Despite being Europe’s rainiest city, Bergen is one of the most welcoming places on Earth. The stunning Norwegian city is known for its fantastic vibe, its good-hearted inhabitants, and the breathtaking nature surrounding it. Since there are plenty of things to do in town, crafting an itinerary for 3 days in Bergen can be challenging. However, due to its compact size, you can fit everything in your Bergen itinerary and make the most of your stay in Norway’s fjord city.
I spent an adequate amount of time in Bergen, and in this article, you’ll find everything you need to plan your journey. Specifically, apart from the three days in Bergen itinerary, you’ll also find hotel recommendations and the best places to eat. Moreover, since Bergen has a strong coffee culture, you’ll read about places to enjoy a cup of coffee in town. Last but not least, I’ll share some travel tips for your trip to Bergen, Norway, and point you to more articles about the city on my travel blog.
So, let’s see what to do in Bergen in 3 days.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
3 days in Bergen itinerary
Bergen, Norway, is exactly my kind of city: it has many things to see, yet it’s compact enough to have short breaks and enjoy the moment. With a population of 290,000 and some of Norway’s most stunning fjords close to it, there’s enough sightseeing to keep you occupied. The itinerary featured here is ideal for people visiting Bergen for three days; however, at the bottom of this post, you’ll also read my recommendations in case you have 2 days in Bergen and also for 4 days in the city.
Day 1 in Bergen: Slow Immersion
Your first day in Bergen should serve as an introduction to the beautiful fjord city of Norway. Orientating and understanding local culture are crucial to making the most of your Bergen journey. Here’s how to slowly immerse yourself in the city’s life.
Stroll along Bryggen
It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time visitor to Bergen or not. It’s almost obligatory to start from a walk along Bryggen. The chances are that you have already seen images of Bryggen -and it can very well be that you flew here to see the picturesque buildings next to the water up close.
Bryggen is the Norwegian word for “the dock,” and it’s the city’s most iconic spot. The colorful houses lined up at Vågen harbor are old Hanseatic commercial buildings. The famous Hanseatic League performed its commercial activities here for centuries, and Bryggen has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the late 1970s.
The wooden houses are beautiful, but unfortunately, Bergen experienced several fires throughout its (almost) 1,000-year-old history. That said, Bryggen was destroyed several times, and some buildings were constructed after 1700. Today, the colorful buildings of Bryggen house hotels, museums, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
Although you’ll walk along Bryggen several times during your stay, starting from here is a great introduction to the city. The narrow alleys will take you to secret spots, shops, and courtyards narrating centuries-long tales.
Bergen travel tips: One of the coziest cafes in town is located in one of these alleys. Its name is “Kaf Kafe,” and it serves fantastic coffee and sweets. Do it like the locals and enjoy some time here. You can see (and save) Kaf Kafe on Google Maps here.
Visit the Rosenkrantz Tower and the Bergenhus Fortress
Just a few meters away from Bergen -and visible at all times- you can visit the Rosenkrantz Tower. This fortified tower was the residence of Erik Rosenkrantz, who constructed it in the 16th century. Although it might not impress you at first glance, the Rosenkrantz Tower is among Bergen’s most iconic sightseeing spots. Norwegians rightly assume as one of the most important Renaissance monuments in the country.
Straight behind it, you will see the premises of Bergenhuss Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in Norway. The fortress is made of stone and covers a big surface on this side of town. Extended excavations carried out on-site proved that the fortress dates back to 1100, and the famous Haakon’s Hall is from 1260.
Bergen tip: You can take a somewhat claustrophobic flight of stairs to the top of Rosenkrantz Tower and enjoy some stunning views of Bergen.
Grab something to eat at the Bergen Fish Market
Bergen’s Fish Market -called Mathallen– is one of the most iconic spots in the city. Located in the harbor’s heart, Mathallen has been, for centuries, the meeting point of merchants and locals. Established in the 1200s, the Fish Market is a beloved spot for travelers, offering a great opportunity to interact with the locals and see the catch of the day.
The building is next to the Visit Bergen tourist office and enjoys beautiful port views. Stroll around and grab something to eat: it’s one of the most local things to do in Bergen. And if you don’t mind spending some extra cash, there are restaurants serving delicious food inside the market.
Bergen travel tip: Although the Fish Market of Bergen is open all year long, it expands outdoors from May 1st until late summer. If you happen to be in Bergen during the summertime, don’t miss the chance to see the colorful stands and the joyous atmosphere.
