally a little more expensive than the city bikes.

See [ edit ]

There's a number of attractions in Bergen and the surrounding areas. Surveys do, however, show that most tourists in Bergen find the atmosphere, cultural landscape and architecture more compelling than the typical sights, so pick a few things to see and spend the rest of your time in Bergen sitting down in a park or café, strolling around the city, enjoying a concert or hiking the mountains. On sunny summer days, stay downtown until late to enjoy the sunset in the north.

Panorama points [ edit ]

Because of its rugged landscape, Bergen has an abundance of panorama points and these give an intense feeling of space, notably Mt Fløyen and Mt Ulriken; these mountains are served by funicular and cable car, respectively, but are also available hiking for the sporty. At lower altitudes the Fjellveien panorama road and the highest point of Nordnes peninsula are easily available. Sandviksbatteriet just above Sandviken hospital also offers excellent panorama. The Montana residential area at the foot of Mt. Ulriken likewise gives a nice outlook.

• 60.3997 5.3311 1 Fjellveien panorama road , Fjellveien ( Uphill from city centre ). Runs for several kilometers between Sandviken and Bellevue, largely horizontal and pedestrian.  
• 60.3974 5.3298 2 Skansen panorama point ( Skansen brannstasjon ), Blekeveien ( Uphill from funicular station ). Excellent and easily available panorama point just above the funicular lowest station. Right in front of the old fire outlook, a small white wooden tower, now used by one of the city's buekorps .  
• 60.4 5.3346 3 Tippetue panorama point ( Hike uphill from city, or downhill from Mt. Fløyen. ). 24 hr . Panorama point on the Tippetue footpath to Mt. Fløyen. Free .  
• 60.39588 5.31292 4 Nordnes panorama , Haugeveien . Lovely place on the highest point of Nordnes peninsula, towards the aquarium.  
• 60.4003 5.3015 5 Nordnes park ( Tip of Nordnes peninsula, beyond aquarium ). 24 hr . Pleasant park at the very tip of the peninsula, towards the sun set late summer evenings.  
• 60.38886 5.31971 6 St Johns ( Johanneskirken ), Sydnesplass . St. John's Church (Johanneskirken) dominates the top of Nygårdshøyden, the hill that hosts the University of Bergen. Nice view of the very centre.  

Traditional wooden architecture [ edit ]

Traditional small wooden houses, often placed in an irregular pattern around narrow streets and passages, were a staple of most Norwegian cities during the past centuries. Bergen is one of the few major towns where this traditional style still dominates several neighbourhoods downtown. A number of houses have also been relocated to Gamle Bergen (old Bergen) museum. Some of these are merely pockets of cute little houses between stone and concrete structures; others are wider areas of these dollhouse-like buildings. Show respect for those living there while you walk by. These areas are best seen on a relaxed stroll (although the view from Fjellveien gives a birds eye view):

• Nordnes on the slopes on both sides of the Nordnes peninsula, towards the aquarium and Verftet, as well as the adjacent Nøstet area on the western shore.
• 60.3963 5.3299 7 Fjellsiden neighbourhood , øvregaten, Lille øvregate, øvre Blekeveien (streets) . Traditional neighbourhood on the steep slopes behind Bryggen and around Fløibanen track. Free .  
• 60.3917 5.3311 8 Marken , Marken (street) . On the flatland just north of the railway station, pedestrian zone, and also in the hills above, around Skivebakken street. Free .  
• 60.4025 5.3261 9 Ladegården and upper Sandviken neighbourhood , Ladegårdsgaten, Absalon Beyers gate . An area with more regular and wider streets, highly characteristic style. Free .  
• 60.4016 5.3219 10 Skuteviken neighbourhood , Skuteviksveien . day time . A small traditional neighbourhood around a small bay just east of the fortress. Free .  

Downtown [ edit ]

• 60.389594 5.327728 12 KODE Art museums ( Kunstmuseene ), Rasmus Meyers allé 3, 7 and 9 ( by Lille Lungegårdsvann ), ☏ +47 55 56 80 00 , fax : +47 55 56 80 11 , [email protected] . 20 May–14 Sept: daily 11:00–17:00. 15 Sep–19 May: Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00 . One of the largest art museums in the Nordic countries, with art from the renaissance as well as contemporary art. The museum houses several of Edvard Munch's works. Adult kr 130, student kr 60, child under 18 free . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 60.394706 5.325467 13 The fish market ( Fisketorget ), Torget , ☏ +47 55 55 20 00 , [email protected] . Jun–Aug: daily 07:00–19:00, Sep–May: M–Sa 07:00–16:00 . Bergen's outdoor fish market has a long history, being the historical centre for fish trade. Most tourists find their way here, but with locals changing their shopping habits, the fish market today does not compare to what it once was. The fish market is dominated by makeshift souvenir shops and seafood stalls. The seafood is generally of only OK quality as the fishermen no longer deliver their catch directly to the market. Still, you can get a pretty good idea of what the locals eat by having a look at the various fish they sell here, and try some of the stranger ones, if you feel adventurous. Free samples of are usually available of the more common items such as whale, salmon and salmon caviar. Although somewhat crowded, getting around with a wheelchair is fairly easy.  
• 60.390711 5.324403 15 The West Norway Museum of Decorative Art ( Permanenten ), Nordahl Bruns gate 9 ( by the music pavilion ), ☏ +47 55 33 66 33 , fax : +47 55 33 66 30 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 12:00-16:00; 15 May–14 Sep: daily 11:00-17:00 . A museum of design and decorative art. Norway's largest collection of Chinese art. Kr 60; students and seniors kr 40, children under 16 free .  
• 60.39175 5.333022 16 St. Jørgen's Hospital ( The Leprosy Museum ), Kong Oscars gate 59 , ☏ +47 55 55 20 00 , [email protected] . 21 May–2 Sep: Daily 11:00-15:00 . St. Jørgens Hospital is one of very few preserved leprosy hospitals from the 18th century in Northern Europe. The large wooden building in Kalfarveien 31 (Pleiestiftelsen for spedalske) was the largest institution caring for the many leprosy patients in Bergen. This was where Armauer Hansen discovered the bacteria that causes leprosy in 1873. Hansen's discovery was a major breakthrough in medicine as he proved that a chronic illness was contagious rather than hereditary. The Leprosy archive was a complete record of all patients and is assumed to be the first patient archive in the world. The Leprosy archive is inscribed on UNESCO list of Memory of the World. The Leprosy Museum tells the story about the disease and its history in Norway, in addition to showing life at the hospital. A visit to the museum is a unique but disturbing experience. The complex in Kong Oscars gate 59 also includes a wooden church. Kr 40; children kr 20 .  

• 60.393788 5.323182 21 Svaneapoteket . Svaneapoteket is a pharmacy in Strandgaten number 4. The pharmacy has been in continuous operation since 1595, on this location at least since 1688, and is the oldest pharmacy in Norway. The devastating fire of 1916 destroyed buildings in this area and the current pharmacy building was constructed after 1916. A swan marks the entrance, hence the name "The Swan pharmacy". ( updated May 2020 )

Bergenhus fortress [ edit ]

Bryggen [ edit ]

Museums [ edit ]

• 60.397439 5.323442 26 Theta museum , Bredsgården 1 D ( entrance from the front of Bryggen, by Enhjørningsgården ), ☏ +47 55 31 53 93 . Tu Sa Su 14:00-16:00 . During the first half of World War II, the Theta group, formed by people between the ages of 19 and 22, established radio contact with London and reported movements of the German fleet in Norway. The group headquarters and radio station was located in the heart of occupied Bergen, but remained active for two years before it was discovered and raided by the Nazis. In the 1980s, the small room was reconstructed to its original state by orders of the Directorate of Cultural Heritage. It is now probably the country's smallest museum, displaying radio equipment and the Theta group's own security system. Not accessible with a wheelchair. Kr 20; child kr 5 .  

Nygårdshøyden and Møhlenpris (southern downtown) [ edit ]

• 60.386983 5.319353 27 Bergen Museum – The Cultural History Collections ( Kulturhistorisk museum ), Haakon Sheteligs plass 10 , ☏ +47 55 58 31 40 , [email protected] . Tu–F 10:00–15:00, Sa Su 11:00-16:00; 1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–F 10:00–16:00, Sa Su 11:00-16:00 . Bergen Museum is a part of the University of Bergen, and is in the heart of campus. It is divided in two collections, the Cultural History Collections and the Natural History Collections, located in two buildings. The Cultural History Collections include archeology, anthropology and art- and culture studies sections. Among other things, the museum has a large collection of Norwegian folk art and national costumes. It is notable for its unique exhibition of Norwegian medieval church art, including painted altarpieces, crucifixes and portals from demolished stave churches, all in wood. Kr. 40; senior citizens: kr. 20, children under 16, students and University of Bergen staff: free. Ticket is also valid at the Natural History Collections .  
• 60.381956 5.329381 29 Vilvite ( Bergen Science Centre ), Thormøhlensgate 51 , ☏ +47 55 59 45 00 , [email protected] . Tu-F 09:00-16:00, Sa Su 11:00-18:00 . Sponsored by the state and the city in addition to some of the largest industrial companies in Norway, this all new science centre features interactive exhibitions of science, technology and mathematics. It targets children and young people with the intention to inspire the to learning more about science, but is popular also among the adults. It has special exhibitions about the weather, the ocean and energy, with altogether 75 different interactive machines and experiments. Kr. 120; children (3-15 years): kr. 80, families (2 adults and 2 children): kr. 330 (kr. 65 per extra child), students (high school and above): kr. 80 .  
• 60.3869 5.319 30 Bergen Maritime Museum ( Bergens Sjøfartsmuseum ), Haakon Sheteligsplass 15 , ☏ +47 55 54 96 00 , fax : +47 5 554-9610 , [email protected] . Daily 11:00-15:00, closed on holidays, Christmas eve, new year's eve and the 17th of May . This traditional maritime museum is in the middle of the campus of the University of Bergen. Exhibitions of maritime history, shipping history, the Vikings, naval warfare, maritime archeology, and more. kr 30; children and students free .  

South of the city centre [ edit ]

North of the city centre [ edit ]

• 60.418469 5.3096 37 Gamle Bergen ( Old Bergen ), Nyhavnsveien 4 ( half an hour by walking; a few minutes by bus or car from the city centre, northbound bus lines 9, 20-29, 50, 71, 80, 90, 280, 285 ), ☏ +47 55 39 43 00 , [email protected] . A reconstructed town with about 50 wooden houses from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a beautiful place to stroll on a sunny day. The more cultural traveller will enjoy a guided tour of the area and the houses. kr 50; students: kr 30, pensioners: kr 30, children: free .  
• 60.5079 5.2712 38 The Norwegian Knitting Industry Museum ( Norsk Trikotasjemuseum ), Salhusvegen 201 ( by car, drive north on the motorway E39/E16 until Åsane senter. when you're off the motorway, drive west and later north-west on RV 564. eventually, the signs should start pointing to Salhus. by bus, take northbound line 280 ), ☏ +47 55 25 10 80 , fax : +47 55 25 10 99 . Tu-Su 11:00-16:00 (June 1 - August 31); Tu-F 11:00-15:00 and Su 12:00-16:00 (September 1 - May 31) . Located in the buildings that used to house the first fully mechanized knitwear factory in Norway. The machinery is still in working condition and is used. Guided tour, exhibitions and film. students: kr. 25, children: free .  

West of the city centre [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

Concerts [ edit ]

• 60.396097 5.308644 1 Bergen Jazzforum , Georgernes verft 12 , ☏ +47 55 30 72 50 , fax : +47 55 30 72 60 , [email protected] . Concerts every Friday except in the summer and during the Christmas holidays . Jazz club with focus on modern jazz. Norwegian Jazz Club Of The Year 2008.  
• Bergen Live . Producing most of the larger pop, rock and hiphop concerts in Bergen.  
• 60.389696 5.322179 3 Det Akademiske Kvarter , Olav Kyrresgate 49 , [email protected] . Popular student venue, usually hosting concerts several times a week except during holidays and the summer.  

Stage art [ edit ]

• 60.393375 5.314236 4 BIT Teatergarasjen , Nøstegaten 54 , ☏ +47 55 23 22 35 , [email protected] . BIT (Bergen International Theater) presents Norwegian and international contemporary stage art productions of high quality.  

