Best 8 Things to do on Your Trip to Bergen, Norway

Last updated on April 13th, 2023 at 03:56 pm

Bergen is one of the cutest historical cities that I have visited in Europe. The old wooden buildings look like they came straight out of a fishing village of yesteryear. Although Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, it maintains it’s historical charm. And that is exactly what led me here. This place is packed with history, legends, interesting architecture, great food, nature, and so much more! Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do on your visit to Bergen!

****Disclaimer: Be sure to check the entry regulations and restrictions for Norway as well as any activity you would like to participate in before booking any part of your journey.

Five Quick and Interesting Facts About Bergen

• In the 12th and 13th centuries, Bergen was the capital of Norway.

• A fire on May 19, 1702 destroyed 90% of the city. Because of this, most of the historical places around Bergen date back to that time period.

• Bergen was one of the Hanseatic League’s main hubs. They operated in Bergen for about 400 years.

• In the 1800s Bergen was Europe’s largest wooden city. This has made it very susceptible to fires over the years.

• Bergen is nicknamed “The city of seven mountains”. This means lots of hiking options for locals and visitors.

How to Get to Bergen

The nearest airport to Bergen is Bergen Airport (BGO). From here, you have the options to rent a car, take public transport, or take a taxi.

Personally, I think that taking the public transportation is the best option. Parking in Bergen would be quite a bit of a pain and also very expensive. Additionally, Bergen is not that big of a city and it’s fairly easy to get around on foot, by public transportation, or by renting a bike/scooter.

Public Transportation Options

Skyss Tram

We personally took the tram and found it to be very straightforward/easy. The tram station is just outside of the front of the airport and down the stairs. You can buy your tickets either online or at the airport kiosks. Please note that the final stop for the tram is Byparken, but it makes many stops before it reaches the end of the route.

For more information or to buy your tram tickets online, please click here.

Flybussen

We did not personally take the bus, but I imagine it is also quite simple. Please note that the final stop for the bus is the Bergen Bus Station.

For more information, or to buy your tickets online ahead of time, please click here.

Where to Stay in Bergen, Norway

We have stayed in two adorable little apartments in Bergen. I would highly recommend either one of them to you. Both were reasonably priced (at least on the dates we were there), had well-stocked kitchens where we cooked a few meals, cozy bedrooms, and nice bathrooms.

As far as location goes either of these are in great spots. If you are interested in booking either of these apartments for yourself, please check out these websites: A Nice, Small Flat and the double room at the Marken 26 Apartment.

***Note: It appears that Marken 26 is no longer accepting bookings through booking.com, but I found it listed in some other places online.

Things to do in Bergen, Norway

1. Take a Walking Tour of Bergen

A walking tour is a great way to get oriented in any new city that you visit. And, I would say that it’s one of the first things you will want to do after arriving in Bergen, Norway.

There are always a number of options for every kind of budget. There are paid guided walking tours, free guided walking tours (but it’s usually proper to tip the guide), and free self-guided walking tours that you can find online. All you have to do is print it out at home before you leave or pull up on your phone.

Find Your Walking Tour

For a paid guided walking tour, I recommend checking popular sites such as: www.getyourguide.com, www.viator.com, and www.airbnb.com. If you click on any of those links, it will take you straight to the tours available in Bergen.

For a free guided walking tour of Bergen, you can check out this website.

While the free self-guided walking tour that we went on is no longer available online, if you go to GPS My City, you can find some alternative options.

Special Note: Self guided walking tours are my personal favorite. If you’re like me and you love photography, a self guided tour is great because there is less immediate competition for the prime location. Also, there is less pressure to “hurry up so we can get to the next location”. In addition, a self guided tour allows for more flexibility since you are not limited by any particular time slot. You can do it whenever you want or even split it up between days if necessary.

2. Visit Bryggen Wharf and the Schøtstuene Museum

It is no secret that Bergen’s location snuggled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Fjords makes it an excellent location for fishing and trade. Historically, this was one of the most important wharfs for the Hanseatic traders. Stockfish was a particularly desirable product that was produced up north on the Lofoten Islands. This unsalted cod fish, dried by cold air and wind on wooden racks, was shelf stable and highly desirable in countries such as Germany, Italy, Portugal, etc. It was one of Norway’s major exports during the 13th to 15th centuries.

Originally, there were four Kontors, or principal foreign trade centers, operating in Bergen. Eventually, they were shut down and replaced by the Norwegian Kontor in 1754. Due to destruction from repeated fires, only the German Kontor remains standing today. Its historical importance is one of the major reasons why it is still standing today (despite the desire of many Norwegians to burn it down). In 1979 this amazing place was labeled a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a major draw for tourists.

Exploring Bryggen Warf

All in all, just over 60 buildings remain of the former Germanic townscape. Many of the buildings along the water have been transformed into a shopping area. It is fun to walk around and explore all the things for sale.

If you are interested in learning more about the history and importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can visit the nearby Schøtstuene, Hanseatic Assembly Rooms Museum. There is a guided tour included in your ticket price and tours are offered in English, Norwegian, German, and French. Be sure to check the website before your visit and note the tour time/s for your preferred language!

3. Visit Troldhaugen (Home of Edvard Grieg)

Edvard Grieg is an important composer in Norway’s history. He is celebrated for his efforts to recover traditional Norwegian music after centuries of being colonized by the Danish followed by a union with Sweden. While it wasn’t until 1905 that Norway gained complete independence, it had begun its attempt to reclaim its national identity between the years of 1840 and 1867. This movement was called Norwegian romantic nationalism and Grieg became a key player. His compositions include arrangements of Norwegian dances, as well as songs inspired by Norwegian folk songs and Norway’s breathtaking landscapes.

Here is a lovely little quote from Grieg: “The traditional way of life of the Norwegian people, together with Norway’s legends, Norway’s history, Norway’s natural scenery, stamped itself on my creative imagination from my earliest years.”

You may recognize two of his most famous works: In the Hall of the Mountain King and Morning Mood from his Peer Gynt Suite.

For more information on how to visit Troldhaugen (Grieg’s home) as well as find information about opening hours, ticket prices, and more, please visit the official website.

Summer Concert Series at Troldhaugen

One of the best things about a visit to Edward Grieg’s home is the opportunity to attend a live concert featuring his music. There is a lovely concert hall on site, built for this very purpose. During our visit, we personally had the chance to enjoy an enchanting piano concert. It really brought the music to life to be in this beautiful place where it was created.

To view the summer 2023 concert information, please visit this website.

4. Visit the Gamle Bergen Museum (Old Bergen)

Want to take a step back in time and experience Bergen’s history? A visit to Gamle Bergen offers exactly that. Historic homes from all over Bergen have been relocated to this one central location. As you wander through, you will find workers dressed up in period costumes. You may even walk in on an important conversation happening at one of the homes. Or, you might have a special opportunity to chat with any number of townspeople to learn more about their jobs, lives, and more! This museum would be especially fun and interactive for families with children.

Planning Your Visit to Gamle Bergen Museum

The Gamle Bergen Museum is easy to get to via public transportation. It is only 8 minutes by bus from downtown Bergen. You have the options of bus numbers 3, 4, 12, 19, 16E from the city center. You will want to get off at the stop labeled Gamle Bergen.

For more information on ticket prices, opening hours, special events, and more, please visit the official Gamle Bergen Museum Website.

5. Take a Ride on the Fløibanen

Bergen is surrounded by 7 different mountains. Of these, Fløyen Mountain is one of the most accessible for visitors. You have the option to choose between hiking up the mountain or taking the Fløibanen (the funicular train). At the top of the mountain, you will discover a large playground for kids, a troll garden, a restaurant**/gift shop, free toilets, stunning views overlooking Bergen and Bergen harbor, and more.

**Please note that the restaurant is currently closed due to renovations. I will update this post once it is opened again.

Exploring Fløyen by Foot

There are hiking trails all over Floyen, but they are steep! You can join the trails at many different points around Bergen.

One of the most famous paths on Floyen is the Fjellveien which stretches from Munkebotn north of Bergen city centre to Bellevue south of the city centre. Altogether it is about 5 kilometers long and was originally established for locals to take their Sunday promenades. As you might imagine, once you reach it, this path is relatively flat and offers many stunning views. You can access this path many different ways from many different points along the trail including from

Taking the Fløibanen

The Fløibanen is the easiest way to get up and down the mountain. If you want to ride this historical train built in 1918, are in a hurry, or just don’t care to hike, this is the train ride for you. It takes less than 10 minutes to ascend the mountain where you can enjoy the wonderful amenities above this city.