Visit the Maritime Museum of Bergen
Norway is one of the most prominent maritime nations in Europe. The country’s entire history is interconnected with its relationship to the sea. That said, it doesn’t surprise that Bergen is home to a beautiful maritime museum. The building presents the entire history of Norway and the ways the sea sealed it. You will see vessels and decks, but also figureheads and paintings. Moreover, there’s a hall featuring temporary exhibitions, and it’s a must-see for further understanding the city’s history.
The maritime museum is located on the edge of downtown Bergen (Norwegian: Sentrum). Therefore, walking towards the museum, you will get a good overview of the city center that will help you navigate in your future strolls. In addition, visiting the Maritime Museum on your first day in Bergen will give you a deeper insight into the city’s history.
I wrote a separate article about the beautiful museum, where you can also see more photos. You can read the Maritime Museum article here.
Bergen tip: On the museum’s upper floor, you will find a stunning area imitating a boat’s deck. Relax on old-fashioned yet stylish chairs and enjoy the view of Bergen’s port like you were on a ship.
Enjoy dinner at Bryggen
Yes, Bryggen is the most popular location in town and hands down the most tourist one. Even though this is a no-go for many travelers, I suggest dining once at Bryggen. The buildings are too beautiful to be ignored, and the atmosphere in Bryggen’s restaurants has a flair for old Europe.
Of course, the prices at Bryggen tend to be on the steep side, so keep an eye on your budget. However, the restaurant interiors are stunning, and the service is very professional.
Bergen travel tips: If you prefer a sea view, Bryggeloftet & Stuene is Bergen’s oldest restaurant and a fine option. On the other hand, Bryggen Tracteursted is what you’re looking for if you’re into more hidden places.
Day 2 in Bergen: Feeling like a local
Bergen is one of those welcoming cities that won’t require too much of your time to feel like a local. In fact, from your first steps into the city, you’ll feel that you’ve been here several times before. It’s time to discover some local aspects of Bergen, and here’s how to do it properly.
Take the Fløibanen funicular up to Fløyen
Start your day early in the morning and embark on the modern Fløibanen funicular. Bergen is a city surrounded by 7 mountains, and Mount Fløyen is the easiest to access. The Fløybanen funicular needs less than 10 minutes to Fløyen’s top, and from there, you’ll enjoy great panoramic views of Bergen.
Starting early to Fløyen means you’ll avoid the crowds -yes, the location is a beloved spot for locals and travelers. In Fløyen, you’ll also see the famous goats that stroll around even in the winter’s snow, and you enjoy shorter or longer hikes in the mountain. However, if you’re not much into hiking, there are a couple of cafes with great views over the fjords of Bergen to enjoy coffee and sweets.
Taking the Fløibanen funicular and reaching the top of Fløyen is one of the best things to do in Bergen, and you should not miss it. The funicular starts just off of Bryggen -you can see Fløybanen’s starting point on Google Maps here.
Bergen travel tips: Ideally, you should visit Fløyen on a sunny day. Check your weather app and visit the mountain even spontaneously.
Visit the Aquarium of Bergen
Although most people will suggest that visiting Bergen’s Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Bergen for families, the truth is that it’s a great experience for everyone. I visited the Aquarium as a solo adult traveler and was impressed by the variety of species on display. Moreover, exactly like with the Maritime Museum, you’ll learn more about Norway’s connection to the sea and better understand how life developed through the centuries.
The so-called Akvariet i Bergen is a great option for rainy days in Bergen, but I think you should visit it anyway. Seeing rare fish up close was so much fun, and I shot several fish portraits. You can see here my fish portraits from the Aquarium.
Bergen travel tips: Don’t miss the sea lions and the penguins straight outside the main hall.
Drink great coffee at Det Lille Kaffekompaniet
A stop at the tiny but atmospheric Det Lille Kaffekompaniet pairs well with the Fløyen visit. Located just a couple of meters away from the Fløibanen funicular. That’s the oldest and smallest cafe in Bergen, and it has been voted several times as the place to drink coffee in the city.
Despite its tiny size, it has a great atmosphere and serves fantastic cinnamon rolls. On a non-rainy day, the cafe offers outdoor seating so you can enjoy Bergen’s fresh air and observe local life.
