Norway’s second-largest city, at the foot of Mount Floye and close to the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, is an absolute must-see. Bergen is a charming and lively harbour city, and its streets are also a World Heritage Site. Read on to find out all there is to see in Bergen, Norway.
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Things to do in Bergen, Norway
The Bryggen Neighbourhood, a neighbourhood to see in Bergen
One of the most memorable postcard images of Bergen is that of the beautiful Bryggen Quarter, which has been a World Heritage Site since 1979.
This neighbourhood was home to the merchants of the Hanseatic League, a German trade federation that settled in Bergen centuries ago, being the bosses of the port and of the trade in all fish caught in the Nordic country’s waters.
The magic of this neighbourhood is its wooden houses, painted in a variety of contrasting colours. Time seems to have stood still when the neighbourhood and the merchants’ federation were established, as these houses retain all their essence.
Wandering through the narrow streets that make up the neighbourhood is a real treat, and it’s one of the most popular places to visit in the city, so make the effort to get up early and enjoy what Bryggen has to offer at your leisure.
And of course, if you want to know more about the history of this place, you can visit the Hanseatic Museum and the Schoetstuene. This place explains in detail what happened in the past.
The Fortress of Bergenhus
Near the harbour of Bergen, lies another incredible piece of architecture to see in Bergen, Norway. It is none other than the impressive Bergenhus Fortress, a building that was used centuries ago to guard the city and defend against possible attacks.
Among its facilities is the Rosenkrantz Tower, an impressive tower from which you can enjoy marvellous views of the old town. If you go inside, you can also admire the imposing Haakon Hall. Many events were held during the history of this palace.
And you don’t have to worry about access, as it is free of charge all year round and is open virtually all year round, except at certain times when events are taking place inside.
Mount Floye, a unique place to see in Bergen
Of course, being in proximity to Norway’s most impressive mountains, you can’t leave Bergen without visiting Mount Floyen and marvelling at the views from its peak over the Bergen Valley.
The fjords can be seen from here. Taking the funicular Fløibanen is a fantastic way to climb Mount Floyen. While you are leaving the city behind and the panoramic views of the city slowly unfold. If you enjoy hiking, the route up to the viewpoint is also very rewarding.
You’ll need to keep an eye on the weather forecast, though. Sometimes the skies will be cloudy and the views less worthwhile. Nevertheless, the natural setting of Mount Floyen is a real natural wonder of Bergen and is worth a visit on its own.
Torgallmenningen
The nerve centre of the city. You can’t miss this enclave when visiting the city of Bergen, the Torgallmenningen, a street with a lot of life and things to offer.
After leaving the harbour and the unique houses of the Bryggen district behind, a walk into Torgallmenningen is a great way to continue exploring all that Bergen has to offer, as its streets are lined with a wealth of entertainment and dining venues.
Torgallmenningen Avenue is a great place to do your shopping and enjoy the rhythm of the street. Also witness the Sjøfartsmonumentet statue, a renowned monument that serves as a tribute to the sailors who are so important to the city.
St. Olaf’s Cathedral and the historic centre
Continuing your adventure through the centre of Bergen, you won’t miss the monumental tower of St. Olaf’s Cathedral, an impressive building to see in Bergen, Norway.
With a height of more than 50 metres, this historic building has undergone several reconstructions. It suffered several fires that almost completely destroyed it. Today, known as the Bergen Domkirke, it is a medieval-style building that leaves no one indifferent.
Around the cathedral, you will also find several charming little streets. For example, Kong Oscars gate, Hollendergaten and Nedre Korskirkeallmenningen – streets with a lot of personality.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Bergen in Norway?
Nordnes Peninsula
Often overlooked by visitors to Bergen, this is one of the most soulful neighbourhoods in all of Bergen and well worth a visit.
It contrasts with the Bryggen district, not only because they are at opposite ends of the city of Bergen, but also because its streets are less visited, which gives this neighbourhood a much quieter feel.
In Nordnes, you’ll find the essence of the less touristy Bergen, with the same beauty as other areas of the city. Cobblestone streets, old wooden houses marked by the passage of time and the sea breeze, and artisan businesses are the elements that make Nordnes a magical area.
What to do and see in Bergen, Norway, in 1 day?
And to make sure you don’t miss out on anything, we’ve prepared this itinerary. It will make it easier for you to choose what things to see and do in Bergen:
- The Quarter of Bryggen
- Bergenhus Fortress
- Torgallmenningen
- Mount Floye
- St. Olaf’s Cathedral
Places to eat in Bergen, Norway
If you are someone who enjoys sampling all that the local cuisine has to offer, don’t worry. Below there is a list of must-visit places for you to do just that:
- Lunsj Ekspressen: An excellent combination of Norwegian, Asian and Mediterranean food is captured to perfection in Lunsj Ekspressen’s sandwiches. Prices are around €10 per head.
- Daily Pot: Delicious soups, heart-stopping salads and bowls that will surprise anyone: Daily Pot is a must-visit in Bergen. Prices are around €10-14 per person, which is excellent value for money.
- Restaurant 1877: The Scandinavian and Norwegian gastronomy on offer is perfectly portrayed on the menu at 1877. The restaurant’s signature food is a unique proposition in Norway and if you can afford it, it’s definitely an experience you’ll remember forever. Prices are in excess of €50 per head.
Sites where to stay in Bergen
We’ve put together a short list of places to stay, so you won’t have any trouble choosing accommodation on your trip to Bergen:
- Opus 16: We can’t recommend places to sleep and not talk about Opus 16. The hotel is housed in a historic building from 1876, perfectly located in the centre of Bergen. Of course, as well as offering unique facilities, it has all the comforts of a five-star hotel. The price for a weekend for two people is €563.
- 2 Dotre Apartments: With great views of the city, these minimalist flats are located in the heart of Bryggen, one of Bergen’s main districts. Staying in their fantastic rooms is a perfect way to experience the essence of Bergen. The price for a weekend for two people is €420.
- City Hostel Bergen: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the City Hostel Bergen is a popular choice with tourists. It has very good facilities and rooms with everything you need for a few days. The price is €128 for a weekend for two people.
How to get to Bergen, Norway?
There are many flight opportunities from Spain to Bergen for around €200 round trip and the journey takes about 5 hours, as flights from Spain usually have a stopover on the way.
Once you arrive, we recommend that you take the Flybussen bus to get to the city centre. They run frequently and terminate in the central Bryggen neighbourhood, a great place to stay too.
Another option is to take the Bybanen tram. We don’t recommend it if you’re overloaded, but it’s another fantastic option, as you’ll enjoy the sights on your unique journey to the city centre.
Bergen travel tips
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
- Alcohol can only be bought in specialised “Vinmonopolet” shops with very limited opening hours.
- The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone.
- We recommend that you exchange money before you set off on your trip, as it will be cheaper.
- As European citizens, we don’t need a visa to enter the country either, just your ID card or passport is enough.
- Winter tyres are compulsory in the car at this time of year.
- Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured.
- The best time to see auroras is from October to March, and for hiking the summer months.
How to organize what things to do in Bergen, Norway
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all the possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make any modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Bergen, Norway
If you have any doubts about how to do this, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Bergen
The best way to get there is to fly from one of the main cities in Spain. The flight will take you about 5 hours with at least one stopover, as there are currently no direct flights to Bergen.
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