Discover Bergen’s rich history, vibrant city life and natural beauty. From the colourful buildings of UNESCO-listed Bryggen and Sentrum’s historic fish market to panoramic city views from Mount Fløyen, it’s all here.
Our 2-day itinerary ensures you experience Bergen’s most iconic landmarks on your first visit.
Table of Contents
2 Days in Bergen Itinerary
This detailed overview of our 2-day itinerary is organized by day and neighbourhood and hits all of Bergen’s must-see sites.
Day 1
Start your visit in Bergen’s Historic Harbour District, where the city began.
- Discover the colourful wooden warehouses of UNESCO-recognized Bryggen Wharf and explore its narrow alleyways.
- Step inside the Hanseatic Museum’s Schøtstuene Assembly Rooms to experience Hanseatic merchants’ daily life.
- See archaeological treasures at Bryggens Museum, built over excavated medieval ruins.
- Explore 750 years of royal and military history within Bergenhus Fortress.
- Admire 12th-century Romanesque St. Mary’s Church, Bergen’s oldest building.
In the afternoon, ride the iconic funicular to Mount Fløyen.
- Enjoy breathtaking city views from the Fløyen Panorama Terrace.
- Discover tranquil Lake Skomakerdiket tucked among Mount Fløyen’s forests and hiking trails.
Day 2
Begin your second day in Sentrum (City Centre).
- Discover fresh local seafood and traditional pastries at the bustling Fish Market (Fisketorget) on Vågen harbour.
- Admire the 12th-century bell tower of Bergen Cathedral (Domkirke).
- Stroll through lively Torgallmenningen, the city’s grand pedestrian square lined with shops, cafés, and 1920s architecture.
- See the stunning Art Nouveau façade of the National Stage, Norway’s oldest theatre.
- Relax at Byparken with its octagonal lake in the heart of Bergen.
- Discover Munch and Picasso masterpieces inside a KODE Art Museum.
Later, escape the crowds and explore the Nordnes Peninsula.
- Wander its charming residential streets lined with centuries-old wooden houses.
- Enjoy a peaceful seaside stroll through Nordnes Park overlooking Bergen’s busy harbour.
- End the day savouring world-class seafood at one of Bergen’s great restaurants.
Bergen Attractions Map
Use our interactive map to visit Bergen Norway’s top attractions, neighbourhoods, and landmarks with ease.
Bergen’s Historic Harbour District
Bergen’s most renowned landmarks are found on the eastern side of the 1200-metre-long bay known as Vågen harbour. This is where the city was founded by King Olav Kyrre in 1070, almost a thousand years ago.
The area contains the city’s most significant architectural and maritime treasures, from the UNESCO-protected wharf to the ramparts of the medieval fortress.
We begin at the colourful buildings of the old wharf.
Bryggen, The Hanseatic Wharf
Sixty-two wooden buildings of the city’s medieval wharf were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. German merchants from the Hanseatic League established a trading office here around 1360 and controlled the stockfish trade for roughly 400 years.
At the peak of the League’s empire, it is believed some 2,000 German tradesmen lived and worked within the wharf’s narrow alleyways and wooden buildings. The ground floors were used to store large quantities of dried cod and grain, while the upper levels housed offices and sleeping quarters. Ravaged by numerous fires, with the most recent in 1955, the district was meticulously rebuilt using traditional medieval methods to preserve its original layout. It is now one of the best-preserved Hanseatic trading quarters in Europe.
Today, Bryggen is a vibrant cultural hub. Its buildings house local artisan boutiques, jewellery workshops, and galleries tucked away in the narrow alleyways. We explored the area’s small businesses offering everything from traditional Norwegian knitwear to contemporary local art. The area by the harbour is the perfect place to sit and people-watch while enjoying a bite and a beverage.
