Visiting Bergen in Norway, the best activities to do, with itineraries!

I love Bergen — I go back regularly now. And every stay is completely different, made at different times of year and in different circumstances. One particularly memorable visit was in 2020, when I got to enjoy it like never before. After a stay in Tromsø, on my way back to Paris, I had the chance to make a 2–3 day stop in Bergen. A rather special stay — right in the middle of the pandemic, with the city completely empty of tourists. Selfishly, it was wonderful to have Bryggen all to myself, but on the other hand very few activities were available. Cruises were cancelled, buildings open only a few hours a day. But it offered a unique opportunity to take my time and truly enjoy the city, discover the little streets, breathe in the smell of the timber at Bryggen. Bergen is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Norway, the gateway to a fantastic region of fjords, high plateaus and mountains. And even if you visit with a few more tourists than during that famous pandemic stay, it is unquestionably a city worth your time. I explain everything in detail below 🙂

• oh and if you just want the list of activities with no filler, head to the bottom of the article — there is absolutely everything you need!

Why visit Bergen

Sure, Bergen is extremely well-known and touristy, but you have to look beyond the Bryggen docks to truly appreciate it — and there are plenty of reasons to visit and spend a few days here. I’ll give you my top three:

• It is a genuinely beautiful city, the kind of Norwegian city you picture in your mind, with its wooden neighbourhoods
• It is the gateway to the fjords, reachable by boat from the city and also the starting point for a long fjord road trip!
• It is a wonderful place to be — plenty of options for outings, restaurants and walks
• Because you can put together an incredible itinerary between Bergen and the fjords

1. The old Bryggen quarter

The image most people have of Bergen is this collection of houses and warehouses lining the city’s quays. Magnificent wooden buildings, colourful, with little lanes running between them — this is the famous Bryggen quarter. Originally built by fishermen belonging to the Hanseatic League, these buildings served as their homes and trading premises, since Bergen was a vital commercial hub within this network. But Bryggen has had a turbulent history, largely due to fires that repeatedly ravaged the city and the quarter — most notably in 1702, which destroyed 90% of the city. The fire of 1955 also destroyed three-quarters of Bryggen; the lost sections were never rebuilt, but the restoration work led to fascinating discoveries, including medieval runic inscriptions that formed the basis of the museum.

Visiting Bryggen

Bryggen is the most touristy spot in Bergen, a must-see for every self-respecting visitor and countless cruise passengers. Inevitably, in high season it is not at its most enjoyable and it can be hard to appreciate it properly. The second time I visited Bryggen, it was during Norway’s complete tourism shutdown and there was absolutely nobody around. Very lucky to be alone, very lucky to have this quarter to myself, to be able to enjoy it fully and discover charming little corners. Bryggen is not large — three or four lanes — but it is full of little details, with a truly captivating smell of timber, and best of all the chance to climb to the first and second floors via a small staircase, which is really something special. My advice if you visit Bergen in high season: go very early in the morning, before the cruise ships arrive and before the first tourists appear. That way you can enjoy it under reasonably normal conditions.

The Hanseatic Museum

This history between Bergen and the Hanseatic League is traced quite well in the Hanseatic Museum. Spread across two buildings in the heart of Bryggen, it shows how merchants worked, lived and traded with the rest of Europe. It is interesting because this is really what makes Bergen what it is — how the city became THE hub of this association, its main port. The museum is housed in two historic Bryggen buildings, including the oldest one, which is currently undergoing restoration because it is slowly sinking. There are enormous works underway to raise it. This actually explains why none of the buildings stand perfectly straight, giving the impression they were designed by a somewhat shaky hand. The works are expected to last until 2024, so only part of the museum is currently accessible. But I think it is still worth a visit.

2. Getting lost in the other city centre neighbourhoods

Bergen is a historic Norwegian city and one of the most beautiful — if not THE most beautiful (though Ålesund might have something to say about that!). So you really should make the most of it and wander through the different neighbourhoods. Whether it is the little wooden-house districts or the slightly more recent areas, it is a wonderfully pleasant city to walk around. So go for it — take your time, don’t be like the cruise passengers who only pass through Bryggen and miss the soul of the city.