Beach-life [ edit ]

Hanging out by the ocean can be one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day in Bergen, although Bergen is hardly a sun and sand destination. The temperature in the ocean around Bergen is warmer than most places on the west coast because of the outer islands protecting the area from the constant flow of cooler water from the North Sea, and allowing the water to heat in smaller bays in the area. Temperatures can rise to 20 °C (68 °F) after consecutive days with good weather. The water is clean and fresh. There are sandy beaches at Arboretet at Milde (Hjellestad), Kyrkjetangen at Nordåsvannet and Helleneset, "bathing houses"/beaches at Nordnesparken and Elsero situated in Old Bergen in Sandviken. After a day hiking in the mountains, Skomakerdiket above Mount Fløyen has a sandy fresh-water beach.

• Nye Sydnes Sjøbad , Nøstegaten ( close to the Hurtigruten terminal, just beside the Nøsteboden pub ). Public seawater "pool". Free .  
• Nordnes outdoor pool ( Nordnes sjøbad ), approach through Haugeveien ( Nordnes park near Aquarium ). M-F 07:00 - 19:00, Sa Su 07:00 – 14:00 (flexible in good weather) . Outdoor swimming pool 25 m, heated saltwater taken from the fjord Adult kr 65, child kr 30 .  

Hiking [ edit ]

The mountains surrounding Bergen offer great hiking possibilities, and unlike most cities the first hiking trail starts downtown and there's no need for transport out of town. There are options for anyone from those just looking for a fifteen-minute stroll in the sun to the more adventurous interested in daytrips and steep hills. Byfjellene (lit. "the city mountains") have good networks of dirtroads and paths, usually well signposted. Good maps are available in most bookstores – look for Tur- og friluftskart Bergen (1:25 000) from the Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority (Norwegian: Statens kartverk ).

For advice on hiking, as well as hiking opportunities elsewhere in Norway, you should consult Bergen Turlag [dead link] (Bergen Hiking Association), the local branch of Den Norske Turistforening [dead link] (Norwegian Trekking Association), in Tverrgaten 4-6. The Norwegian right to access entitles you to hike in all uncultivated areas.

Mount Fløyen [ edit ]

Mount Fløyen is the most central of the mountains. It is easily accessible by the funicular running from downtown, but the more fit will probably choose the 40-minute walk up. A good compromise can be to take the funicular up and walk down. The way is well signposted, so you won't get lost. In the steep slope towards Fløyen (right above the city) there is the popular Fjellveien , a long, gentle, horizontal pedestrian road with a perfect panorama of the city. From Fjellveien, there are several alternative roads to the plateau. The slopes of Mt. Fløyen is (surprisingly) home to Norway's biggest trees. Until the 19th century the hills and mountains of Bergen were largely barren and gray, then the society for forest and trees was established. The slopes were cultivated and the trees have since the late 1800's grown rapidly in the fertile climate. There is even a small sawmill at the road to Fløyen. There are spruce, oak, hazel, scots pine, aspen, sycamore (maple), beech and hackberry trees.

From the top of Mount Fløyen, the 1.8 km (1.1 mi) walk in relatively flat terrain to Brushytten (lit. "the soda cabin") is ideal, if you have kids. Brushytten is a kiosk usually open on Sundays. There are several ways to get there, if you follow the signs, you're on the safe side and will walk on dirtroads all the way (easily accessible with both a wheelchair or a pram).

From Brushytten, you can walk up the hill to Mount Rundemanen and get a beautiful view. From Mount Rundemanen, a good choice for a not-so-long hike will be to walk to Mount Sandviksfjellet, and from there down to Sandviken, where you can get on a bus or walk back to the city centre. Another possibility is to cross the Vidden plateau and walk to Mount Ulriken, the highest mountain in Bergen, a hike which takes about five hours. You should be somewhat fit to take this trip, and also be prepared for bad weather. The trip across Vidden is among Norway's most popular hiking trips.

For both kids and adults, a popular activity on snowy days is to take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen and toboggan to the city centre.

Fjords [ edit ]

Central Bergen itself is situated at a fjord and within the municipality of Bergen there are several other fjords. There are smaller fjords all around Bergen and numerous lakes inside Bergen itself. The closest classical fjord is Sørfjorden-Veafjorden between Arna and Stanghelle. The main road (E16) and railway line between Bergen and Voss runs along Veafjorden as well as Bolstadfjorden. There are frequent boat trips to some of the more scenic fjords from the city centre, for instance to Mostraumen. There are trips all year round, but many are only available in season, from May to September. The full day trip by to through Nærøyfjorden/Aurlandsfjorden combines train, boat and bus where also the overland transport by train and bus through the wild landscape is very rewarding. Nærøyfjorden and Aurlandsfjorden are branches of Sognefjorden , Norway's longest and deepest, and the second longest in the world. The great Hardangerfjorden , Norway's second largest, is accessible at Norheimsund about 1 ½ or 2 hours by car or bus from Bergen.

Fishing [ edit ]

The islands, fjords and lakes surrounding Bergen provide excellent conditions for both saltwater and fresh-water fishing. Fishing from fresh water lakes usually requires a local rod permit, even permission from the land owner. Pay attention to signs marking lakes used for drinking water.

Coast and deep sea fishing is free and there is no need for any license. However, no more than 10 kg of fish fillets or fish products can be exported from Norway per person. If you have fished under the auspices of a registered tourist fishing camp, the export quota is a maximum of 20 kg, provided that the organized fishing can be documented. Note some important regulations concerning the minimum size of most fish. Consult the web site of The Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs [dead link] for more information.

Fishing in the city centre (Bryggen, Vågen, Bontelabo, Dokken) is possible, but there are some concerns about traces of mercury in white fish fillet and liver. A new report may indicate that the situation is better than expected, but a good advice is to avoid fishing in Vågen, from old ship yards and the Åstveittangen and Eidsvågen areas.

A general, very cautious advice could be not to eat liver from fish caught in areas close to the city centre - and pregnant and breast feeding women should not eat this fish at all.

Events [ edit ]

• Bergenfest . Music festival from the end of April to start of May. A number of concerts in most rhythmic music genres (pop, rock, hip hop, blues, soul) all over town.  
• 16 May . The night before Constitution Day is the definite party night in Bergen.  
• Nattjazz . Nattjazz is a two-week-long jazz festival from the end of May to the start of June, the longest jazz festival in Northern Europe. All concerts take place at Verftet USF, a former sardine factory at Nøstet, with a capacity of over 4000 guests. With a day-pass, you get access to all concerts that night for a fair price. Usually, there are six or seven concerts every night, some simultaneously on the various stages. The festival's musical profile ranges from traditional jazz to world music. Some of the artists that previously has played on Nattjazz are Gotan Project, Ahmed Jamal, Jan Garbarek, Stan Getz, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Van Morrison and James Brown.  

Learn [ edit ]

Institutions of higher education in Bergen include the University of Bergen , The Norwegian School of Business and Economics , Bergen National Academy of the Arts and Bergen University College . The university is Norway's second largest and covers most areas of education, though the educations in law and in medicine are probably considered the best. The Norwegian School of Business and Economics is considered the best education within these fields in the country. All the aforementioned institutions are members of the Nordplus and Erasmus exchange programmes and offer courses in English.

Buy [ edit ]

Bergen has a number of shopping centres, and international chains are well represented. As prices are rather high in Norway, regular shopping is probably not the most interesting thing to do in Bergen, even if you get a VAT refund (see the Tax Free shopping section below). But if you know where to go, you can find rare and unique items, both traditional crafts and stuff made by local designers - and some other fun stuff. Keep in mind that with a very few exceptions, Bergen shuts down completely on Sundays and holidays.

Shops [ edit ]

• 60.389358 5.323833 1 Apollon , Nygårdsgaten 2 A , ☏ +47 55 31 59 43 , fax : +47 55 31 58 08 . Combined bar and music store, sells CDs, vinyls and band merchandise in addition to a decent selection of beers.  

• 60.397314 5.324411 2 Blonder og stas , Bryggestredet ( in the heart of Bryggen ), ☏ +47 55 31 83 81 . A small shop selling beautiful Norwegian handmade textiles, such as tablecloths and napkins.  
• 60.395764 5.326431 3 Kjøttbasaren , Vetrlidsallmenningen 2 ( between Torget and Fløibanen ). M–W F 09:00-17:00, Th 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-15:00 . This market hall built in 1877 was once the only one in its kind in Norway. Nowadays it houses Bergen's finest gourmet food stores, the most interesting for tourists being Havets Grøde and Sesong. Havets Grøde has a large selection of top quality seafood, with fresh deliveries every day. The quality is usually much better than at the fish market. Sesong offers the season's food directly from local farms and producers.  
• 60.3935 5.327 4 Norsk Flid Husfliden , Vågsallmenningen 3 ( near the tourist office ), ☏ +47 55 54 47 40 , [email protected] . Husfliden is a chain of stores throughout Norway with focus on traditional Norwegian crafts. The most interesting things for tourists found in these stores are traditional jewelry and tableware. Husfliden also sells beautiful national costumes (Norwegian: bunad ).  
• Bryggen Husflid , Bryggen 37 ( in one of the old houses at the charming wharf area Bryggen ), ☏ +47 55 32 88 03 . Handknitted pullovers, cardigans and accessories from the brand Norsk Håndstrikk. The sweaters are made by hand in Norway, knitted by Norwegian ladies in their homes. Rare and unique products. The shop also carry a great selection of other Norwegian made products, in addition to other souvenirs like trolls, soft toys etc. The prices are very good compared to other shops at Bryggen.  
• Ruben's skattkammer , Vetrlidsalmenning 5 , ☏ +47 55 31 41 11 , [email protected] . Unique, fun and stimulating toys for kids and adults.  
• Stormberg , Småstrandgaten 3 (Xhibition) , ☏ +47 454 04 157 , [email protected] . Store for Norway's largest brand of outdoor wear.  
• Søstrene Hagelin ( The Hagelin Sisters ), Strandgaten 3 ( By Torgalmenningen ), ☏ +47 55 90 20 13 . M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00 . Søstrene Hagelin has been a tradition in Bergen since 1929. Famous for their traditional fiskekaker, fish-burger. There are some tables in the shop where you can eat the fish-burger, or their fish soup.  
• Tilsammans , Kong Oscars gate 26 , ☏ +47 55 32 55 55 , [email protected] . Trendy clothes.  
• T Michael , Skostredet 9 A , ☏ +47 55 55 80 37 . Extremely stylish menswear.  
• Twisted , Nygårdsgaten 1 B , ☏ +47 55 96 01 87 . Independent fashion store for men and women with brands such as IVANAHelsinki, Moods of Norway, Namso, GTP, Birna, Pernilla Svenre, Maria Weterlind, El Naturlista, William Rast, Gabba, Scotch&Soda, Minium, Insight, Pace and Pour.  
• ZUMM design , Holmedalsgården 1 , ☏ +47 930 69 578 , [email protected] . Sweet and handmade clothing for girls from 2–11 years of age.  
• 60.39051 5.32008 5 Musikk Miljø , Håkonsgaten 24 , ☏ +47 55 23 60 30 . 09:00-16:30 . Orchestral instruments and accessories, sheet music, and music related thingies. ( updated Feb 2024 )

Tax-free shopping [ edit ]

VAT (value added tax/sales tax, Norwegian: mva. (merverdiavgift) or moms. (merverdiomsetningsavgift) ) is 25% for most items in Norway. It is included in the retail price, which makes the VAT content 20% of the price you pay. As Norway is not a member of the European union, all foreign citizens (apart from those of Sweden, Denmark and Finland) are eligible for a refund of the VAT if the goods purchased are brought out of the country at the latest one month after the purchase. The prerequisites for such a refund is that the goods are not used or consumed, even in part, within Norway, and that you spend at least kr 315 in a store.

Look for stores with a Global Blue/tax free flag or sticker. You need only to ask the shop assistant for a global refund check, and provide documentation of your citizenship. When leaving Norway, go to a Global Blue refund office with the goods, the check and your passport, and you will receive up to 19% of the sales price in cash. In Bergen, the only Global Blue refund office [dead link] is at the airport, but there are also information desks on a couple of the ferries leaving from the city.