Hanseatic Museum – Schøtstuene Assembly Rooms
The Hanseatic Museum provides a window into the communal life and working spaces of the German merchants who dominated Bergen’s trade for four centuries. Its main building, Finnegården, is at the northeastern end of the harbour by Bergen’s fish market. The Schøtstuene Assembly Rooms are located behind the historic wharf and adjacent to St. Mary’s Church.
Finnegården is closed for restoration until 2027. Schøtstuene currently serves as the museum’s sole exhibition space.
The Schøtstuene Assembly Rooms were the only places where the merchants were allowed to use fire for cooking and heating. Explore the authentic communal halls where the bachelor traders ate, socialized, and held their legal meetings. It’s a glimpse into a world that remained strictly separated from the rest of the city. These rooms served as the social heart for the strictly bachelor German merchants, who were forbidden from marrying locals to ensure their loyalty remained with the Hanseatic League.
The Bryggens Museum is just to the south.
Bryggens Museum
The museum is built directly over the archaeological remains of Bergen’s oldest buildings, dating from the 1100s. It was established in 1976 after a thirteen-year archaeological excavation triggered by the devastating 1955 Bryggen fire. The cold, waterlogged ground miraculously preserved wood, leather, and textiles that rarely survive centuries of burial.
In the museum’s lower level, walk along the foundations and see full display cases of medieval artifacts. Highlights include ceramics from across Europe, trade goods, and runic inscriptions revealing everything from business receipts and name tags to love poems and local gossip. We were struck by a grave display with a human skeleton beneath glass, a reminder that Bryggen was both home and workplace for many.
Continue west to the huge stone walls of the fortress.
Bergenhus Fortress
Bergenhus Fortress, with roots dating back to the 11th century, guards the entrance to Bergen’s harbour. This stone-walled complex served as the royal seat until the capital moved to Oslo in 1299 and was a military stronghold for over 750 years. It is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved medieval fortresses.
The ramparts and green spaces on the fortress grounds are a public park, always open to the public and free to enter. The buildings have museum hours and often a fee to visit.
Rosenkrantz Tower is the fortress’s main Renaissance landmark, built in the 1560s as both a grand royal residence and a powerful defensive tower. Its narrow, winding stairs lead past dungeons and a medieval chapel to the rooftop with panoramic views of the harbour. The cannons at the top were fired only once, during the 1665 Battle of Vågen between the English and the Dutch. Look closely at the exterior wall (facing the harbour) to spot a cannonball still lodged in the stone, a relic from that naval battle.
Nearby, Håkon’s Hall, completed in 1261, was Norway’s first monumental royal residence built entirely in stone. It was inaugurated as a grand banqueting hall for the wedding and coronation celebrations of King Håkon Håkonsson’s son and remains in use for royal dinners and celebrations.
Overlooking Vågen Bay, the statue of King Haakon VII depicts Norway’s first constitutional monarch of the modern era in an admiral’s uniform. Originally a Danish prince, he became a hero by refusing Nazi demands to surrender during World War II. His “H7” monogram became a symbol of Norwegian resistance and hope throughout the Nazi occupation.
We toured the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, on the eastern side of the fortress grounds, which provides a look at this period. The free exhibit discusses Bergen’s military history including the WWII occupation and local resistance. The fortress itself served as the German navy’s western headquarters during the war.
From the museum walk out to Sandbrogaten. Turn right. The next intersection south is Dreggsallmenningen. St. Mary’s Church is visible to the east.
St. Mary’s Church
Built between 1130 and 1180, St. Mary’s (Mariakirken) is the oldest surviving building in Bergen. This twin-towered Romanesque basilica served as the primary place of worship for the Hanseatic merchants for over 400 years, earning it the nickname “the German Church.”
The church is known for its ornate interior. This includes a 15th-century triptych altarpiece and an intricately carved Baroque pulpit, along with a collection of 17th-century statues of saints.
Walk east along Øvregaten to the station for the Fløibanen Funicular. Enjoy the ride up to Mount Fløyen.
