Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, is the gateway city to the country’s stunning fjords. But it isn’t just a city to pass through on your way to more beautiful places – Bergen is a hub of rich history, proud culture, and charming neighborhoods. I was totally surprised by how much I enjoyed my short stay in Bergen. It has a palpable charm that I found super endearing. 

Visiting Bergen gives you the best of both worlds: it’s a city that appeal's to people who don’t generally like cities.

This travel guide provides an in-depth look at what to see, do, eat, and experience in this charming Norwegian city. Bergen is located on Norway’s southwestern coast, 466 kilometers west of Oslo. Nestled between seven mountains and the sea, Bergen offers a unique blend of urban life and outdoor adventures. From incredible views to one of the most picturesque harbors, this blog post cover everything you must see and do in Bergen!

How to See the Best of Bergen, Norway’s Fjord City

What to See & Do in Bergen

Bryggan Wharf

Bryggen, the historic wharf in Bergen, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the Hanseatic League's trading empire between the 13th and 15th centuries. The colorful wooden buildings lining the wharf are some of Bergen's most iconic landmarks. To dive deeper, pop into the Bryggen Museum to learn about its history, and appreciate the blend of ancient and modern architecture that defines this historic area. Today, Bryggen is home to museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants. I loved wandering through the narrow alleyways, discovering adorable shops with handmade jewelry or beautiful local art. 

Mount Floyen Funicular

My favorite thing that we did in Bergen was the Mount Fløyen Funicular, known as Fløibanen. It is one of Bergen's most popular attractions, because it is absolutely beautiful! The funicular railway takes visitors from the city center to the top of Mount Fløyen, 320 meters above sea level, in just a few minutes. 

The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bergen, the surrounding mountains, and the fjords. There is a herd of goats that live at the top, as well as numerous hiking trails. Relax with a beer or snack at a panoramic restaurant. I think the best time to go is late afternoon when the lighting is nice. 

KODE Art Museum

KODE Art Museum is one of the largest museums for art, design, and music in the Nordic countries. It comprises four buildings, each housing a unique collection. KODE 1 focuses on crafts and design, KODE 2 features temporary exhibitions, KODE 3 is dedicated to Edvard Munch and other classical Norwegian artists, and KODE 4 showcases modern art. The museum's diverse collections include works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Munch, and Kandinsky, offering a comprehensive overview of Norwegian and international art.

Old Town Bergen

Old Town Bergen, also known as Gamle Bergen, is a neighborhood south of the harbor that feels like an open-air museum. It gives you a sense of what Bergen felt like in the 18th and 19th centuries with small wooden houses and narrow pedestrian lanes. People still live in this area, so be respectful of their privacy. But a wander through this neighborhood provides an immersive experience into the daily life of Bergen's residents in bygone eras.

Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Fortress is one of the oldest and best-preserved fortifications in Norway, with origins dating back to the 13th century. The fortress played a crucial role in protecting Bergen and its harbor from invaders. Key structures within the fortress include Haakon's Hall, a medieval stone hall built for King Haakon Haakonsson, and the Rosenkrantz Tower, a Renaissance tower used as a residence and fortification. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit the museums housed within, and enjoy stunning views of the harbor.

Sights to Visit Around Bergen

Fjord Cruise

Bergen is one of the key ports for fjord cruises in Norway, and you’ll see LOTS of ships in the harbor. Getting out into the stunning fjords is a must-do when visiting Bergen (and maybe it is even the reason that you came here!) The city is the gateway to some of Norway's most stunning fjords, including the Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Nærøyfjord. Various tours are available, ranging from short trips to full-day excursions. These cruises offer spectacular views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and idyllic villages. 

Day Trip to Flåm

Another worthwhile day trip from Bergen is to Flåm, a picturesque village situated at the end of the Aurlandsfjord. This is a long journey (it will take your whole day) but the views and experience is totally worth it. Once in Flåm, I recommend taking the scenic Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and valleys.

You can go behind-the-scenes of my experience in Flam on my Instagram Reel all about the railway. 

You can also leave the Flåm harbor on a fjord cruise, all powered by electric ferries. The dramatic fjord scenery around here is otherworldly! Also in Flåm is one of my favorite floating saunas in Norway. Definitely worth checking out if you need a little relaxation! 

Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church is a reconstructed medieval wooden church located just outside Bergen. Stave churches are unique to Norway, and are the oldest preserved wooden churches in Christianity. The excellent wood building techniques and wood carving traditions of the Vikings, used in the construction of ships and houses, were further developed and are often seen in stave churches.

The original Fantoft church was built in the 12th century, but destroyed by fire in 1992. The current structure is a faithful replica, rebuilt using traditional techniques and materials. The church is a prime example of Norwegian stave architecture, with its intricate wood carvings and steep, shingled roof. You can explore the church and its serene forest surroundings as a day trip from Bergen.

Where to Eat in Bergen

Fish Market

Bergen's Fish Market, located on the harbor, is a bustling hub of the city. This place is always popping! The market has been operating since the 1200s and remains a vibrant part of Bergen's food scene. Here, you can sample a wide variety of fresh seafood, including salmon, king crab, shrimp, and mussels.

Trekroneren Hot Dog Stand

The Nordics have a thing for delicious hotdogs (looking at you Reykjavik). For a quick and authentic Norwegian snack, visit Trekroneren hot dog stand. Known locally as "pølseboder," you’ll find a range of sausages, including reindeer and elk sausages, served in a bun, topped with an array of condiments such as mustard, ketchup, and crispy onions.

Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant

Located in the historic Bryggen Wharf, Bryggeloftet & Stuene offers a menu that combines traditional Norwegian dishes with modern culinary techniques. The seafood here is spectacular. You'll most likely need a reservation for high season or on weekends. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 

Lysverket Restaurant

For something fancy, Lysverket is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the KODE 4 Art Museum. It is renowned for its innovative cuisine that showcases the finest local ingredients. The menu features a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, all prepared with a creative flair and a focus on sustainability.

Best Time to Visit Bergen

Summer is certainly the peak tourist season in Bergen, offering the best weather and long daylight hours. The temperatures are mild, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities, fjord cruises, and exploring the city's attractions. I actually visited Bergen in September and got very lucky with good weather and comfortable temperatures. The shoulder seasons (spring & fall) offer fewer tourists, lower prices, and beautiful natural scenery as flowers bloom in spring or leaves change color in autumn. 

Where to Stay in Bergen

Bergen offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some top choices include:

• Hotel Norge by Scandic: A luxury hotel in the heart of Bergen, offering stylish rooms, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant.
• Clarion Hotel Admiral: Located on the waterfront, this hotel provides stunning views of the harbor and Bryggen, along with comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
• Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz: A centrally located hotel known for its excellent service, contemporary design, and complimentary evening meals.

How to Get Around Bergen

Bergen is a compact and walkable city. Nearly all of Bergen's attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it a pleasant city to explore on foot. If you need to go slightly further out of the city center, Bergen has an efficient public transportation system that makes getting around easy. 

The city's public transportation system, operated by Skyss, includes an extensive network of buses and a light rail line (Bybanen) that connects the city center with the suburbs and the airport. For visitors, the Bergen Card offers unlimited travel on public transportation, as well as free or discounted admission to many attractions.

Have thoughts or questions about visiting Bergen? Tell me in the comments below!