The Vågsbunnen and Nedre Fjellsmauet quarter

Vågsbunnen is a genuinely surprising mix of styles. Of course you will find the lovely wooden houses that give the city its charm, but also more recent art nouveau-style buildings, colourful shopfronts, and very narrow streets with an enormous amount of character — especially at night.

The beautiful Nordnes peninsula

Right in the centre of Bergen, there is a lovely peninsula that extends to the north-west. This is something of an essential haven of peace, worth visiting for several reasons. First, there is a wonderful view over Bergen Bay — a nice change from the in-city views of boats. Then there is the peace and quiet, plenty of green spaces, little parks — it is a really pleasant place to stroll and take your time. But above all, it is simply beautiful. Magnificent wooden houses, incredibly charming streets, cobbled lanes — particularly along Ytre Markveien. And finally, there is the aquarium, which is apparently very good, especially for children.

The wooden houses of Nøstet neighbourhood

A less upmarket neighbourhood than Nordnes but every bit as beautiful. Dozens of lanes lined with wooden houses, charming little squares — there is enormous pleasure to be had getting lost here. Don’t bring a map: just pick a random street and follow your instincts, that is the best way to discover the area. The street not to miss is Strangebakken, absolutely adorable (and home to cats, just so you know). A little to the south of this neighbourhood, make sure you explore Sydnessmauet, Dragefjellsbakken and Teatergaten. It is stunning — a magnificent little square.

A guided tour of Bergen

The advantage of visiting Bergen during the pandemic was that I had the city all to myself. The disadvantage was that I was so alone that guided tours were not running. Visiting a new city with a local is something I always appreciate — going beyond “oh that’s lovely, yes I like that” and the guidebook text, hearing anecdotes, funny little historical facts, actually getting to know the city. So if you have a bit of time (around 2 hours here), it is something I really encourage you to do if, like me, you want to learn more about the city. And the great thing is, it is not expensive. €20 for 2 hours — that is very reasonable!

• Discover it here!

Another option is the hop-on hop-off bus. A “hop-on hop-off” ticket lets you get on and off whenever you like along the route. Handy if you don’t have much time or the weather is not great. Personally I have mixed feelings about these — sometimes they are genuinely useful, sometimes less so. Here the city centre is small so you don’t really need it, but if you want to save your legs or depending on the weather, it can be a worthwhile option!

• Discover it here!

Discover Bergen with a guide !