Mount Fløyen
This is the most accessible of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen’s city centre. While the actual summit of the mountain (Fløyfjellet) reaches 400 metres, the primary viewing area and upper funicular station sit at 320 metres above sea level. Much like a natural balcony, this elevation provides a clear line of sight over the city’s rooftops, harbour, fjord and the North Sea islands.
The Fløibanen Funicular has been carrying passengers up the mountainside since 1918. Its modern, glass-roofed cars climb the 26-degree, 850-metre incline in about 6 minutes, offering a “theatre-style” view of the city as it quickly drops away below you.
The mountain’s amenities are all within a short walking distance of the funicular’s Upper Station which is also the starting point for several well-marked hiking trails. The funicular has frequent departures and late hours in the summer to ensure you don’t miss sunset views.
After exiting the station, Fløyen’s Panorama Terrace is your first stop.
Fløyen Panorama Terrace
The summit’s Panorama Terrace provides wide-angle unobstructed sightlines across Bergen’s cityscape, the fjords, and the North Sea beyond. This is the primary spot for photography before heading further into the mountain’s wooded interior.
Food is available nearby. Fløistuen Shop and Café, right beside the upper station, is a quick stop for coffee, sandwiches, and souvenirs. For something more substantial, the Fløirestauranten has been serving visitors from its distinctive yellow building since 1925.
A short distance from the terrace, enjoy a walk in the Troll Forest (Trollskogen). Hand-carved wooden troll sculptures are hidden among moss-covered pine trees, bringing Norwegian folklore to life along its winding paths. We posed for photos with the trolls and spotted one of The Fløyen Goats nearby. This small herd of cashmere goats helps maintain the landscape on Mount Fløyen, acting as “natural landscapers” to keep brush and thicket under control. The herd grazes using virtual fence technology, an invisible GPS-based boundary that allows them to roam without traditional fencing.
Lake Skomakerdiket
This calm mountain lake is about 400 metres from the upper station along a well-marked gravel path in under 15 minutes. It’s a popular destination for families and hikers looking for a quiet escape. The path is flat and wide, making it fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
In summer, free canoe rentals are available complete with paddles and life jackets. Nearby, the popular Skomakerstuen café offers refreshments. Famous for its Norwegian “svele” (thick pancakes) and hot drinks, it typically operates daily during the peak summer season and otherwise only on weekends and public holidays.
There are designated picnic spots and campfire pits scattered along the shoreline. We took a leisurely walk and enjoyed a snack by the water watching ducks swimming about.
For those wanting to push further, hiking trails connect from here to three additional peaks: Fjellhytten, Blåmann, and Rundemanen.
To return to the city centre, either ride the funicular back down or walk down the Fløysvingene, which takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Fløysvingene is a well-maintained, wide gravel and asphalt trail that winds down the mountainside through several switchbacks, beginning just behind the upper station. Enjoy additional views of the city and charming hillside houses along the way.
Sentrum (City Centre)
Sentrum is Bergen’s heart, sitting between Vågen harbour and the train station. This pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood is packed with traditional houses, galleries, museums, and waterfront dining. Most of the city’s key landmarks cluster within easy walking distance of the central Vågen harbour.
We start exploring Sentrum at the inner end of the harbour, just east of Bryggen.
Fish Market (Fisketorget)
Bergen’s Fish Market has operated since the 1200s. It’s a bustling spot where vendors sell fresh local seafood, flowers, traditional pastries, cured meats, and seasonal produce from outdoor stalls.
We enjoyed an early lunch here, choosing from over a dozen food stalls selling everything from shrimp and cod to halibut and whale. In 2012, the indoor fish market (Mathallen) opened in the glass-fronted building just to the west. Merchants have permanent shops and restaurants indoors and are open all year. Several vendors in the outdoor market also have seating behind their food counters so finding a place to sit and eat is easier than it first appears.
Vafleriet Ice Cream is a local favourite serving waffles with gelato or soft-serve ice cream. This family-run business specializes in traditional Norwegian waffles and artisan gelato. I enjoyed gelato for dessert.
