Bergen in Norway is ideally positioned as a spring board to fjord Norway and the mountains. Whilst it’s a starting destination where you may fly to (like us) or port from/along a cruise, there are so many things to do in Bergen that we think it’ll surprise you.
We visited Bergen for a few days in August before heading out to the fjords and some of the National Parks that Norway offers inland a couple of hours away. We loved our time in Bergen as we felt it offered such a great cultural and nature-based experience.
Whether you have a few hours, a day or a few in Bergen, there is so much you can take in. Being the second biggest city in Norway outside of Oslo, Bergen enjoys a great modern city atmosphere with tones of history. What’s more, it’s surrounded by incredible beauty.
Our guide below goes through some of the key areas you will want to explore and the things to do in Bergen, Norway. We’ve covered some of the historical elements, the touristy stuff and some off the beaten track gems that we know you’ll love.
Our map above gives locations of many of the activities and highlights we’ve listed below. Click on the top left panel to see these in more detail.
Bergen is located off the mid-West coast of Norway. When you look at a map, you’ll see lots of small islands and inlets all around. Some big enough for houses, others tiny.
When we flew in from London, we were mesmerized by how dramatic the islands looked from above with cloud sweeping over them. Everything looked so blue and atmospheric – it was definitely an unintended highlight of our trip!
The main areas you will want to explore when looking at the things to do in Bergen are mostly around the center. Bryggen is one area with a high concentration of places to see. Sentrum is where you’ll find lots of great bars, coffee shops and restaurants.
Off the beaten track, Møhlenpris is great for swimming and sauna experiences. Likewise, up into the backstreets around Mulen gives some amazing views (but more on all these areas later!).
How to get to Bergen?
Bergen is a big city (it’s the second biggest next to Oslo, the capitol) so this means it’s a pretty good international hub for travel. The airport is big with international flights and connecting flights to other areas of Norway too.
By Airplane
Bergen has one airport – Bergen Flesland Airport which is about 17km away from central Bergen. You can get direct flights to Bergen from many places around Europe, such as London, Berlin etc.
It’s also possible to fly direct to Bergen from the East Coast of the US. From other areas it’s likely you’ll need to get a connecting flight in places like London, Berlin etc.
To get into Bergen from the airport, you can either drive your rental car in around 30 minutes or you can catch the airport bus which costs around NOK 149. It’s also possible to catch the Bergen Light rail line 1 into Bergen. It costs NOK 47 per adult and takes about 45 minutes to reach the center.
By Car
Bergen has a great motorway system in place, so it’s easy to get to Bergen by car too. Driving to Bergen from Oslo will take about 8 hours usually. There are plenty of parking garages in the city which you can use, though it’s worth keeping in mind that they can get pricey.
By Boat/Cruise
A very common way to arrive in Bergen is by boat as many cruises of the Norwegian fjords go through Bergen and have it as a stop on the journey. This will likely leave you off at Vagen Harbor.
From here it’s a mostly flat 1km-ish walk to Bryggen. You may also find that your cruise ship offers a bus to the center. You can also use Uber and similar apps in Bergen too (though these can be expensive).
Where to Stay in Bergen, Norway
Bergen has some fantastic places to stay. Some focus more on traditional design whereas others focus on more modern Scandinavian design. Whether you go for a hotel or something like an Airbnb will depend on your budget.
Have a think whether you want to eat out every meal or not – depending on how long you stay this could become costly. We opted for an Airbnb to take advantage of making our own breakfasts and some others.
Our Airbnb was located around Mulen which was higher up on the hillside in a beautiful residential area just behind Bryggen. We loved the place we stayed in – the owners had designed the studio perfectly!
From here it was just a 10-minute walk down into Bryggen, and we found it a great base for exploring. Though it was a pretty steep on the way back up so do keep this in mind!
There are so many areas to stay in though, but anywhere around the center of Bergen or around Bryggen will likely be a good base for you. Just do your research on surrounding hills before you book if you need to consider this aspect.