Unlike in many other countries, the customs authorities are not involved in the VAT refund process in Norway.

Eat [ edit ]

There is a great variety of restaurants and cafes in Bergen, but you should expect to spend some time looking for the best places. In the most central parts of the city, many of the restaurants are all the same. Move a block away from the most central parts of downtown to find lower prices and better food. Kitchens usually close at 23:00 at the latest.

Waiters and other restaurant staff have good wages. You are not required to leave any money to cover the service, but many people choose to tip the waiter if he or she has been helpful and nice, and if the food was good. If you choose to leave a tip, rounding up or adding about five to ten percent will be appreciated. A rule of thumb would be that the more expensive the food is, the more are you expected to leave a tip.

Keep in mind that tap water is safe to drink and (usually) free of charge. To save money, ask for tap water to drink.

Local food [ edit ]

Finding local food might take some effort, but there are some options. There aren't that many local dishes available at restaurants. "Norwegian" food is the food of the husmann (cottager) – nutritious and cheap, not what you usually find in a restaurant. The Bergen fish soup might be the most important, as well as raspeballer and cooked cod. If you want to get that Norwegian taste and have a gourmet meal at the same time, look for dishes that use "local" ingredients (such as reindeer, stockfish and cod) with a twist, such as Bryggen Tracteursted's filet of reindeer farced with goat cheese.

Many cafe's and restaurants serve "raspeballer" on Thursdays. Raspeballer are local potato dumplings, in Bergen usually served with bacon, sausages, salted meat from sheep, melted butter and mashed rutabaga. You can get takeaway raspeballer at Kjøttbasaren (kr. 50), cheap ones at Lido, excellent ones at Pingvinen and Bjellands Kjøkken. You can get reasonable take-away fish soup, fish-balls, "plukkfisk" and fish-gratin at Madam Bergen.

In November, December and January, traditional Christmas food is served in many restaurants. Look for "pinnekjøtt" (cured, dried and sometimes smoked meat of lamb or mutton), "lutefisk" (lit. "lye fish", dried cod prepared with lye) and "ribbe" (oven-baked pork ribs). For a very special experience, try smalahove (sheep's head). It is a traditional dish from Voss not far from Bergen.

Budget [ edit ]

City centre [ edit ].

• 60.390405 5.321331 1 Pasta Sentral , Vestre Torggate 5-7 , ☏ +47 55 96 00 37 . M–Sa 11:00–23:00, Su 13:00–23:00 . Cheap and decent pasta and pizza for students and budget travellers alike. Pasta Sentral has been an institution in Bergen since its opening in 1990. Provides take away as well. ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.389267 5.322983 2 Kafe Spesial , Christies gate 13 . Value for money, particularly pizza. Wide selection of beer. Situated on the slope towards the university area so clientele is largely students. Basic service (order at the counter). ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.392948 5.320222 3 Bergen Kebab , Christian Michelsens gate 7 , ☏ +47 55 23 00 17 . M–W Su 11:00–00:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00 . Though selling the cheapest kebabs in town, Bergen Kebab manages to maintain a decent level of service and quality. Serves an ok pizza as well. ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.390805 5.321582 4 Hot Wok City , Vestre Torggaten 1 , ☏ +47 55 21 85 88 . M–Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 14:00–23:00 . Good-quality Chinese food freshly cooked in the open kitchen. Service is fast, and the prices are low. Popular, especially between 16:00 and 18:00. ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.389972 5.322642 5 Savanna Restaurant , Olav Kyrres gate 28 . Nice East African cuisine. Delicious food with traditional bread to eat with your hands. Vegetarian options are offered. ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.388825 5.3228 6 Brød & Vin restaurant , Christies gate 13 . Dimly lit restaurant and Asian inspired food. Quiet place and tasty dishes. ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.393764 5.324096 7 Søstrene Hagelin ( Hagelin Sisters ), Strandgaten 3 . Canteen-style fish food restaurant. Traditional fishfood, as well as creative such as fishburger with taco. Eat there or take home. Right beside Torgallmenningen. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 60.395363 5.327219 8 Trekroneren , Kong Oscars gate 1 . Bergen's last standing hot dog stand, situated in an illegally erected shed since the 1940's. Large selection of both classic and more interesting sausage styles. Extremely popular; there's literally always a queue. ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.395321 5.32737 9 Bergen pizza , Kong Oscars gate 3 . Both the pizza and the kebab are delicious. The pizzas are made in front of you, well garnished and heated in a large oven. ( updated May 2022 )

Around the train station [ edit ]

• 60.388248 5.329155 10 Zen Cafe Bar , Strømgaten 26 ( close to the city centre, 200 m from the bus station ), ☏ +47 55 32 14 38 . A fantastic place to eat. The prices are cheap, and the food and service are excellent. Worth trying at least once. ( updated May 2022 )
• 60.387606 5.328275 11 Kroathai , Nygårdsgaten 29 , ☏ +47 55 32 58 50 . M–Sa 11:00–22:00, Su 13:00–22:00 . The Thai equivalent of Hot Wok, although with slightly smaller portions. Service is usually fast, and the staff is friendly. Can often be full, so take-out can be a good plan B. There is also a Kroa Thai restaurant with the same menu in Åsane senter, a few miles outside of the town centre. Multiple options for vegetarians. Serves daily lunch for kr 105 (June 2016) . ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 60.394422 5.3268 12 Pygmalion Økocafe , Nedre Korskirke Allmenning 4 ( near the fishmarket and tourist information ), ☏ +47 55 32 33 60 . daily 09:00–23:00 . Organic restaurant situated in the heart of Bergen. Featuring live concerts and art exhibitions. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 60.391194 5.32155 13 Zupperia , Vaskerelven 12 , ☏ +47 55 55 81 14 . Soups and salads – tasty, cheap and big portions. Tu–Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–22:00 . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 60.391753 5.319929 14 Café Opera , Engen 18 ( by the theater ), ☏ +47 55 23 03 15 . M Tu 10:00–00:30, W–F 10:00–03:30, Sa 11:00–03:30, Su 11:00–23:30 . An institution on one of the best corners in Bergen. Great food for the money. This is a place with many regular customers. During the day they serve lunch and cakes. Early in the evening it is a place for dinner and beer. Late night is for dancing. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 60.39041 5.319713 15 Ichiban , Håkonsgaten 17 ( close to the university campus ), ☏ +47 55 90 04 60 . Fresh, tasty and fast sushi at the cheapest prices in town. Primarily take-away, but you can also eat in if you don't mind the complete lack of atmosphere. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 60.396054 5.308797 16 Kafé Kippers , Georgernes verft 12 ( Kulturhuset USF ), ☏ +47 55 30 40 80 . M–Th Su 11:00–23:00, F Sa 11:00–00:00 . The café serves a variety of meals, from sandwiches to dinners. The view is extraordinary. If you are lucky enough to catch a sunny day, you can observe a range of activities that happens in the bay. Indoors the café has a quiet atmosphere. There are large panorama windows facing the water giving you a romantic view even on rainy days. In connection with the restaurant, there is a changing art exhibition. Accessible with a wheelchair. ( updated Jan 2023 )

• 60.391081 5.320514 17 Naboen Pub & Restaurant , Sigurds gate 4 , ☏ +47 55 90 02 90 . Open from 16:00 every day. An informal restaurant with two price ranges: You can get the best priced gourmet food in town, or you can go for the cheaper "Swedish" menu. Regardless of what you choose, the food is prepared from first class local ingredients, and you get to enjoy the freshly baked bread and white table cloths. One of the best restaurants in town. For dinnertime dining you need a reservation. If you don't have reservations, try the rather crowded pub downstairs - they serve the "Swedish" menu there too. Offered are main courses from the Swedish menu and from the gourmet menu. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 60.391123 5.321684 18 Pingvinen , Vaskerelven 14 . A very nice, but usually crowded bar where you can also get a good portion of Norwegian food. Recommended by Time . Food available throughout opening hours. One of very few venues where genuine Norwegian homecooking – and large bowls of popcorn – are available. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 60.397601 5.324428 19 Bryggen Tracteursted , Bryggestredet 2 ( in the middle of Bryggen, towards the rear side ), ☏ +47 55 33 69 99 , [email protected] . Bryggen Tracteursted offers a modern kitchen inspired by Hanseatic and local traditions, served in historic surroundings. A hidden treasure with its somewhat anonymous appearance. The restaurant can in principle fit up to about 200 guests, but the kitchen is very small, and expansion is not allowed by the cultural heritage authorities. This forces the restaurant to accept a relatively low number of patrons at a time – giving a peaceful atmosphere. A reservation is recommended. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 60.397069 5.323047 20 Enhjørningen ( The Unicorn Fish Restaurant ), Enhjørningsgården 29 , ☏ +47 55 32 17 19 , [email protected] . Daily 16:00-23:00 . Bergen's most traditional – and expensive – fish restaurant. Located in a building restored to its 18th century appearance, Enhjørningen is well reputed for its excellent food, served in classical manners. A reservation is required. Ask for a window table if possible, as you will have a beautiful view of Bergen harbor. Main courses kr 280-385 .  

Drink [ edit ]

There is a great variety of bars, night clubs, concert venues etc. in Bergen. Night clubs are usually open from 23:00, but life never starts before 01:00. Bars opens at different hours, some can be open all day. No places are allowed to serve alcohol after 03:00, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages must cease at 03:30 at the latest. Many places are required to close earlier. The establishments are only allowed to let people bring their drinks outside if they have been granted a special permit. A requirement to get this permit is that they have a confined space outdoors for their guests. All drinks must be indoors by 01:00. People go out all week, but Fridays and Saturdays are the best nights, Saturdays being the clear winner (most places will be a bit too crowded on Saturdays). Some clubs have a 2 for 1 policy on Wednesdays, and Sunday is usually the night for people in the industry.

Most places require that you are 20 years of age (look in the list for details) and that you can provide a valid ID, even if you are much older. Valid IDs are Norwegian bank cards, European standard driver's licenses and ID cards and passports. Drinking in public is illegal. Emptying a can in front of a police officer on a Saturday night will earn you a kr. 2500 fine. If you stroll through a park a bit outside the city centre on a sunny day you will still see a lot of people having a beer or a glass of wine with the picnic. The police usually won't mind as long as everything passes in an orderly fashion.

Prices vary great from place to place, ask at the door if you need to know. In the weekends, there is usually a cover charge from kr 50 to kr 100 at night clubs.

Almost all night clubs and some bars have a dress code. The required attire varies; look in the list for more information (when the listing indicates "no dress code" normal, nice clothes are accepted). Supporter gear is generally not accepted even in sports pubs.

Remember that smoking in all indoor areas where people work is strictly prohibited by law in Norway. Most restaurants, bars, night clubs etc. will require you to leave if you try to smoke indoors.

Nightlife is largely concentrated in the central downtown (streets Vaskerelven, Engen, Torgallmenningen, Ole Bulls plass, Nygaardsgaten) and Bryggen area (streets Bryggen, Rosenkrantz gt, Vetrlidsallmenningen, kong Oscar gate).

Central downtown [ edit ]

• Baran , Håkonsgaten . Small and nice pub with an excellent selection of reasonably priced beers, and a small selection of cheap food. A bit run-down, but rather cozy. Clientele between 20-35. The staff wants to appear very knowledgeable and might tell you which beers are similar to which (e.g., "Marston's Oyster Stout is similar to a Guinness and not at all watery"). Being skeptical to this advice will keep you from being disappointed.  
• Biskopen , Neumannsgate . A nice pub that caters mostly to people between 25 and 40. Nice selection of beers. If it looks crowded, check the basement.  
• Henrik Øl og Vinstove , Engen 10 , ☏ +47 55900384 . Su-F 16:00-00:30, Sa 14:00-00:30 . A bar that possibly has the widest selection of beer in Bergen with over 40 beers on tap, and a large selection of bottled beer. It has a quiet, friendly atmosphere and the bartender is extremely knowledgeable and personable.  
• Inside Rock Café , Vaskerelvsmuget 7 ( close to the blue stone ). M-Sa 15:30-03:00, Su 15:30-00:00 . The place to be if you like metal. Cheap beer, long hair and rock. Excellent burgers. No dress code, but a band t-shirt is recommended. kr 50 for 0.5 litres draft beer at night .  
• Pingvinen , Vaskerelven 14 , ☏ +47 55 60 46 46 , [email protected] . A very nice, but often crowded, bar where you can also get a good portion of Norwegian food. Recommended by Time . One of few places where genuine traditional Norwegian food is available. Nice prices both on food and drinks.  
• Rick's , Veiten 3 ( just by the theatre ), ☏ +47 55 55 31 31 , [email protected] . A large complex featuring among other things a scene, a disco, a bar and an Irish pub, most popular among people between 30 and 40 years. If you are a woman, expect sleazy guys in the disco. Age limit is 24 years in weekends.  