For more information on ticket prices, opening hours, and more, please visit the official Fløibanen website.

6. Fjord Cruise and Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway)

Let me start with the disclaimer: This Trip is Expensive. But, if you have the time and the resources, it is worth Every Single Penny. This tour is a round trip tour will take you on buses, trains, and a boat all through the stunning Fjord region.

My favorite part of the journey was the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nærøyfjord. It is a particularly picturesque branch of the larger Sognefjord. The boat ride was slow, smooth, and peaceful (no loud engine noises). It gave us plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the landscape before our arrival in the picturesque village of Flåm.

Historic Flåmsbana

The other important part of the journey is the train ride on the historic Flåmsbana. This railway route was built in order to connect the people living in the Fjord to Bergen and Oslo via the Bergen line. For years, their location complicated their ability to have access to mail, good, construction equipment, and more. Despite the difficulties that the terrain presented, construction began in 1924 and the line was officialy opened in 1940.

Nowadays, this route is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world and it is one of the most visited attractions in Norway. As such, it is mostly used by tourists looking to take advantage of the beautiful views. One of the highlights along the route is the stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall. Here, you might just find yourself caught up under the spell of Huldra, the dancing and singing wood nymph who lives behind the waterfall.

Booking Your Experience

If you are interested in booking the exact same tour we went on, please click this link to Viator’s website.

7. Visit a Viking Village in Gudvangen

Norway was once the land of vikings. As such, there are many places to learn about vikings throughout the country. What makes Njardarheimr so unique is that it is much more immersive. You have the opportunity to interact with people who choose to live “the viking way” and ask them questions. You can learn to play the Viking games or learn about Nålbinding (the unique way in which vikings knitted their clothes). They have a restaurant where you can try viking food using authentic Viking era ingredients. Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even practice your archery and axe throwing skills! Additionally, there are opportunities to join a walking tour of the viking village and hear about the legends and mythological characters of old.

Planning Your Visit to Njardarheimr

For more information about ticket prices, opening hours, and more, please visit the official Njardarheimr website.

There are multiple ways to get to Njardarheimr. If you are planning to stay in Bergen the whole time, I recommend that you look into the public transportation options. But, if you are planning to travel around Norway, renting a car will probably be the cheapest option for you. There is plenty of parking available just outside of the viking village.

Bus from Bergen to Gudvangen

Taking just the bus is going to be the fastest and most direct option. You will want to take the Nor-Way bus from Bergen to Gudvangen E16. From the E16 stop, it is only a 3 minute walk to the viking village.

Bus with Train to Gudvangen

According to the Rome2Rio website, this is the cheapest option, but it will also involve a changeover in Voss. You will have to switch from the train to the bus at that point. This option will also take you to Gudvangen Ferjekai, from which it is only a 6 minute walk to get to the viking village. To find out more about this option, please click here.

8. Explore the Restaurant Scene in Bergen

Being so far north and such a small city in comparison to other European cities, one might not expect Bergen to have much of a food scene. But, we were more than pleasantly surprised with the variety and quality of what we found. Here is a quick list of places we particularly enjoyed:

• Bjerck Restaurant & Bar – This lovely restaurant has great food accompanied by a fantastic view of the Bryggen Warf.

• India Gate Bergen – My husband and I are absolutely obsessed with Indian food. We enjoyed this place so much we went here twice!

• Agave – “How good could Norwegian Mexican food actually be?” one might ask. But, let me tell you, it can be really good.

• Horn of Africa – This place is legit and delicious. If you’ve never had traditional Ethiopian food, I recommend checking this place out. They have both meat and vegetarian options available.

• Daily Pot – Looking for something a little bit healthier to eat when you travel? Check out this little gem of a restaurant.

In Conclusion

I hope that this post has inspired your travels to Bergen. In addition to these incredible buildings, there is such a rich history to discover here, and I hope you enjoy your trip. And don’t forget to leave a comment about your favorite things to do in Bergen!

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine

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