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Bergen Tourist Information

Strandkaien 3, Bergen, Bergen

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Bergen's Tourist Information Centre is situated in Strandkaien near by the Fish Market. In these beautiful and spacious surroundings, information is available about what to do in Bergen and all of Fjord Norway. Besides obtaining free help and advice, you can also buy a range of products and services from us.

Last updated: 09/04/2023

Source: Visit Bergen

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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.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

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.

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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. 

Susan Walker/Getty Images

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. 

gerenme/Getty Images

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.

JamesBrey/Getty Images

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. 

Peter Adams/Getty Images

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.

11 Best Things to do in Bergen (+Useful Tips)

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Planning a trip to Bergen? Contemplating on what places to visit in Bergen? Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Bergen that you can add to your Bergen itinerary.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Europe with Kids

Bergen, Norway – First Impressions

The second-largest city in Norway and the World Heritage City, Bergen is stupendously gorgeous. You are sure to fall in love with it! The city tops the list of the best places to visit in Norway, rightfully. Being the gateway to the fjords of Norway, Bergen is fondly known as the fjord capital and the heart of the fjords. It serves as a springboard for fjord trips and mountain hikes (it’s also known as the city between the seven mountains) as the famous Trolltunga, all close by and effortlessly accessible. Travelers more often than not spend a day or two to see Bergen and its sights and then head off to the fjord region or take on a hike. Don’t just skim through Bergen. Bergen is more than a stopover. It needs your attention. With a small-town vibe, colorful wooden houses, and beautiful views, Bergen is wrapped with unusual charm and coziness.

We spent the eventful 3 days in Bergen. Here’s how we managed to tick off the best things to do in Bergen during our time there despite the rain. Yes, it was raining in July. It can rain anytime in Bergen regardless of the season. So, pack accordingly. Well, what can you expect in one of Europe’s rainiest cities? 😉

Okay. Before we discuss the absolute best things to see in Bergen, let’s talk about the travel essentials you need to know to plan a trip to Bergen.

Related Read: 7 Days in Norway Itinerary

Best Time to Visit Bergen

The summer months of June, July, and August are great for visiting Bergen. It’s when the weather is perfect to enjoy the city and the surrounding fjord and mountain areas. And not to mention the charm of endless days! Though you’d have to deal with the huge crowds and high prices.

The spring months of March, April, and May bring lush beauty to Bergen. It’s when the snow starts to melt, the weather gets warmer, and days get longer. The crowds are smaller and the prices are affordable. The weather remains a bit unpredictable – the sun is shining one minute and the next it’s raining or snowing. So, make sure you are ready for the sudden changes in the weather.

The autumn or fall months of September and October are perfect for witnessing the colorful fall scenery. You can experience the fall foliage in quiet as travelers are few and far between. And you can super save on accommodation.

PS: September and October are the wettest months. Regardless to say, you should avoid these months if you are not a big fan of rain.

The winter months of November, December, January, and February bring a chill in the air, for sure. But, it’s not as cold as you might imagine it to be. Its location on the Atlantic coast keeps it mild during the winter months. It does snow in Bergen but melts away shortly after. The winter months are the least crowded and the least expensive months.

Now that you know the pros and cons of traveling to Bergen during different seasons, I’d recommend you plan around May because it’s the driest month of the year. It’s when the sun smiles at you giving you the best weather for Bergen sightseeing 🙂

Tip: Whatever season you choose to visit Bergen, it’s wise to pack a waterproof jacket and shoes as you never know when you are in one of the wettest cities in Europe.

Getting to Bergen

Bergen is well-connected to the rest of the world by air and to the major cities of Norway and Europe by air, rail, and road.

The second-busiest in Norway (after Oslo), Bergen Flesland Airport has a large number of flights to and from many national and international destinations making Bergen an affordable and easy-to-reach destination. The major airlines that operate from Bergen include Norwegian Airlines, Wideroes Fly, and Scandinavian SAS.

We absolutely rely on and recommend Skyscanner to search, compare, and book flights.

