Bergen is the second largest city in Norway but has the charm of a small fishing village. It’s located by the sea and surrounded by seven mountains. The city is also known as the gateway to the fjords, because from here you can easily explore the famous fjords of Hardangerfjord, Osterfjord, and Sognefjord. This makes Bergen a great stop on your road trip through Norway as well as a perfect destination for a varied city trip. Curious about what to do in Bergen? In this article, you’ll find our tips for the best attractions, unique activities, and great restaurants.
What to do in Bergen, Norway?
Here are some fun attractions and activities to check out during your visit to Bergen.
Tip: Don’t forget to pack your rain jacket. Bergen is one of the wettest cities in Europe, with an average of 240 rainy days per year. Of course, this doesn’t mean it rains all day long, so don’t let this scare you off.
Visit the unique church Fantoft Stavkirke
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Bergen, you’ll find a very unique stave church. Fantoft Stavkirke, as it’s known in Dutch, is a reconstructed stave church. The original church was built around 1150 but was burned down at the end of the 20th century. The 800-year-old church was deliberately set on fire. Varg Vikernes, a black metal musician with anti-religious views, was suspected of the arson but was not convicted. He did receive a 21-year prison sentence for burning down other churches and for murder.
Fantoft Stavkirke has been meticulously rebuilt and is now protected by fences and cameras. The stave church features beautiful wood carvings and several steeply stacked roofs that create a dramatic silhouette. You can view the church for free from the outside, but there is an admission fee to enter.
Visit the fish market Fisketorget
The fish market Fisketorget is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Bergen. Located at the harbor, it’s a bustling spot visited by both locals and tourists. The market is fairly small but consists of two sections. One part has stalls selling fish, while the other is an indoor food market with various stands where you can enjoy fish dishes like sushi. It’s a great place to have lunch or dinner!
Wander through Knøsesmauet
Knøsesmauet is a small historic district in Bergen. Here you’ll find beautiful wooden houses, often painted in cheerful colors, with a maze of winding alleys between them. The picturesque streets are perfect for taking beautiful photos. Knøsesmauet is located behind the fish market, so these two attractions are easy to combine.
Hike (or take the cable car) to the highest mountain in Bergen: Mount Ulriken
Hiking is the most popular activity in Norway, and even in a city like Bergen, it’s one of the best things to do. The city is surrounded by seven mountains—known as the Seven Mountains of Bergen—with Mount Ulriken being the highest at 643 meters (2,110 ft). If you’re up for putting on your hiking boots, climbing Mount Ulriken is a great option. Several trails lead to the top, with the most popular route starting at this starting point. You’ll face 1,333 steps to reach the top. If you prefer not to hike, you can also take the cable car to the top.
Enjoy the view from Mount Fløyen
Similar to Mount Ulriken, Mount Fløyen is also one of the seven mountains of Bergen. Standing at 400 meters (1,312 ft) high, it features Bergen’s most famous viewpoint. As a result, it tends to be much busier than Mount Ulriken. You have the option to take the funicular or hike up. The viewpoint is situated 320 meters (1,050 ft) above sea level, and the funicular takes 5 to 8 minutes to reach the top. You can board the funicular right in the center of Bergen at this location. The hike to Mount Fløyen is not difficult and takes about 45 minutes.
Tip: Just around the corner from the funicular station, you’ll find the charming café Det Lille Kaffekompaniet. Not only do they make excellent coffee, but their cinnamon rolls and carrot cake are also delicious!
Wander through the historic Bryggen Hansa Quarter
The historic center of Bergen, known as Bryggen Hansa Quarter, is located by the water and was once Norway’s trading hub. The old warehouses now house shops, museums, and galleries. After a major fire in 1702 nearly destroyed the entire district, it was completely rebuilt in its historic style and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can step back in time and see what Bergen used to look like. When you walk to Bryggen Hansa Quarter, you’ll quickly come across the fronts of the warehouses, right along the main road. Make sure to explore the alleyways between the buildings to find the more charming, scenic parts of the district.
