Surrounded by seven mountains and located straight at the sea, Bergen is one of the most stunning European cities. The so-called “gateway to the fjords” is a fantastic option for a long weekend and will impress you with its relaxed vibe. Despite its compact size, there are plenty of things to do in Bergen to keep you occupied for days. Apart from the usual sightseeing, Bergen offers some memorable experiences that will accompany you for years.
That said, in this travel guide, you’ll read about the best things to see in Bergen, Norway. In addition, I’ll share various Bergen travel tips and present some of my photos from Norway’s second-biggest city. Moreover, in the following lines, you’ll find some accommodation and food tips to enhance your stay. Last but not least, if you’re unsure about how to fit everything into your Bergen city break, I wrote an extra article on how to spend 3 days in Bergen.
So, let’s start now with the best things to do in Bergen and the highlights of the picturesque Norwegian city.
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The best things to do in Bergen, Norway
Almost 300,000 people call Bergen home; by European standards, that’s a mid-sized city. However, its strategic location on the coast and proximity to the iconic Norwegian fjords make Bergen one of the most desired destinations. I found the combination of stunning nature, art, and urban experience unbeatable. Therefore, here are the top things to do in Bergen I suggest to every traveler.
Explore Bryggen
Every trip to Bergen should start from Bryggen. Although you’ve probably seen plenty of photos of Bryggen’s colorful wooden houses, nothing compares to strolling around its narrow alleys. Bryggen stands for “the dock” and consists of a line of old Hanseatic buildings expanding in a maze of side streets. Due to the Hanseatic League’s commercial activities and unique architectural style, Bryggen rightly received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nowadays, the buildings house various shops and hotels, but their story wasn’t always shiny. As we all know, wood is a flammable material, and as a result, Bryggen was destroyed several times by fire. However, today, this waterfront neighborhood at Vågen harbor is the most beloved spot for locals and travelers.
After my initial walk, I found myself several times walking around Bryggen. I discovered new things every time, and in one of these late afternoon strolls, I found Kaf Kaffe, one of the coziest spots in town. Overall, Bryggen is a top Bergen attraction, and I’m sure your camera roll will be full of beautiful images.
Bryggen travel tip #1. In the broader area of Bryggen and equally close to the water, you can visit the Rosenkrantz Tower, one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Norway. Next to it, you’ll see the Bergenhuss Fortress, one of the oldest fortifications in Norway.
Bryggen travel tip #2: Several shops sell Bryggen houses miniatures if you can’t have enough of Bryggen’s wooden houses. They make great souvenirs, so check them out and bring (at least) one back home.
Take a fjord tour to Mostraumen
Bergen owes part of its fame to the fjords. Some of the most breathtaking Norwegian fjords are just a short sail from its harbor. Therefore, it’ll be a pity to spend a couple of days in the city without taking a cruise and enjoying Norway’s beautiful nature.
Moreover, most of the fjord tours from Bergen take place all year, and they don’t depend on the weather. There are various boat trips and fjord cruises to choose from, and everything is a matter of budget and schedule. Half-day fjord cruises -they usually last 3-4 hours- will give you a good overview of the dramatic landscape straight out of the city’s port. On the other hand, a full-day cruise will be an even more relaxing and immersing experience.
When I traveled to Norway, I decided to take a half-day fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen. That’s a 27 km ride (~16,6 miles), and the vessel needs approximately 3,5 hours to conclude it. It was a fascinating experience, and being exposed to the elements (and Norway’s freezing weather) was a highlight of my journey.
I wrote a separate article about my fjord experience, and you can read more about the boat tour from Bergen to Mostraumen. Don’t miss the chance to join a fjord tour!
Fjord cruise travel tip: The Fjord tour I took is among the most affordable ones. You can book the Mostraumen cruise here.
Visit the Fish Market of Bergen
The fresh catch of the day always finds a place in the Fish Market of Bergen. You can find the Mathallen straight at the harbor, and visiting it is among the most local things to do in Bergen. Although you might think it’s just another Fish Market in Europe, the truth is that the Mathallen is a city landmark. Established in the 13th century, Bergen’s Fish Market is full of people buying fish all day long.