You can board the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) or the Airport Express Bus to get to the city center from the airport.

The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is one of the most desired train journeys in the world. You can fly to Oslo (there are direct flights to Oslo from most major cities in Europe and from some cities in North America and Asia) and then get to Bergen from Oslo by scenic Bergen Railway.

The Express Bus Kystbussen runs between Stavanger and Bergen. There’s a bus almost every hour and the journey takes about 5 hours.

Buses (Haukeliekspressen and Valdresekspressen) also run between Oslo and Bergen but they ain’t direct.

The bus journey guarantees that breathtaking Norwegian scenery accompanies you all the time.

For tickets and time schedule check  www.nor-way.no

Bergen enjoys a ferry connection to and from many Norwegian towns and Hirtshals in Denmark.

You can travel from: Stavanger with Fjord Line Balestrand, Flåm, Sogndal and Leirvik with Norled Rosendal with Rødne Bodø, Florø, Hammerfest, Harstad, Kirkenes, Kristiansand, Molde, Tromsø, Trondheim, Vardø, and Ålesund with Hurtigruten Hirtshals, Denmark with Fjord Line

Crossing the charming coastal towns, stunning fjords, colossal mountains, impressive waterfalls, and unique coves – getting to Bergen by ferry or boat along the coast is an other-worldly experience.

The ferries dock at either the terminal next to Bergenhus Festning, Vågen by Bryggen, or the terminal at Nøstet. One is right in the heart of the city while another is a ten-minute walk from the city center.

As I always say, a road trip is the best way to explore Norway. Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

If you are driving to Bergen, no matter where you are coming, the majestically wild and rugged landscape of Norway remains your constant companion. Ah! The fjords, the mountains, the waterfalls – a beauty to behold.

Use Discover Cars to rent a car in Norway and thank us later! Because they are the best.

Read our guide to renting a car in Europe for useful tips.

Essential Reading: A Stunning Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo

Getting Around Bergen

Bergen is wonderfully compact and thus, can be easily explored on foot. Renting a segway or bike is another great way to explore the city center.

Bergen has an efficient public transport system (Bybanen and buses) in place if you want to get outside the city center. Skyss manages the public transport throughout the region.

Pro-Tip: If you want to explore Bergen on a budget, buy Bergen Card . It gets you free or discounted entry to the museums and popular attractions and great discounts on sightseeing tours, restaurants, and parking. Plus, you can travel for free on public transport. You can buy a 24h, 48h, 72h, or 96h card depending upon the number of days you spend in Bergen. It saved us a ton of money and time while we were in Bergen.

Where to Stay in Bergen

There are quite a few amazing places to stay in Bergen. Bergen is an expensive city just like the rest of Norway so you must book your accommodation well in advance to grab the deals. Find the best deals on hotels and apartments in Bergen .

Bergen City Centre (Sentrum) is the best area (in every sense) to stay in Bergen.

We recommend you book accommodation in the city center especially if it’s your first time in Bergen, you’re short on time, or you’re traveling with young kids. Most of Bergen’s tourist attractions, shopping outlets, restaurants, and cafes are within walking distance which helps you save time, hassle, and money.

Hotel Norge by Scandic , Opus XVI , Thon Hotel Orion , Radisson Blu Royal Hotel , Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret , and Line i Smauet are some of the best places to stay in Bergen City Centre.

Read More: Best Places to Stay in Oslo

Okay. Coming back to Bergen attractions. Here you go.

Best Things to do in Bergen

Admire the iconic bryggen.

Think Bergen, think the iconic Bryggen or Tyskebryggen , the historic wharf of Bergen with colorful centuries-old Hanseatic wooden buildings.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen has been reduced to ashes several times (the great fire of 1702 being the most devastating) but managed to rise from the ashes every time. However, the area remains unchanged even after centuries because it was rebuilt on the foundations that had been there since the 12th century.

Once loaded with huge amounts of northern Norwegian stockfish, today, antique shops, charming boutiques, galleries, artist studios, cafes, and restaurants fill up the wooden buildings.