15 of the Best Things to do in Bergen
We were amazed by Bergen. It has the perfect mix of history, wonderful buildings, amazing views and a buzzing city center which we loved exploring and getting immersed in. We both agree it’s one of our favorite cities we’ve visited to date.
There are so many things to do in Bergen that we’re kind of amazed we had time to fit in so much in just a few of days! Our guide below goes through some of our favorite suggestions which you can pick and choose from depending on how long you have to explore.
If we had to choose our top five from the list below, we’d definitely suggest you book into the Heit Sauna Bergen, go up Mount Fløyen on the funicular, check out the numerous specialty coffee shops, spend some time in the Hanseatic area and walk around the city. But whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
Our video below goes over some of our favourite highlights. We’re sure you’ll agree it’s such a beautiful city, come rain or shine!
Walk Around the City and Enjoy the Architecture
Address: All through Bergen, but particularly Bryggen, Sentrum, Møhlenpris and Mulen.
Cost: Free
Good to know: Bergen can be quite hilly, so you may want to make use of local buses, which run frequently from all over the city.
How long do you need: As much or as little as you want. A couple of hours for a very quick skim. But a day or so to explore well.
This is something we’d always recommend doing in any city, and it’s one of the best free things to do in Bergen. There’s just so much to explore.
The city has a few distinct areas which all have a different feel to them. Bryggen, near where the funicular up to Mount Fløyen is stationed is very popular and is quite touristy. But don’t let that stop you. Its right on the edge of the marina and also next to all the historical frontages and shops in the Hanseatic area.
The center (or sentrum in Norwegian) is one of the areas where you’ll find a lot of the great coffee shops. For example, Strandgaten has some great places like Dromedar Kaffebar.
Get Incredible Specialty Coffee
If like us, you’re into good coffee, then we think you’ll be very happy with what you find in Bergen! That whole Scandinavian style coffee shop vibe that has taken over a lot of places in the UK and in the US is just the norm here.
Sure, you’ll find places like Starbucks here and bean to cup coffee drinks in bakeries, but there is so much more to Bergen coffee than those. Plus, the prices are (in our opinion) reasonable in comparison to any of those chains.
We spent quite a bit of time checking out (and getting a little too caffeinated) the coffee shops on offer in Bergen and absolutely loved Dromedar Kaffebar. They have two locations in the city. Both their iced and hot coffees were made to perfection.
In the summer, they do specials too, and going to get one of their in-house chili mocha’s is in our opinion one of the best things to do in Bergen in summer. Equally, their orange iced espresso is moreish.
Another shop we loved nearly as much was Fjåk. Which served bullet fuel, but perfectly balanced flat whites as well as specialty hot and cold chocolates, matcha and everything in-between. If there is one thing that’s clear, Bergen baristas care about good coffee.
Locations to Try
Dromedar Kaffebar
Address: Strandgaten 81 and Torget 1, Bergen
Cost: Roughly NOK 130 for two coffees
Fjåk Chocolate
Address: Skostredet 5, 5017, Bergen
Cost: Roughly NOK 100 – 140 for two coffees
Experience a Nordic Sauna
Norway is well known for its sauna scene. There are a number of incredible spots around Bergen to check out that are well worth your time (and money).
When we visited Bergen, we wanted to do something really special to remember. So, we booked a private sauna experience at Heit Bergen Sauna at the Marineholmen location.
There are two saunas at this location that sit on the edge of the marina, and you can either book a private experience of the sauna or share with other guests. We decided to book a shot where we had the sauna to ourselves.
When you arrive, your sauna has a large window that looks out onto the marina surrounded by boats and city and then further out into the mountains. You can then use the ladder to cool yourself down and go for a swim in the colder water of the harbor.
It was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip and we’d say that if you’re looking for unique things to do in Bergen, Norway, then this hits above its weight. It wasn’t the cheapest, but it was so memorable, and we loved every second!
