Planning a trip to Norway? This ultimate Bergen, Norway travel guide has everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit—scenic views, charming streets, and insider tips for first-time or return travelers!

Oh, Bergen! This charming little city on Norway’s west coast is like stepping into a postcard—colorful wooden houses, dramatic fjords, and just the right touch of Nordic coziness.

Founded in 1070, Bergen was once a major hub for the Hanseatic League (think medieval trading powerhouses), and you can still see that history in its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf.

These days, it’s the gateway to Norway’s famous fjords, offering a mix of old-world charm and modern Scandinavian vibes.

Expect stunning scenery, fresh seafood (sadly this is not something I personally enjoy ;0), and yes, a little rain—okay, maybe a lot of rain—but that just makes the memories of your Nordic adventure even better!

Bergen may very well be my favorite town in Norway – but I have yet to get up to Trømso or the Lofoten Islands (as of 2025 anyway!) – so I might change my mind once those destinations have been finally checked off my never ending bucket list ;0.

My husband and I took a two week long Scandinavian adventure back in late summer 2019 – right before our youngest child left for college.

That trip was supposed to be a celebration of the official start of our empty nest chapter.

However after many months of planning this trip in the spring, our daughter chose to go to the University of Oregon – where the first day of school in 2019 was OCTOBER 1st!!

But don’t fret – leaving her at home while we did a pre-empty nesting trip didn’t dampen our spirits :).

I have included our entire Scandinavian itinerary at the bottom of this post if you are looking for ideas as to what would be doable for your own itinerary.

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Bergen

Getting to Bergen by air is a breeze—just fly into Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), which has plenty of connections from major European cities and even some direct flights from the U.S. Norwegian Air and SAS are the two major carriers into Bergen.

Once you land, it’s an easy 20-minute ride into the city center by light rail, airport bus, or Uber/taxi.

Bergen was the end destination of our “Norway in a Nutshell” experience – which we did without the tour group – you can learn more about how to do this here.

Simple description of the NIN? We took a train from Oslo (where we started our Nordic exploring) to Myrdal, hopped on the Flåmsbana scenic railway to Flåm, then took a fjord ferry to Gudvangen where we took a bus to Voss AND THEN from Voss we took the train to Bergen ;0.

While I know that paragraph sounds complicated – it is 100% part of experiencing Norway!! In fact the NIN tour is literally the top thing to do as a visitor in Norway – and I promise it is extremely easy to do on your own :).

However – if you are short on time and decide to just go to Bergen from Oslo – you can take the 6.5 hour train – buy your tickets in advance on the Vy website here.

Another option is to rent a car and drive to Bergen – however in all my research for my own trip – I found this to be the least common way to get around Norway ;0.

How to Get Around Bergen

Getting around Bergen is a breeze with its super walkable city center, plus there are buses, trams, and even a funicular to whisk you up to those gorgeous views.

You can also easily use your Uber app – but honestly all we used was our feet for the 48 hours we were in this Nordic city :).

Best Time of Year to Visit Bergen

If you love mild weather, late spring through summer is the best time to visit Bergen—but be sure to pack a rain jacket because this city is famous for its drizzle no matter what the time of year you visit!

I visited in early September, and while there was a little rain (because, well, it’s Bergen!), the crisp air and lack of crowds made it an absolutely magical time to explore.

Be aware that Bergen is a popular stop for most Scandic cruises – if you want to time your visit for when a large boat is not in port (like we did!) – you can use this cruise timetable here.

How Many Days You Need in Bergen

We arrived into Bergen via train around 7pm on a Wednesday evening in September and flew out of the Bergen airport on a 9pm flight to Stockholm, Sweden on Friday night and felt this 48 hours was just enough for us to get a good feel of the city.

Allowing one full day in the city will give you ample time to explore the colorful Bryggen Wharf and ride the Fløibanen funicular for stunning views, however if you can add another day (or at least the majority of one) to your itinerary – you won’t feel like you missed something big in this small Nordic city.

Money and Plug Details in Norway

When traveling to Norway, you’ll use the currency of the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

Cash isn’t widely used, but having a little on hand for small purchases can be handy (the only place I suggest getting cash in a foreign country is from an official bank ATM to avoid unnecessary fees!).

Otherwise, credit cards are your best friend and widely accepted throughout the country – just be sure you have a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees because those sure do add up ;(.

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Places to Stay in Bergen

The Hanseatic Hotel

When we visited Bergen in early September 2019, we stayed two nights at The Hanseatic Hotel, a charming and cozy spot right in the historic Bryggen area—perfect for soaking up the city’s old-world charm with all the modern comforts.

This 4-star boutique hotel has 37 unique rooms that have stayed true to the history of the Finnegaarden Trading House in Bryggen that it is located in ~ and is listed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Some of the rooms even have the original timber walls :).

Opus XVI

If you’re looking for a little luxury with a touch of history, Opus XVI is a fabulous 4-star hotel right in the heart of Bergen, just steps from the colorful Bryggen Wharf and Fish Market.

This elegant hotel was once an old bank, but now it’s all about charm, comfort, and a perfect location for exploring the city.

Photos courtesy of Opus XVI Instagram

Bergen Børs Hotel

If you want to stay somewhere that’s both stylish and packed with history, Bergen Børs Hotel is a fabulous choice—this 4-star hotel is set in the city’s old stock exchange building, right in the heart of Bergen.

You’ll be just steps from the harbor, the famous Bryggen Wharf, and all the best spots in town, making it yet another option for the perfect home base for exploring this Nordic city.

Plus, the lobby is home to Frescohallen, a stunning restaurant hall with soaring ceilings and beautiful murals, perfect for enjoying a delicious meal in a grand yet cozy setting.

Photos courtesy of Bergen Børs Hotel Instagram

Best Places to Eat in Bergen

Bergen has some fantastic seafood (hello, fresh-from-the-fjord fish!), but if we’re being real, it’s not exactly a top-tier foodie city—just be ready for high prices and keep an open mind about reindeer on the menu ;0.

Here is a list of the most recommended places to eat in the city (see the map above for locations).

Pingvinen

This cozy little spot is all about comfort food, Norwegian style. Think homemade meatballs, fish soup, and a relaxed, pub-like atmosphere. It feels like the kind of place where locals go to unwind, and honestly, that’s the best kind of restaurant.

Bryggeloftet & Stuene

Right by the historic Bryggen wharf, this place has been serving up classic Norwegian dishes forever. If you’ve never had reindeer before, here’s your chance (it’s actually delicious). Plus, the warm, wood-paneled interior makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Daily Pot

If you need a little break from heavier meals, Daily Pot is a great find. They do soups, salads, and healthy bowls, and it all tastes super fresh. It’s also a great spot if you have any dietary restrictions since they offer lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Frescohallen

If you’re looking for a gorgeous spot to grab a bite in Bergen, Frescohallen is the place to be—it opened in 2022 in the stunning old stock exchange building (Bergen Børs Hotel mentioned above).

While we did not experience the elegant brasserie vibe this restaurant now has, we did eat at its predecessor and can say the atmosphere alone of the vaulted ceilings and highly decorated walls are worth a stop if for nothing else than a refreshing glass of wine or cocktail :).

Top Things to See and Do in Bergen

Stroll Bryggen

Wandering through Bryggen feels like stepping into a storybook, with its colorful, leaning wooden buildings and charming narrow alleyways.

This UNESCO-listed wharf dates back to the Hanseatic era when German merchants turned Bergen into a bustling trading hub, dealing in dried fish and grains.

Today, it’s a mix of history and modern-day with boutiques, cafés, and hidden courtyards.

Ride the Fløibanen Funicular

Riding the Fløibanen funicular in Bergen is a must because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love an easy ride to an incredible view?

This little railway has been running since 1918, taking visitors up to Mount Fløyen in just about six minutes.

For around 160 NOK round-trip (prices may vary), you’ll reach the top and be greeted with jaw-dropping panoramic views of Bergen, scenic walking trails, and maybe even some friendly mountain goats!

Learn more about the hiking options at the top of the funicular here.

Visit Old Bergen Open Air Museum

Old Bergen Open Air Museum is like stepping back in time to explore what Bergen looked like in the 18th and 19th centuries.

With its charming wooden houses and historical exhibits, you’ll get a taste of life in the past.

It’s open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM from mid May to mid September, and is just around 170 NOK (roughly $16 USD) for an adult ticket.

I have always been a huge fan of open air museums because I love strolling streets and entering old buildings as they may have looked in the past – this museum was perfect for me to get a glimpse of Old Bergen :).

