Bergen Travel Guide (Hordaland/Western Norway/Norway/Nordic countries/Europe)

Introduction to Bergen

Bergen is a vibrant city located on the southwestern coast of Norway. With its colorful wooden buildings, picturesque harbor, and surrounding mountains, Bergen has everything you could want in a Scandinavian getaway. It’s not only Norway’s second-largest city but also one of the country’s oldest towns, founded in 1070. With its rich history and culture, it’s no wonder Bergen attracts visitors from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Bergen

Bergen has plenty of attractions to see and explore. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bryggen Wharf: A UNESCO world heritage site that showcases the city’s Hanseatic history and architecture.
Bergenhus Fortress: A medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century. It offers stunning views of the city, and the Rosenkrantz Tower is known for its gruesome history.
Hanseatic Museum: Located in the heart of Bergen, this museum offers a glimpse into the life and work of the Hanseatic merchants that lived there in the 18th and 19th centuries.
KODE Art Museums: Norway’s largest museum of fine arts and design, comprising four different buildings and featuring works by artists like Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup.
Troldhaugen: The former home of Norway’s renowned composer Edvard Grieg. The museum includes his house, composer’s cabin, a museum, and Grieg’s grave. It also offers stunning views of Lake Nordås and the surrounding landscape.

Natural Attractions of Bergen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Fløyen: One of Bergen’s most famous landmarks, this mountain offers panoramic views of the city. Hike up or take the funicular to the top, then stroll around in the park or have a refreshment at the café.
Fjords: Take a day trip from Bergen to explore the fjords, known for their natural beauty and stunning views. There are several options for guided tours, including a visit to the scenic villages of Mostraumen and Osterfjorden.
Ulriken: The highest mountain in Bergen, enjoy stunning views over Bergen and the surrounding area by taking a cable car to the top.
Lille Lungegårdsvannet: This tranquil lake is located in the heart of Bergen. It offers a relaxing spot near to the bustling city center, popular with locals and tourists alike.
Bergen Aquarium: Featuring more than 60 aquariums with fish and marine animals, including penguins, this attraction is great for family.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bergen

Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Bergen is also known for its fantastic hiking and biking trails. Here are a few top picks:

The Vidden Trail: This hike starts at Mount Ulriken and goes all the way to Mount Fløyen, offering stunning views along the way.
Løvstakken: This mountain offers several different trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty. The summit is 477 meters high and offers spectacular views of the city.
Fløyen to Skomakerdiket: This route is great for hiking or mountain biking and offers beautiful views of the forest, mountains, and waterfalls of Bergen.
Sandviksfjellet: This hike is a local favorite, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding fjords.

Best Things to Do in Bergen: Activities and Tours

Apart from the places mentioned above, there are many things to do and experience in Bergen. Here are some more best things to do in Bergen:

Explore the Fish Market: A lively and colorful hub of trading, this market has been around since the 1200s. Sample fresh seafood and other local delicacies.
Visit Festplassen: Bergen has a rich cultural scene, and Festplassen is the center of it all. It is a public square where many festivals, concerts and events are held throughout the year.
Take a Boat Sightseeing Tour: Bergen’s location on the water makes it ideal for a harbor cruise or fjord tour. Visit the fjords, waterfalls, and wildlife of nearby islands.
Experience Norway in a Nutshell: This is a popular tour that offers a combination of train, bus, and boat transportation to some of the most beautiful destinations in Norway from Bergen.
Learn about the city’s history: There are many guided tours, including a ghost walk that combines Bergen’s history with its supernatural folklore.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bergen

If you wish to spend a week in Bergen, we have prepared an itinerary for you to maximize your time in the city.

Day	Activities
1	Explore the city center i.e. Bryggen Wharf, Fløibanen Funicular, and Bergen Aquarium
2	Visit the museums i.e. Troldhaugen, Hanseatic Museum, KODE Art Museums
3	Take a day trip from Bergen to visit the Hardangerfjord
4	Hike to the top of Løvstakken or Fløyen and enjoy the panoramic views
5	Boat sightseeing tour or take a stroll in the park
6	Experience authentic Norwegian fishing in Oygarden
7	Take a train to experience the famous Flåm Railway in winter

Food and Drink Scene of Bergen

Bergen has an array of local delicacies and specialties to try. From cured salmon to reindeer meat, here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to taste when in Bergen:

Must-Try Dishes

Fish Soup (fiskesuppe): Hearty soup with various types of fish and vegetables.
Smoked Salmon (røkt laks): Cured salmon seasoned with herbs and other seasonings achieve a giving texture, and the flavor is rich and delicious.
Brown Cheese (Brunost): A sweet, caramel-like cheese that pairs well with crackers or toast.
Reindeer Meat (Reinsdyr): A popular meat served in traditional Norwegian dishes or as a flavoring in stews and soups.