Locations to Try
Heit Bergen Sauna
Address: Thormøhlens Gate 53, Damsgårdsveien 225, 5008 Bergen
Cost: NOK 650 for a private hour for two people
Good to know: Booking in advance is necessary! If you can, book the aufguss
City Sauna Bergen
Address: City Sauna Bergen, Damsgårdsveien 59, 5058 Bergen
Cost: NOK 1,500 for two private hours
Good to know: Booking is essential, and you can take a cruise (whilst in the sauna (see their website for more details).
Immerse Yourself in Bergen’s Cold Water Swimming Scene
Whilst cold water swimming is becoming more popular across the world, it’s just pretty normal in Norway and in Bergen. It’s not just reserved for the summer months either, the icy cold water surrounding Bergen makes for the perfect dip.
We love swimming outdoors and living in the mountains, we spent a lot of time making the most of the amazing cold-water lakes we have access to. So, we were naturally excited to experience the cold water Bergen had to offer.
Whilst there are plenty of spots to swim out into the natural surroundings of Bergen, like in Skomakerdiket a short hike from the funicular station at Fløyen. There are also plenty of spots in the city itself. In fact, swimming at some of the marinas and beaches that surround is one of the best things to do in Bergen city.
We loved swimming in the waters near the Heit Sauna (more details above) which in August was still cold and refreshing. Sandviken Sea Bath (sjøbad) is also a great spot to check out. As is Sydnes Sjøbad.
If you haven’t been swimming in cold water before, it’s been a while or you want to give it a go, we would recommend you try it through the sauna experiences offered in Bergen. It can take quite a lot to get warmed up (which the sauna helps with) and make it a really positive experience.
Locations to Try
Heit Bergen Sauna (with access to cold water in the marina)
Address: Thormøhlens Gate 53, Damsgårdsveien 225, 5008 Bergen
Cost: NOK 650 for a private hour for two people.
Good to know: Booking in advance is necessary!
Sydnes Sjøbad
Address: 5011 Bergen
Cost: None
Good to know: This spot has a ladder to enter the water but is not regulated by public authorities.
Sandviken Sjøbad
Address: Elsesro 56, 5042 Bergen
Cost: None
Good to know: You can enter to the swimming area through the museum (free to go through for swimming). There is a jetty and access to the water.
Skomakerdiket
Address: Fløibanen – Funicular Railway, Vetrlidsallmenningen 23A, 5014 Bergen
Cost: NOK 180 per adult for a return trip on the Fløibanen.
Good to know: Once you reach Fløyen there is a short, accessible path to the lake shore. There are various areas you can get into the water from here.
Try Amazing Pastries and Bakeries
If you’re looking for things to do in Bergen, then make it a top priority to head to some of the incredible bakeries and try the pastries. Think cinnamon buns, cardamom buns and vanilla hearts.
If you’re vegan, you’ll also find some of these are a treat you can have here (unlike the versions of these you find in many other countries) as many recipes don’t make use of dairy products. The feeling of a sticky and gooey cardamom bun warmed up some of the rainier days on our trip!
Really, there is so much to explore outside of these treats and whatever you try at the bakeries, we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Many of which are reasonably priced.
You’ll find some of the best at the more independent coffee shops around the city (listed above). But places like Godt Brød have many locations across the city and Baker Brun are all good contenders. So, make it your mission to try some of them out on your visit to Bergen!
Locations to Try
Kaffemisjonen
Address: Øvre Korskirkeallmenning 5, 5017 Bergen
Cost: Varies, but reasonably priced.
Good to know: Serves great coffee too!
Godt Brød
Address: Many locations across the city, just search the name and head to one wherever you are.
Cost: Reasonable, depending on what you buy.
Good to know: A largish chain so you’ll likely find one nearby – better still they use organic materials.
Baker Brun
Address: A number of locations over the city, so search the name and find the closest to you.
Cost: Reasonable, on par with Godt Brød.