Bryggen and Dreggen [ edit ]

• Baklommen . Bryggen ( Enhjørningsgården ). Probably Bergen's smallest bar. A place to sit down and relax with a coffee or a drink. Only accessible with a wheelchair when assisted. Age limit is 23 years. No dress code.  
• Una , Bryggen 7 , ☏ +47 919 00 923 . A bar with a large variety of beers, which change all the time.  

Nordnes and Nøstet area [ edit ]

• USF Verftet , Georgernes verft 12 ( Nøstet ). Formerly a sardine factory, USF Verftet is a very large venue with different stages for concerts, theatre and dance. Intimate jazz concerts every Friday except around Christmas and in the summer. Home of the Nattjazz jazz festival. Kafé Kippers is a café with a beautiful view of Puddefjorden. The best place for a beer outdoors in the summer, but also family friendly. The café is open every day. Check the program on the venue's website or in the local newspaper Bergens Tidende (BT) for events. Student discount on beer and wine. The café and the two largest stages are accessible with a wheelchair. Access to the remaining stages is possible with assistance. Age limit is 18 years. No dress code.
• Altona Vinbar , ☏ +47 55 30 40 00 . C. Sundts gate 22 ( Entrance through Hotel Augustin or from Gågaten ). The only bar/restaurant in Bergen with Wine Spectators Best of Award of Excellence. Excellent selection of wines, nice atmosphere.  
• Trikken 106 , Nøstegaten 45B. Cozy, small pub and bar with a tramway theme. Nice selection of not too expensive beers and good cocktails. Also seating outside, with a view over the harbour and fjord. Classic rock, metal and postpunk will be played all the time, but never loud. Trikken 106 is a popular meeting place for people living in the neighbourhood. Expect some quizzes and a lot of talking. A place for tourists to meet the locals.

Nygårdshøyden and Møhlenpris – the University Area [ edit ]

• Det Akademiske Kvarter ( Kvarteret ), Olav Kyrres gate 49 , [email protected] . The student culture house is one of the largest venues in Bergen with two large stages and one smaller, a pub, a café and a few other bars. Often popular club concepts and concerts in the week-ends. A very popular place among most people in the 20s. Age limit is 20 years unless you have valid student ID, in which case the age limit is 18 years. No cover charge (except Saturdays after 21:00, kr 50, and for special events) or dress code. Completely accessible with a wheelchair. Student discount on drinks and generally low prices .  
• Fincken . Nygårdsgaten 2 A. W-Th 19:00-01:30, F-Su 19:00-02:30. Traditionally the centre of gay nightlife in Bergen, these days Fincken is a mixed crowd with plenty of straight men. No dress code.  
• Fotballpuben . Vestre Torggaten 9. Live football from every corner of the globe, except Trondheim , as locals have a rather difficult relationship with the city. Nightlife starts at 23:00 and people usually get very drunk by the end of the night. Expect a fight and expect the bouncers to go hard on anyone involved. Age limit is 18 years. Inaccessible with a wheelchair. No dress code.  
• Hulen . Olaf Ryes vei 48. Th-Sa 21:00-03:00 (closed during summer). Established in 1969, Hulen is the oldest running rock club in Northern Europe. Hulen can be tricky to find, but with its unique atmosphere it is well worth a visit. The somewhat concealed location is a good buffer against the hordes of drunk morons that frequent more central bars. Hulen is situated in a cave (an old bomb shelter), and is run by students with two bars and a stage. Good concerts (Fridays), cheap drinks and the best rock disco in town (Saturdays). Beer costs kr 36 before 23:00 and kr 44 after. The turnout varies greatly. No dress code.  
• Legal , Christies gate 11. A small and very popular 50s style drinking den with brilliant music and ambiance. No dress code.

Outside the city centre [ edit ]

• Bien bar , Fjøsangerveien 30 ( Danmarksplass, take the light rail (the bar will refund your ticket) or walk for 15 minutes from the city centre ), ☏ +47 55 59 11 00 , [email protected] . M–Th 11:00–01:30, F 11:00-02:30, Sa 12:00-02:30, Su 12:00–01:30 . This great neighborhood pub used to be a pharmacy. Wooden drawers with labels for bandages and hemorrhoidal cream still line the walls, as the art deco interior is protected by the local cultural heritage authority. Bien has a friendly staff and a good atmosphere. In addition to classic drinks you can also get very good food both for lunch and dinner here. Try "Bien spesial", sausages from a local slaughterhouse served with lentils. Quiz every Wednesday at 20:30 and regular jazz concerts with free entrance. No dress code, accessible with a wheelchair. kr 54 for 0.4 litres draft beer, kr 86 for most cocktails, lunch from around kr 100 .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Outside the summer season, getting a hotel room is usually not a problem, although it can be quite expensive unless you have a reservation. In the summer season (from May to Sept) a reservation well in advance is required. Breakfast is normally included in the price except at hostels and camping sites.

• 60.3719 5.3663 1 Bergen Hostel Montana ( Bergen Vandrerhjem Montana ), Johan Blytts vei 30 ( On Landås, about 10 minutes from the city centre by car, use bus line 12 eastbound ), ☏ +47 55 20 80 70 , [email protected] . Situated on the hillside of Mount Ulriken. Bus connections are good. This typical hostel is an excellent choice for families and those travelling on a budget, with decent and clean facilities in a quiet area. Its location is however not ideal if you plan to enjoy the nightlife of Bergen. Free Wifi, two well equipped guest kitchens and free parking for guests. Members of Hosteling International receive 10% discount. Breakfast included. Linen and towels not included. Dorm: kr 205-295, Double: kr 660(winter)-850(summer) .  
• 60.39014 5.33778 2 Intermission Hostel , Kalfarveien 8 ( East of the railway station ), ☏ +47 55 30 04 00 , [email protected] . A Christian hostel 40-bed dormitory with probably the lowest prices in town. Norwegian evenings every Monday and Thursday with traditional cakes and waffles, free of charge. Open from mid-June to mid-August. Dorm: kr 190, Bed linen: kr 30 .  
• 60.39232 5.33176 3 Marken Gjestehus , Kong Oscars gate 45 , ☏ +47 55 31 44 04 , fax : +47 55 31 60 22 , [email protected] . A 73-bed hostel located close to the railway station. Lockable closets in all rooms. No mixed sex dormitories. Breakfast not included. Reception: May–Sep: 09:00–23:00, Oct–Apr: 09:30–16:30. Dorm: kr 210-275, Double: from kr 610, Bed linen: kr 65 .  
• 60.39674 5.32938 4 Skansen pensjonat , ☏ +47 55 31 90 80 , [email protected] . Small and cosy, with only seven rooms. Located near the funicular. Reservations are necessary. Double: kr 900, Single: kr 550 .  
• 60.3994 5.3272 5 Bergen Guesthouse , Stølesmauet 9 , ☏ +47 938 74 907 , [email protected] . Situated behind Bryggen, the guesthouse consists of two houses, one with a two bedroom apartment and one in which four rooms are available. All rooms can be fitted with a baby bed free of charge. Some of the bedrooms can also be rented and used as living rooms or offices on request. Double: kr 750 including bed linen and towels .  
• 60.39571 5.31454 6 Friis Pensjon , Ytre Markeveien 6-8 , ☏ +47 467 79 604 , [email protected] . A small flat close to the city centre: a bedroom, a living-room, a kitchen-corner (without stove), a bathroom. There is Wi-Fi in the flat. Suitable for 2 persons, but can also be used by four. Double: kr 800 .  
• 60.3878 5.3279 7 Citybox Bergen City , Nygårdsgaten 31 , ☏ +47 55 31 25 00 , [email protected] . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Self-service check-in, comfortable rooms with a desk, chair, kitchen, space for hanging clothes. Laundry room, TV/lounge downstairs. Very close to the station. Single kr 635, double kr 720 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.37581 5.33574 8 Citybox Danmarksplass , Solheimsgaten 23 , ☏ +47 53 01 99 90 , [email protected] . Self-service hotel. Guests handle booking, payment, check-in and check-out themselves. Single kr 649, double kr 705 .  

• 60.39614 5.31557 9 Comfort Hotel Holberg , Strandgaten 190 ( Nordnes ), ☏ +47 55 30 42 00 , fax : +47 55 23 18 20 , [email protected] . A little bit outside the centre of downtown, but still no more than a few minutes walk from the fish market, this hotel is probably one of the lesser known accommodation options in Bergen. The hotel is quite new and modern. With facilities in the typical mid-range class, it might however be a bit pricey compared to its competitors. About kr 1500 per night for a standard double room.  
• 60.39067 5.33429 10 Grand Terminus , Zander Kaaesgate 6 ( Opposite the railway station ), ☏ +47 55 21 25 00 , [email protected] . The hotel built in 1928 is elegant and has a classical style. Wide central staircase leading up to renovated rooms, and down to an old-fashioned lounge bar area downstairs, with free tea and coffee for guests. Double: from kr 1150 .  
• 60.39231 5.32229 11 InCity Hotel & Apartments , Øvre Ole Bulls plass 3 ( In the heart of Bergen, 50 m from the blue stone ), ☏ +47 55 23 16 13 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11:30 . Large and comfortable rooms with kitchenette and broadband internet. Hotel, restaurant, bar, night club and theater under same roof. Double: from kr 1290 .  
• 60.39132 5.31767 12 Scandic Bergen City , Håkonsgaten 2 ( close to the university area ), ☏ +47 55 30 90 80 , fax : +47 55 23 49 20 , [email protected] . A reasonably priced conference hotel, also a good option for tourists due to its relatively central yet quiet surroundings. There is a gym and bath close by, and a cinema across the street. From kr 1100 per night for a standard double room.  
• 60.3994 5.32026 13 Thon Hotel Bergen Brygge , Bradbenken 3 ( close to Bergenhus ), ☏ +47 55 30 87 00 , fax : +47 55 32 94 14 , [email protected] . An ok hotel situated in the historic part of Bergen, though not very historic itself. Single: from kr 695, Double: from kr 895 .  
• 60.39709 5.32545 14 Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz , Rosenkrantzgate 7 , ☏ +47 55 30 14 00 , fax : +47 55 31 14 76 , [email protected] . Hotel Rosenkrantz is a comfortable hotel located just behind Bryggen. The hotel serves an evening buffet included in the room price every night except in the summer season. There are nightclubs in the vicinity. About kr 1300 per night for a standard double room .  
• 60.394471 5.320222 15 Scandic Neptun , Valkendorfsgate 8 ( Torget 400 m; railway station 850 m; Flybussen stops outside the hotel ), ☏ +47 55 30 68 00 , [email protected] . Central hotel that is part of the Scandic chain. Good-sized standard rooms with two beds, bathtub, and tea/coffee maker. Breakfast buffet, serviceable wireless internet, and Norwegian newspapers are supplied. Several restaurants on-site.  
• 60.396 5.31785 16 Augustin Hotel , C. Sundts gate 22 , ☏ +47 55 30 40 00 , fax : +47 55 30 40 10 , [email protected] . Augustin Hotel is Bergen's oldest family-run hotel, owned by the same family for three generations. It is the only hotel in the city centre that is not member of a hotel chain, giving room for the management to create a unique atmosphere. The hotel has undergone extensive modernization the latest years. The restaurant and the wine bar are both highly recommended. The hotel is often fully booked, so a reservation well in advance is recommended. About kr 1700 per night for a standard double room .  
• 60.39808 5.32135 17 Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret , Slottsgaten 1 ( at the harbour ), ☏ +47 55 60 11 00 , fax : +47 55 60 11 01 , [email protected] . This luxurious hotel opened in the beautiful neo-classical building which used to house the Port of Bergen harbor company in May 2006. The hotel is situated on historical ground between Bryggen and Bergenhus fort. Hotel facilities include a gym and a sauna. About kr 2000 per night for a standard double room .  
• 60.39548 5.31997 18 Clarion Hotel Admiral , C. Sundts gate 9 , ☏ +47 55 23 64 00 , fax : +47 55 23 64 64 , [email protected] . A traditional high-class hotel with a view of Bergen harbor. About kr 1600 per night for a standard double room .  
• 60.39602 5.32628 19 Det Hanseatiske Hotel , Finnegården 2A , ☏ +47 55 30 48 00 , [email protected] . Finnegaarden 2 A. Situated in the very heart of the historic Bergen, the hotel building was rebuilt after the great fire in 1702, but is mentioned in texts dating back to the beginning of the 15th century. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen . With 37 rooms, the hotel opened in May 2006 and has quickly gained renown for its historic atmosphere. From kr 1500 per night for a standard double room .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Bergen has, as the rest of Norway, a generally low crime rate. The most likely crimes for tourists to experience is car break-ins and bicycle theft. Pickpockets is also becoming an increasing problem in the summer season, but it's still nothing like in larger cities in Europe. It is always a good idea to look after your belongings, this includes never leaving valuable objects visible in your car and locking your bike safely.

