1. Overview of Bergen, Norway
2. Best Things to Do
3. Culinary Delights
4. Accommodation Options
5. Ideal Visiting Times
6. Travel Logistics
Most towns have one or two main attractions — a beautiful mountain setting, interesting architecture, or a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there are places like Bergen, Norway, which seem to have more than their fair share of natural beauty and charm.
The town is situated on the southwestern coast of Norway between two of the country’s biggest fjords, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. It’s surrounded by seven mountains, where two of them are accessible by cable car, and entire neighborhoods cling to the steep hillsides. Down near the water is Bryggen, a picturesque wharf lined with colorful wooden buildings that you’ve likely seen on Instagram. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is not far from where the scenic Bergen Railway sets out from the city.
Moreover, foodies can explore the lively fish market, which has been serving fresh-caught seafood since 1276 and remains one of Norway’s most-visited outdoor markets.
In short, there’s a lot to do. To help guide your travels to Bergen, we’ve outlined some of the best things to do, as well as offered recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and when to visit.
Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
If you’ve made the journey to Bergen, chances are you’re here to see the fjords. The city lives up to its nickname “the heart of the fjords” by acting as a basecamp for some of the country’s most iconic fjord excursions. The legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour is a full-day, 11-hour tour that includes a fjord cruise, a journey on the famous Flåm and Bergen Railways, and a visit to the Kjosfossen waterfall. There are also several fjord-specific tours based out of Bergen.
If you’re not the tour type, make sure to plan a trip on the Bergen Railway, the highest-altitude railway in Northern Europe, and the Flåm Railway, which is one of the steepest normal gauge railways in the world. Both journeys offer panoramic views of Norway’s wild mountain ranges.
If you enjoy hiking, you can conquer one (or two) of the seven surrounding summits with ease. The most accessible summit, Mount Fløyen, is just around an hour’s hike from town, while the highest of the seven mountains, Mount Ulriken, takes a similar amount of time but is noticeably steeper. The most popular route for hiking Ulriken is to walk the 1,333 Sherpa Steps to the top. Both peaks can also be reached by cable car — so you can hike up and ride down.
To get a sense of Bergen’s history, swing by the Old Bergen Museum, a reconstructed town featuring around 50 historic houses. The open-air museum illustrates how Bergen, which was Europe’s biggest wooden city in the 1800s, appeared in the past.
What to Eat and Drink
Bergen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so most visitors arrive with high expectations and leave with happy bellies full of fish. With seafood at the core of Bergen cuisine, you’ll find menus packed with dishes like fish soup, fish cakes, and persetorsk, a dish made of cod cured with sugar and salt that’s native to the city of Bergen.
For a good array of seafood restaurants, swing by the historic fish market near Bryggen. In addition to stands of fresh-caught seafood and local fruits and veggies, you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, including Fjellskål Seafood Restaurant, recognized for its outstanding seafood.
If you’re interested in a unique dining experience, check out Cornelius Sjomatrestaurant, a raw seafood restaurant perched on its own island off the coast of Bergen. To get there, visitors hop aboard a boat at the historic Bryggen Wharf for a 25-minute, scenic journey.
Where to Stay in Bergen, Norway
Not far from the historic Bryggen Wharf is Opus XVI, a modern boutique hotel featuring 65 uniquely designed and decorated rooms. There’s an on-site French-inspired brasserie and daily afternoon tea.
Nearby is the Bergen Børs Hotel, a larger, 127-room property with modern Scandinavian touches. Their suites are extravagant, especially the harbor-view suite with big windows overlooking the water and a spacious living room area.
When to Visit Bergen, Norway
Thanks to warm waters from the Gulf Stream, the fjords surrounding Bergen are open year-round. However, most travelers tend to visit Bergen in the summer, between May and September, when the days are long, and the weather is mild. In general, May and July are considered the best months to visit, with the former showcasing cherry blossom blooms and the latter featuring warm weather.
No matter when you visit, you’ll want to pack a raincoat — Bergen receives around 200 days of rain each year.
How to Get There
As quaint as it is, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, so getting there is easier than expected. Most travelers fly into Bergen Airport (BGO), which offers a decent selection of direct flights. Alternatively, some travelers fly into Oslo or Flåm and take the train.