Good to know: A smaller chain, open late with exceptional pastries.
Go to the Maritime Museum
Address: Haakon Sheteligs plass 15, 5007 Bergen
Cost: NOK 150 per adult at the time of writing.
Good to know: If coming from the city center, there are quite a few steps up to the museum.
How long do you need: About two hours to look round fully, but an hour if you’re quick.
As Norway is so prominently positioned with its roots in fishing, its maritime history is well worth learning about. The Bergen Maritime Museum covers in chronological order from ancient history through to the present day.
If you’re interested in learning about how Bergen became the area it is today, then this museum us well worth some of your time. We spent about an hour or so looking around and we learned so much in the time that we did.
There are a lot of artifacts on show too which we’re really interesting to see. The museum wasn’t busy when we visited in August, so you likely won’t need a ticket in advance. It’s also one of the perfect things to do in Bergen to get a break from a heavy rain shower!
Look Around Bryggen
Address: Search from Bryggen on your maps and the area will come up.
Cost: Looking around Bryggen is one of the great free things to do in Bergen.
Good to know: Bryggen mostly covers the interesting historical area and is also home to the Hanseatic area and the funicular to Fløyen, so there’s lots to see.
How long do you need: One or two hours depending on whether you plan to look around or visit any of the museums too. If so, longer.
We loved Bryggen, it has such a different feel to the more modern city center with its incredibly traditional buildings and key focus on fishing and maritime culture. You’ll even notice places so common like McDonalds and Starbucks have had a new identity stamp and are in incredibly quaint buildings.
The main streets of Bryggen are also home to some of the Hanseatic buildings and backstreets you’ll find. We loved looking around there (more on this below).
There are so many makers and craftspeople dotted around here that you could spend time just wandering around, which is exactly what we did. There’s plenty of little cafes serving pastries and coffee to relax in too.
If you head to the other side of the Hanseatic buildings (across the other side of the marina, past the fish market), you can get some great views back to the historical buildings. These views are likely some of the most iconic you’ll have seen when looking up Bergen.
Take the Funicular up to Mount Fløyen
Address: Fløibanen – Funicular Railway, Vetrlidsallmenningen 23A, 5014 Bergen
Cost: NOK 180 per adult for a return trip on the Fløibanen.
Good to know: Open through the year, check their website in advance for timings. You can usually just buy your tickets when you arrive, but at particularly busy times and on Sunday’s, you may want to book in advance (you don’t have to specify a time).
How long do you need: You can do it and back in well under an hour, but for hiking too, we’d advise 2-3 hours or so.
We will always take a cable car or a funicular if it’s available when visiting a new place. We think it’s a great way to get an overview and a perspective on a place in a way you don’t from below.
Bergen offers that in plenty amounts with the funicular train ride up to Mount Fløyen. It’s a quick trip up (under 10 minutes) and even though it is a little pricey (NOK 180 per adult at the time of publishing) we think it’s well worth it.
We were a little nervous that the views would be completely covered by cloud as we had been hit pretty heavily with rain on our visit to Bergen. However, to our surprise and excitement we started to see the skies clear as we were looking around the city (probably finding our 10th coffee of the day), so we took the opportunity to head up.
We had patches of sunshine in amongst the clouds and clear views out over the entire of the city which gave us the most breathtaking views. From there, we also hiked up to Skomakerdiket (a short 1km or so there and back) which we’d really recommend.
We both agreed it was one of the best things to do in Bergen that we’d experienced. There are plenty of trails at the top of Mount Fløyen to enjoy, and there is more information about these in the ticket office at the bottom where you’ll load the train.
There’s also a café at the top where you can stock up on cinnamon buns to either sit and watch the world go by from the top or head out on one of the hikes. When we visited in August in the afternoon on a Monday, we didn’t find the station busy at all.
We got our tickets from an automatic booth quickly and were on a train within 10 minutes. It was very easy going and all ran really efficiently.