There are no particularly unsafe areas in Bergen. The upper part of Nygårdsparken used to be the hang-out place for drug addicts. The lower part of Nygårdsparken is a beautiful place popular among the locals. To make the whole park family friendly the upper part was closed down and renovated for two years forcing the drug addicts to disperse. As a consequence they are now spread across the city. The drug addicts are usually completely harmless, but nevertheless not fun to be around.

Buying sex is illegal in Norway.

People party hard on Friday and Saturday night, and hoards of drunk people will appear in the central areas from around midnight, singing, carousing, and just hanging around. Some foreigners may perceive this as threatening, but they are mostly harmless, even all-male groups chanting football songs. If approached, just smile and stay friendly, but uneasy visitors should avoid groups of drunk young after midnight. Summer evenings has daylight until 23:00 or 24:00, adding to the safety for visitors.

There is an emergency and accident ward at Solheimsgaten 9. The ward is open all day all week, and provides examination and treatment in case of accidents and acute diseases. The ward is located with a life crisis assistance centre, a psychiatric emergency ward, a reception centre for rape victims and a dental emergency ward. All services may be reached at ☏ +47 55 56 87 60 . If you should be in need of immediate medical assistance, do however call 113 .

The police station downtown is in Allehelgens gate 6, across the street from the old town hall.

Emergency numbers [ edit ]

• Police , ☏ 112 .  
• Fire , ☏ 110 .  
• If you are unsure which emergency number to call, ☏ 112 is the central for all such rescue services and will put you in contact with the correct department.
• The hearing impaired using a text telephone can reach the emergency services by dialing ☏ 1412 .
• non-emergencies police , ☏ 02800 (in country only), +47 55 55 63 00 ( Hordaland Police District) .  
• Roadside assistance is provided by Falck ( ☏ 02222 (in country only) ) and Viking (phone|06000}} (in country only)). AAA members may call NAF ☏ 08505 (in country only) .

Stay healthy [ edit ]

In acute illness or if accident occurs contact:

• Emergency Medical Services , ☏ 113 (Emergencies only) .  
• Bergen legevakt , Solheimsgaten 9 , ☏ +47 55 56 87 00 , 116 117 (in country only) . For minor injuries and illness (emergency room/physician seeing patients without appointment).  

There are many pharmacies (apotek) in Bergen, that are selling medications and can give you advice on the treatment of injury and disease.

• Vitusapotek Nordstjernen Bergen , Bergen Storsenter, Strømgt. 8 . Has extended opening hours.  

Respect [ edit ]

As in the rest of Norway, it is customary to take your shoes off when entering a home. This in particular done as a practical matter, due to the wet weather (slush and salt in winter).

People from Bergen have a reputation for being more loud and direct than many other parts of Norway. Locals are perhaps the most patriotic in Norway.

Cope [ edit ]

Getting around by foot is easy, and free maps are available everywhere. If you need a better map, you should buy one of the local newspapers' (Bergens Tidende) maps. Maps are sold from the paper's reception in Krinkelkroken 1, close to the blue stone, and in various bookstores. The city map costs kr 50.

VISA and MasterCard are normally accepted in any restaurant, taxi and store, except grocery stores, some kiosks and McDonald's. Many places, American Express, JCB and Diners Club are also accepted. ATMs accept all major credit and debit cards and are available in English language. The currency is Norwegian kroner (crowns), but euros may also be accepted at some tourist destinations (you should, however, avoid paying in euros as the exchange rates may be stiff). Currency exchange is available in all banks. Exchange is usually associated with an incredible fee, so you should use your credit card or withdraw cash from an ATM unless you have a good reason not to. You will also find that most shops don't handle change manually. A grey machine by the till accepts your change in the top (and counts it for the shop assistant) and provides your change in a hopper at the bottom. Don't feed a large number of coins in at once: put them in one at a time or the machine may jam.

The regular opening hours for grocery stores are 08:00-21:00 on weekdays. Some stores open earlier and close later. Other shops usually have shorter hours, except those in the shopping centres. Almost all shops, including grocery stores, close earlier on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Kiosks such as Narvesen, 7-Eleven and Deli de Luca, as well as many petrol stations, are open. These do however often have very high prices for normal grocery items.

Some smaller grocery stores are open on Sundays and public holidays, including Bunnpris at Nedre Korskirkeallmenningen (by the Bergen YMCA and the Church of the Cross) and Rimi at Nygårdsgaten 6.

The city's main post office is in the Xhibition shopping centre, on the 1st floor. Some grocery stores offer limited postal services, and stamps are available from most book stores and kiosks. Post boxes are either red or yellow and are located all over town. Yellow boxes are only for local mail, if unsure use the red box. All post boxes, post offices and grocery stores offering postal services are marked with the emblem of the Norwegian postal service, a stylized red or silver horn, and the word "Posten". For more information on the postal service and to locate post offices and post boxes, see the web site of Norway Post [dead link] .

The local tap water is fresh, tasty and rich in minerals from the surrounding mountains, and safe to drink.

Public toilets are available for a small fee at shopping centres and at Torget and Bryggen.

Countries with consulates in Bergen are listed below in the consulates section; however, most are only honorary consulates, so their services are limited. You may wish to visit your country's embassy in the Norwegian capital, Oslo .

Connect [ edit ]

Area codes are no longer in use in Norwegian phone numbers. Phone numbers are normally eight digits, some special numbers may be three, four or five digits. In any case you should always dial all of the digits to make a call. The country code of Norway is +47 . If you are calling abroad from a land line, dial 00 before your country code and phone number.

Cellular phone coverage is very good throughout the city. Three different networks are available, Telenor, NetCom and Network Norway. Check with your local operator to find out which one is the cheaper for you. The difference is usually not big. Norway, like most of Europe, uses GSM 900 and 1800, which means that some cell phones from USA, Canada and countries in Asia will not work. For those in need of mobile data lines, both HSDPA/3G/UMTS, EDGE and GPRS coverage is good on all networks.

There are no telephone centres in the city, and only a very few phone booths. Most hotels have phones in every room, but international calls from these phones are usually very expensive. There are some calling cards available, this is probably the cheapest way to phone home.

Many cafes and restaurants have free Wi-Fi for their patrons. Free Wi-Fi is also available at Bergen Public Library, Strømgaten 6 (by the bus station). Most large hotels do also have wireless Internet access, however access at a hotel may be pricy.

If you are a registered user at an eduroam participating institution, you can connect to a high-speed secure Wi-Fi network on the university campus on Nygårdshøyden, and in other buildings used by the university, the Bergen University College, the Norwegian School of Business and Economics, and the Bergen National Academy of the Arts. For information on how to connect, see UNINETTs website .

There are internet cafes around town. At Bergen Public Library, you may also use a computer with high-speed internet access for free. There is a reservation system, ask at the circulation desk.

Religious services [ edit ]

• Bergen Bahá'í Centre , Sydnessmuget 6, +47 930 00 159 (after 17:00).
• Bergen centre of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism , +47 971 11 302. Meditation hours every Wednesday from 19:00.
• Bergen Hindu Sabha , Storetveitveien 5, +47 55 28 22 45.
• Bergen Mosque , Nøstegaten 43, +47 55 23 37 10.

Christian [ edit ]

• Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway (state church). Services in Norwegian in most churches every Sunday at 11:00. During the study year the student congregation has short services in Johanneskirken (on the university campus at Nygårdshøyden) every Wednesday at 11:30 and in Domkirken every Sunday at 19:00.
• St. Paul's church (Catholic church), Nygårdsgaten 3, +47 55 21 59 50. Religious services every day of the week. Services are in Norwegian, English, Vietnamese, Tamil, Spanish, Filipino, Polish or Latin.
• Engensenteret chapel (Anglican church), Baneveien 1.
• The Baptist Church , Vilhelm Bjerknes vei 16. Services every Sunday at 11:00.
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Åsbakken 14, +47 55 91 05 10.
• Jehovah's Witnesses , Slåtthaugveien 19/21, +47 55 13 02 18. English speaking congregation.

Consulates [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ], bergen area [ edit ].

• Havråtunet . 18 May-31 Aug: M-Sa 12:00-16:00, Su 11:00-17:00. Sep: Su 12:00-16:00 . A farmstead on a steep slope on the island of Osterøy overlooking a fjord. This Norwegian version of a village consists of 36 buildings bundled together with steep fields and plots around it. During the 20th century 60 people lived there and to this day all the work is done without modern equipment like machines.  
• Hellesøy in Øygarden is an island located almost in the North Sea about 1–1½ hours of driving from Bergen. Enjoy the beautiful, harsh nature, go for a hike and rent a fishing rod. Eat your lunch in open air or at the local cafeteria. Boat trips and extreme sports events can be organized, and if you care to stay for a while, you can rent a room, apartment or a sea house. Activities and lodging is provided by Destination Hellesøy .
• Kvamskogen is a popular target for day trips in the winter season, especially among locals. Kvamskogen is a ski eldorado situated between 400 and 1300 m above sea level in the Kvam municipality. Alpine slopes are served by several ski lifts, and endless possibilities for those who favor cross country skiing. Professional ski instructors are available at a fair cost for non-skiers, and so are rental skis and other equipment. There are regular buses to Kvamskogen, call 177 or visit the information desk at the bus station for more information.

• Os borders Bergen to the south. While the south-eastern part of Os municipality is mainly made up of typical Nordic suburb-style settlements and a quiet urban centre, the western part consists of a beautiful and popular coastal area with many small islands with cabins.
• The North Sea Traffic Museum , Telavåg, Sund municipality ( Sotra ). This museum to the west of Bergen commemorate the Norwegians that fled to Shetland and Great Britain during World War II, and the Telavåg tragedy of 1942 when the entire village was destroyed and the people were forced to move and most the men were sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Germany .  

Further afield [ edit ]

• Norway in a Nutshell , +47 815 68 222. Roundtrip Bergen - Myrdal - Flåm - Gudvangen - Stalheim - Voss - Bergen by train, boat and coach. The tour takes you through some of the most beautiful fjord scenery in Norway. It takes one day, but it is possible to spend more time if you wish. Tickets cost kr 895.
• Voss is a village to the east of Bergen world-known for extreme sports such as paragliding and rafting. Every year in the summer there is a week-long extreme sports festival called Ekstremsportveko . For the little less adventurous Voss is also a great place for hiking and skiing, both cross-country and alpine. One of Norway's largest jazz festivals, Vossa Jazz , is held here in March. Travel to Voss by train (about 1 hr 15 min) or take the E16 road by car.
• Stavanger . Bergen′s smaller brother to the south.  
• Ålesund . Bergen′s smaller brother to the north.  
• Oslo , farther away, but connected via a magnificent and comfortable train line (a ride of about 6½-7½ hr depending on the connection).

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Traveling to Bergen, Norway? Here's what you need to know

Most North Americans who visit Bergen, Norway , arrive there for just a day on a cruise ship as part of a Norwegian fjords sailing. The Gateway to the Fjords, as the small port city is known, traditionally has drawn few Americans for overnight stays.