Local Beverages

Aquavit: A distilled spirit flavored with herbs and spices, served either chilled as a shot or used as an ingredient in cocktails.
Craft Beer: Bergen has a thriving craft beer culture, with many local breweries offering unique and flavorful beers.
Cloud Berry Liquor: An alcoholic beverage made from the Arctic cloudberry, considered a delicacy in the region.

Where to Stay in Bergen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bergen has a range of accommodation options to choose from, catering to different budgets. Here are some top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that you can consider:

Hotel Oleana: A chic boutique hotel situated in the heart of Bergen, offering stylishly designed rooms and personalized service.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel: A landmark hotel located in the Bryggen district, featuring a rooftop bar and panoramic views of the harbor.
Bergen YMCA Hostel: Great budget option with clean and comfortable accommodations near the city center.
Marken Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse located in a lively neighborhood with easy access to public transportation.

What to Buy in Bergen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are many unique souvenirs and local products that you can bring back from Bergen, such as:

Traditional Norwegian Knitwear: Hats, sweaters, and mittens in classic Scandinavian patterns made with high-quality wool.
Viking Jewelry: Handcrafted jewelry made with traditional Celtic and Viking designs.
Hand-painted Trolls: Local tradition says that trolls inhabit the mountains and forests of Norway, so bring home a hand-painted troll figurine from Bergen.
Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon is a favorite delicacy in Bergen and makes for a great gift that can be enjoyed back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Bergen

Norway has a unique and rich culture, and Bergen is a city that actively celebrates its local customs. Here are some cultural highlights to keep in mind during your visit:

Folk Music: Bergen has a thriving folk music scene, and there are usually several concerts and festivals happening throughout the year.
Fjords and Nature: Norwegians love the outdoors and have a deep respect for nature. It is important to be mindful of littering and leaving vibrant nature preserved for generations to come.
Respectful and courteous attitude: Norwegians are polite and reserved, and it is considered rude to speak loudly or aggressively with others brings.

Best Time to Visit Bergen

The best time to visit Bergen is during the summer season, from June to August. The weather is mild and pleasant, with long days and plenty of sunshine. During this season, Bergen enjoys unique events such as the Bergen International Festival and the Bergen Food Festival. The winter season has a different type of appeal and the perfect time to visit for the winter sports and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bergen

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Bergen:

Do:

Do respect the natural surroundings and wildlife.
Do not litter, follow the local environmental standards.
Do embrace the local culture and customs.
Do enjoy coffee breaks with friends.

Don’t:

Don’t be rude to locals or other tourists.
Don’t forget to take small cash amounts while shopping as many local shops or street vendors may not accept digital payment methods.
Don’t expect loud music or nightlife
Don’t forget to take a raincoat while traveling at any time of the year.

Safety and Health

Bergen is a safe city, and most visitors don’t experience any problems. Nevertheless, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Safety in Bergen

Be cautious while walking alone at night.
Be mindful and follow the guidelines if you plan to hike around the fjords or mountains.
Lock valuables inside hotel safes while you are out.

Health in Bergen

Weather conditions can be variable, and it would be wise to ensure proper protection against rain and cold.
Tap water is readily available in Bergen and can be safely consumed.
If you need to seek medical attention, head to Haukeland University Hospital as it is the primary public hospital in the city.

Getting to Bergen: Transportation Options and Logistics

You can reach Bergen by air, train, bus, or road.

Airports Near Bergen

Bergen Airport, Flesland is the international hub of Western Norway, located 20 km from the city center. You can hire a taxi or take the airport bus to reach downtown.

Other Options

Train: The Bergen train station is located in the city center and connects to other parts of the country.
Bus: Several bus services operate between Bergen and other cities.
Ferry: Coastal Express and Fjord Line connect Bergen with other cities in Norway, as well as Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland.

How to Get Around in Bergen

Bergen is a small city that is easy to navigate on foot, bike, or by public transport. The city features a comprehensive bus service and tram that covers the main tourist destination. Taxi and car rental services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Bergen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time after exploring Bergen, here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider:

Sognefjord: The longest and deepest fjord in Norway, located just a few hours away from Bergen.
Ålesund: A charming coastal town famous for its Art Nouveau architecture.
Hardangerfjord: A popular day trip destination from Bergen, featuring stunning natural scenery and waterfalls.
Flåm: This small village is situated at the end of Aurlandsfjorden and is known for its charming ambiance, spectacular waterfalls, and scenic train routes.

Conclusion

Bergen is a city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are interested in history and culture, outdoor adventures or scenic views, or sampling traditional Norwegian cuisine, you can experience it all in Bergen. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothes, and your sense of adventure. Happy travels!