In addition, a couple of restaurants operate on-site, making it a great lunch option. The port views from the market’s windows are beautiful, and if you feel like unwinding, it’s one of the best spots. And, if you happen to visit Bergen during the summer, the Fish Market is a whole different experience: the fish stands are outdoors, and the atmosphere is even more lively.
Bergen Fish Market travel tip: You can find the Mathallen next to the Visit Bergen tourist information office. Collect maps and sightseeing materials and study them at one of the Fish Market restaurants while enjoying the views of Bryggen.
Understand Bergen by visiting its Maritime Museum
Although there are plenty of museums in town -I’ll share them in the next sections of this guide-my favorite one was the Bergen Maritime Museum. In my opinion, that’s the most charming museum in town and the one that gives you the richest background information.
The Maritime Museum of Bergen is located just off the Sentrum, the city’s downtown. Norway is a maritime country, and as such, its history is forever sealed by the connection to the sea. Walking through the museum’s halls becomes an immersive narration of the nation’s sea struggles and achievements. You will see miniature vessels and docks, paintings, and artifacts. The building itself is beautiful, and on its first floor, you can relax in an old-fashioned deck-like environment overlooking the harbor.
The Maritime Museum offered me great background info when I visited Bergen. Seeing old vessels and vintage clothes, and reading about the connection of the city to the sea, has put everything into perspective. The museum fascinated me, and I wrote an article about the so-called Sjøfartsmuseum here.
Maritime Museum tip: There’s a separate room on the upper floor where special exhibitions are presented. The topics are unique and enlightening. When I visited the museum, the special exhibition was “Queer at Sea,” dealing with homosexuality in a male-dominated environment. Therefore, make sure to check the special exhibitions too.
Admire the statues of Bergen
Collective consciousness is strong in Scandinavia, and the past is well-commemorated in various downtown spots. Bergen is no exception to that rule, and some of the city’s most beautiful spots host statues with strong references to local life. That said, every stop in front of a statue is a way to reflect upon past times.
What I found fascinating in Bergen is that not everything is about historic personalities. For example, there’s a beautiful statue in memoriam of the people that lost their lives in the sea. And not far away from it, you’ll come across a statue about the homeless of Bergen. Together with the figures of its famous inhabitants, the city of Bergen created an identity patchwork full of sensitivity. Chapeau.
Bergen statues tip: Instead of adding the location of every statue here, I created a map including 12 iconic Bergen statues. You can see the map below -and you can save it for your upcoming Bergen journey. Simply click the star button to save it in your Google Maps.
Eat like a local at Søstrene Hagelin
I always think that eating local food is integral to every journey. You can’t really understand a place’s culture without tasting its cuisine, and finding a local place to lunch or dine is always a sweet challenge. There’s no lack of great eateries in Bergen, and I must admit I enjoyed the food everywhere. However, there was one place that stole my heart: Søstrene Hagelin.
The exterior of this small restaurant doesn’t impress, and you’ll most likely overlook it. However, it’s one of the best places to have lunch in Bergen -and it would probably be my favorite for dinner if it stayed open later than 7 pm. Its easygoing style will remind you of a canteen -or even the milk bars in Poland. But the food at Søstrene Hagelin is delicious, it’s all about fish, and the prices are the most affordable you’ll find in town.
It became my to-go lunch spot every afternoon after discovering it on the second day of my Bergen trip. The most popular dish is the famous Bergen soup consisting of fish balls, shrimp, vegetables, and sour cream. However, the trademark of Søstrene Hagelin is heart-shaped fish cakes. Make sure to stop at least once here -and if you’d rather not eat fish soup, there are plenty of fish dishes to choose from.
Søstrene Hagelin tip: A Bergen fish soup (Norwegian: Bergensk Fiskesuppe) and two fish cakes cost roughly 15 euros. It’s a filling lunch -and a very local one! See Sostrene Hagelin on Google Maps here.
Join a walking tour in Bergen
Bergen is a walkable city. Moreover, its compact size means that you can explore everything without relying on public transport. While you can see every attraction on your own, joining a walking tour is always a great idea if you want to gain local insights. Several local guides offer a variety of Bergen walking tours, and it deserves booking one if you want to learn about the city’s history.