The market sits along Torget Street, Bergen’s main artery throughout its history. Originally a centre for exporting stockfish from northern Norway to Europe, the street now bustles in the summer with people enjoying outdoor dining and international cuisine.
From the north end of Torget Street, walk one block inland to Kong Oscars Gate. This historic street leads directly to the Bergen Cathedral, just five-minutes away.
About halfway along, on the right, stands Korskirken (Church of the Holy Cross), a medieval stone church dating to around 1150. Its name is a legacy from when the church reportedly housed a fragment of the “True Cross”, the cross on which many believe Jesus was crucified. This rare relic made Korskirken one of Norway’s most significant pilgrimage sites until the Reformation in 1537, when all such artifacts were removed. The church survived seven fires between 1198 and 1702, and its 1632 north porch is considered one of Norway’s finest Renaissance monuments. It now serves as an “open church” and community space.
Bergen Cathedral (Domkirke)
Bergen Cathedral is a 12th-century stone church dedicated to Saint Olaf. The choir and lower bell tower survive from the original Romanesque structure. Repeated fires have reshaped much of the building. After the Reformation in 1537, it became the city’s Protestant cathedral. The interior of the cathedral features beautiful arched stained-glass windows and a notable organ loft.
Just before the cathedral, Kong Oscars Gate crosses Skostredet Street. The name means “shoemaker street” reflecting its origins. It’s now the core of Bergen’s dining and nightlife scene. The narrow alleyways and preserved wooden buildings create a medieval backdrop for the trendy cafés, restaurants, and shops inside.
Explore the adjoining streets as you wander back to Torget Street and then walk west to Torgallmenningen.
Torgallmenningen
Bergen’s grand pedestrian square dates to the rebuilding that followed the great fire of 1702, when broad “allmenning” streets were established as firebreaks to slow future blazes. The neoclassical 20th-century buildings around the square today largely reflect the city’s reconstruction following another devastating fire in 1916. Stroll through this lively square lined with shops and cafés and always filled with people.
The massive, bronze Seafarer’s Monument is at the centre of Torgallmenningen. Twelve bronze statues depict Norwegian sailors from the Viking age through the 20th century. Unveiled in 1950, it serves as a reminder that Bergen’s history has always been defined by the sea.
Continue west along Torgallmenningen to Ole Bull Plass, a lush city park named after Norway’s world-famous violin virtuoso, Ole Bull. A short walk north leads to one of Norway’s oldest and most prestigious theatres, the National Stage.
National Stage
The National Stage is very active year-round and housed in a magnificent 1909 Art Nouveau building. The theatre underwent major restoration in 2001 to return the entire building to near-original condition. Founded in 1850 by Ole Bull to promote Norwegian theatre, it later counted Henrik Ibsen among its first artistic directors. Look for Ibsen’s statue in front of the theatre. The theatre’s stunning interior creates the perfect backdrop for live performances. Check the theatre’s program for the current performance schedule.
A large renovation project is underway at the National Stage, scheduled for completion in 2027, to modernize its technology and infrastructure. If you are hoping to attend a performance, check the theatre program carefully as performances are being staged throughout the city rather than in the traditional red-velvet auditorium during the renovation.
Walk south, back through Ole Bull Plass. Its centerpiece is the Ole Bull Fountain, a monument to the famous 19th-century virtuoso violinist and composer Ole Bull. It features a statue of him playing the violin and includes a skald playing a harp. Many consider this the most photogenic fountain in Bergen.
Continue walking south to Byparken, Bergen’s first public park.
Byparken and its Octagonal Lake
The beautifully landscaped Byparken, essentially a green corridor, runs from Ole Bull Plass south to Bergen’s train station. It was laid out in 1865 after another city fire in 1855 cleared space around Lille Lungegårdsvann, then a tidal bay. Enjoy a leisurely walk beside meticulously landscaped flower beds on pathways which wind through the park.