But that could be changing thanks to United Airlines' new nonstop flights to Bergen , which launch today.

The new three-times-a-week flights, from Newark Liberty International Airport ( EWR ) to Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO), will allow New York-area travelers to reach Bergen in just over seven hours — quick enough to make it viable as a weekend getaway.

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In addition to drawing a quick-getaway crowd, the new flights are likely to be in strong demand from the growing number of U.S. cruisers sailing out of Bergen on Viking ships. The North American-focused brand is increasingly using Bergen as a hub for sailings to Scandinavia and the Baltic .

Here's a guide to everything you need to know about planning a visit to Bergen, whether you're arriving for just a day on a cruise ship or flying in for a multi-day visit.

Why visit Bergen, Norway?

Bergen's tourism officials say just 6% of the city's overnight visitors are Americans — but it's not for a lack of allure. An important seaport as far back as the Middle Ages, Bergen is home to a historic, UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed old quarter, a cluster of top-notch art museums and a bigger bar and nightlife scene than you might expect for a city of just 271,000 people (the latter may partly be a result in part of having a large student population).

Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Bergen is a hub for exploring the spectacular scenery of Norway's coastal region. In addition, it's the southern terminus for ferries operated by Hurtigruten and Havila that travel up the coast of Norway as far as Kirkenes, more than 1,000 miles to the north. Catering to both locals and tourists, the ferries can take you to dozens of small Norwegian towns and offer close-up looks at many of the spectacular fjords along the coast.

How to get to Bergen, Norway

For now, United is the only airline offering nonstop flights to Bergen from North America — and its flights will only run three days a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. But more than a dozen major carriers and their partners — including Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Icelandic, KLM, Lufthansa and SAS — offer flight routings from North America to Bergen that include a connection in a European hub such as Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Munich (MUC) or Paris (CDG).

Bergen's airport is about 11 miles south of the city center. From there, one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to get into the city center is via the Airport Bus, which departs every 10 minutes during the day and makes multiple stops near most major hotels. It costs 159 Norwegian krone per person (about $16; buy tickets in advance at visitbergen.com ) and will get you into the city in about 30 minutes.

An even less expensive option for a transfer to the city center is a ride on Bergen's light rail system, which was extended to the airport in 2017. Known locally as the Bybanan, it won't get you to the city center quite as fast as the bus, but it only costs 40 krone per person (about $4). There also are taxis available that can get you to the city center for around 400-500 krone ($40-$50).

In lieu of flying to Bergen, some people touring Norway will travel to the city from Oslo on the Bergen Railway, a major attraction in its own right. The Bergensbanen, as it's called in Norway, is Northern Europe's highest railway and offers glimpses of some of the country's most beautiful landscapes including lowland regions, forests, lakes, mountains, fjords and waterfalls.

There are four daily departures of Bergensbanen trains on the Oslo-to-Bergen route, each making the 308-mile journey in about seven hours. Fares start around $112 per person, one way.

Cruises to Bergen

As noted above, a large percentage of Americans who visit Bergen currently arrive by cruise ship. Bergen is at the heart of nearly every Norwegian fjords cruise and sometimes is included as a stop in broader Northern Europe and Baltic itineraries, too. As a result, it welcomes more cruisers than any other port in Norway — nearly 600,000 in a typical year.

Most major lines catering to North Americans — including Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises and Holland America — operate cruises to the Norwegian fjords in the summer that include a stop in Bergen, usually out of Amsterdam; Copenhagen; or Southampton, England.

Viking is the only North American-focused cruise line that uses Bergen as a home port for cruises, with sailings out of the city to the Baltic, British Isles, Iceland and other destinations. The line's signature sailing out of Bergen is a 14-night Viking Homelands voyage that includes stops in Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Germany. (Before the war in Ukraine, the itinerary included stops in Russia, Finland and Estonia, too, but those have been dropped for now.)

In all, Bergen draws about 325 cruise ship visits in a typical year, mostly during the summer months.

In most cases, cruise ships visiting Bergen dock at the Skolten cruise terminal, which is just a short walk away from the city's historic old quarter, known as Bryggen. Some bigger cruise vessels dock at the Dokken cruise terminal, which is a bit further from the old quarter but still within walking distance.

If you are arriving or departing Bergen by ferry, you will be using the Jektevik terminal, also known as the Hurtigruten terminal. It's also a short walk from the city center.

Best hotels in Bergen, Norway

Bergen has a wide range of hotels for a city of its size — around 40 in all. But this number includes properties located well outside of the city center, including several near the airport. If you want to be close to Bergen's marquee attractions, including the historic Bryggen old quarter, the Fløibanen funicular and the fish market, we recommend staying in one of the handful of properties located around the small harbor at the city's center, known as Vågen harbor.

Among our favorite properties on the Bryggen side of the harbor, in what may be the city's prime location, are:

• Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret (Slottsgaten 1). Rooms from $173 per night.
• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen (Dreggsallmenningen 1). Rooms from $152 per night.
• Det Hanseatiske Hotel (Finnegaarden 2A). Rooms from $163 per night.
• Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen (Rosenkrantzgaten 7). Rooms from $164 per night.

There also are several hotels near Lille Lungegårdsvannet, a small, five-acre park with a lake at the center of Bergen that is lined by museums. It's a great option if you think you'll be spending a lot of time in the museums or if you are arriving on the Oslo-to-Bergen train, as Bergen's main train station is just steps away. They include:

• Grand Hotel Terminus , next to the train and bus station (Zander Kaaes gate 6). Rooms from $164 per night.
• Scandic Ørnen , which offers modern large and bright rooms (Lars Hilles gate 18). Rooms from $137 per night.

There aren't all that many points hotels in Bergen that are tied into the major points programs, but two options include:

• Opus XVI (Vaagsallmenningen 16), a Small Luxury Hotels property that can be booked for 15,000 World of Hyatt points through SLH's partnership with Hyatt . The Category 4 property has cash rates starting at $246 per night.
• Moxy Bergen (Solheimsgaten 3), which participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Rooms are available for 15,000 to 20,000 points per night over the coming year. Note that Moxy Bergen is further from Bergen's top attractions such as the Bryggen old quarter (2.2 miles away) than all of the aforementioned hotels. Cash rates start at $114 per night.

Best things to do in Bergen, Norway

If you just have a day in Bergen, as is the case for most people arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to head first to Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old quarter, for a walkabout, and — if the weather is clear enough for long-distance viewing — take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mt. Fløyen for spectacular views of the city, the surrounding fjords and the ocean. Once at the top, as an alternative to taking the funicular for the return, you can walk back down to the town or hike further into the surrounding mountains.

If you have a few more days in town, head out of the city to explore the nearby fjords (if you're on a cruise, your ship will take you to some of these) or visit the city's art museums. The medieval-era Bergenhus Fortress overlooking Vågen harbor is another draw.

Here are the best things to see and do in Bergen.

This small historic district along the waterfront of Bergen is made up of beautifully preserved wooden buildings that date to the Middle Ages, when the city was an important Northern European seaport, part of the powerful Hanseatic League commercial confederation and Norway's capital. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to narrow alleyways that evoke a long-gone age, as well as the Hanseatic Museum. The latter tells the story of the Hanseatic League merchants who lived and worked in the area.

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, one of which — Mt. Fløyen — is accessible in just minutes with a ride up the Fløibanen funicular. Located just steps away from the Bryggen old quarter, the funicular will take you to an impressive overlook where, on clear days, you can view the city, fjords and ocean. In addition to taking in the views, you'll find guided hiking tours, bike rentals, a zip line and other activities available at the top of Mt. Fløyen. Among hiking options is a route from Mt. Fløyen to nearby Mount Ulriken.

Bergen Fish Market

While not huge, the Bergen Fish Market is a feast for the senses, full of a wide variety of fish pulled from Norway's local waters as well as fruit, vegetables and hand-made crafts. Located on the opposite side of Vågen harbor from the Bryggen old quarter, it continues a long tradition of fish selling along the waterfront of what is Norway's busiest seaport.

Troldhaugen

The famed composer Edvard Grieg lived in this 19th-century home for 22 years and composed many of his most famous works in its little garden hut. Today, it's a living museum with exhibits that include Grieg's personal Steinway piano, a shop, cafe and concert hall. Grieg's grave is also at the site.

Located along the Lille Lungegårdsvannet, a small lake at the center of Bergen, KODE is a museum complex that fills four buildings — all accessible with a single ticket (adult tickets are 150 krone, or about $15.25). The complex includes major works by Edvard Munch, Nikolai Astrup, Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and J. C. Dahl as well as displays of craft and design from the last 500 years. There also are displays of silver and gold objects produced in Bergen and a collection of European and Asian antiques, paintings and works by Old Masters.

Fjord tours

The Bryygen old quarter isn't the only UNESCO World Heritage site for visitors to Bergen to see. The Norwegian fjords that surround Bergen also make the list.

If you're traveling to Bergen on a cruise, your vessel likely will be sailing into Norwegian fjords as part of the sailing (many spend a day visiting the visually stunning Geirangerfjord). For those arriving in Bergen for an overnight stay, there is a wide variety of day tours to fjords available. Bergen is located between two of Norway's best-known fjords — the Sognefjord to the north (the longest fjord in Norway) and the Hardangerfjord to the south.

Bergenhus Fortress

Located at the entrance to Vågen harbor, this 13th-century-era fortress served as the royal palace for Norway's kings during the Middle Ages and remains one of the best-preserved medieval-era sites in Norway. Visitors can tour Haakon's Hall, which was built by King Håkon Håkonsson between 1247 and 1261 as a royal residence and banqueting hall. It's still used for royal dinners and other events. Visitors also can step into Rosenkrantz Tower, parts of which date to the 1270s. Its cellar contains the dungeon for the fortress.

Best times to visit Bergen

The best time to visit Bergen is during the summer, when the weather is relatively warm and the days are full of light. (Due to its northerly location, the city gets nearly 19 hours of daylight in late June.) Temperatures in July and August can be in the 60s and 70s, bringing out the locals and making for a lively energy in the city center.

The spring and fall are pleasant times to be in Bergen, too. Just know that it can be quite chilly — expect temperatures in the 30s or 40s at times. In addition, some attractions in Bergen shut down or reduce hours in the fall through the spring as tourists thin out.

A particularly joyous time to be in Bergen is on May 17 — Norway's Constitution Day. By longstanding tradition in Bergen and elsewhere in Norway, locals fill the streets wearing the traditional Norwegian clothing known as bunad and there's a festival atmosphere. It's quite a sight to be in the middle of it. Just be sure to dress appropriately. While you probably won't have your own bunad to wear, it's traditional for visitors to dress nicely, too.

By winter, Bergen is a very cold and dark place to be. You'll only see the sun for a few hours each day.

What to pack on a Bergen trip

When it comes to packing for a Bergen trip, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. It can be chilly in the morning in Bergen, even in the summer, given the destination's northerly latitude. But it also can get warm at the height of the day. From June to August, you should be ready for temperatures that range anywhere from the 50s to the 70s, depending on the day and the time.

If you're planning to do some outdoorsy pursuits, such as kayaking or hiking, be sure to bring appropriate activewear. Don't forget to pack a rain jacket, if not a complete rain gear outfit, including a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

Bottom line

Bergen may be best known to Americans as a stop on Norwegian fjords cruises, but it has a lot to offer the vacationer who wants to visit for an overnight or more. With new nonstop flights to the city from the New York area starting this year — the first from any North American city in several years — it may be time to consider the Gateway to the Fjords for a quick getaway.

Bergen travel guide

Bergen tourism | bergen guide, you're going to love bergen.

Norway's second largest city is also its most beautiful and alluring. Set in a scenic region of hills and fjords, Bergen's postcard-ready timber architecture, picturesque harbor, and big city cultural institutions win the hearts of every visitor.

But Bergen isn't just a city by itself. Known as the "gateway to the fjords", it's a jumping-off point for cruises along some of Europe's most jaw-dropping coastline. Surrounded by forests and hills, it's also an alpine sports hub and a fantastic place for hikers, cyclists, and climbers.

A beautiful, laid-back blend of urban attractions and natural drama, Bergen enthralls from the moment you arrive.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bergen

1. the unesco-protected timber architecture of the old town.