This may be different at different times though, so if you do think you may need to book in advance, to be sure, visit their website. The trains run from around 9am until well into the evening.
It also possible to get the funicular up and walk back down to the city. We didn’t really have time to do this, but were told it was a great option and makes the ticket cheaper. Be mindful there are a lot of steps involved though!
Walk Around Bergen’s Botanical Gardens and Green Spaces
Address: Muséhagen, 5007, Bergen
Cost: This is one of the many great free things to do in Bergen.
Good to know: There are many gardens around Bergen, but we found this one of the nicest to sit in for a while. Good to visit after the Bergen Maritime Museum.
How long do you need: As long as you want!
We’d seen before we traveled that there was a botanical garden close to the Bergenhaus Fortress. However, when we visited it was being set up for what looked like a music festival, so we couldn’t look around.
That aside, we loved how many green spaces Bergen has. Not only is Bergen surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, but there are plenty of parks to sit and relax in whilst you see the sights of the city.
One of our favorites was the park near Bergen University Museum too, as this is picturesque and the perfect spot to go and stop for lunch. There were plenty of people enjoying this space at lunch time and it just had a really lovely feel.
See the Views from Mount Ulriken
Address: Ulriksbanen, Haukelandsbakken 40, 5009 Bergen
Cost: Adult Return Ticket NOK 395. Child (4-16) Return Ticket NOK 160.
Good to know: The cable car runs from 09:00-23:00 7 days a week from 01 May – 30 September, with reduced hours the rest of the year (notably, it is closed on Mondays) and closures for Christmas, New Year and Easter. Be sure to check the official Ulrisbananen website for up-to-date timetables.
How Long do you Need: 2-3 hours minimum, but we would recommend at least a half day and more if you want to hike.
Mount Ulriken, at 643m/2109ft is the tallest of the seven mountains that surround Bergen. The Ulriksbanen cable car runs from a station a little outside central Bergen and you can easily reach the station from the city center.
To do this, you can either use the tram (Line 2) or the Ulriken Express bus that runs between 01 May and 30 September from stop 1A in Torgallmenningen Plaza in the city center. You can also buy your cable car tickets at the bus stop to save some queuing.
The cable car ride takes five minutes. Along with a viewing area offering spectacular views out over the city, you’ll find a café along with the much more formal Skyskraperen Restaurant.
The upper cable car station is the starting point for several hiking routes. This includes the relatively short route to the summit of Mt. Ulriken and the longer route across the plateau to the summit of Hauggjelsvarden at 679m/2227ft, which offers tremendous views of the surrounding landscape.
If you’re looking for things to do in Bergen in winter, the routes here are also recommended for snowshoeing. If you want a more challenging hike, it’s also possible to hike up Mt. Ulriken from the bottom cable car station.
The route is called Oppstemtem and much of it is comprised of stone stairs, famously built by Sherpas from Nepal. You should note that this is regarded as a strenuous route.
Swap a Drink at Historical Bar, The Altona for the Cool Bars and Restaurants of Bryggen, Vågsbunnem and Nygårds
We had read quite a lot about The Altona before we visited Bergen as it is one of the oldest bars/pubs in the whole city. When we arrived, the map said it was temporarily closed, so we didn’t get to visit.
The Altona is quite a well-known tourist attraction, which we’re sure many of you will want to visit. However, the fact it was closed gave us the excuse to check out lots of other incredible areas.
Head to the Bryggen, Vågsbunnem and Nygårds areas in the city center to find the best spots. We loved the incredible Scandinavian design a lot of the more modern restaurants had.
We particularly loved Kulturhuset, which had impeccable design and has a great list of events on to keep you interested. They also have a great number of dishes on their menu with a modern Scandinavian feel and plenty of vegan options.
For a wholesome lunchtime spot (and for something really reasonably priced) head to The Daily Pot. This small café is well sought after. They offer a range of customizable power bowls, soups and stews. All which can be based as vegan or add animal protein too. We thought the food here at lunch time was delicious!
