Nestled on Norway’s breathtaking west coast, Bergen is a city that’s sure to capture your imagination. Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, it’s surrounded by dramatic landscapes that are as awe-inspiring as they are serene.
But Bergen has more to offer you than natural beauty. With its colourful harbourfront, world-class museums, and fascinating history, this charming city is waiting to draw you in.
Read on to discover 7 of the top things to do in Bergen. You’ll learn where to go, what to see and more.
- Get inspired by these Norway fjord cruise and train tours
1. Visit UNESCO-listed Bryggen
Take a stroll in Bergen, and you’ll find yourself in Bryggen, the city’s picture-perfect harbour. While you’re here, spend time learning about the heritage of this historic district.
Head to Bryggen Museum to uncover the legacy of the Hanseatic League. From the 13th to 15th century, this network of merchants stretched from London to Estonia. With a headquarters here in Bryygen, they dominated trade in Northern Europe.
If you wander the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site nowadays, you’ll see colourful wooden houses, medieval warehouses, and Bergenhus Fortress, a 14th-century citadel. And, if you’re after souvenirs from your time in Bergen, don’t miss Bryggen’s many craft shops, galleries and boutiques.
- Visit Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, on a self-drive tour of Norway
2. Marvel at Norway’s majestic fjords
One of the city’s main draws is its jaw-dropping location. Norway’s west coast is a dazzling mosaic of fjords, islands, mountains and rivers. So don’t miss an opportunity to take a boat trip on one of the nearby fjords.
For instance, you could venture along nearby Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest fjord. A cruise is a memorable way to appreciate its mind-blowing proportions at a relaxed pace. Or, for something more thrilling, whizz along on a RIB boat tour.
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3. Try fresh seafood at the Bergen Fish Market
Thanks to their home on one of the longest coastlines in the world, Norwegians have always lived off the sea. If you want to try local delicacies from this part of the world, Bergen Fish Market is the place to start.
This hub has been a meeting place for fishermen, traders and locals since the 13th century. Today, you can pick up freshly caught seafood or enjoy a meal in the food hall. Creamy fish soup is popular with the locals.
You’ll find more than just fish here, though. Other local favourites include the “skillingsboller”, a type of cinnamon bun, or the “raspeballer”, a tasty potato dumpling.
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4. Hike one of the hills surrounding the city
Bergen is tucked in a hollow surrounded by 7 mountains. For a different perspective on the city and its dramatic surroundings, why not hike one of these hills?
East of the city centre, Mount Fløyen is a popular spot for views of Bergen. You can get there on foot, but the easiest way is to hop on the Fløibanen Funicular from Bryygen.
While here, why not explore the hiking trails through the forests? Enjoy a picnic by the lakes of Blåmansvatnet or Storediket, or head to Sandvikspilen viewpoint at sunset. Bliss!
You could also venture up Mount Ulriken. At 643 metres (2,110 feet) above sea level, it’s the highest of Bergen’s mountains. If you don’t fancy the walk, the Ulriksbanen cable car will whisk you up to the summit.
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5. Delve into cultural heritage at Bergen’s KODE Museum
If you love art and culture, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Bergen. Discover the best of the city’s creative heritage at KODE. This museum group has 4 art museums and 3 composers’ homes for you to explore.
The largest art collection is at Lysverket, with pieces from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Or, if you want to explore the work of Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, visit the Rasmus Meyer. It’s the world’s third-largest collection of his art.
Music fans should also visit Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s greatest composer, Edvard Grieg. Not only is it an architectural gem with splendid gardens. It’s also a great place to go for live music, as it hosts regular concerts from leading classical musicians.
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6. Trace Norwegian history through Bergen’s churches
The 12th century was a busy time for church-building in this part of Norway. Still standing today, these churches are some of the oldest – and most beautiful – structures you’ll see in Bergen.
Perhaps the most striking is the Fantoft stave church. Originally built in 1170, it’s one of the best examples of this style of Norwegian architecture. You’ll find Fantoft just a 30-minute bus ride south of the city, where it was painstakingly reconstructed after a fire in 1992.
Back in the city centre, don’t miss Bergen Cathedral. Look out for the cannonball that became lodged in its west-facing wall during the 1665 Bay of Bergen battle between the British and Dutch navies.
Or head for St Mary’s Church in the Bryggen district. Likely built between 1130 and 1170, this medieval church is a contender for the oldest surviving building in the city.
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7. Kick back on one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys
There are few better ways to arrive in Bergen than on the train from Oslo. Deservedly recognised among the most scenic railway journeys on the planet, the Bergensbanen takes you alongside fjords, over mountain passes, and through rugged canyons.
On the way, the train stops at Myrdal at the highest point of the renowned Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train tracks in the world. From here, the tracks wind their way down to the village of Flåm, at the head of the Aurlandsfjord. For an even better view of the fjord’s jagged peaks and plunging waterfalls, take an open-air boat trip.
- You could also see Norway’s spectacular coastlines from Bergen on a Hurtigruten or Havila voyage
Visit Bergen, Norway with Nordic Visitor
Now that you know what to see in Bergen, you can book your trip. Plan your adventure with Nordic Visitor, and we’ll take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
If you want to dive deep into Norwegian culture and gain local insights along the way, consider a guided tour of Norway. Alternatively, take the wheel and explore at your own pace on a self-drive trip.
Another option is a Norway fjord cruise and train tour. This way, you can combine stunning coastal cruises with some of the most scenic rail routes in the world.
However you choose to explore Norway, our travel consultants will organise your local transport, accommodation, and activities. They’ll also give you personal recommendations on where to visit in Bergen and beyond.
Get in touch with us, and our Scandinavia-based travel experts will plan your dreamy Norwegian escape.