Strolling through the narrow streets and alleyways is like stepping back in time.

You Might Want to Read: 3-Week Scandinavia Itinerary

Visit the Beautiful Churches of Bergen

Bergen has many amazing churches worth visiting. Mariakirken , Domkirken , Fantoft Stavkirke , and Johanneskirken are the most famous ones!

Located behind Bryggen, the only one remaining of 12 churches and 3 monasteries built during the 12th century, Mariakirken (St. Mary’s Church) is the oldest existing building in Bergen . The parish church survived the two great fires of Bergen (1198 and 1248) and has stood almost in its original form since 1130.

Counted among the finest Romanesque churches in Norway, the church has been restored and reopened in June 2015. You must visit the church to witness its unique architecture and stunning interiors.

St. Mary’s Church is open during the summer months of June, July, and August from 10 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Entry is free.

Located on Sydneshaugen, Johanneskirken (St. John’s Church) was built in 1894. The stone church catches visitors’ attention with its reddish neo-Gothic exteriors and impressive interiors. You can have a great view over Bergen and the surrounding mountains as you climb the 76 steps leading up to the church.

With 1250 seats, Johanneskirken is the largest church in Bergen and has the tallest church tower (61 meters) in Bergen.

Domkirken (Bergen Cathedral) started as a church dedicated to Olav the Holy, the patron saint of Norway in 1150. Damaged by many city fires in 1248, 1270, 1623, and 1640 and hit by a cannonball during the battle of Vågen in 1665 – the church has been renovated several times and changed styles time after time.

There’s a small cemetery and Bergen Cathedral School (one of the oldest schools in Norway) behind the church.

Note: Domkirken is presently closed due to renovation.

The original stave church that was built in Fortun in Sogn in 1150 and then moved to Fantoft in 1883 was rebuilt to Fantoft Stavkirke (Fantoft Stave Church) you see today after it was destroyed in 1992 fire.

This beautiful Norwegian stave church is located out of the city center. You can board Line 1 Bybanen Light Rail or ride a bus no. 21 to Fantoft.

Fantoft Stavkirke Ticket

Hike Up or Board the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen for the Panoramic Views of Bergen and Much More

A hike up to Fløyen starts from Bergen city center, close to (about 150 m) Fisketorget (Fish Market) and Bryggen Wharf. The hike takes anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way. There are quite a few paths of different lengths and difficulty levels you can walk up to Mt Fløyen from the city center.

If hiking is not your forte, you’ll still be able to enjoy the best views of Bergen. Fløibanen speeds you up in 6 minutes to the top of Mt. Fløyen from where you can drink in the views of the fjord, mountains, and the city below.

Fløibanen Tickets

The funicular runs every 15 minutes from 8 am to 10 pm from Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to 10 pm on Sunday.

You can buy tickets to Fløibanen from the ticket machines installed at all stations, the ticket office at the lower station, the mobile app, or online at floyen.no .

You can enjoy food and drink with spectacular views at Fløistuen Cafe (which also offers souvenirs and gifts), Skomakerdiket Cafe , and Fløien Folkerestaurant at Fløyen.

Fløyen has the largest playground in Bergen ! With lots of slides, climbing racks, swings, and Fløyentrollet – the troll, kids can have super fun at the playground.

Kids also have a nature playground at their disposal where they can jump from tree to tree, learn the art of balancing, use a zip line, and climb a 10 m tall tower. The young ones will also enjoy getting lost in the world of mythical creatures in Troll Forest .

Pro-Tip: Take a Fløibanen to reach the top of Mt. Fløyen and walk back into the city winding down through the mysterious Troll Forest.

Sledding is available in winter. You can sled down from Mount Fløyen to Skansemyren/Fjellveien and take the Fløibanen funicular up again. The ticket costs NOK 210 per adult and NOK 110 per child.

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Hike Up or Take a Cable Car to Mt. Ulriken

Hike up Mount Ulriken or take the Ulriken643 (cable car) to the top for more incredible views of the city, fjords, and islands. At 643 meters, Ulriken is the highest of the 7 mountains that surround the city of Bergen.