Continue south to the Music Pavilion (Musikkpaviljongen), a popular photo stop. This 19th-century cast-iron structure has intricate Moorish-inspired details and was a gift to the city in 1888. It’s been a stage for public performances and a central park landmark since then. We got our photo with the pavilion surrounded by beautiful flower beds.
Across the street, Festplassen serves as Bergen’s primary open-air events space. This wide, paved square was built on reclaimed land that once formed part of the lake. Community fairs, concerts, and seasonal celebrations are held here throughout the year. We were fortunate enough to stumble upon a local food festival. This gave us the perfect opportunity to sample regional delicacies and soak in the local culture.
Byparken’s centerpiece is Lille Lungegårdsvannet, an eight-sided lake with a massive fountain. Historically, the area was a natural tidal bay connected to the sea. Centuries of urban development transformed it into the small lake of today, though it still maintains a connection to the sea. An underground culvert allows the North Sea tides to flow in and out, causing the water level to rise and fall slightly throughout the day.
On a calm day, the water provides a perfect reflection of the surrounding parkland’s trees and the neoclassical buildings of the KODE museums.
KODE Art Museums
Bergen’s four KODE Art Museums line the shore of Lille Lungegårdsvannet, forming one of the largest art-and-design collections in Scandinavia.
A single ticket covers the four museums, plus three historic composers’ homes, (including Edvard Grieg’s Troldhaugen) located outside the city. The collection spans nearly 50,000 works, with pieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, Miró and a significant collection of works by Norway’s own Edvard Munch. The complex also includes Lysverket, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the ground floor of KODE 4.
If rain hits Bergen, this is the easiest way to turn a half day into a full cultural stop.
| Name | Known for |
|---|---|
| KODE 1 – Permanenten | Decorative arts, precious metals, glass, textiles, Chinese crafts |
| KODE 2 – The Stenersen Collection | Contemporary and modern art by Picasso, Klee, Munch and more |
| KODE 3 – The Rasmus Meyer Collection | World’s third-largest Munch collection with over 100 works |
| KODE 4 – Lysverket Art Museum | International modern art: Picasso, Miró, Rivera in the former administrative headquarters of Bergen’s electrical power company |
Depending on your time and interest, consider exploring the peninsula west of the city centre.
Nordnes Peninsula
The Nordnes Peninsula sits just across the harbour from Bryggen and the Fish Market. It’s a quiet residential area of narrow cobblestone streets and colourful wooden houses that feels worlds away from the crowds. It offers a more local side of Bergen despite being only a short walk from Bergen’s main attractions.
Historic Residential Streets
We walked through some of Bergen’s prettiest residential streets, wandering along narrow passages, known locally as smau, such as the picturesque Knøsesmauet. While the Great Fire of 1702 levelled much of the city, the original medieval street patterns were preserved here. The houses were faithfully rebuilt using traditional wooden methods, creating a charming, high-density neighbourhood that remains one of the most sought-after residential areas in the city today.
Perched on the highest point of Nordnes, Fredriksberg Fortress was established in 1666 following the Battle of Vågen. This Dutch-English naval clash saw the city caught in the crossfire as English warships attempted to seize a Dutch treasure fleet in the harbour. The fortress took forty years to complete. While there is little to see in the interior, the ramparts remain a quiet, elevated vantage point for panoramic views over the city and the North Sea, with Hurtigruten or Havila cruise ships often visible in the harbour below.
Nordnes Park
At the northwestern tip of the peninsula, Nordnes Park offers green space and sweeping harbour views. This is the perfect place for a sunset stroll. A 10-metre-tall totem pole stands prominently in the grounds, gifted by sister city Seattle (USA) in 1970 to mark Bergen’s 900th anniversary.
At the edge of Nordnes Park, Bergen Aquarium, Norway’s largest, houses over 300 marine species. Watch daily feeding demonstrations with sea lions and penguins. Its a favourite with families.