Apart from walking you around the city, the tour guides will share background info and unknown stories. Some of these tours are fast (1-2 hours), while others last much longer. It all comes down to what you’d like to see in Bergen, and joining one additionally offers the chance to chat with a local. The best walking tours in Bergen are:
A walk through past and present. This 2-hour walking tour will offer you tons of inspiration. It’ll take you to the most iconic spots in the area of Bryggen, and you’ll also get insights about what it’s like living in Bergen today. It costs ~25 euros, and you can book your walk through past and present here.
Bergen private tour with a local. As its name suggests, this is a private walking tour around the city that can be customized based on your needs. You can choose a tour lasting between 2 and 6 hours and have a local guide show you around and narrate stories about the city. Prices start from 55 euros, and you can book a private tour with a local here.
The Fløibanen funicular & the cable car to Mount Ulriken
As I wrote in the introduction of this Bergen travel guide, the city is surrounded by seven mountains. A big part of Bergen’s charm is the nature around it, and this proximity defines its character. Two of the most popular activities that will bring you within a couple of minutes to hills tops overlooking the fjords are Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken.
You can easily reach Mount Fløyen easily with the famous Fløibanen funicular that starts just off of Bryggen. The ride takes less than ten minutes, and it’s hands down one of the best things to do in Bergen. The view from Fløyen’s top is magnificent, and you can shoot breathtaking fjord photos on a sunny day. In addition, there are a couple of places to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and, of course, take short hikes to the forest.
On the other hand, you can reach Mount Ulriken via cable car. Located 643 meters above sea level, Mount Ulriken is a stunning location offering spectacular views. The ride itself is short, and the cable car needs just 5 minutes to reach it. There’s also a coffee and a restaurant on-site where you can enjoy some time in the beautiful Norwegian nature.
Depending on your schedule, I recommend visiting at least one of these mountains -and, apparently, both if possible.
Bergen tip for nature lovers: If you’re into hiking, you can walk from Mount Ulriken to Fløyen. The Vidden hike takes approximately five hours, and you’ll have amazing fjord views. See the Vidden hike map here.
Don’t miss the Aquarium of Bergen
Visiting the city’s Aquarium is one of the top activities you can enjoy in town. As I wrote previously in the section about the Maritime Museum, the city’s bond to the sea is strong. Falsely assumed as a place that it’s only fun for families with kids, the Aquarium will expose you to the ecosystem of our planet. Such places contribute to our empathy, and the sea life in Bergen’s Aquarium is truly unique.
Even if you’re not convinced about visiting it, you can have it as an option for the days with the inevitable rain. It was so much fun visiting the Akvariet that I spent a couple of hours there. Apart from learning about sea life, I also shot fish portraits at the Aquarium -and it was one of the most fun things I did in Bergen.
Bergen Aquarium tips: Don’t miss the Thornback Ray, a ghost-like human-faced creature that flows eerily in one of the water tanks.
Immerse into the coffee culture of Bergen
The coffee culture is strong in Scandinavia, and Bergen is no exception. The city is home to several cozy cafes, and if you happen to visit Bergen in the winter, you’ll probably spend some hours in them. One can even call coffee a social element, and the Bergensers take their coffee pauses seriously.
Since some of my days in town were snowy, I enjoyed several cups of coffee. Apart from the caffeine need, it was also an affordable and enjoyable way to keep me warm from the severe cold. Although I’m pretty sure you won’t have problems finding great cafes in Bergen, here are the ones I recommend.
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet. That’s the city’s oldest and smallest cafe, located next to the Fløibanen funicular starting point. Get a glimpse of its atmosphere on their Instagram account.
Kaffemisjonen. This great cafe is known for its high-quality coffee, and since its opening in 2007, it has become almost an institution for coffee lovers. See the Kaffemisjonen on IG here.
Kaffebrenneri. This small cafe offers lots of homemade products and has a great atmosphere. And delicious coffee, of course. See more about Kaffebrenneri here.