Bergen travel tips: The prices are relatively low by Norway’s standards. An espresso and a cinnamon roll at the Det Lille Kaffekompaniet won’t cost you more than 7 €/$.
Soak in the art at Kode Museum
The Kode Museum consists of four separate buildings and is the most important cultural institution in Bergen. One ticket grants access to all four museums, making it ideal for seeing Norwegian and international art.
Here’s what you can see in each of the four Kode Museum buildings:
- Kode 1: Design and handicrafts.
- Kode 2: Contemporary art.
- Kode 3: The Rasmus Meyer collection, including the world’s third-biggest collection of Edvard Munch paintings. The to-go place for Munch lovers.
- Kode 4: Changing exhibitions and home to a Michelin-star restaurant called Lysverket.
Bergen travel tips: The Bergen Kunsthall is next to the Kode Museum and features contemporary art dealing with various social and political issues. If you’re on this side of town, don’t miss it.
Get out of Bergen’s city center
After spending enough time downtown, leaving the city center might sound like a good idea. After all, apart from the beautiful architecture, the city is surrounded by stunning nature. That said, having 3 days in Bergen means you’ll have the opportunity to see a few more things in the city. Although -as you’ll read soon- the third day in Bergen is all about outdoor activities, it might be worth considering a short ride away from the Sentrum.
Depending on your interests, here are three things to consider:
The Old Bergen Museum
Located just a couple of kilometers outside the city center, the Old Bergen Museum feels like a journey to a long-gone era. Constructed like a miniature town, the Old Bergen Museum showcases more than 50 wooden houses from the past three centuries. Walking in this open-air museum resembles time-traveling: you can see the interiors, the architecture, and the old habits.
Fantoft Stave Church
There’s an iconic church to see more than half an hour outside of town. The Fantoft Stave Church is a wooden Christian church dating back to Medieval times. Although it was burned in 1992, the Fantoft Stave Church was reconstructed, and today it’s open to the public. An impressive building.
Troldhaugen Home of composer Edvard Grieg
Midway between the city center and the Bergen airport, you can visit the home of composer Edvard Grieg, located in Troldhaugen. The iconic Norwegian composer spent 22 years of his life in this house, which nowadays operates as a museum. There’s also a cafe on-site and a hall where concerts often take place.
Try the delicious soup and fish cakes at Søstrene Hagelin
I enjoyed great food everywhere in Bergen, but nothing beats the local atmosphere and the delicious meals I had at Søstrene Hagelin. It was my favorite spot while visiting Bergen, and in a crisis of exaggeration, I even said that I’d return to the city for an hour to eat the Bergen soup and the fish cakes again at Søstrene Hagelin.
In addition, this small restaurant is one of the most affordable places to eat in Bergen. It is the perfect spot for lunch, and if you enjoy early dinner (it’s open until 7 p.m.), it can very well be your dinner. To add an extra touch, Søstrene Hagelin was opened in Bergen in 1929 by two sisters, Elna and Gudrun Hagelin, and the recipes are still the original ones.
Bergen travel tips: Try the Bergen fish soup and order 2-3 heart-shaped fish cakes.
Day 3 in Bergen: All about the fjords
No Bergen itinerary is complete without spending a day at the fjords. The city’s nickname is “the gateway to the fjords,” and as you can easily imagine, that’s among the top things to do in Bergen. There are various boat trips to choose from: some last 3-4 hours, while others are day trips. That said, the duration of your fjord tour will define how much time you’ll have on the last day of this 3 days Bergen itinerary.
In the following lines, you’ll find the best fjord tours and also the one I joined. Watch my 4K video to get a glimpse of what to expect.
How to join a fjord cruise from Bergen, Norway
Bergen-Mostraumen fjord trip. That’s the fjord cruise I had. It takes place all year long and doesn’t depend on the weather. This 27-kilometer trip (~17 miles) will take you from Bryggen to the Mostraumen straits. Nature is stunning, and as you can see in the video, everything feels like a postcard. This boat tour lasts approximately 3 1/2 hours and costs 70 euros. You can book the Mostraumen tour here.
I wrote an additional article about my Bergen-Mostraumen fjord trip here.
Bergen-Alversund Strait fjord tour. Alternatively, you can enjoy a boat trip to the Alversund Strait, known for its deep water and powerful currents. This fjord cruise is slightly cheaper (52 euros) and lasts 3 hours. You can book the Alversund tour here.