For a truly local experience nearby, visit Nordnes Sjøbad, an open-air saltwater pool dating to 1910. The 25-metre pool is heated to a comfortable 30°C year-round, while more adventurous can plunge directly into Bergen’s frigid harbour waters.
Bergen Card
The Bergen Card is a city pass that provides free or discounted entry to many museums and attractions, along with unlimited travel on Bergen’s buses and light rail.
It can be a good option if you intend to visit several museums or if you expect to rely on public transit. If your plans are more focused on walking, viewpoints, and outdoor sights, you may not get full value from it.
Since inclusions and pricing are variable, check current details on Visit Bergen’s Bergen Card webpage and compare them with your planned activities before deciding if the card works for you.
Bergen Restaurants
Sitting on the edge of the fjords, Bergen has a dining scene shaped by the sea, but there’s international options as well. From historic wharf-side restaurants serving traditional Norwegian fare to Latin kitchens and authentic Asian cuisine, the variety is impressive.
| Restaurant | Known For |
|---|---|
| AS Bryggestuen – Bryggeloftet | Traditional Norwegian seafood and meat dishes, including reindeer, in historic Bryggen warehouse. |
| Lysverket | Michelin-star restaurant serving Nordic Cuisine in a single 10-course menu with a focus on local seafood, in KODE 4. |
| Pingvinen | Classic rustic Norwegian dishes like fish pie, meatballs, and raspeballer, near Ole Bull Plass. |
| Trekroneren | Iconic hot dog stand famous for reindeer sausages with Nordic toppings, near Fish Market. |
| Brasilia Bergen | Brazilian steakhouse serving grilled meats tableside, a buffet for sides & all-you-can-eat options, near Ole Bull Plass. |
| Daily pot | Healthy power bowls, soups, sandwiches with fresh, seasonal ingredients,near Ole Bull Plass. |
| The Hagelin Sisters | Traditional Norwegian fish dishes including cakes and soup since 1929, near Torgallmenningen. |
| Cartel’s Latin American Kitchen & Bar | Vibrant Pan-Latin kitchen with burgers, steak, fajitas, grilled meats and creative cocktails, near Ole Bull Plass. |
| The Dining Hook | Fine dining for over 25 years, seasonal menu, specializing in beef, local seafood, central Nordnes Peninsula. |
| Siam Ratree Thai Restaurant | Authentic Thai cuisine with traditional recipes and Thai chefs, in Bryggen. |
| The Unicorn Fish Restaurant | Traditional Norwegian seafood in historic Bryggen wharf. |
| Baban | Authentic Kurdish grilled meats and kebabs, south Nordnes Peninsula. |
| Kafé & restaurant Spesial | Italian pizza and quick bites in cozy spot near Byparken. |
Bergen Tours
Booking one of these top-rated Bergen tours is the best way to make the most of your time in the area.
Norway in a Nutshell
The Norway in a Nutshell tour is a self-guided journey between Oslo and Bergen. It combines train and ferry travel through UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery, with stops in Myrdal, Flåm, Gudvangen, and Voss along the way. All transport is arranged for you, so you can have the freedom to explore at your own pace without the headache of piecing it all together yourself. Note: This is a full day tour and the perfect way to travel from Oslo to Bergen.
Bergen Walking Tour – Past and Present
This Bergen Walking Tour is a great way to get your bearings when you first arrive, with a local guide leading you from the Bergen Fortress through the city’s historic streets, past the colourful wooden houses, Bryggen wharf, and the famous fish market. Small group sizes allow you to ask all the questions you want about Bergen’s centuries-old fishing heritage and the famous residents who once called this charming city home.
Mostraumen Fjord Tour
If you want to experience Bergen’s stunning fjord scenery without straying too far from the city, the guided Mostraumen Fjord Tour is perfect. It’s a 3.5-hour round-trip cruise past the iconic Bryggen wharf, through old Viking country, and into the wild, narrow Mostraumen tidal stream flanked by steep mountains. An on-board English-speaking guide shares stories about the region along the way, and yes, there are homemade waffles on board.
