Bergen, Norway: A Complete Travel Guide to the Gateway of the Fjords

Nestled between seven mountains and embraced by the sea, Bergen is one of the most charming and scenic cities in all of Scandinavia. Known as the Gateway to the Fjords, this coastal city is a hub of Norwegian culture, history, and nature, offering a perfect balance between urban life and outdoor adventure.
 

With its UNESCO World Heritage waterfront, lively fish markets, historic alleys, and easy access to famous fjords like Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, Bergen offers experiences that range from relaxing city strolls to jaw-dropping mountain hikes.

📍 Where is Bergen?

📌 Location: Western coast of Norway

🛬 Airport: Bergen Airport (BGO), ~30 min from city center

🚆 Rail: End of the scenic Bergen Railway from Oslo

🚢 Cruise Port: Popular stop for Norwegian coastal cruises

Surrounded by fjords and forested hills, Bergen is both a nature lover’s paradise and a vibrant cultural destination.

🌦️ Best Time to Visit Bergen

☀️ May to September (High Season)

Best weather

Most festivals and fjord tours

Long daylight hours

❄️ October to April (Low Season)

Fewer crowds

Magical winter vibes, especially around Christmas

Good for museums and indoor activities

Note: Bergen is known as Norway’s “rainy city,” so pack a waterproof jacket no matter when you go!

🏙️ Top Things to Do in Bergen

1. 🌈 Bryggen – The Colorful Hanseatic Wharf

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen is Bergen’s most iconic attraction. These colorful wooden buildings date back to the 14th century, when German Hanseatic merchants dominated trade here.

Wander narrow alleys and crooked stairways

Explore craft shops, art studios, and cafés

Visit the Hanseatic Museum to learn about medieval life

Tip: Early morning or evening is ideal for photos without crowds.

2. 🚡 Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen

Take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen (320 m) for sweeping views over Bergen, the fjord, and surrounding islands.

Duration: 6-minute ride

Activities: Hiking trails, zip-lining, viewpoint cafés, mountain biking

Family-friendly: Troll Forest and playground for kids

You can hike back down (~45 minutes) through peaceful forest paths and charming wooden neighborhoods.

3. 🛥️ Fjord Cruises from Bergen

Bergen is your launching point for some of Norway’s most stunning fjord adventures.

🌊 Popular Fjords Accessible from Bergen:

Sognefjord – Norway’s longest and deepest fjord

Hardangerfjord – Famous for fruit orchards and waterfalls

Nærøyfjord – Narrow, UNESCO-protected fjord perfect for dramatic boat rides

Cruises range from half-day trips to full-day journeys. Combine your cruise with bus/train journeys for full “Norway in a Nutshell” tours.

4. 🎨 KODE Art Museums

Bergen’s KODE Museum Complex is one of Scandinavia’s largest art institutions, covering everything from classical Norwegian artists to modern design.

KODE 3: Features Edvard Munch’s works

KODE 1, 2, 4: Norwegian folk art, international exhibitions, musical heritage

Located around Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake in central Bergen

5. 🎣 Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget)

Located near the harbor, this bustling outdoor market is a must for foodies.

Fresh seafood: salmon, king crab, shrimp

Local delicacies: whale meat, reindeer sausage, brunost (brown cheese)

Covered indoor market with eateries and souvenir shops

Tip: Try a fish soup or open-faced shrimp sandwich with a fjord view.

6. ⛪ Bergenhus Fortress & Rosenkrantz Tower

One of Norway’s oldest fortresses, dating back to the 13th century.

Visit Haakon’s Hall – a medieval banquet hall

Climb the Rosenkrantz Tower for harbor views

Learn about Bergen’s strategic past

7. 🧭 Old Bergen Museum (Gamle Bergen)

An open-air museum showcasing 40+ reconstructed wooden houses from the 18th–19th centuries.