3. The Bergenhus Fortress

In Bergen you will find the oldest and best-preserved medieval structure in Norway — the Bergenhus Fortress, with its various elements: Håkon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower and the star-shaped fortifications (somewhat Vauban in style). This fortress dates from the 13th century, partly rebuilt after the Second World War, and it had its hour of glory during the Battle of Vågen (Vågen being the entrance to Bergen harbour), which pitted the English against the Dutch — as usual. Think Game of Thrones meets a history documentary. The Dutch dominated the seas at the time, with a monopoly on Asian trade (via the Dutch East India Company). But relations with the English, who controlled the English Channel, were rather strained. So the Dutch needed to return home with a colossal treasure — larger than England’s entire GDP at the time. Sensing danger, they decided to sail around England via the north, which was not a bad idea. Except a storm rather upset their plans and they were forced to stop at Bergen to make repairs. The English had learned about the treasure and about Bergen. They tried to intercept the fleet but failed. They then attempted to blockade the Dutch in Bergen harbour, only for the English captain to manage to run his own ship aground in the bay. A real champion. The Norwegians initially decided to remain neutral. They didn’t have a large army, and the squabbles between the English and Dutch were not really their concern. But a treaty existed between the Dutch and Norwegians. The English king, aware of this, quietly proposed to the King of Denmark-Norway to attack the Dutch and split the spoils — but unofficially, so the treasure would not appear in the national accounts. Except. The King of Denmark-Norway was not particularly keen, but agreed, sending a messenger to his troops with the message: “we’re not on board, but we’ll let it happen — don’t attack the English.” But the messenger never arrived, having been intercepted by the Dutch, while the English were waiting for Norwegian orders to know who to hit. The Dutch? The Norwegians? Both? One morning the English began their attack, only to have the wind against them, so they were engulfed in the smoke from their own gunfire — not ideal for visibility. But a cannonball struck the Norwegian fortress and killed 4 men. A blunder. Understandably annoyed, the Norwegians retaliated and fired on the English with the limited means they had. With the Dutch having far superior firepower, the English were routed after 4 hours, with 500 dead against just 25 on the Dutch side and 8 among the Norwegians. Not exactly an efficient operation. But it wasn’t over! Four days later, the orders from the King of Denmark finally arrived in Bergen. So the Norwegian captain who had fired on the English had to change sides, approached the remaining English, and proposed a second round — this time with the promise that the Bergenhus fortress would not bombard them. The English captain politely declined, not being keen on taking another beating. Especially since 90 Dutch ships had arrived to lend support. No thank you, all good. In the end the Dutch cargo was able to leave almost undamaged; two ships were captured by the English.

The Rosenkrantz Tower

This tower is the oldest medieval monument in the country. Currently under renovation, I have no photo of the exterior to show you (unless you want to see a large blue tarpaulin). It dates from the 13th century, under Magnus VI known as “the Lawmender”, but bears the name of a 16th-century governor, Erik Rosenkrantz. Is it worth visiting? I would say it is interesting, but not mind-blowing. The visit takes about 45 minutes, several rooms are fairly empty, but numerous panels provide information about the history of the city and the Battle of Vågen. It can be visited independently of Håkon’s Hall.

Håkon’s Hall

Håkon’s Hall is a great hall — built under King Håkon Håkonsson, hence the name, probably. A lovely exterior in Gothic style, also dating from the mid-13th century. As attractive as the exterior is, the interior is not at all period — and for good reason. During the Second World War, the Dutch ship ST Voorbode was confiscated by the Germans and used to transport 124 tonnes of explosives from Oslo to Kirkenes. But following a problem it had to stop in Bergen for repairs. Unfortunately, the mechanics, having absolutely no idea what the cargo contained, did not take the necessary precautions when repairing the engine, and caused an explosion. Of Håkon’s Hall only the walls remained, and all the heritage was destroyed. The ship’s anchor was found 3 km away, at 400 m altitude on a nearby mountain, the explosion caused a tsunami and 160 people were killed. All of which explains why the interior is not original — the visit is not spectacular and goes very quickly.

4. Enjoying the view from Fløyen

The best view of Bergen is very easily accessible from the city centre — either via a small funicular or via a pleasant walk. Slightly sporty as it involves 300 metres of elevation gain, but very manageable. From the top, you can continue walking on the mountain along several hiking paths, including one to Ulriken 13 km away. It is also a superb viewpoint for sunsets when the weather allows. The Fløibanen funicular starts at 100 NOK, approximately €9. The Bergen Card gives 50% off return tickets (it used to be included — times change). Don’t hesitate to book tickets in advance to avoid queuing (essential in high season).

5. Getting some air at Ulriken

Ulriken is the highest of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, at no less than 643 m. Conveniently, it is quite easy to get there, go on lovely hikes, see mountain lakes, and in short feel far from the city without really being so. You need to get off at the Kronstad stop, walk 10 minutes and take the cable car that goes all the way to the top. You can also walk up, but it is quite a workout. You can hike from Ulriken to Fløya in a beautiful 13 km trail. And if you’d like, you can head out with a local guide — more information below.

