This Coastal City Offers Spectacular Fjord Cruises, Scenic Funicular Rides — and Its Colorful Wharf Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Are you looking for the best things to do in Bergen, Norway? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Bergen is a fascinating city on Norway’s southwestern coast best known for its rich history, vibrant architecture, and breathtaking fjord.
Therefore, travelers have plenty of options for finding something they’ll enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Sognefjord. Families can have fun at the Bergen Science Center, and history buffs can learn more about Bergen in the Bergenhus Fortress.
To help you plan the perfect itinerary, here are the top 12 things you can do in Bergen. We selected these activities based on traveler reviews, expert recommendations, and personal experiences.
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In a Nutshell
Best Hotels
- Luxury: Charmante – Skostredet Hôtel
- Mid-range: Bergen Børs Hotel
- Budget: Comfort Hotel Bergen
Best Activities
- Explore Sognefjord: Offering spectacular natural beauty, Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway.
- Visit Bryggen: Bryggen is the best place to admire Bergen’s historic architecture.
- Ride the Fløibanen Funicular: The Fløibanen Funicular offers some of Bergen’s best city and landscape views.
Explore Sognefjord
Exploring Sognefjord is one of the most popular and exciting things to do in Bergen. Bergen is often called the “gateway to the fjords” because there are several breathtaking fjords to explore. However, Sognefjord is the most iconic because it’s Norway’s longest fjord.
Dubbed the “King of the Fjords,” Sognefjord offers over 124 miles (200 kilometers) of picturesque scenery to explore. Sognefjord isn’t right in Bergen, so booking a tour that takes you to the fjord is best. On the Sognefjord in a Nutshell Tour, you can visit the fjord from Bergen.
You’ll cruise the fjord, admiring the dramatic mountains and deep blue waters. You’ll also ride the scenic Bergen Railway. That said, don’t forget your camera.
Travel Tips
- Consider Renting a Car: Renting a car allows you to explore Sognefjord at your own pace.
- Visit Off-Peak: If possible, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) to avoid the summer crowds.
Read also: Beautiful Gardens in Europe
Visit Bryggen
Bryggen is Bergen’s most famous tourist attraction. While any traveler will quickly fall in love with the city’s vibrant historic district, it’s a favorite for history lovers. Also known as Tyskebryggen, it’s a landmark harbor district consisting of a collection of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings.
Many of the brightly colored buildings in this district date back to the 14th century, helping make Bergen one of the oldest port cities in North Europe. Unsurprisingly, Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before you do anything else, you’ll want to take photographs of Bryggen’s iconic buildings.
Afterward, explore the narrow medieval alleyways, boutique shops, and the Hanseatic Museum, where you can take a guided tour and learn more about Bryggen.
Travel Tips
- Explore the Hidden Alleys: These areas often have unique shops, galleries, and local artisans.
- Visit St. Mary’s Church: It’s the oldest building in Bergen.
Read also: Most Beautiful Mountains in Europe
Ride the Fløibanen Funicular
If you’re looking for the best views in Bergen, you should ride the Fløibanen Funicular, one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. The Fløibanen Funicular connects the city center to Fløyen, a mountain that stands 1,300 feet (400 meters) above sea level, dominating Bergen’s skyline. The journey from Bergen city center to Fløyen only takes approximately eight minutes.
During those eight minutes, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Bergen and its magnificent natural surroundings. Once you reach the top, you’ll find many scenic viewpoints begging to be visited. It’s worth noting that the Fløibanen Funicular is suitable for people with wheelchairs, children, and dogs.
You can buy your tickets for the funicular on the official Fløyen website.
Travel Tips
- Bring a Light Jacket: The temperature can be cooler at the top of Mount Fløyen compared to the city.
- Ride Early or Late for Fewer Crowds: To avoid long lines, try to ride the Fløibanen Funicular early in the morning or later in the evening.