Bergen was a thriving medieval trading port, so much so that it became part of the famous Hanseatic League. As it grew wealthy, the city built some handsome homes and churches in the atmospheric Bryggen harbor neighborhood. Protected by UNESCO, Bryggen is a lovely place to wander around, with plenty of boutiques and craft galleries to duck into if the crowds become too much.

2. Cruises into Stunning Coastal Fjords

The region around the city is famous for its beautiful fjords. Take a cruise down the pristine Nærøyfjorden (also on the UNESCO list), or take the Flåm Railway through some extraordinary mountain scenery.

3. Fabulous Art Galleries and Museums

Back in town, Bergen's roster of galleries and museums would suit a city five times its size. The huge Kunstmuseum houses works by famous names like Max Ernst and Picasso, you can visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, find out about trade at the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene, and see 50 meticulously reconstructed 19th-century homes at the outdoor Gamle Bergen Museum.

4. Alpine Sports and Gorgeous Mountain Scenery Is on Bergen's Doorstep

The people of Bergen adore alpine sports, and make a beeline for nearby slopes like Voss and Geilo when the snows arrive. Even closer to town, there's also plenty of great hiking to be enjoyed on the city's "seven hills", while superb views from Mount Fløyen can be experienced by all thanks to a charming cable car from the city center.

5. Some of the Finest Restaurants in Norway

Food is one of modern Norway's great obsessions, and Bergen is one of the centers of the New Nordic Cuisine. You can spend all evening sampling local delicacies from the taster menu at Bare Vestland, or book a seat at exclusive Lysverket, where Christopher Haatuft works wonders with the city's freshly caught seafood.

What to do in Bergen

1. bryggen: journey to the middle ages.

Bryggen, which is also known as Tyskebryggen or the German dock, is a series of Hanseatic buildings that border the Vågen harbor in Bergen. The structures were added to the UNESCO list for World Cultural Heritage sites in 1979. Rebuilt after a fire in 1702, the area has attracted merchants since the Middle Ages. In 1360, the German Hanseatic League established its import and export hub at Bryggen, where it remained for 400 years. The area is still in active use todays and attracts many to its Fish Market or Bergenhus Fortress, as well as its numerous cafés, restaurants and shops, which sell traditional arts and crafts.

2. Det Hanseatiske Museum og Schøtstuene: The Art of Farming

Det Hanseatiske Museum og Schøtstuene or The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene is located in Finnegården, a preserved Bryggen building. The structure was rebuilt after the 1702 fire that ravaged most of the city. Originally a building owned by the merchant J.W. Olsen, the museum was founded in 1872. Revisiting the Hanseatic period, the gallery features items collected from Bryggen farms by Johan Wilhelm Wiberg from 1829 to 1898. Christian Koren Wiberg continued his father's work from 1870 to 1945. The museum has been managed by the Bergen municipality since 1916.

3. Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen: Chambers of Music

The home of Edvard Grieg and his wife Nina, the Troldhaugen contains the Edvard Grieg Museum, Grieg's villa, the outbuilding where he composed music, and the couple's gravesite. Designed by Grieg's cousin, Schak Bull, the Troldhaugen is named after a nearby valley, which children called "The Valley of Trolls". Completed in 1885, the museum pays tribute to Edvard Grieg's life and music, and includes a shop and a restaurant. Grieg's Steinway grand piano is still on display in the villa and is occasionally used for private concerts. The Troldsalen, a concert hall, showcases a concert series in the summer and fall.

4. Fisketorget: A Seafood Lover's Delight

The Fisketorge or Fish Market is one of Bergen's most popular attractions. Located in the city center, between the western fjords and the seven mountains, the outdoor bazaar specializes in seafood, fruit and vegetables. Established in the 1276, the market has drawn merchants and fishermen for centuries. In the winter, the market opens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The marketplace also features a restaurant, which offers a superb seafood dining experience.

5. KODE Art Museum: Scandinavian Art History

The Kunstmuseene i Bergen is one of Scandinavia's largest arts, crafts, design and music museums. The gallery houses nearly 50,000 objects, which include paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, video displays, musical instruments, and furniture, as well as fine crafts and designs. The museum, which has a permanent collection of classic and modern masterworks as well as temporary exhibits, features the art of Edvard Munch, Nikolai Astrup and J.C. Dahl, among others. The museum also hosts 400 concerts each year.

Activities & attractions in Bergen

Other activities

Where to Eat in Bergen

Gourmet food lovers will adore Bergen, which hosts some of Norway's most exciting chefs. The centerpiece of the local dining scene remains Lysverket, on the site of the main art gallery, but it's been joined by a galaxy of similarly accomplished eateries. Check out Enhjørningen Fiskerestaurant in Bryggen for sublime fish dishes, the cozy but wonderful Bryggen Tracteursted, and Søtt + Salt, where seven course meals are routine. Expect to pay around kr500 in most restaurants.

When to visit Bergen

Most tourists will prefer to visit Bergen from around May onward, when the chill of Norway's winter is a distant memory, and people start to think about open air swimming in the fjords. May and June also see Bergen hosting its International Festival, followed closely by the huge Bergenfest music event in mid-June.

How to Get to Bergen

The easiest way to reach Bergen is by flying into Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO), which is about 15 miles south of the city center. From there, you can take the Flybussen bus service (leaves every 15 minutes and costs kr100) or arrange a taxi for around kr300. Car rental is another excellent option, and you'll find companies like Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise represented at the airport.

Bergen has a regular rail connection to Oslo, so you could also fly into the capital without any problems. The imposing Gothic Bergen Station is a short walk east of the city center, and a taxi to downtown hotels should cost about kr100.

If you are driving from Flesland, take route number 580 straight into town. Those driving from Oslo have a couple of options. You can either take the coastal E18 (a beautiful, but time-consuming route), or take the E134 across country, then the E39 at Haugesund.

Bergen's main bus station has connections to Oslo, Stavanger, and Kristiansand, and NOR-WAY Bussekspress buses are the cheapest way to get around Norway. You can easily walk to the city center from the bus station, or catch a cab for around kr100.

Airports near Bergen

Airlines serving bergen, where to stay in bergen.

Bergen's historic harbor neighborhood is probably the most enjoyable area to stay, and has some superb hotels. High-quality options include the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel and the Clarion Hotel Admiral, which has a spa and overlooks the harbor directly. Det Hanseatiske Hotel is a historic property with chic boutique rooms, while Basic Hotel offers comfortable, no frills accommodation in a central location.

Popular Neighborhoods in Bergen

Bryggen - the heart of medieval Bergen, Bryggen (literally "wharf") was a thriving port, shipping fish, textiles, furs, and timber across Western Europe. Nowadays, it's an enchanting neighborhood of beautiful timber-framed houses, stores, and hotels, with some fine attractions, not least the sublime Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a lovingly maintained early 20th-century sailing vessel.

Sentrum - the center of modern Bergen is a few hundred yards inland from Bryggen, but no less enticing. Elegant, tidy, and full of energy, Sentrum is where you'll find museums like the Kunsthall, cultural institutions like the Grieghallen concert hall, and fine eateries like Lysverket.

Bergenhus - Bergenhus is dominated by the fort of the same name, which used to stand guard over the harbor. A royal residence since the 11th century, you can tour the fort with expert guides, relax in the extensive grounds, or book a ticket to the many summer music events in the surrounding park.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bergen

Most booked hotels in bergen, how to get around bergen, public transportation.

Bergen's buses cover the whole of the city, but can be a little erratic, so double check on the web to find departure times and the right stop for your journey. Tickets can be bought on board or at bus stop ticket machines, and fares start at kr31. You can also use a rechargeable Skysskort card, available at the bus station, which allows you to save 17 percent on every journey. Aside from buses, the light rail line into southern Bergen could be handy, and costs kr60 per ride.

If you need to travel by taxi, the best way to find a cab is by checking out the nearest taxi rank (not hailing on the street). Cabs aren't usually cheap, with a meter drop of kr44, then a charge of at least kr15 per mile after that.

Driving in Bergen is relatively simple, and there are a couple of large parking lots in Bryggen and Sentrum to choose from. You won't struggle to find a rental outlet, with branches of Avis, Hertz, and Sixt (among others) in the downtown area. Renting is also cost effective (relative to taxis), at around kr130-150 per day.

Best car rental deals in Bergen

Standard SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

Intermediate SUV

The Cost of Living in Bergen

Shopping streets.

Downtown Bergen is full of great places to shop. You can start in Bryggen, where stores like Blonder og Stas are packed with Norwegian-themed souvenirs, and you'll find all the Scandinavian knitwear you could ever need at Bryggen Husflid or Audhild Viken. If you are looking for hip boutiques, wander over to Skostredet, where stores like Robot show off Norway's flair for design. Then, head south to Foreningsgatan, where you'll find a clutch of furniture design showrooms - the perfect place to pick up a Scandinavian ornament for your home.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets can be found all over Bergen, and include numerous REMA 1000 stores, as well as MENY and Bunnpris. However, grocery shopping is more fun at the famous Fisketorget (fish market) and Kjøttbasaren, the city's gourmet food nexus. Prices are slightly above the US average, at around kr55 for a gallon of milk and kr30 for 12 eggs.

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Bergen travel blog — the fullest bergen travel guide & suggested how to spend 3 days in bergen perfectly.

If I have to choose a destination for a short trip to Norway. Or a destination that is the starting point for a long journey in the country of these beautiful fjords, I will choose to travel to Bergen. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway after the capital of Oslo, but here there are too many interesting things. Many colorful wooden houses on the slopes of the mountain, the port of Bryggen is recognized as an UNESCO world cultural heritage, signature delicious seafood of the North Sea. So, what to do in 3 days in Bergen (Bergen itinerary 3 days)? Let’s check out our Bergen Norway travel blog (Bergen travel blog, Bergen blog) with the fullest Bergen travel guide and how to spend 3 days in Bergen (Bergen itinerary 3 days) perfectly for the first-timers from best time to go, how to get there, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do in Bergen to find out the answer!

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Bergen travel blog: A few things you need to know before visiting Bergen, Norway

Bergen’s features.

Bergen is the starting point of a long day trip in Norway. Simply Bergen is extremely suitable place to explore the fjords. Norway is famous for its fjords, small rivers running between two majestic mountain ranges. Can you imagine the beautiful view of the Nho Que river in Ha Giang? Norway has thousands of such rivers. Colors and spectacular scenery are much more mesmerizing, with extreme variety of natural scenes.

Exchange money when traveling to Norway

The currency of Norway is Norwegian Krone – NOK. With USD 1 ~ NOK 10.22, or 1 NOK ~ 0.087 EUR.

You can exchange NOK at the airport or the pier. Note that if you arrive late at night it will be difficult to exchange money as the counters will be closed. Because I traveling in Bergen only for 3 days, so the demand for money exchange was not much, I used my credit card to withdraw at ATMs. There is a fee, but it is not significant because the amount withdrawn is not much.

Most people in Bergen can speak English, especially in tourist locations. So you do not need to worry about language barrier when traveling to Bergen.

Stay safe when in Bergen

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. However, you also need to be careful with pickpocket situations here. Especially in public places like on buses and subway. However, compared to other European cities like Paris, Barcelona and Rome, this is much less.

Bergen blog: When is the best time to visit Bergen?

The best time to visit Bergen in particular or other destinations in Norway in general is from June to August every year. At this time, Norway is really worth experiencing, with beautiful sunshine and the “longest” day time. Because it is located at the top of the Northern Hemisphere, it is hard to feel satisfied if you coming to in the winter to enjoy outdoor activities. In the morning it will be nearly 10 o’clock, it starts sunshine, in the afternoon just more than 3 o’clock is dark. The sun is only standing in one direction during the day.

The summer weather is quite cool, the parks are almost full of people, the temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius. Europeans love to participate in outdoor activities so this is the time they often garthering their families and children for a walk, playing in the park, exercising or simply getting a breath of fresh air.

If you coming to in the Shoulder season (May or September) is also quite ok. You will need to pay attention the weather a little more, because in Bergen it rains quite a lot during the year. This time it will be less crowded of tourists or locals, the cost is less than the peak season. Some tourist attractions also close starting in early October each year.