6. The Fantoft Stave Church

Norway has many churches unique to the country, known as Stavkirke or stave churches. I write about them in this article — these magnificent churches date from the Viking era and the early years of Christianisation, and there is one near Bergen. Well, more of a reconstruction, because this Fantoft Stave Church has a sad history. Dating from 1150, it was burned down on 6 June 1992 by Norwegian extremists celebrating the anniversary of a Viking raid on an English church in 793, considered the first step in Scandinavian expansion. These extremists also had the unfortunate habit of killing each other. Anyway, the church was rebuilt to the original design using period methods and has been protected ever since. You can get there via the Fantoft tram stop (20 minutes from the city centre) and along a very pleasant path through the woods. Entry is paid, but it is only open part of the year, generally until 1 October. So unfortunately I was a little late. You can however walk around the outside and appreciate its architecture and very distinctive smell.

7. Taking a fjord cruise

I list a few below, but if you are really interested in the topic, the following article covers ALL the day cruises in the fjords from Bergen.

As I often say, Bergen is the gateway to the Norwegian fjords region and from here you can easily discover some of the most beautiful fjords, simply by taking a cruise from the port of Bergen. It is really simple! Here is a quick overview of what you can see and the different options available. Let’s go!

• The cruise on the Osterfjord to the village of Mostraumen. This is the classic half-day cruise from Bergen. The most popular, the most affordable. Really enjoyable, though not as spectacular as fjords like Nærøyfjord or Geiranger — but if you’re not going there or are basing yourself in Bergen, it is an excellent alternative! There is Rodne, which is the reference, and also other operators like Guided Fjord Tours, though I get the impression they have fewer outdoor seats! Prices start from €65 for 3.5 hours on the water
  • More information about the Osterfjord cruise
  • Book the cruise

• Just south of Bergen, you will find the Hardangerfjord, which is very easily accessible by ferry. It is a 2-hour magnificent ferry ride to the village of Rosendal. From there, you can either go on short walks around the area (admittedly there is not a huge amount to do in Rosendal itself, aside from a museum), or if you have a full day, head to Trolltunga, which lies behind the sublime Folgefonna massif — also worth a stop.
  • Discover the Hardangerfjord cruise

• This one I think is absolutely superb (though I’ll admit it is expensive). Because it’s not just a trip to the fjords — it is a full day out and you go to Fjaerland! Fjaerland is a lovely little village in its own beautiful fjord, surrounded by towering mountains. It is one of my favourite places in Norway. And the journey there is spectacular too: you take the famous Sognefjord, visit the Viking church of Hopperstad (one of the best-preserved in the country). There is a bus section to Vik, then the boat, and once in Fjaerland you also visit glaciers. Not bad, right?
  • Discover the Fjaerland cruise

• A great way to get to Flam (and possibly make it a return trip) is by boat. This is not exactly a cruise but rather the passenger ferry that makes several stops all the way to Flam, crossing a large stretch of the Sognefjord before entering the superb Aurlandsfjord. It is a long journey — 5 hours one way — and fairly expensive (€119 one-way, €238 return), but it is a wonderful way to spend a day on the water surrounded by breathtaking scenery. And you can always make it a two-day trip and take the Flam Railway the next day!
  • Discover the Bergen-Flam ferry

8. Eating well!

Norway is the country where people spread cream cheese on pizza, the land of brown cheese, Coke mixed with wine, and pickled herring for breakfast. Gastronomically, it is always a bit of an adventure, an experience in its own right. And yet, in Bergen, you eat well. It is expensive, very expensive (more than Tromsø), but honestly it is good. It is the first time in Norway that I found a genuinely good pizza (at Villani). At the fish market you will find good fish restaurants (logically enough) and there are also some good Norwegian cuisine restaurants such as To Kokker, 1877 and Marg & Bein. These are truly expensive (between €60 and €100 per head) but they are good and have a very strong reputation. Another pleasant thing about Bergen: there is life after 5pm 😀 There are open cafés (far more than in Tromsø), bars and even people out on the streets. Which is quite remarkable for Norway. And if you want a good hot chocolate to warm up from the constant drizzle, I really recommend Fjåk Chocolate. Excellent, beautifully prepared, the staff are lovely, and the nice thing is you choose the chocolate and how you want it prepared. Top notch! So truly, especially after weeks or months in the far north of Norway, the food in Bergen is really good. Oh and one more thing — you know Norway is the land of the pølse (basically a hot dog). You can try Trekroneren, the hot dog stand to check out in Bergen.