The Utidi Bar is also another great spot with a snug atmosphere. It has a really beautiful mid century style design and also has bands playing on some nights (including Norwegian metal bands).
If you’re into metal music (something that Bergen does well) also check out Apollon. It’s a record store come bar with an awesome vibe. Whatever your style, we don’t think you can go wrong with the eating and drinking culture in Bergen.
Locations to Try
The Altona
Address: Strandgaten 83, 5004 Bergen
Cost: Varies but expensive!
Good to know: Temporarily closed, so if you want to visit this historical bar check for updates!
Kulturhuset
Address: Vaskerelven 8, 5014 Bergen
Cost: Pretty pricy but the food and drinks are well worth it! Concerts and shows vary in price. Good to know: This is a venue as well as a restaurant and bar, so there’s lots going on, we’d recommend checking out their website in advance to see what they offer.
The Daily Pot
Address: Vaskerelven 21, 5014 Bergen
Cost: Reasonable for a big hearty bowl.
Good to know: Most dishes are vegan and can be made not so by adding animal protein. There’s limited seating so check you can find a table before you order at the counter. However, the dining is quite fluid so you should be able to find a seat before too long.
Utidi Bar
Address: Nygårdsgaten, 1A, 5015 Bergen
Cost: Varies but moderate for what it is – cocktails are of course more expensive. Most alcohol in Norway is pretty pricy.
Good to know: A great place for a laid back drink in a great environment.
Apollen Platebar
Address: Nygårdsgaten, 2A, 5015 Bergen
Cost: About the same as above (between NOK 100-200 per person).
Good to know: This record store come bar is a great place to go to enjoy metal music and so much more. They often have live bands on too. Well worth checking out their website in advance.
Visit the Hanseatic Museum and the Backstreet Makers and Craftspeople in the Area
Address: Finnegårgen 1Am, 5003 Bergen
Cost: NOK 150, but free to walk around the backstreet areas.
Good to know: The museum itself is closed for renovation until 2027, but it’s still well worth checking out the Hanseatic streets behind and in the area!
How long do you need: 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on how long you walk around.
The Hanseatic League was a trade and defensive alliance that existed in Northern Europe around the Baltic and North Seas from Medieval times through to the late Renaissance. The history of the Hanseatic League isn’t really taught in schools in English-speaking parts of the world.
This is a real shame, as it’s a fascinating and important chapter in European history. Whilst Bergen was not a ‘Hansestadt’, the League operated a major trading post in the city, and this would surely have been vital for the historic growth of Bergen as a city.
The Hanseatic Museum sits on the quays in Bryggen and was one of the city’s main museums. We say ‘was’ because the museum is currently closed until 2027 whilst it undergoes major renovations.
Despite the museum itself being closed, we think it’s well-worth visiting the historic quay area around the museum. The old timber-framed buildings here really beautiful and some of them date back to the Renaissance.
The warren of lanes behind the street front is now home to various art galleries, cafes and maker’s workshops. This is a great area to visit if you want to get a flavor for the best of Bergen’s contemporary arts, crafts and jewelry.
We loved walking around here and could have got lost just soaking it all in for hours! We think you’ll love it as much as we did.
Walk Around the Bergenhus Fortress
Address: Bergenhaus Fortress, 5003 Bergen
Cost: This is one of the many great free things to do in Bergen.
Good to know: A great little diversion from checking our Bryggen.
How long do you need: Under an hour.
The Bergenhus Fortress is a group of historic buildings that sit at the entrance to Bergan Harbor. You can see the fortress from most points on the harbor and it’s a short walk from the Bryggen district.
There’s some real history associated with the fortress. The oldest buildings there date back to the 13th Century. Bergen was historically the capital of Norway, and the fortress was the royal residence and center of government during this period.
It subsequently became a military base and is still maintained by the Norwegian Navy as a historic site. Today, the grounds around the fortress are used as a venue for outdoor concerts and prep for a music festival was underway when we visited – sadly preventing us from exploring the grounds more.