Ulriksbanen is a bit away from the city center. You can board Ulriken Express Bus  (not operating until spring of 2022) that departs from the city center (just across the road from the Tourist Information) to Ulriken cable car station every 30 minutes, every day from 9 am to 6 pm between May to August, or ride the local bus no. 5 or 6 that departs every 10 minutes from the city center (Småstrandgaten M outside Exhibition shopping center) to Haukeland hospital and walk uphill a bit (10 minutes) from there to the cable car station.

Ulriken Express Bus (OBS) Tickets

The cable car is open from 9 am to 7 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday, 9 am to 11 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from October to April and is open from 9 am to 11 pm all days from May to August.

Ulriken Cable Car (Ulriken643) Tickets

Buy a bus ticket and Ulriken cable car ticket at the Tourist Information in Bergen or buy them at ticket machines at the cable car station or book the tickets online at https://ulriken643.no or visitnorway.com or visitBergen.com .

If you want to hike, there are quite a few routes to the top of Ulriken, the most popular being the one that starts in Montana.

Tip: If you feel adventurous, you can continue across Vidden to Mount Fløyen from Ulriken or try out Norway’s fastest zipline at Mt. Ulriken which glides 300 meters in the direction of Mt Fløyen. The zipline costs NOK 450 per adult and NOK 300 per child aged 7 to 16 years.

Note: You can walk from Fløyen to Ulriken or from Ulriken to Fløyen.

You can enjoy a delicious meal, a cup of coffee, and spectacular views at Skyskraperen Restaurant and Ulriken Café at the top of Ulriken.

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Gorge on the Fresh Seafood at Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget)

How can you visit Bergen and not sample its fresh seafood?

One of the most-visited markets in Norway, the Fish Market in Bergen has been selling fresh seafood, local farm-fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, and flowers and plants since the 1200s.

The outdoor Fish Market is open during the summer months while the indoor Fish Market – Mathallen with several restaurants serving a large variety of seafood is open all year round.

For the best seafood experience, dine at Fjellskål or Fish Me .

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Go, Museum Hopping

With more than two dozen museums, there’s no better way to know and understand the art, music, culture, history, and tradition of Bergen than to visit its varied museums.

Visit Bryggens Museum and The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene at Bryggen to learn about the history of Bergen.

The Norwegian Fisheries Museum  and the  Bergen Maritime Museum takes you through the Norwegian tradition of fisheries and trade.

Discover Bergen architecture and interiors from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries at the open-air Old Bergen Museum . As the name suggests, the museum takes you back to the old days in Bergen.

Troldhaugen showcases the life and times of Edvard Grieg , a famous Norwegian composer, and pianist.

You can’t help but marvel at the huge, varied, and unique collection of art and design KODE . After all, you are at one of the largest museums for art, design, and music in Nordic countries. It’s your chance to witness the masterpieces by Edvard Munch, Nikolai Astrup, Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and J.C. Dahl.

With 100 different science exhibits, Vilvite-Bergen Science Centre is one of the best museums in Bergen to visit with children.

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Visit the Biggest Gingerbread Town in the World (Pepperkakebyen)

If you happen to visit Bergen in winter, you can’t miss Pepperkakebyen ! Schoolchildren, kindergarteners, local businesses, and volunteers join hands to craft a mini version of Bergen using gingerbread cookies every year around Christmas. Isn’t it a beautiful way to show love for the city you belong to?

The people of Bergen started this sweet tradition in 1991.

Looking at the cute miniature houses, castles, markets, trains, cars, ships, boats, and local landmarks made from gingerbread cookies, it’s one of the most unique and magical experiences you’ll ever have in your life.

Pepperkakebyen is open to the public from mid-November to the end of December.

Pepperkakebyen Tickets

All children 2 to 12 years old get free admission on weekdays.

Join a Fjord Cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen

A round-trip 3-hour cruise through Osterfjord to Modalen , and Mostraumen is one of the most beautiful things to do in Bergen.