Kode Museum
Kode Museum is the city’s most famous institution and a must-see for art lovers. If visiting a city means several museum stops, you can’t miss the Kode. The Kode is split into four different buildings, but all of them are located in the same area. There’s a single ticket for accessing all four, making it one of the best things to do in Bergen when it rains.
The Kode Museum hosts international and Norwegian art, and one of them -Kode 3- hosts a collection of Edvard Munch paintings, the iconic artist world-famous for its “Scream.”
The Kode Museum consists of four separate buildings, and it’s the most important cultural institution in Bergen. One ticket grants you access to all four museums, making it an ideal place to see Norwegian and international art.
Specifically, here’s what to expect from each of the four Kode Museum collections:
- In Kode 1, you’ll see Design and handicrafts.
- Kode 2 is all about contemporary art.
- In Kode 3, you’ll come along to the Rasmus Meyer collection. That’s the third biggest collection of Edvard Munch paintings in the world, and it’s a must-see for Munch lovers.
- Finally, Kode 4 hosts changing exhibitions and is home to a Michelin-star restaurant called Lysverket.
Bergen travel tip for art lovers: The Bergen Kunsthall is next to the Kode Museum and features contemporary art. Most exhibitions at the Kunsthall deal with social and political issues.
Go on a day trip from Bergen
Bergen’s charm can keep you occupied for weeks. However, if you have more than 3 or 4 days in Bergen, leaving the city behind for a day is always a good idea. The city’s location makes it an ideal starting point for further exploring the beautiful region, and there are some fabulous day trips from Bergen to choose from.
Although those day trips will take you to different destinations, there’s one thing they all have in common: Norway’s stunning nature. So, here are some of the best day trips from Bergen that you can book right now:
Flam full-day cruise to Sognefjord. Flam has the reputation of being among the most scenic journeys in Europe. In this guided tour, you’ll take a cruise from Bergen to Flam -and there, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the famous village at your own pace. Moreover, you’ll cruise along the longest Norwegian fjord, Sognefjord, before returning to Bergen. You can book a place on the Sognefjord cruise here.
Self-Guided Nærøyfjord Cruise and Flåm Railway Tour. If you feel like having everything pre-planned but you also prefer traveling solo, this self-guided trip from Bergen is for you. This adventurous day trip combines cruise and train travel -and the Flåm railway is breathtaking. The fjords, Norway’s nature, and the scenic railway ride -what’s more to ask? You can book the self-guided Nærøyfjord and Flåm tour here.
Bonus. If you’d like to have the Nærøyfjord cruise and Flåm Railway tour with a local guide instead of a self-guided one, I got you covered. The guided tour is costlier, but you’ll have a local guide throughout your trip. You can book the private Nærøyfjord and Flåm tour here.
Eat Norway’s tastier hot dogs at 3 Kroneren
Ideal for a quick lunch or some (very) late-night bite, 3 Kroneren is a small canteen in downtown Bergen serving the tastier hot dogs in town. I stopped twice there, once for the San Francisco hot dog -with garlic- and also almost at midnight for a Jagdwurst hot dog. Both of them are delicious, and this tiny open-air joint in the city’s heart is an excellent stop if you get sudden hunger (enjoyable also without reason).
The 3 Kroneren stays open until late (4 am), and it’s a great option if you’re visiting Bergen on a budget. At the time of writing, a hot dog costs 80 Kr, and you can choose from a wide variety of hot dogs. A life-saver spot when everything is shut for the night, 3 Kroneren feels like a time capsule: it has existed since 1946 and has fed locals and travelers ever since.
You can see the 3 Kroneren on Google Maps here.
Explore the outskirts of Bergen, Norway
If you feel like exploring the area around Bergen, you can easily reach a couple of places located less than one hour outside the city center. Despite the variety of things to do in Bergen, leaving the city life behind for some hours is always a good idea. Norway’s stunning nature will fascinate you, and what makes the country beautiful is its tight bond to nature. That said, in Norway, you’ll always find a forest or a fjord nearby -and you can unwind and relax your eyes in front of unique landscapes.
If nature is not enough to motivate you, some Bergen attractions always give you the much-needed push to explore the region further. Therefore, I’ll add here a few things to do close to Bergen that’ll give you an even deeper insight. Moreover, you can visit all these places with the Bergen Light Rail, the city’s tram.