Bergen Norway travel blog: Basic costs for a trip to Bergen

Bergen or Norway is one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. Yes, it is Northern Europe! All expenses from food, transportation and hotels are high compared to the average of Western Europe. You can refer to the table below, the cost depends on your travel style (unit: NOK):

Bergen travel guide (Bergen guide): Top things to do, best places to visit in Bergen

Bergen is not too big, located in a valley surrounded by the sea and mountains. Most of the attractions or discoveries are located in the central area, only a few points need to move far. You can spend 2-3 in Bergen to visit this city.

Some sights and activities you can consider when visiting Bergen

Wandering around Bergen Harbour

The harbour of the city – Bryggen, is probably the symbol of Bergen. That’s where you might have seen a lot on the posters of Bergen. The most highlighting of Bryggen is the colorful painted houses with tiled roofs.

Many houses here were built in the 18th century, with many houses dating back to the 16th century. Today these buildings are used as souvenir shops and restaurants. You can see the fish market and Bergenhus fortress in this area.

University Museum

The museum, opened in 1825, displays a lot of archaeological and folk artifacts. Admission is 60 NOK for adults and children is free.

Address: Haakon Sheteligs plass 10, 5007 Bergen, Norway Hours: 11AM–5PM/Monday: Closed

Fish market

This seafood market is located near Bryggen harbour, which dates back to the 13th century. This is a place to selling seafood, fresh fish, typical products in Northern Europe. Fishes found only in the North Sea, such as Norwegian salmon, lobsters, and giant crabs! Price will be a bit more expensive than other places because it is located in the center. There will usually be small stalls for sale around the harbor.

Address: Torget 5, 5014 Bergen, Norway Hours: 11AM–9PM; Monday/Tuesday: Closed

Bergen Aquarium

This is definitely the place to visit if you are traveling with family with young children. Bergen Aquarium can be considered as the largest collection of sea creatures and invertebrates in Europe. The kids will surely enjoy the super cute seals and penguins. Admission is 280 NOK for adults and NOK 190 for children.

Address: Nordnesbakken 4, 5005 Bergen, Norway Hours: 10AM–6PM

Fresco Hall

Painted by artist Axel Revold in the 1920s, Fresco Hall includes colorful murals depicting local industries and commerce. Fresco Hall has long been recognized as a national treasure of Norway. So this place is worth a visit when you come to Bergen.

Bergen International Festival

In May every year, Bergen International Festival will be taken place with a lot of artistic activities in music, opera, ballet … This is the biggest festival in Scandinavia region. The fare applies depending on each object, there will be discount for people under 30, the elderly and children. The information about the festival can be found here: https://www.fib.no/en/

Wandering in the old streets of Nordnes

The neighborhood with rows of wooden houses close together and painted in colorful colors. You can wandering here all day without getting bored, wandering through alleys, paved stone roads with backdrop is the sea and mountains far away. It will take about a half-day to explore this old streets of Nordnes.

Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen

Bergen is surrounded by 7 high mountains, and the peak of Fløyen is suitable for you to experience panoramic views of Bergen from above. To get to Fløyen you can take the Fløibanen funicular from the foot of the mountain (right next to the harbour of Bryggen) and go through the mountain to reach the top.

You can buy tickets at the vending machines placed at the station at the foot of the mountain. The round-trip ticket for adults in the winter (before April 30) is 100 NOK, in the summer (May 1-August 31) is 125 NOK. The price for child ticket is 1/2 of adult ticket. If you buy online here the price will be a little better.

Actually, you can hiling follow the trails from the foot of the mountain to reach the top of Fløyen. If you do not want to climb to the top you can stop at some stations halfway up of the mountain. This is an area with many rows of houses located on a very beautiful ridge, walking and breathing super fresh air, and the view down to Bergen harbour is also great.

Take the cable car to the Mount Ulriken

If you have time, you should experience Mount Ulriken – the highest peak of the 7 mountains in Bergen by cable car. Here you can see Bergen with the widest and highest view. From Ulriken you can also hiking to Fløyen via Vidden trail. Ulriken Peak also has plenty of adventure sports games like paragliding, zipline, and restaurant with local food.

However, the cable car is quite far from Bergen center (about 3km), if you traveling by taxi is quite expensive. You can take a bus (route no. 2, 3, 12) from central Bergen to Haukeland hospital. Then continue walking about 400m to the bottom station of Ulriken Cable Car.

In addition, the cable car company has available a shuttle bus route (Ulriken Express bus) departing from Strandgaten 1 (only 2 minutes walk from the fish market) to the cable car station. Bus runs 30 minutes/trip from the center from 9am to 6pm daily from April 1 to August 8 every year. Round trip cable car ticket is 185 NOK/adult and 115 NOK/child, if including the shuttle bus, the price is 285 NOK/adult and 180 NOK/child.

If you like hiking, Bergen is the special place for you. From Fløyen you can follow the Blåmansveien path to the left, cross the Lake Revurtjernet to Brushytten and continue to the top of Rundemanen. From here, the beautiful view to the Hordaland mountain range with lots of lakes on the mountains and poetic valleys.

Strolling around the Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake

Lake Lille Lungegårdsvannet is quite large and is only a few minutes walk from the center. Near the lake is Festplassen park, which is often used for many exhibitions or fairs. Especially if you come at Christmas then the city will place a huge Christmas market here. On a sunny day, nothing is more interesting than sitting on a bench and reading a book, or feeding pigeons by the lake.

Norway fjord tour

Did you know that what makes nature spectacular in Norway? It is this country has many spectacular, breathtaking fjords. The fjord is create by narrow rivers weaving through steep cliffs on either side. It is the result of the process of oceans and glaciers cutting into the mainland.

Bergen located close to the Nærøyfjorden is one of two Norwegian fjords recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site (along with Geirangerfjord). The most popular tour people often take is the “ Norway in a nutshell ” tour. This tour goes through Voss, Gudvangen, Flåm to Myrdal within 12 hours for 1.740 NOK/adult.

From Bergen there are many tours to explore the fjords during the day with prices ranging from 500-3.000 NOK. You can book these tours online here . There are tours of only about 3-10 hours, completely complete during the day. Simply take a yacht around some bays, visit some famous places.

Bergen Norway travel blog: How to get to Bergen?

There are many ways to get to Bergen from Oslo or other cities in Europe. You might consider choosing one of the following options.

Fly to Bergen

There are many direct flights from other cities to Bergen. Flying from Paris by Air France takes only over 2 hours, not transit in Oslo. The airline with the most frequent flights between Bergen is SAS Airlines (Scandinavian Airlines). The quality service of SAS is quite good, the price if you buy not too close to the date of departure can be very good, only about EUR 20/one-way. You can also refer to the cheap airline Norwegian Air.

How to take a train or bus to Bergen?

The best option to getting to Bergen is still by airplane, however you can also choose a train or a bus. Because of Norway’s mountainous terrain, there are no intercity trains in inland Europe to reach here. Usually you will fly to Oslo then take the train or bus to Bergen, it takes about 7-8 hours.

You have two ways to take the train to Bergen, depending on your preference and itinerary. You can go directly to Bergen by train, or buy a Norway in a nutshell tour .

Take the Bergen Railway

The railway between Oslo and Bergen – Bergen Railway, also known as Bergensbanen. This is the highest railway line in northern Europe. Bergensbanen train is quite comfortable, has wifi and goes through many beautiful lands of Norway. There are 4 trains daily between Bergen and Oslo, you can even take a night train to save time.

The Oslo – Bergen route has a stop at Myrdal, from Myrdal you can change trains to getting to Flåm. This is a land with gentle peaceful scenery, a real countryside. Flåm Railway is also the most beautiful railway in Norway, passing many spectacular mountains and stunning waterfalls.

Travel between Bergen and Oslo by buying the Norway in a Nutshell tour

Bergen and Oslo are two destinations in the Norway in a Nutshell tour package. This tour also includes the Flåm Railway, so you can buy this tour to go from Oslo to Bergen and experience the tour. The tour includes mountain scenic train, cruise crossing the fjords with the super beautiful Nærøyfjord fjord, and a bus route through Stalheimskleiva.

Bergen Railway Station located in the heart of the city center, just steps away from the fish market and Bryggen harbour.

Bergen travel blog: Getting around the city by public transport

Getting from the airport to the city center.

The easiest and most convenient way to get from Flesland airport to the city center is by Light Rail. You go straight to the arrival hall door on the first floor of the arrival hall, right in front of the door is an escalator going down to the basement, which is the light rail station. Travel time by Light Rail is about 45 minutes to get to Bergen Central Station, priced at NOK 38 for adult and NOK 19 for child. If you buy a Bergen Card , this service is free.

Alternatively you can choose the transfer bus to the center by Flybussen. Buses run only 30 minutes faster, but the price is as high as NOK 105/adult if purchased online. If you buy at the airport costs NOK 135 for adult.

How to get around downtown Bergen

Bergen center is quite small, so public buses are the most possible means to explore the city. You can refer to some of the options below:

Bus is the best way to getting around Bergen, convenient and fast. Ticket price of NOK 38/adult for every single trip. However, I bought a 24 hour ticket for only NOK 100 to go for the whole day. Some short distances you can walk and not have to wait for the bus.

You should buy tickets online in advance, otherwise you will have to buy single tickets for each trip of NOK 60. Bus tickets are also included in the Bergen Card and can be used for the airport route. Buying online is quite easy via the Skyss Billett app.

Taxis in Bergen are quite expensive, starting at NOK 80 and NOK 12 per subsequent kilometer. In addition, you can rent bicycles to explore Bergen for only NOK 215/day.

Bergen travel blog: Nice hotels and good accommodation in Bergen

Hotel rates in Bergen are definitely not cheap. Basic hotel room costs about USD75-80/night for 2 people with king bed. With a slightly better hotel from 3 stars or more cost about USD90/night. However, in the low tourist season, the room rates down quite deep only from USD50/night. You can find rooms on Booking.com , Agoda.com for a reasonable price.

I went to Bergen in November so the room rate was pretty good. I booked through Airbnb a room in a large apartment. However, when I arrived, I stayed there for 2 nights without any guests more, so I used the whole apartment for those whole 2 nights.

The apartment is located close to the central station, so I went from the airport by light rail to the accommodation, quite convenient.

In addition, you can refer to one of the best Airbnb in Colmar: Modern apartment in the heart of Bergen at $41/night or Central studio basement apartment  at $69/night.

–> The Airbnb link that discount up to $35 for the first booking here: https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $81/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

First Hotel Bergen Marin , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $120/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Grand Hotel Terminus , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $127/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Bergen Harbour Hotel , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $100/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Scandic Ornen , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $172/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $165/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Oleana , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $162/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Bergen travel blog: What to eat when traveling to Bergen?

The cost of eating in Bergen is among the most expensive in Europe. Because here the main food is seafood. As for other foods, they have to import a lot because they cannot cultivate by themselves. A popular meal in a small restaurant must be about 20EUR/meal/person. Prices for meals in luxurious restaurants must be about 30-40EUR/person.

You can buy food from the supermarket to cook for yourself to reduce costs. Although eating out is quite expensive, there are quite a lot of food at reasonable prices in the supermarket. Juice, fruit or yogurt, bread is not expensive, in return it is very ok. I bought a lot of things at the supermarket to use as snacks during the day.

Visiting Bergen, of course, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy seafood, typical of this Nordic region. The seafood market is located right near the harbour of Bryggen, and a few outdoor stalls, processing and serving customers right at the spot. Because I did not have much time, I chose Fish Me Fishmarket restaurant at Bryggen harbour. This restaurant is like a seafood market with many restaurants in a small area. They have both indoor and outdoor areas, beautiful view to the harbor.

The price here is definitely not cheap at all. My meal is for one person only, including 1 serving of fish and a small sea urchin. The total price is about 400NOK, the tax is up to 25% here. In addition to the two main courses, they also served bread and butter.

Although expensive, in return it is an evening of extremely rich Scandinavian cuisine experience, worth the money. The fish is very fragrant and firm, the sea urchin is eaten with mustard, it’s so fresh and delicious! Come here definitely to try a meal for a lifetime.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bergen you can refer to

• Bergen City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass
• Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen
• Hardangerfjord Express Ferry Between Bergen and Rosendal
• Magic Ice Bergen Admission Ticket

Are you looking for more top things to do in Bergen: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here .

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