We walked here from Bryggen (about a 2 mile walk) and got a true sense of the city of Bergen in the hour or so that we spent here.

Wander the Insta-worthy Streets

Bergen, Norway, is full of charming, photogenic houses and streets that are just waiting for your camera lens :).

If you’re looking to snap some Insta-worthy photos while wandering around this picturesque city, here’s are what I found to be the most photogenic streets in the city (use the map above for locations):

STRANGEBAKKEN STREET

I am pretty sure seeing this street on Instagram is what made me put Bergen on my Norway bucket list :).

SKUTEVIKSVEIEN

KROKEN

STØLESMAUET

LILLE ØVREGATEN

EDVARDSENS GATE

Take a Fjord Cruise

If you’ve made it to Bergen, you have to get out on the water!

Whether it’s a short cruise or a longer adventure to the Sognefjord, the views are breathtaking.

As mentioned earlier, we arrived into Bergen after taking the Nærøyfjord ferry boat from Flåm.

If you choose to not follow the NIN (Norway in a Nutshell) itinerary (whether by yourself or with the tour group), you absolutely need to prioritize a fjord cruise while in Bergen :).

FJORD TOUR OPTIONS

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Buy a Dale of Norway Sweater

If you’re in Bergen, you have to buy a Dale of Norway sweater—trust me, it’s a classic sweater you’ll wear for years.

These sweaters are a staple of Norwegian tradition, with designs that reflect the country’s rich heritage and love for the outdoors.

There is a Dale of Norway shop right in Bryggen for you to browse these iconic sweaters :).

A short distance out of the city limits of Bergen is a factory outlet and museum if you have the time (you can get there by train fyi).

What to Wear in Norway

As you can clearly see by the majority of our photos from the trip, we had cloudy and often times rainy weather for most of our trip (and this was an end of August/first week of September time frame!).

So be sure to bring a good raincoat and walking/hiking shoes – and sweaters :).

Our 16 Day Scandinavia Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Copenhagen via London on British Airways

DAY 2 | Arrive in Copenhagen at 10pm | Stay 3 nights at Hotel D’Angleterre

DAY 3 | Copenhagen: Nyhavn, Little Mermaid statue, The Bridge Street Kitchen

DAY 4 | Copenhagen: Flytographer photo shoot, Freetown Christiania, Climb up Church of our Saviour stairs for view

DAY 5 | Train to Gothenburg, Sweden with lunch stop in Malmo (total train ride 3 hours) | Stay 2 nights at Elite Plaza Hotel

DAY 6 | Gothenburg, Sweden: Haga neighborhood, antique window shopping

DAY 7 | Train to Oslo, Norway (4 hours) | Stay 2 nights at Grand Hotel Oslo

DAY 8 | Oslo, Norway: Munch Museum, Grünerlokka, Opera House roof views, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Skillebekk neighborhood

DAY 9 | Train from Oslo to Myrdal (4.5 hours) then scenic train from Myrdal to Flåm (1 hour) | Stay 3 nights at Freitheim Hotel – read my Norway in a Nutshell on your own guide here.

DAY 10 | Flåm: Hike to waterfall

DAY 11 | Flåm: Private car to Stegastein viewpoint & Borgund Stave Church, Rented mini electric car to Aurland

DAY 12 | Flåm to Gudvangen boat (2 hours), bus from Gudvangen to Voss (1.25 hours), hike with a private tour guide in Voss area before taking train from Voss to Bergen (1.25 hours) | Stay 2 nights at Det Hanseatiske Hotel

DAY 13 | Bergen, Norway: Old Bergen Museum, Bryggen, explored Old Town

DAY 14 | Night flight from Bergen, Norway to Stockholm, Sweden (1.5 hours) | Stay 2 nights at Berns Hotel

DAY 15 | Stockholm, Sweden: Gamla Stan, Stodholm

DAY 16 | Fly Stockholm to San Diego via London on British Airways

I hope you found this Bergen Norway travel guide post helpful :).

Bergen is the kind of place that steals your heart with its colorful streets, scenic fjords, and warm, welcoming vibe.

Whether you’re exploring the charming old town or taking in the breathtaking views from Mount Fløyen, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxing, yet adventure-filled getaway.

Trust me, it’ll leave you with memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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