The Old Bergen Museum
The Old Bergen Museum is just a few kilometers out of town -but technically still in Bergen. This miniature town presents more than 50 wooden houses from the past three centuries. See the interiors, the architecture, and the habits of a long-gone era.
Fantoft Stave Church
Half an hour out of Sentrum, the Fantoft Stave Church is a wooden Christian church dating back to Medieval times. The Fantoft Stave Church was reconstructed after a fire in 1992, and today it’s open to the public.
Troldhaugen Home of composer Edvard Grieg
Midway between the city center and the Bergen airport, you can visit the house of composer Edvard Grieg, Bergen’s most famous son. Located in the famous area of Troldhaugen, this is the house where the prominent Norwegian composer spent 22 years of his life. Today it hosts the Edvard Grieg Museum, and there’s also a cafe on-site and a concert hall. That’s one of the most serene spots you’ll find on this side of Norway.
Bryggens Museum
Last but definitely not least, one more museum deserves your attention. Although travelers tend to overlook it and visit the Hanseatic Museum instead, I was fascinated by the wealth of information at Bryggens Museum.
Bryggens Museum showcases the findings of the archaeological excavations of Bergen. It presents 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.
Bryggens Museum tip. Visit the exhibition on the upper floor dedicated to the local football team, Brann Bergen. Even if you’re not a football fan, this is a great spot to see a local phenomenon and the connection of the city to its football team.
The best hotels in Bergen, Norway
If you’re visiting Bergen for the first time, the best area to stay is close to Bryggen. Staying at the city’s heart guarantees easy access to every Bergen attraction -and if you want to take a fjord cruise, the boats depart from there too. In addition, you’ll have plenty of options for dining or having a drink after a long day.
There’s no lack of great hotels in Sentrum, and in this section, I’ll share the best ones for your accommodation. Moreover, I’ll share the hotel I chose for my stay. So, here are the best hotels in Bergen:
Harbour Hotel. I chose the Harbour Hotel, and I had an amazing time. The hotel is just a minute away from Bryggen and half a minute from the Fløibanen funicular. Harbour Hotel is one the most affordable options on this side of town, and breakfast is included. You can book your room at the Harbour Hotel here.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen. The famous Scandinavian hotel chain guarantees a great stay straight to the Bryggen Wharf. The hotel is stylish and hosts one of the best restaurants in town. Book your room at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel here.
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz. Just off Bryggen’s Wharf, the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is a superb option for your Bergen stay. The Scandinavian design of the rooms and the convenient location makes the hotel an unbeatable option in the city center. Book your room at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz here.
Scandic Torget Bergen. Enjoying fantastic views of Vågen Fjord and Mount Fløyen, the Scandic Torget is a great accommodation option in the Sentrum. Everything is less than 5 minutes away, and breakfast is included. Book your room at Scandic Torget.
Augustin Hotel Bergen. That’s one of the most affordable hotels in the city center. Located next to the harbor, Augustin offers simple and spotless rooms. If you want to keep an eye on your budget, you should consider it. Book your room at Augustin Hotel here.
Clarion Hotel Admiral. Last but not least, if you want to wake up every morning with breathtaking Bryggen views, the waterfront Clarion Hotel Admiral is for you. That’s one of the most luxurious options in Bergen, but it sure deserves every penny spent. Booking a room at Clarion means a great atmosphere and a filling breakfast buffet every morning. Book your room at Clarion Hotel Admiral here.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Bergen, Norway.
Things to do in Bergen: conclusion
Norway’s second-biggest city is a fantastic destination for a city break or a long weekend trip. However, as you read above, there are so many things to see in Bergen that you can stay even longer without getting bored. Bergen is one of these charming destinations that immediately impact you. The combination of sightseeing, majestic fjords, and relaxed locals is enough to guarantee a great stay and fantastic memories.
So far, Norway has never let me down, and visiting Bergen was definitely among the year’s highlights. Pack warm clothes even in the summer, be ready for the inevitable rain, and enjoy Bergen, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
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Last Updated on May 27, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos