Top Things To Do In Bergen And Where to Stay – Bergen Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do in Bergen, with top attractions, engaging activities and the best places to stay, in this Bergen travel guide.
Bergen, Norway’s second largest city and often referred to charmingly as the ‘gateway to the fjords’, offers a unique blend of history, nature and culture. Bergen is still on my personal bucket list, but when travel journalists Emer Roche and Ita Hendrick visited recently, I asked them to put together a Bergen travel guide highlighting the best things to do, along with their recommended hotels, restaurants and practical tips for getting around.
Ita and Emer shared a dream trip to the city of Bergen and the western Fjords in August 2024. When mentioning their trip to people, they were often met with incredulity, mainly due to concerns about the weather and the cost.
But with a little planning, a trip to Norway doesn’t have to break the bank, and believe it or not, the rainy conditions only add to the atmosphere and beauty. With the Norwegian kroner at an all-time low, it couldn’t be a better time to travel. With many options in self-catering, smaller hotels, travel passes and inexpensive rail, you’ll be sorted.
About Bergen
Located on Norway’s southwestern coast, Bergen sits between seven hills and a bustling harbour. This small city feels almost like a living postcard, with its colourful wooden houses and dramatic backdrop of mountains and the North Sea. A major highlight is Bergen’s unpredictable weather, often adding a dreamy, atmospheric quality to its cobbled streets.
Bergen serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby natural wonders, such as the Nærøyfjord and the Sognefjord. Despite its small size, Bergen offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and music venues.
The city is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, where visitors can easily blend outdoor exploration with the charm of local cafés and shops. Whether you’re hiking in the surrounding mountains, discovering the history of the city, or enjoying the fresh seafood at the harbour, Bergen has something to offer everyone.
Getting to Bergen
Ita and Emer flew direct to Bergen Airport with Widerøe. The airline operates direct flights from Dublin to Bergen, three times weekly from October to March and four-times weekly from April to September, and also offers connections to other Norwegian destinations, such as Bodø and Tromsø.
Their flights cost about €170 each in mid-August. The planes are compact yet spacious in that clever Scandinavian way. On arrival, it’s worth a whirl through duty-free, as the prices are great value. For budget-conscious travellers, stocking up on a few bottles might be a good plan, especially if you are in self-catering accommodation.
When to visit Bergen
In Bergen, the high season is during the winter months from December to February, attracting visitors hoping to catch the Northern Lights. This is when the city experiences its coldest weather and shortest daylight hours.
The summer months, from June to August, are popular for hiking, cruises and fjord tours. Choose your travel month according to the kind of holiday vibe you’re after.
Getting Around Bergen
From the airport, you can easily get into Bergen using the Bergen Light Rail. Tickets cost around €4 and are available from machines at the platform. Emer and Ita hopped off at Byparken, the last stop in Bergen city centre.
After this, your first essential purchase should be the Bergen Card, a magic little pass that grants free entry to most museums and attractions, offers discounts at many restaurants, and even covers boat fares to Askøy and Nordhordland.
Top Things to do in Bergen
1. Explore Bryggen
On your trip to Bergen you cannot miss Bryggen, the colourful cluster of UNESCO World Heritage Site timber buildings on the quayside to the east of town overlooking the bay Vågen. Many of these buildings are independent shops where you can spend hours browsing.
Emer and Ita enjoyed buying Fair Isle Socks and Christmas decorations before stopping at the renowned Godt Brød bakery for a hot chocolate and a skillingsbolle pastry, a Bergen staple for over 500 years.
The skillingsbolle is made with plenty of butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then rolled up. Just when you might think the bun is ready for the oven, it gets a new round of sugar. Despite her sweet tooth, Ita found the pastry a little rich even for her taste.
2. Fløibanen Funicular
For the best views of Bergen, take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. It is an easy and scenic ride, offering amazing panoramic views of the city, surrounding fjords, and islands dotting the coastline. At the top, there are hiking trails and plenty of space to relax. At the top they toasted to the stunning natural views with a glass of Prosecco.
3. Explore Aurland
Take a 75-minute Norled Express ferry ride from Balestrand to Aurland, with spectacular and dramatic scenery of towering mountains, lush hills, and waterfalls. The ferry arrived exactly on time, a surprise compared to Irish public transport. The fjord shifts from open waters to narrow channels, revealing hidden coves and villages. The peaceful journey ends with a stunning panorama of Aurland village.
4. Relax at the Floating Sauna
For some R&R after all the exploring, the floating sauna sits on a jetty connected by a gangway, offering stunning views of Aurlands fjord and the surrounding mountains. Towels are provided, and guests can stay for up to 90 minutes. Ita took the plunge into the fjord twice, embracing the invigorating chill after each steamy session. The girls felt refreshed and energised, a truly memorable experience and a must-do on any trip to Bergen.
5. Ride the Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is one of the best ways to enjoy a day trip from Bergen, offering scenery straight out of a fairytale. The train winds through diverse landscapes, including deep gorges, cascading waterfalls and lush valleys dotted with houses. It stops at Kjosfossen waterfall, allowing passengers to take photos and feel the mist up close. These stunning fjords were said to inspire the hugely popular Disney movie Frozen.
6. Norled Express to Skjerjehamn
A small fishing island at the mouth of the Sognefjord which is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The sailing time from Bergen is 90-minutes, best experienced from the top deck, with breathtaking views of towering fjords and clusters of Norwegian homes.