It’s a great little diversion to fit in when visiting around the Hanseatic area and is a great free thing to do in Bergen. It isn’t far out of the way from the historic quays at Bryggen and will give you a look at some truly interesting historic buildings.
We particularly liked the gargoyles on Haakon’s Hall, and the Rosenkrantz tower has got to be one of the most iconic buildings in Bergen. We also liked that the fortress gives a higher vantage point over the city and harbor – presenting some great opportunities for different photos of both.
Check Out the Bergen Fish Market
Address: Torget 5, 5014 Bergen
Cost: Looking around is free, but the fish and places doing fresh dishes will cost you (it is quite touristy).
Good to know: An iconic staple in Bergen that’s well worth a look around, even if just passing through.
How long do you need: Well under an hour.
Bergen is naturally well known for its fishing production. As such the Bergen Fish Market set on the edge of the harbor in and around Bryggen shows vast arrays of fish and seafood ready for buying. Some stalls even offer cooked meals and some even have fusion food with Asian influence.
If you’re looking for some meal ideas for what to cook at home whilst staying, then buying some fresh fish caught that day from the fish market is certainly one of the best things to do in Bergen. You won’t find much fresher.
Even if you don’t want to buy anything, walking through is well worth it and only takes a few minutes on your way through to the center. There’s also plenty of little restaurants offering undercover seating areas too.
Hop on a Cruise of the Fjords
Address: Bergen
Cost: From NOK 650 per person for a half day. Many companies charge more, and if going for longer you can expect the price to really ramp up.
Good to know: Some Fjord tours from Bergen run all year – so this is one of the great things to do in Bergen in Winter too!
How long do you need: Half a day to longer.
Many cruise liners will stop on route through Bergen on a bigger fjords cruise, but it’s also possible to cruise straight out of Bergen. You can do much smaller fjord cruises too from Bergen that can take as little as a day and have you exploring so much of what Norway has to offer.
Even if you’re short on time, you can see some of the fjords in half a day from Bergen by boat. One company who offers incredible journeys are Fjord Tours.
On a half day excursion, you’ll be able to make it to Mostraumen which is not too far from Bergen, but even so, be able to experience stunning waterfalls and high mountains.
There are of course other companies offering similar experiences, so it’s worth shopping around to find what would be best for your plans. Whatever you go for, seeing the fjords was one of our most memorable experiences in Norway!
We headed out to Eidfjord and the Hardangerfjord after our trip to Bergen. We would really recommend this and it was a great way to see some of what beautiful Norway has to offer. Be sure to check out our guide on the things to do in Eidfjord to get inspired to plan your trip.
What to do in Bergen in One Day
Bergen is a popular spot on many cruise routes and so if you’re going to be docking in Bergen for the day, you may be wondering what the best use of your time is. After spending some time in Bergen, we’ve put together our ideas on how you can spend the perfect day.
- Check out Bryggen and the historical Hanseatic area: This is a great area to walk around and spend some time in the backstreets. This should take around an hour to two hours or so.
- Get the funicular to Mount Fløyen to see the views: This will take you about two hours if you just go to the top and back down at a relaxed pace.
- Head into the sentrum for coffee: Dromedar Kaffebar (more information on this above) would be our recommendation, and you can spend some time walking around the city here.
- Walk uphill to Mulen for great views: If you have time before you return, go up into the backstreets behind the funicular station and Bryggen to see some of the traditional houses. But this also gives you great views out over the city.
What to Bring with You to Bergen?
One thing you should keep in mind when visiting Bergen is that it rains a lot. We mean a lot. In fact, it’s the rainiest city in Norway and in fact a lot of Europe.
However, the rain showers come and go, and you really can make the most of it if you bring the right gear. Below, we’ve outlined some of the things you will want to consider bringing with you for your trip to Bergen.