Read also: European Countries With the Most Beautiful Nature
Have Fun at the Top of Mount Fløyen
Mount Fløyen isn’t only home to epic viewpoints. At the top, you’ll also find many exciting attractions waiting for you. Therefore, once you’ve ridden the Fløibanen Funicular, spend a few hours or even a day having fun at the top of the mountain.
We love that there is something for everyone at the top of Mount Fløyen. The children’s playground and the Troll Forest are fun for children. Meanwhile, keen shoppers can buy local products and souvenirs in the Fløistuen shop.
Animal lovers can meet the cashmere goats, and outdoor enthusiasts can hike, canoe, and paddleboard at Lake Skomakerdiket. If that doesn’t sound like a fun-filled day, we don’t know what does.
Travel Tips
- Visit the Fløistuen Café: After enjoying the views, stop by the Fløistuen Café for a snack or meal.
- Check for Seasonal Activities: Mount Fløyen offers seasonal activities like sledding in winter or guided nature walks in summer, depending on the time of year.
Read also: Beautiful Hiking Trails in Europe
Sample Fresh Seafood at Bergen Fish Market
One of the best attractions in Bergen for food enthusiasts is the Bergen Fish Market. Located in a picturesque waterfront location at Bergan’s harbor, this lively market is one of Norway’s most visited outdoor markets. It’s also one of the most historic.
Bergen’s fish market has been a meeting place for fishermen and merchants for over 800 years. While seafood is the main draw to the market, you’ll also find farmers selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses. You’ll also find a selection of cafes and restaurants around the market.
Foods you should try during your visit include lobster, prawns, and caviar. The market is also well known for its king crab. Sounds tasty.
Travel Tips
- Visit Early: Arrive at the Bergen Fish Market early in the morning to get the freshest seafood and avoid crowds.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors accept cards, some may only take cash.
Read also: Amazing Glaciers To See Before They Melt Away
Meet the Sea Lions at Bergen Aquarium
On the topic of sea life, the Bergen Aquarium is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Bergen. Offering fun for all the family, this popular attraction features over 100 species of fish, gentoo penguins, California sea lions, European otters, and more. The aquarium has a tropical section with snakes, crocodiles, and turtles.
Visitors are free to walk around independently, but there are also animal presentations every hour the aquarium is open. As if that wasn’t enough, Bergen Aquarium also has a cinema, a playground, a gift shop, and a restaurant. The aquarium is open 364 days a year, so it will likely be open when you visit Bergen.
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Travel Tips
- Check the Show Schedule: Before your visit, look up the schedule for the sea lion and other animal shows.
- Plan for Lunch at Spiseriet Akvariet: If you get hungry during your visit, consider dining at Spiseriet Akvariet, the aquarium’s restaurant.
Read also: Incredible European Landscapes
Step Back in Time at Bergenhus Fortress
If you love history, one of the top things to do in Bergen is visit Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses. Located at the entrance to Bergen Harbor, the fortress contains buildings that date back to the 13th century. It also houses constructions built as late as World War II (1939 – 1945).
In medieval times, the fortress was known as Holmen and was the royal residence in Bergen. It was also a church, a cathedral, and a Dominican monastery. Today, only the medieval hall and defensive tower remain of the medieval buildings.
You can learn more about the Fortress’s rich history in one of three on-site museums (Hakonshallen, Rosenkrantz Tower, and Bergenhus Fortress Museum).
Travel Tips
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The fortress grounds involve a fair amount of walking, including uneven surfaces and stairs.
- Use the Free Museum Guide: When you arrive, pick up a free museum guide at Håkon’s Hall or download it online.
Read also: Scenic European Countryside
Hike Mount Ulriken
Hiking to the top of Mount Ulriken is one of the most adventurous things to do in Bergen. Mount Ulriken is the highest of the seven mountains surrounding the city. It stands 2,109 feet (643 meters) above sea level.
A new cable car system called Ulriken643 carries visitors to the peak in large gondolas, but hiking is a much more satisfying achievement. Besides, you could always take the gondola back down if you’ve walked up the mountain. There are several hiking trails to choose from, all offering stunning views.
