Welcome to the city between the fjords and seven mountains. Bergen is one of Norway’s most charming cities, with cobbled streets and traditional Norwegian houses. You will discover spectacular sights, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen, a historical fortress and spectacular views from atop Bergen’s mountains. Here are our ten favourite things to do in Norway’s second-largest city:
One of Bergen’s highlights is taking the famous funicular to Mount Fløyen. Once you’ve completed the journey in six minutes, you will get the most fantastic view over Bergen’s harbour area. A little café and shop situated at the top, where you can enjoy a meal and drink with a view. If you have good weather, look into doing a hike (short or long) - many hiking trails start on top of Mount Fløyen.
Our Tip: Mount Fløyen’s goats are usually out and about in summer, wandering through the fields. Make sure to say hello to the friendly animals before you head down.
Ever wondered what it felt like to wander around in 1702? You might think it impossible, and in most places, that is the case - but not in Bergen. The famous, colourful houses in Bryggen have remained virtually unchanged since they were rebuilt after a fire. Secret alleyways, wonky stairs and overhanging galleries are sure to make you feel like you’ve just turned back time.
Our Tip: A drink outdoors from one of the many restaurants is a great way to enjoy a sunny evening in front of a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Bergen is home to some of the best seafood in Norway, so going to a Fish Market should be top of your list. The Bergen Fish Market dates back to the 1200s, and you will find all sorts of delicacies there. Norwegian salmon, scallops, king crab, and even sea urchin, to name a few. In summer, the outdoor market opens and you can eat your meal with lovely views of the harbour.
You can find Bergen’s impressive fortress right at the end of Bryggen, a beautiful park stretching around it. One of the highlights is Håkon’s Hall, an impressive 750-year-old hall that King Håkon used to host banquets and official occasions. The climb up the Rosenkrantz Tower, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is incredibly interesting, as many historical artefacts are on display. The lovely view of Bergen once you reach the top roof is just the cherry on top.
Just a quick gondola ride (or a hike) away lies Mount Ulriken. With 643 metres above sea level, Mount Ulriken is the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains and will guarantee spectacular views. There’s also a restaurant at the top where you can have a refreshing drink, and they even serve a delicious lunch and dinner.
Our Tip: If you have more than just one day in Bergen and you enjoy hiking, there is a beautiful trail from Mount Ulriken all the way to Mount Fløyen.
Visiting a Stave Church when you visit Norway is a must. These medieval churches are made entirely of wood and date back to the Vikings. The Stave Church in Fantoft was originally built in the year 1170 but had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1992. It takes about thirty minutes to get there by public transport, so it’s perfect for an afternoon trip outside the city. Note that the church is only open from May to September, so it’s not possible to visit in winter.
If you’re interested to see how Hanseatic merchants went about their day, then this is the place for you. The museum belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen and will (almost) transport you back in time. We recommend visiting with one of their guided tours, which will leave you with a lot of insightful information on the 13th German Hanseatic merchants.
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Edvard Grieg was a famous Norwegian composer who lived in Bergen for 22 years. The city has turned his beautiful home into a museum that you can visit from May to September. In summer, it is a popular venue for lunchtime concerts, for which the tickets include entrance to the museum.
Penguins, sea lions, otters, crocodiles and more awaits you at the Bergen Aquarium. With an indoor and an outdoor space, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon - no matter the weather. After your visit, you will have learned a whole lot more about arctic ocean wildlife and the seas that surround Norway.
Our Tip: Check what time the feedings are before you go, so you can see the animals being fed.
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Art lovers will not want to miss the opportunity to visit one of the four KODE Art Museums that are dotted around the city. With collections including Edvard Munch, Harriet Backer, Nikolai Astrup and J. C. Dahl, the museum is the second largest art museum in Norway. It’s the perfect plan for rainy days - which are not rare in Bergen.
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