Sit back, enjoy the views, and spot local wildlife as the cruise sails through narrow fjords, tiny villages, towering mountains, and mighty waterfalls.

The cruise departs daily from Zachariasbryggen Quay at the Fish Market. Timings differ with the days and seasons.

Bergen Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen Tickets

You can book the ticket online at visitBergen.com or rodne.no or buy one at the Tourist Information in Bergen or at the quay . If you are booking online, you must book 2 working days before departure.

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Meet the Mysterious Sea Creatures at Bergen Aquarium

With about 60 large and small aquariums, Bergen Aquarium brings to you the creatures that live along the Norwegian coast and from the tropical rainforest. You can witness fish, sea lions, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, penguins, and marmosets.

They run film shows and conduct feedings every day.

The museum is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

Bergen Aquarium Ticket

Check akvariet.no for more information.

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Explore Bergenhus Fortress

One of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Norway, Bergenhus Fortress is located right in the heart of the city. Dating back to the 1300s, this national cultural heritage site has a long and turbulent history as a royal seat, episcopal see, and military seat of power.

Today, the fortress serves as the everyday place of work for over 220 military and civilian personnel. However, most of the grounds are open to the public from 6 am to 11 pm for free and the complex is used as a venue for festivals, events, and concerts.

Dedicated to the resistance movement during World War II, Bergenhus Fortress Museum is worth a visit. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm and entry is free.

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Sample Norwegian Traditional Food

Norwegian cuisine is heavily based on raw ingredients sourced from the mountains, wilderness, and coast of Norway. It mostly features potatoes, cabbage, seafood, meats, ciders, flatbreads, and cheese.

Some of the traditional Norwegian dishes you should try include fårikål (literally translates to lamb in cabbage, it’s a national dish of Norway), pinnekjøtt (lambs ribs), smålahove (sheep’s head), lefse (flatbread), klippfisk (dried and salted cod), sursild (pickled herring), raspeballer (potato dumplings), finnbiff (sautéed reindeer), vaffelkake (waffle cake), pølse i vaffel ( a waffle folded around a smoked sausage), and brunost (brown cheese).

Pingvinen , Trekroneren , 1877 , Bare Vestland , Bergen Fish Market , and many roadside kro are some of the best places in Bergen to taste Norwegian traditional food.

A food tour in Bergen is the perfect way to taste local cuisine as well as learn about the local food traditions. Book a food and culture walk with a local guide .

So that’s a wrap! We sincerely hope that our guide to the best things to do in Bergen helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Bergen.

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Anjali Chawla

12 thoughts on “11 Best Things to do in Bergen (+Useful Tips)”

Beautiful architecture and plenty of things to do in Bergen.

Yes absolutely, Bergen is beautiful and great place to visit

Thanks for sharing more info about this city! I especially love the pink/red church and the wooden one!

Thanks for stopping and reading the post. Yes, the churches are so beautiful and see there are so many of them to explore. St. Mary’s church is the oldest building of the city.

Having visited Oslo a few years ago, I’d love to explore more of the country and check out places like Bergen. It looks so pretty! Thanks for all of your helpful tips.

Yes, you must visit Bergen from Oslo. In fact there is the scenic train ride from Oslo to Bergen that takes you through beautiful vistas and is a must. I am glad you found our post helpful. Do let us know if you plan a trip to Bergen

Bergen looks delightfully charming and right up my alley! Your photos have truly transported me. I’d also love to try some traditional Norwegian food!

Thanks for reading and appreciating. Glad you could feel the place through our post. Absolutely, one must try local food to experience the culture.

OMG, just looking at your photos has made me want to visit Bergen right now. Bergenhus Fortress is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing such a detailed article; I will add these tips and locations to my list of places to visit.

Bergen looks delightfully charming and right up my alley! The photography work is amazing. It looks so pretty! Thanks for all of your helpful tips.

Thanks for sharing this amazing blog and information thanks sharing this article

Glad you liked the post and found it helpful. Hope it will help you plan your trip.

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