The most popular route starts at Montana and leads up the Sherpa steps. This route takes approximately 1.5 hours and is suitable for all ages, although it is best for moderate fitness levels.
Travel Tips
- Use Hiking Poles for Stability: If you’re not confident on steep or uneven terrain, use hiking poles.
- Check the Weather: The weather in Bergen can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.
Read also: Amazing Natural Wonders in Europe
Learn More About Leprosy in the Leprosy Museum – St. Jørgen’s Hospital
Visiting the Leprosy Museum – St. Jørgen’s Hospital is one of the most culturally significant things to do in Bergen. This touching and scientifically meaningful attraction is a former 19th-century hospital complex and museum that explores the history of leprosy in Norway. The hospital initially opened in the 15th century, but several fires destroyed all that remains of the medieval hospital.
Between 1850 and 1900, Bergen had three hospitals for leprosy patients, including St. Jørgen’s. Today, visitors can learn about life for those patients by exploring the hospital’s well-preserved buildings. The church and main buildings’ bedrooms and kitchens have remained relatively unchanged.
During your visit, you’ll also learn how Bergen doctor Gerhard Armauer Hansen identified leprosy bacillus in 1873.
Travel Tips
- Read Personal Stories: Read the stories displayed throughout the museum.
- Check for Temporary Exhibitions: Before your visit, check the museum’s website for any temporary exhibitions or special events.
Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Discover World-Class Arts, Crafts, and Music in Kode
If you love museums, you don’t want to miss Kode during your visit to Bergen. Kode consists of four different art museums in the heart of Bergen and three composer’s houses. That makes it one of the largest museums for art, crafts, design, and music in the Nordics.
The four museums you can visit are Lysverket, Rasmus Meyer, Stenersen, and Permanenten. Meanwhile, you can see the homes of Edvard Grieg (Troldhaugen), Ole Bull (Lysøen), and Harald Sæverud (Siljustøl).
As you’d expect, the Kode museums offer many exciting things to see and do. However, highlights include the world’s third-largest Edvard Munch collection, Edvard Grieg and Nina Grieg’s grave site, and Sæverud’s study.
Travel Tips
- Explore the Cafés: Take a break at one of the cafés located within the KODE museums.
- Get the Bergen Card: It offers free admission to KODE and other museums, plus discounts on transportation and various activities.
Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Attend the Nattjazz Festival
One of the top things to do in Bergen if you love jazz is attend the Nattjazz festival. Also known as the Bergen International Jazz Festival, Nattjazz is one of Norway’s most prominent jazz festivals. It’s celebrated annually in late May in the Verftet neighborhood.
Conveniently, Nattjazz usually coincides with the Bergen International Festival, so you can expect a fun-filled vacation. Bergen comes to life during festivals with live music, art displays, traditional events, and more.
Aside from being a lot of fun, Nattjazz and the Bergen International Festival are an excellent way to learn more about local cultures and discover up-and-coming music stars. What’s not to like?
Travel Tips
- Attend Workshops: Look for any workshops or masterclasses during the festival.
- Plan for Late Nights: Be prepared for late nights of music and fun.
Read also: Most Romantic Getaways in Europe
Take Photographs of Fantoft Stave Church
Fantoft Stave Church is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Bergen. Located outside the city center in Fantoft, this church has a breathtaking appearance and an intriguing history. For starters, its traditional stave design is stunning.
Therefore, make sure you pack your camera. Beyond the church’s appearance is a pretty remarkable story. The old stave church was first built in Fortun, Sogn, in 1170 before it was demolished and moved to Fantoft in 1883.
The church was reconstructed as it was believed to have been originally. However, it was sadly burnt down in 1992. Luckily, though, the decision was made to rebuild it again, despite the last stave church in Norway being built several hundred years prior.
Fantoft Stave Church was finally reopened in 1997.
Travel Tips
- Bring Cash: It’s a good idea to bring some cash, especially if you’re planning to buy souvenirs or snacks.
Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe
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