The swirling grey seas have a melancholic beauty. Skjerjehamn is stunning and easily explored in half a day. Once an important trading centre, today it’s popular for art, culture, and good food. It hosts the trendy Utkant music festival and houses a Swiss-style villa dating back to 1641, when an inn was first recorded.
7. Bergenhus Fortress
For a deeper dive into Bergen’s past, the Bergenhus Fortress, including the iconic Rosenkrantz Tower, is a historic building that dates back to the 13th century. This well-preserved fortress stands at the entrance to the harbour and was historically used as a royal residence and military stronghold, playing a crucial role in Bergen’s defence during the Middle Ages.
Walking through its stone walls and ramparts, visitors can imagine life during the Viking Age and the city’s evolution as a major hub in the Hanseatic League. With its spectacular views over the harbour and the surrounding fjords, the fortress is not only a window into Bergen’s rich history but also one of the best spots for photography and only a short trip from the city centre.
8. Bergen Fish Market
Food lovers, this one is for you! Located in the heart of Bergen by the harbour, the Fish Market is a must-visit in Bergen. Fresh fish, local produce, and Norwegian delicacies are available to taste or buy. If you try anything, make it Bergen’s famous fish soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
9. Ciderhuset, Balestrand
Not far from where Emer and Ita stayed, more on that below, this organic, family-run orchard produces a distinctive range of ciders made from fruits and berries grown on the property. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight of five varieties, each reflecting the season and the orchard’s careful cultivation, accompanied by small snacks made on-site.
The upstairs loft, with its warm timber beams and views over the orchard, doubles as a venue for community gatherings, concerts, and weddings.
10. Eat at Bryggeloftet Restaurant
Now for a dinner recommendation. Hearty Norwegian country fare suits this cosy dining room, complete with a fireplace, oil paintings of maritime history, and wooden display cases with model ships. Recommended dishes include reindeer fillet in cream sauce, monkfish, and venison.
Less adventurous palates will find mouth-watering steak and burgers. There seems to be a lot of solo diners in Bergen which is a refreshing attitude to solo travelling or eating out. Emer and Ita enjoyed a bruschetta starter, steak, fish of the day, and a glass of Merlot.
Where to stay in Bergen
The Kviknes Hotel ****
Emer and Ita stayed at the historic 4-star Kviknes Hotel, one of Norway’s most iconic waterfront hotels, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Founded in 1752, the hotel’s known for its Swiss style and historic charm while the interiors combine traditional décor with cosy rooms.
The hotel offers excellent dining, including a buffet dinner with fresh salads, roast meats, and a shellfish and oyster bar reminiscent of a luxury cruise. With its historic character, waterside setting, and attentive service, the hotel makes for a truly memorable stay in the heart of Norway’s fjord country.
Thon Hotel Bristol Bergen ****
The Thon Hotel Bristol Bergen, located on Bergen’s main Torgalmenningen square, offers a central base for exploring Bergen’s main attractions. Guests consistently praise its comfortable rooms, welcoming staff, and excellent breakfast. With a friendly atmosphere and high-quality service, it has earned the number one hotel in Bergen on TripAdvisor, reflecting its strong reputation with travellers.
Hotel No 13 ****
The 4-star Hotel No 13 enjoys a prime location on Bergen’s main square, Torgallmenningen, placing you right in the heart of Bergen city center. Shops and major attractions are all within easy walking distance, with the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf just 400 metres away.
The Fløibanen Funicular is only a 5-minute walk and offers fantastic panoramic views from Fløyen Mountain, while Bergen’s famous fish market is just 2-minutes from the hotel. Ranked number 4 on TripAdvisor among hotels in Bergen, it also features a stylish lobby bar for guests to unwind in the evening after exploring.
Opus 16 *****
Get the celebrity treatment with world class service at the 5 star Opus 16. It is a boutique hotel in central Bergen, Norway, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Housed in a 19th century bank building, it features original marble columns alongside contemporary Scandinavian design.
Owned by descendants of famous composer Edvard Grieg, the hotel honours his legacy with musical touches throughout. Guests can enjoy individually designed rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a central location near attractions like Bryggen and Mount Fløyen.
Things to note & Top tips when visiting Bergen
- Nearly missing boats and deadlines became a running joke, as Norwegian transport is famously punctual. Being even a few minutes late is considered rude.
- Bergen is known as Norway’s rainiest city, so a waterproof jacket, umbrella, and good shoes are essential, even in summer.
- This UNESCO-listed wharf gets very busy with cruise ship visitors. Head there early morning or later in the evening for a quieter, more atmospheric experience.
- Norway has some strict licensing laws: beer and cider (up to 4.7% alcohol) can be bought in supermarkets until 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on Saturdays, with no sales on Sundays or public holidays. Stronger alcohol is only available in state-run Vinmonopolet shops.
- The city is compact and walkable. Staying near the harbour makes it easy to explore without relying too much on public transport.
- Don’t just stick to the harbour. Stroll around Nordnes for colourful wooden houses, narrow streets, and a more local vibe.
- If it rains, you will have plenty to see indoors. The KODE art museums, Hanseatic Museum, and Bergenhus Fortress are all worth visiting.
- If you plan to visit several attractions, the Bergen pass can save money and also includes free public transport.
- Trying Norwegian kanelboller is a must, and Bergen has excellent bakeries such as Godt Brød and Baker Brun.
A big thanks to Emer and Ita for writing this Bergen travel guide for me and listing the top things to do in Bergen, I hope it helps you plan a wonderful holiday in Norway.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, prices and experiences are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional charge to you.