9. A day in the stunning landscapes around Flam

Perhaps the most popular activity from Bergen. Because you don’t need a car to spend an incredible day in the fjords — and I’m not just talking about a cruise. Here you have different options to see the most iconic spots in the area:

• The Nærøyfjord, the most beautiful of the fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a cruise on it
• Discover Flam, in particular to take the train — one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world, just a few hours from Bergen and very easy to reach. You take the Flam-Myrdal line as a return trip for truly stunning views
• The Stegastein viewpoint, for an incredible view over the Aurlandsfjord
• And the Viking village of Gudvangen, ideal if you have children

So needless to say, if you’re not going on a road trip from Bergen, these activities are perfect for getting out of the city and giving yourself a massive taste of the most beautiful places in Norway! Bear in mind you can’t see everything in a single tour. There are two different operators offering various packages — I list them below. In practice, it can be a full day, but you will absolutely get your mind blown. The Nærøyfjord is my favourite fjord in Norway, the Flam Railway is truly impressive and you cross the high plateaus of the region. These are simply exceptional landscapes.

Discover the best activities

10. Other things to do in Bergen

The Fish Market

The Fisketorget is something of a Bergen institution — the fish market right in the centre, next to Bryggen. But let’s be honest: it’s no longer really a fish market in the traditional sense. Today it is more of a collection of stalls and restaurants selling fish and seafood to tourists. So naturally it is expensive (very expensive), but the upside is that the products are genuinely fresh and of quality. And it is good. You can find everything here: smoked salmon, king crab, shrimp, langoustines, and even more exotic things like whale or reindeer for those wanting to try something different. There is also a covered hall just nearby, the Mathallen, more modern, where you can sit down for fish & chips or a seafood platter (budget around €30–40 per dish). My tip: it’s a nice place to wander through and you might try something, but don’t expect a proper fishmonger’s market. In high season it is packed with cruise passengers, so go in the morning. I remember an excellent fish soup, though not cheap.

The Statsraad Lehmkuhl

The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a beautiful three-masted sailing ship that is regularly moored in Bergen harbour. You can visit it, I believe. Well, mainly charter it for the day — though that may be out of the holiday budget range. It is worth a look when you are at the fortress or Bryggen. However, as I mention at the start, it is not always there. Sometimes it is away on a voyage, as it organises multi-day cruises. But when it is in Bergen, it can also offer activities and short excursions of a few hours. You can find out more on its website.

Troldhaugen

Troldhaugen, which means “the trolls’ hill”, is in fact the home of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, converted into a museum and concert hall in 1985. It is located in the Paradis neighbourhood, right next to the Troll Valley (Trolddalen). I haven’t visited it myself, but the reviews are very good — if you are a fan of classical music.

Seeing the northern lights in Bergen

Sorry to say it, but Bergen is really not a good place to see the northern lights in Norway. It is possible, but rare, as the city is located too far south of the auroral oval, as you can see in the following article dedicated to understanding the northern lights. So it might happen when activity is really strong — a KP5 — but not with normal, day-to-day activity. You would also need to get away from the city, which is very bright due to the harbour. Perhaps head to Fløya or Ulriken, or a little north of the city. But if you’re going to Bergen, the northern lights should not be an objective — at best, a pleasant surprise.