Waterproof Rain Jacket
A waterproof rain jacket is pretty much an essential in Bergen and you should make sure you have a rain shell that is designed for high water saturation. This will also be helpful if you are heading into fjord Norway afterwards.
Something that packs down small into your bag is a great idea. Something that works well in a hiking layering system is a good idea as it will allow you to take off layers as and when you need them.
Our guide to the best waterproof rain jackets for hiking goes over some of our tried and tested favorites which will set you up well. If there’s one piece of advice you take, make it to bring a rain jacket!
Waterproof Rain Pants
As it rains so much in Bergen, it can be a great idea if it becomes really wet to have a pair of waterproof rain pants you can put on if needed. This will also be handy if heading into the fjords and mountains after.
A good pair will have a wide opening zip on the leg for ease to put on and off. We have a whole guide to waterproof rain pants for hiking that covers everything you need to know to help you pick the best pair for you.
Waterproof Hiking Shoes
You will likely do a lot of walking in Bergen, there is a lot to explore, and it is up and downhill. As it rains so much, if you wear trainers that aren’t waterproof there’s a good chance you’ll get wet feet that will turn cold. Even in summer.
We’d always recommend having a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes which are well worn in and comfortable before heading to Bergen. Here are some of our favorite options for the best waterproof hiking shoes.
Cold Water Swimming Gear
If you plan to enjoy Bergen’s cold water swimming culture, you should get yourself set up with swimwear and a microfiber towel. But also depending on the time of year, gloves and wetsuit boots too.
Our guide to cold water swimming gear covers all the basics you need and is really helpful if you’re just getting into cold water swimming. We cover everything you need to know about how to do it safely and enjoyably.
Our Bergen Travel Tips and FAQ’s
How Long do you Need in Bergen?
There is so much to do in Bergen that we’d easily suggest you should give yourself 2-3 days to really explore. This will give you time to relax and go at a slower pace and also enjoy some of the sauna experiences offered in plenty amounts.
You can do Bergen in a day, and if so, we’d recommend heading up to Mount Fløyen, spending some time in Bryggen, and looking at the Hanseatic areas. You might then still have time for coffee in one of the many great specialty bars listed above.
Is Bergen Expensive?
We had always been told that Norway was really expensive. Maybe the cost of living has just caught up now in places like the UK and the US, but it really didn’t seem as expensive as we thought. But this is of course relative.
We think if you’re used to the cost of living in places like the UK, US or Canada for example, then you will likely find Bergen (and most of Norway) fairly similar to home. If you’re coming from somewhere where the cost of living is much cheaper, then you will likely find it more expensive.
Can You do Bergen on a Budget?
It’s entirely possible to do Bergen on a budget. One thing that makes a big difference is cutting down on the amount you eat and drink out.
Alcohol is pricey in Norway in general as its taxed highly, so if you need to keep to a budget this is one of the single best ways to do it. Likewise, if you eat out every meal, you will rapidly find it costs a fair bit.
We cut down on eating out costs by staying in an Airbnb where we could alternate between some meals in and eating out at places we really wanted to try. Transport can also become expensive too, especially Uber so we tried to walk as much as possible.
Another way to limit your spending is to be picky as to what paid experiences you do. The museums are great, but these can soon add up, and we’d say if you need to make a choice, then something like Mount Fløyen is much better an experience!
Enjoy Bergen in Norway
Bergen is without a doubt one of the best cities we’ve visited so far. We both loved it and had such a great time – it has such a nice vibe; the people are friendly and there is a lot to do.
It doesn’t matter how long you have to spend, there are so many things to do in Bergen that you will be sure to find something that suits your taste and budget. It will leave a lasting impression on you with its mix of history and culture that’s hard to go unmatched.
Those beautiful, traditional coastal houses and buildings on the side of the harbor and the Scandinavian interiors which will have you feeling warm and cozy are just perfect. We hope our guide to Bergen has made it easier for you to see all it has to offer and that you have a truly memorable trip!