Step back in time and interact with costumed guides

Experience how Norwegians lived centuries ago

Family-friendly and educational

8. 🧗 Ulriken Cable Car (Ulriksbanen)

Ascend Bergen’s highest peak, Mount Ulriken (643 m), via the aerial tram.

Spectacular fjord and mountain views

Great hiking trails, including the Vidden Trail from Ulriken to Fløyen

Café at the top for a scenic snack

9. 🎭 Grieg Hall & Troldhaugen – Music Lovers’ Paradise

🎼 Troldhaugen

Former home of composer Edvard Grieg

Beautiful villa, museum, and lakeside concert hall

Listen to live classical concerts in summer months

🎶 Grieg Hall

Modern concert hall in the city center

Hosts the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and festivals

🍽️ What to Eat in Bergen

Bergen’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its seafaring traditions, offering fresh seafood and rustic Norwegian flavors.

Must-Try Dishes:

Bergen Fish Soup – Creamy and savory

Rakfisk – Fermented fish delicacy

Brunost – Sweet brown cheese

Klippfisk – Salted and dried cod

Skillingsboller – Bergen’s famous cinnamon rolls

Top Local Restaurants:

Bryggeloftet & Stuene – Norwegian comfort food by the harbor

Enhjørningen – Upscale seafood in a 17th-century building

Pingvinen – Cozy pub with hearty Norwegian meals

🛍️ Shopping in Bergen

Bryggen shops – Handcrafted goods, Viking jewelry, wool clothing

Galleriet Mall – Modern shopping in the city center

Local markets – Artisan gifts, reindeer pelts, woodcarvings

🏨 Where to Stay in Bergen

Luxury:

Hotel Norge by Scandic – Stylish and centrally located

Opus XVI – Elegant boutique hotel in a historic bank

Mid-range:

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz – Free evening meal and breakfast

Zander K Hotel – Contemporary design near the train station

Budget:

Citybox Bergen – Affordable and clean with modern amenities

Bergen Hostel Montana – Great views and a communal vibe

🚍 Getting Around Bergen

Walking: Most attractions are within walking distance

Light Rail (Bybanen): Runs from airport to city center

Buses: Connect neighborhoods and suburbs

Ferries: Great for fjord trips or island hopping

Tip: Consider a Bergen Card for free transport and discounts on attractions.

🎉 Annual Events in Bergen

Bergen International Festival (May–June) – Classical music, opera, theatre

Nattjazz (June) – One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals

Bergen Food Festival (September) – Local cuisine and culinary showcases

Christmas Markets (December) – Festive treats, crafts, and ice rinks

📸 Best Photography Spots

📍 Fløyen Viewpoint

📍 Bryggen at sunrise or sunset

📍 Ulriken for panoramic fjord landscapes

📍 Bergen Wharf from the Fish Market area

📍 Troldhaugen gardens

🔍 Fun Facts About Bergen

Founded in 1070 AD by King Olaf III

Former capital of Norway during the Middle Ages

Rain falls over 230 days per year

Birthplace of composer Edvard Grieg

The city is surrounded by seven mountains

🧭 Suggested Itinerary for 2 Days in Bergen

Day 1

Morning: Fløibanen to Mount Fløyen

Midday: Explore Bryggen & Hanseatic Museum

Afternoon: Fish Market lunch + Fjord cruise

Evening: Dinner in Bryggen + sunset roof walk

Day 2

Morning: Ulriken Cable Car + light hike

Midday: Visit KODE Museums or Grieg’s Troldhaugen

Afternoon: Old Bergen Museum or Bergenhus Fortress

Evening: Try local seafood at Bryggeloftet & Stuene

✅ Bergen Travel Summary

Final Thoughts

Bergen is a city that wears its heritage proudly, with a creative spirit and scenic charm that welcomes travelers year-round. Whether you come for a cruise, a hike, a festival, or simply a cinnamon roll by the harbor, Bergen will leave you with memories as rich and colorful as its famous wharf.