Where to stay in Bergen

• Here I give you a good amount of information, but in the following article I list the best and most affordable hotels in Bergen

Bergen is expensive. Before talking about hotels, I did a quick search on apartments and it’s fairly interesting. Plenty of availability, expensive but not astronomically so — around €100 a night in the city centre without too much trouble. But in high season you really need to book early. Good deal: the CityBox Hotel offers excellent value for money. Out of season it is around €80, in peak tourist season around €120

I stayed at the Scandic Torget Bergen for around €80 a night, but this was during the pandemic with heavily discounted prices, so not at all representative. I would strongly recommend this hotel, which normally runs between €100 and €140 — superbly located, excellent staff and a great breakfast.

On the hotel side, staying in the centre is expensive. It is worth knowing that prices between low and high season can increase by up to 40%. The prices I am going to give you are for high season, so don’t be (too) alarmed. The majority of the best hotels are between €120 and €180 a night. These are the classic Norwegian hotel chains — Scandic, Radisson, Clarion and Thon — the safe bets in Norway, all extremely well located. But you will also find even more impressive hotels (€180–250), stunning 5-star properties like the Hotel Norge or Opus XVI in a superb setting. With a bit of searching, you can find cheaper options not far from the city centre — good value between €70 and €100 for the Scandic Bergen City or the Ørnen, the Bergen Budget Apparthotel (nothing fancy but affordable) or the Citybox, which has a very good reputation. Finally, there are some lovely little guesthouses such as the Marken Guesthouse or the Annehelen.

4 quality accommodations in Bergen

Find your dream accommodationIn Bergen !

A brief history of Bergen

The city of Bergen has a relatively recent history that rapidly gained enormous importance within the kingdom. Founded in 1060 by Olaf III, known as Olaf the Peaceful, it became the capital of Norway less than a century later. And in that short time it had already witnessed the coup d’état of Harald IV, the assassination of his son Sigurd II and the coronation of Magnus V. Lost? Me too. But what truly shaped Bergen’s history was the arrival of German merchants from Lübeck, who were in the process of creating the Hanseatic League — a trading network designed to facilitate commerce between several trading posts across Europe. This league is in many ways the soul of the city, particularly through the Bryggen quarter. Here is a description of Bergen from the time, written by Danish and Norwegian soldiers (borrowed from Wikipedia): “This city is the most famous in the land, beautified with a royal fortress and with the relics of many virgins; the body of Saint Sunniva rests here, on a raised platform in the cathedral. Moreover, there are several monasteries and convents. A very large number of people live in the city, which is rich and overflowing with goods. There is dried fish in impressive quantities. Ships and men arrive from everywhere; there are Icelanders, Germans, Danes, English, Greenlanders, Swedes, Gotlanders and other nations too numerous to mention. All nations can be found here if one takes the trouble to look. There is also a great deal of wine, honey, flour, fine clothing, silver and other products, and for each of them, busy trade.” Until the 18th century there was a real monopoly on commercial exchanges, with highs and quite a few lows when certain kings tried to put an end to it and regain control. And although the Hanseatic presence had saved the country during epidemics, notably the plague, this situation had hindered the commercial, economic and agricultural development of the country, as everything was imported in exchange for fish coming mainly from the Lofoten Islands.

Sample itineraries in and around Bergen

TWO DAYS IN BERGEN

• We’re assuming you haven’t rented a car, since it’s unnecessary if your base is Bergen
• Absolutely visit Bryggen — you can even take a guided tour
• Walk through the wooden-house neighbourhoods of Nøstet and Nordnes
• Take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen. If it’s high season, book your ticket in advance to avoid queuing
• Take an Osterfjord cruise

THREE DAYS IN BERGEN

• Keep the first two days’ itinerary, but I would suggest swapping the Osterfjord cruise for a visit to the Hanseatic Museum or (even better) a hike on Mount Ulriken by taking the cable car
• But most importantly, for this third day, get out of Bergen! You’re in for a visual feast in the fjords — choose from:
  • the Nærøyfjord cruise and the Flam Railway
  • Still the Nærøyfjord, a visit to Flam and the Stegastein viewpoint
• That’s why I removed the Osterfjord cruise — you’ll have something much better!

