Planning a trip to Bergen? Contemplating on what all 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.
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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, 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.
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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 lesser 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.
By Air
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 the destination. The major airlines that operate from Bergen include Norwegian Airlines, Wideroes Fly, and Scandinavian SAS.
We absolutely rely on and recommend Kiwi.com 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.
By Train
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.
By Bus
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
By Ferry
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.
By Car
As I always say, road-tripping 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 from wherever 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.
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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 centre especially if it’s your first time in Bergen or 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 that 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. Though, 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.
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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 stands 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. The 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 in Bergen and has the tallest church tower (61 metres) 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 on Vågen in 1665 – the church has 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 beuatiful Norwegian stave church is loacted out of city centre. You can board Line 1 Bybanen Light Rail or ride a bus no. 21 to Fantoft.
Fantoft Stavkirke Ticket
| Ticket Type | Ticket Price |
| Adult | NOK 65 |
| Child | NOK 30 |
| Student | NOK 50 |
Hike Up or Board the Fløibanen Funicular to the 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 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
| Ticket Type | Season | Adult | Child (4 to 15 years) | Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) |
| One Way | October to April | NOK 50 | NOK 25 | NA |
| One Way | May to September | NOK 65 | NOK 35 | NA |
| Return | October to April | NOK 100 | NOK 50 | NOK 250 |
| Return | May to September | NOK 125 | NOK 65 | NOK 325 |
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.
Update: Fløibanen is closed for upgrading from September 20th, 2021 until April 1st, 2022.
You can enjoy food and drink with spectacular views at Fløistuen cafe (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 sledge 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
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child |
| One Way | NOK 50 | NOK 25 |
| Return | NOK 100 | NOK 50 |
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
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (under 16 years) | Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) |
| One Way | NOK 195 | NOK 95 | NOK 445 |
| Return | NOK 345 | NOK 145 | NOK 790 |
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 at 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 that 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 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, local landmarks made from gingerbread cookies, it’s one of the 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
| Ticket Type | Adult | Young Adult or a Student (12 to 18 years) | Child (2 to 12 years) |
| Ticket Price | NOK 150 | NOK 100 | NOK 50 |
All children 2 to 12 years 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
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child | Family Ticket (2 adults + 4 children) |
| Ticket Price | NOK 680 | NOK 370 | NOK 1700 |
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
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (3 to 15 years) | Senior or Student | Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) |
| Ticket Price | NOK 310 | NOK 200 | NOK 230 | NOK 850 |
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 in 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 know 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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The post 11 Best Things to do in Bergen (+Useful Tips) appeared first on Travel Melodies.