Where to Stay in Bergen
Check out these top places to stay in Bergen, Norway.
- Grand Hotel Terminus – Classic rooms in this hotel located right at the train station.
- Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – Located by the UNESCO Site of Bryggen Wharf.
Find the best Bergen hotels on Booking.com >>
Know Before You Go – Visiting Bergen
Is Bergen Norway worth visiting?
Yes, Bergen is definitely worth visiting for its rich history, vibrant city life and natural beauty. As the “Gateway to the Fjords”, it offers easy access to breathtaking landscapes while featuring a charming historic waterfront and mountainous backdrop. It’s considered one of Norway’s most beautiful cities.
What should I not miss in Bergen?
Don’t miss exploring Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed historic wharf with its iconic colourful wooden buildings. Take the Fløibanen Funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic city views, visit the bustling Fish Market, and consider a fjord cruise to Mostraumen or Rosendal.
How many days in Bergen is enough?
Two days is enough to experience Bergen’s highlights without feeling rushed. It is the perfect amount of time to explore the city and visit Mount Fløyen. If you’d like to include more guided tours or take things at a slower pace, extending to three days or more is always an option.
What is the best month to visit Bergen?
The best time to visit Bergen for mild weather and long daylight hours is during the summer months, from June to August. It’s the peak tourist season with festivals and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. There are fewer crowds and still pleasant weather during the shoulder season months of May and September.
What food is Bergen famous for?
Bergen is famous for its fresh seafood. Its coastal location helps make seafood a cornerstone of its culinary culture. Must-try dishes include traditional Bergen fish soup, “persetorsk” (pressed cod), and various preparations of cod and shellfish. Sweet treats like Skillingsbolle (cinnamon buns) are also popular.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Bergen?
While yes, it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Bergen, sightings are very rare. Visibility is generally challenging due to Bergen’s location south of the Arctic Circle and light pollution. For a reliable Northern Lights experience, travel further north to destinations like Tromsø or Lofoten.
Which is nicer, Oslo or Bergen?
Which is nicer depends on what you are looking for. Bergen is often considered “nicer” for travellers seeking dramatic natural landscapes, fjords, and a charming, historic small-town feel. Oslo, as Norway’s larger capital city, offers a more modern, multicultural vibe with a wider array of museums and urban culture.
How to get to Bergen
By Air: Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), is the main gateway to Western Norway, located 18 km south of the city centre. Direct flights are available from many major European cities. To reach the city centre from the airport, take either the airport bus (Flybussen) or the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen Line #1). The bus is slightly quicker but both journeys are under an hour.
By Train: The Bergen Railway offers a scenic 7-hour journey between Oslo and Bergen, often called one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. Operated by VY, trains depart from Oslo Central Station and arrive directly in Bergen’s city centre, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and fjords. This route is part of the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour.
By Ferry / Cruise Ship: Travellers can reach Bergen by ferry from many Norwegian coastal towns and from Denmark. They dock within walking distance of the city centre. Bergen is a turnaround port for Hurtigruten and a port of call for many other cruise lines.
How to get around Bergen without a car
Metro or Public Buses: Bergen’s compact city centre makes it highly walkable. For longer distances, the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) Line #1 connects the city centre to the airport and other areas, including the Fantoft Stave Church. A comprehensive public bus network covers the rest of the city. The Bergen Card offers free public transportation.
Taxis or Uber: Both taxis and Uber are available in Bergen, offering a convenient, albeit more expensive, mode of transport. Public transport and walking are generally preferred for navigating the compact city centre.
Explore All of our Norway Travel Guides
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Main Article: Norway 14-Day Road Trip
Part 1: Oslo – Capital city, harbourfront museums, and Viking history
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Part 3: Longyearbyen – Svalbard’s capital with tours, museums and midnight sun
Part 4: Ny-Alesund – Northernmost civilian settlement and Arctic research base
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