ONE WEEK IN BERGEN

• The idea here is to spend just two days in Bergen (take the programme from the start) and then head out to the fjords
• So rent a car and compare prices to avoid overpaying
• Do a small loop over 4 days including:
  • the Nærøyfjord cruise
  • the famous Flam Railway
  • the Borgund stave church
  • the Hopperstad stave church
  • you could also extend as far as Fjaerland
• I detail all of this in the article on a week in the Bergen fjords

TWO WEEKS IN THE FJORDS

• This will be a big loop from Bergen to Ålesund — a serious programme that I detail in the following article: two weeks in the fjords from Bergen
• So rent a car and absolutely compare prices
• First two days in Bergen, as at the start
• Then head up to Fjaerland, Geiranger, Trollstigen and on to Ålesund
• With a visit to Ålesund
• Then back down via numerous Viking churches, the Sognefjell road, Flam, Nærøyfjord…
• You will get the very best of the fjords region!

Practical information about Bergen

How long to stay in Bergen

Well, it depends! In Bergen itself there is already quite a lot to see, many neighbourhoods to explore — it is a city where it is wonderful to walk around. I would say at least two days if you don’t plan on doing any activities like going to the fjords and just want to enjoy the city. But you can add a fjord cruise or the amazing day trip to Flam and the Nærøyfjord, in which case 3 days in Bergen is not a luxury. Beyond that, you can very easily stay longer, enjoy the city and its surroundings — you will not get bored. Above all, don’t forget that Bergen is the gateway to the Fjords! So on top of Bergen itself, you can set off for a week, two weeks… in short, go on a road trip in the area!

• Don’t hesitate to check out this one-week Bergen itinerary
• And here is a 2-week road trip in the Norwegian fjords starting from Bergen

Taking a guided tour of Bergen

Absolutely! And it’s a great experience. Bergen has a very rich history, and exploring the city with a knowledgeable guide is a wonderful way to really get under the skin of it. There are so many stories and anecdotes — you would be missing out if you skipped it 🙂

• Discover Bergen on a guided tour!

Visiting for less: the Bergen Card

And here I made a silly mistake — I didn’t get one. I told myself “blah blah blah, yet another tourist discount card.” Well, that is exactly what it is — and if you are doing several visits it genuinely saves money. It is worthwhile depending on what you want to see (Hanseatic Museum, Fløibanen, aquarium, fortress…) which are all included, plus quite a few discounts notably on transport. It doesn’t always pay off — for a day focused mainly on walking around the city, probably not. From 2 days with 2 or more paid attractions, it can start to make sense. In low season be careful as museums close very early. In short, I’ll leave you to check it out here — it can be a good deal depending on what you want to see. Also worth noting that for a good part of the year the card is not available since many attractions are closed.

What is the weather like in Bergen

It’s Norway, but you won’t get the same thing as Tromsø, for example. In winter, it never gets very cold — perhaps just below zero at most, nothing dramatic. But very damp. A little snow, but nothing like what you get in the far north. According to locals, a lot of rain as soon as you leave summer. It is oceanic — wind and rain — and in the same way, summer never gets too hot, but it is pleasant and the climate is agreeable. For weather in Norway, I highly recommend the Yr.no app or website.

When to go to Bergen

Obviously summer springs to mind first, but in summer it is absolutely packed. Really. Bryggen is difficult to visit (except early in the morning) — I genuinely didn’t enjoy it much, even though it is beautiful. At that time of year there are numerous cruise ships on top of the regular tourists. On the plus side, in summer you can easily get out of the city and discover the surrounding area, which is fantastic. The big advantage of summer is that Bergen can be the starting point for an amazing stay in the fjords. Check out loads of itinerary ideas for Norway in summer! A really nice period is early September to mid-October. It’s not too cold, the weather isn’t too rainy yet, and there are fewer people. Very pleasant. In winter, the days are very short, but that is winter’s charm — the snow, the atmosphere — so why not. Our last trip to Bergen was in April. We had incredible weather for the whole 3-week journey from Tromsø back to Paris… except in Bergen 😀 Two days of cloud and drizzle — Bergen weather, through and through. But on the day we left: boom! Stunning weather. Don’t forget that Bergen is the rainiest city in Norway. And Norway is a quite rainy country in general. That should help with packing 😀