Flam full-day cruise to Sognefjord. Now, you probably heard everybody talking about Flam. This day trip lasts 12 hours and will offer you a “Norway in a nutshell tour” experience. It’s one of the best day trips from Bergen and costs 225 euros per person. This full-day cruise will take you from Bergen to Flam, and you’ll explore Sognefjord. Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in the country, and when you reach Flam, you’ll have plenty of time to explore it. Book here the full-day cruise to Sognefjord and Flam.
RIB Sognefjord Safari and Flåm Railway Private Tour. Last but definitely not least, if you’re ready to spend some extra cash, there’s also the option to take a private RIB Sognefjord tour and ride back to Bergen with the iconic Flåm Railway, one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. That’s a full-day tour and costs 860 euros per person. You can book the Sognefjord Safari and Flam private tour here.
Bergen travel tips: Wear warm clothes even if you take a cruise in the summertime.
See more of downtown Bergen
The duration of your fjord cruise will somehow define your last afternoon/evening in Bergen. If you choose one of the full-day cruises, you won’t probably have enough time for sightseeing. On the other hand, if you pick a half-day trip, you’ll have some hours to enjoy the city.
I always recommend to my readers to return to the place they enjoyed the most on their last day in the city. And that’s what I’d recommend here. However, if you prefer to see something more, here are three recommendations.
Visit the Bryggens Museum. The Bryggens Museum is often overlooked, but in my opinion, it is one of the most interesting places in town. It presents findings of the archaeological excavations of Bergen, including artifacts, Runic inscriptions, and ceramics in a highly interactive environment. I found the board displaying how many times Bergen was burned through its history and to what extent impressive. Moreover, on the first floor, you can see a nice exhibition about the local football club, Brann Bergen.
Grab a hot dog at 3 Kroneren. That’s a beloved local cantine in the city’s heart that specializes in hot dogs. Their hotdogs are delicious -I had the San Francisco—and it’s an excellent option for a quick lunch or if you want to cut down on expenses. You can see 3 Kroneren on Google Maps here.
Visit Mount Ulriken. You can reach Mount Ulriken by cable car from Bergen. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it this time, but I hear it’s a terrific experience.
Where to stay for your 3 days in Bergen trip
If you’re visiting Bergen for the first time, the best option is to stay close to Bryggen. Apart from being in the city’s heart, you’ll also be close to most places of interest and the piers where the fjord cruises start. In addition, Bergen is a steep city, and if you don’t want to have a long way up to the hotel, staying as close to the harbor as possible is safer. And, of course, you’ll have plenty of eateries around, which is always a nice plus after a long day out.
There are several great hotels in downtown Bergen. I chose the Harbour Hotel, and I had a fantastic stay. The hotel is clean, has breakfast included in the price, and is conveniently located half a minute from the Fløibanen funicular and a minute from Bryggen. In addition, it was among the most affordable choices on this side of town, and I highly recommend staying there. You can book your room at the Harbour Hotel here.
Other great hotels in downtown Bergen
As I already mentioned, there’s no lack of great hotels in downtown Bergen and close to Bryggen. Since choosing your hotel room is mainly a matter of budget, you should decide how much you can afford to spend; Norway is an expensive country. Some other great options for your accommodation in Bergen, Norway, are:
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen. The famous Scandinavian hotel chain offers one more great hotel to its guests straight to the Bryggen Wharf. That’s a very stylish hotel that also has a fantastic restaurant. Book your room at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel here.
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz. Just off Bryggen’s Wharf, the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is another fantastic option for your Bergen stay. The Scandinavian design of the rooms and the convenient location make the hotel an unbeatable choice in the city center. Book your room at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz here.
Augustin Hotel Bergen. That’s one of the most affordable hotels in the city center. It’s next to the harbor, offering simple yet clean rooms. If budget matters, you should consider it. Book your room at Augustin Hotel here.
Scandic Torget Bergen. With beautiful views of Vågen Fjord and Mount Fløyen, the Scandic Torget is a great accommodation option in the city center. Everything is less than 5 minutes away, and breakfast is included in the price. Book your room at Scandic Torget.
Clarion Hotel Admiral. Last but not least, if you want to wake up every morning with tremendous Bryggen views, the waterfront Clarion Hotel Admiral is the place to be. That’s one of the most luxurious options in Bergen, but it sure deserves every spent. The atmosphere is fantastic, and breakfast is included. Book your room at Clarion Hotel Admiral here.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Bergen, Norway.