Tip: The Hanseatic Museum is an interesting museum to visit. It illustrates how the Hanseatic merchants from Northern Germany lived, worked, and left their mark on Bergen over 400 years.
Take a Boat Trip Through the Norwegian Fjords
This tip is especially for those visiting Bergen as a city trip and not traveling further through Norway. During your city trip, you should definitely experience the Norwegian fjords. Board a fjord cruise and sail through the beautiful Osterfjord to Modalen. The further you travel into the fjord, the steeper the rock walls become and the more impressive the views. You’ll pass by several high waterfalls where the boat tries to get as close as possible. On a sunny day, you can sit on the deck, and in bad weather, there’s a cozy indoor area where it’s nice and warm. There’s also a small kiosk on the boat where you can buy drinks and sandwiches from the local bakery.
Explore the White Houses in the Kroken District
The picturesque Kroken district is located directly behind the historic Bryggen area. Here, all the typical Norwegian houses are painted white. You’ll find steep streets with old cobblestones, charming street lamps, and cozy front yards. This district sees few visitors, so it’s a pleasant place to wander around at your leisure.
Tip: Walk down the small alley on the right side of the Extra supermarket to find a beautiful part of the district.
Seek Out the Cozy Vibes of Skostredet Street
In the center of Bergen, you’ll find the lively street Skostredet. This is a charming street lined with restaurants and bars. In the afternoon and evening, it’s bustling with activity, making it a great place to grab a bite or a drink. Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate at Fjåk chocolate shop & café or have a beer at Folk & Røvere.
Explore Bergen with a Bike Tour
If you want to see Bergen’s highlights in a few hours and learn more about the city’s history, join a bike tour of Bergen. You’ll ride a comfortable mountain bike around the city. There will be some uphill and downhill, but with 27 gears, it’s manageable. The guide is a local who can share all the ins and outs of Bergen. This is a fun way for both young and old to get to know Bergen better.
Or opt for the Bergen Walking Tour: If you prefer not to bike but still want to learn more about Bergen, the Bergen Walking Tour is a great option. Along with a local guide, you’ll explore Bergen’s historic streets. The first part of the walk covers Bergen’s history, and then the guide will tell you about life in Bergen today. The guide will take you to places you might not otherwise visit, making this walking tour a fun way to get to know Bergen!
Tips for good restaurants in Bergen
Frescohallen – Frescohallen is a stunning restaurant located in a historic building from 1862 (see the left photo below). You can stop by for a drink and a pastry in the afternoon, but it’s especially popular for a romantic dinner. The food is local and fresh, with an emphasis on seafood and grilled dishes.
Agave – Agave brings Mexican cuisine to Bergen! Dine at this cozy restaurant and order ceviche, tacos, or traditional mole.
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet – Time for a coffee break? Head to Det Lille Kaffekompaniet. Not only is the coffee here delicious, but the cinnamon rolls and carrot cake are literally to die for.
Dirty Vegan Bergen – Even if you don’t eat vegan in your daily life, Dirty Vegan Bergen is definitely worth a visit. They serve delicious burgers and loaded fries.
Fjåk chocolate shop & café – The best chocolate in Bergen, or perhaps even Norway, can be found at this café. Treat yourself to an exquisite chocolate pastry.
Folk & Røvere – This cozy café features an extensive beer menu and has games available for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
Our favorite spots in Bergen
The modern hotel Citybox Bergen City is one of the best affordable hotels in Bergen. The Scandinavian design exudes tranquility, and attention is paid to every detail. The rooms feature comfy beds, a rain shower, and fast Wi-Fi. The café next door serves delightful breakfasts, and there’s also a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. Early booking is recommended for the cheaper rooms. Klosterhagen Hotel is another excellent base for exploring Bergen. In addition to the very friendly staff and comfortable rooms, the fantastic Norwegian breakfast with fresh products is a major plus. If you prefer staying in the historic center, Det Hanseatiske Hotel offers accommodations in a 16th-century wooden building full of history. Each room is unique with its own rugged character, and you can enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet in the morning.
 Citybox Bergen City |
 Klosterhagen Hotel |
 Det Hanseatiske Hotel |