Getting to Bergen by plane

It’s very straightforward — Bergen is connected to virtually all major European cities. From France, there are direct flights from Paris with Air France and Norwegian. Flights are also available from Nice. Otherwise you’ll need a connection via Oslo. Generally with Air France you’re looking at around €200 return. But with their biannual sales, you can find flights for €150. And as always, compare prices. I mainly compare on Booking Flights — clean, with a month-by-month price estimator that I really like.

Your flight at the best priceTo bergen !

Getting from the airport to the city centre

The airport is not right next door, but there are several ways to get to the centre:

• the tram, called Bybanen, reaches the centre in 45 minutes and costs only 40 NOK. And it’s included in the Bergen Card!
• the bus, Flybussen, is faster (30 minutes) but more expensive — 150 NOK if booked in advance.
• a taxi will cost between €50 and €80, but prices vary enormously depending on the time. There are daytime rates (9am–3pm), “almost evening” rates (6–9am and 3–6pm) and then night-time rates.
• private shuttles that come to pick you up. I’ve seen them but honestly they cost an arm and a leg, so I’d rather not point you in that direction

If you want to know more, the following article covers in much more detail all transport options from Bergen airport to the city centre (tram, bus, taxi…)

The train from Oslo

One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world runs between Oslo and Bergen. 6.5 hours of pure bliss, through the mountains and particularly across the magnificent Hardangervidda plateau. It is not cheap — around €100 — but it is absolutely worth it! There are 4 trains a day, all direct. Luckily, you can book this journey through Oui.Sncf, which is quite handy. Otherwise you generally book via the VY.no website.

Renting a car in Bergen

No — to visit Bergen you don’t need a car. The city centre is small, there is a very efficient transport network (the tram works brilliantly) and on top of that, having a car in Bergen is expensive to park (and there is a city toll). So if you’re staying in Bergen, there is no point renting a car. If you want to explore beyond the city or go on a road trip from Bergen (for example the Bergen-Ålesund-Bergen loop), then yes, you will obviously need to rent one. Renting a car, if you book early, doesn’t cost much. From around €25 per day. I recommend comparing. I’ve been using Discover Cars for a while now and I’m very happy with it (in Norway and elsewhere). You compare and book directly on the platform. Watch out for unlimited mileage. From late October you will be required to have winter equipment, until around late April.

Payment methods in Bergen

Easy. Throughout Norway, payment is mainly by bank card. Bergen is no exception. Activities, restaurants, tips — everything is paid by card. Watch your bank card to avoid fees. There is no need to exchange currency or arrive with cash. The last time I used cash in Norway was a good 5 years ago!

If you need more information, don't hesitate to ask me by clicking here 🙂How can I help you ?

Conclusion

You will take enormous pleasure getting lost in the city, in the little streets among the wooden houses. Bergen is a lovely, rather timeless stroll, very pleasant and capable of genuinely wowing you if you venture outside the city — for example by ferry into the fjords or towards Flam. You could spend just a day there to see the essentials, but that would be a shame since it is a genuinely enjoyable city. Whether for a weekend, going to or coming from the fjords region, stop in Bergen — you won’t regret it 🙂 ⭐️ Don’t forget you can find ALL the articles on Norway right here

If you want to explore around Bergen and through the Norwegian fjords, I have created this fjords region map which should be very useful! Also, in the following article I list the best fjord cruises from Bergen. And staying on the theme of the Norwegian fjords, you cannot miss the most beautiful fjord in Norway: Geiranger! I also have a great one-week itinerary to discover Bergen and the fjords

Full list of things to do in Bergen