3 days in Bergen itinerary: extra tips & ideas
As I mentioned earlier, Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe. Therefore, unless you are extremely lucky during your visit (fingers crossed!), you might have some rain accompanying parts of your journey. This was also the case when I traveled to Bergen, and, of course, I had to improvise regarding sightseeing.
That said, the three-day Bergen itinerary described above assumes you’ll have occasional drizzle. The weather in Bergen, unfortunately, changes rapidly, and that’s due to the place’s geography. The seven mountains surrounding it and the proximity to the sea mean you can observe all four seasons in a day. For example, I visited early morning Floyen, and the sunshine was intense. However, on the way down to Bryggen, it started raining -and later in the afternoon, a heavy snowstorm followed.
Although you can have a pretty accurate forecast for the day, the long-term forecast is usually invalid. It’s simply impossible to predict the weather in Bergen. Therefore, be ready to improvise and have a look at the daily forecast here.
Extra tips & ideas
Here are some extra tips and ideas for your 3-day trip to Bergen.
- If it rains, go to the museums and the aquarium. They are very interesting, and they all have cozy cafes to keep you warm for some hours.
- Don’t miss the fjord cruise even if the weather is bad. Yes, it’s better to be sunny when cruising the Bergen fjords, but don’t miss the boat trip because of the weather. The boat has plenty of room, and you can still see Norway’s fantastic nature.
- Due to the Gulf Stream, Bergen is not as cold as you might expect. However, pack warm clothes and dress in layers even during the summer.
- If you plan to do everything mentioned above, the Bergen Card might reduce expenses because it offers free entry to some sights. However, if you plan only a museum visit, it won’t make so much sense.
- Bergen is a walkable city, so you won’t probably need to use public transport. You’ll only need it if you plan to take a short trip out of town with the Light Rail (Bergen’s tram)—like Grieg’s home or the Fanstoft Church.
- Consider the hop-on-hop-off bus. Bergen has its own red bus with designated stops in the most important city landmarks. It makes moving around Bergen’s highlights easier, and on a sunny day is a great option. You can see the route and book a hop-on-hop-off ticket here.
- Finally, monitor expenses. Norway is expensive, so if something mentioned above doesn’t fit your budget, save it for next time.
2 days in Bergen or 4 days in Bergen
I’m adding a short note here in case you have 2 days or 4 days in Bergen.
If you have only 2 days in Bergen, you can still see many things. You’d probably have enough time to fit everything into the schedule, but it will be tight. It’s a hard call, but I wouldn’t sacrifice the fjord tour for a museum. Sad but true. Nature is stunning, and even if you are only for two days in Bergen, you should at least take one of the shortest cruises I mentioned above.
With 4 days in Bergen, you are definitely safer. You’ll have enough breathing space, you can enjoy some lazy time in a cafe, and you can see even more things. I’d personally visit one museum per day, and I’d have daily lunch at the Sostrene Hagelin (yes, it’s that good). And, of course, I’d definitely go on a cruise, even a full-day one.
3 days in Bergen, Norway itinerary summary
So, here’s how to spend 3 days in Bergen, Norway.
1st Day
- See Bryggen
- Visit the Rosenkrantz Tower and the Bergenhus Fortress
- Eat at the Bergen Fish Market
- Visit the Maritime Museum of Bergen
- Have dinner at Bryggen
2nd Day
- Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen
- Visit the Aquarium
- Coffee at Det Lille Kaffekompaniet
- Art at Kode Museum
- Get out of Bergen’s city center (The Old Bergen Museum, the Fantoft Stave Church, or the Troldhaugen Home of composer Edvard Grieg)
3rd Day
- Fjord cruise
- Bryggens Museum
How to spend 3 days in Bergen: conclusion
Bergen is one of the most beautiful European cities. Its compact size and relaxed rhythms make it ideal for a long weekend or a city break. Moreover, its strategic location in the fjords means that you can enjoy fascinating landscapes throughout your stay. Visiting Bergen for 3 days will give you enough time to immerse yourself in the city’s slow rhythms while learning about its past.
Despite the unstable weather, Bergen surprised me with its kindness. Seeing the fjords up close was a memorable experience. It’s definitely a city to return to in the future and a place to daydream about.
More about Bergen: Bergen Airport Guide
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Share this Bergen 3-day itinerary with your friends.
Last Updated on June 14, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos