Is Bergen Worth Visiting? 12 Things To Do and Reasons to Visit
Wondering if Bergen is worth visiting on your next adventure? I just spent four days in the city as I backpack my way up the Western Coast of Norway. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, with fantastic food spots, historic architecture and tons of shopping there is enough to keep you busy for a couple days.
This guide will help you decide whether Bergen is worth visiting on your trip. I’ll cover the best things to do, day trips outside of Bergen and how to get around.
A quick-guide to Bergen: City highlights
✅ Guided tour of Nærøyfjord cruise
✅ Explore the shops at Bryggen
✅ Visit the top of Fløyen Mountain
Top 12 Things to Do in Bergen
Bergen is a key location for travelers via train, plane and of course cruise ships. See below for Bergen’s top 12 things we recommend including in your Norway itinerary.
- Spend a day on Fløyen Mountain: Fløyen Mountain is accessible via the Fløibanen car ($12 USD) or you can hike it, which can take up to 2 hours depending on your pace. There are plenty of trails, restaurants and even a troll forest to keep you occupied at the top of the mountain.
Shan’s Tip: To beat the crowds especially in the summer, head to the top of the Mountain after 7 PM. If the skies are clear, you can stay close to sunset and take the Fløibanen car down. The car is available until midnight!
2. Eat at Solros Cafe: Easily becoming the top cafe in town, even the locals agree! If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out their website as the owners close shop for vacation. I missed them this time, but their cinnamon rolls are life changing!
3. Guided tour of Nærøyfjord cruise: A fantastic way to see the fjords, especially if you are on limited time and don’t want to drive. The highlight for me was taking the Flåm Railway train ride.
4. Visit Bergenhus Fortress: The fortress was built in the 13th century and has relics from World War II when Germany occupied Norway. You can walk around the grounds for free, there is a fee to access the building’s interior.
5. Find the Cannonball in Bergen Cathedral: Located near the city center, Bergen Cathedral has a cannonball in the front of the cathedral from enemy fire in 1665.
6. Walk through the Fish Market: The best place to get fish in Bergen, is of course the Fish Market. You can have a full meal and/or grab fresh fish anytime throughout the day. The market closes at 9 PM on most weekdays.
7. Shop around Bryggen: Bryggen is accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its history as a Trading post for centuries. Today it is an iconic place for photos as well as tourist shopping.
8. Eat at the Daily Pot: An absolute must, especially if you are looking for something fresh and healthy. They do accept reservations, but you can usually walk in as long as you’re not going during peak hours.
9. Shop for Yarn: A trip to Norway isn’t complete without purchasing some type of wool product. My two favorite shops in Bergen are FÆR and Husfliden.
10. Visit Old Bergen Museum: Bergen used to have the largest number of wooden homes and the Museum offers the best opportunity to see what the city looked like in the 18th-20th centuries. You’ll need to take a bus or taxi to get to the Museum.
Shan’s Tip: If you don’t want to make a trip to the Museum, you can walk around the Nordnes neighborhood. It’s very similar to San Francisco with homes on a hill with windy roads.
11. Visit St. Mary’s Church: A must-see for all of the history buffs! St. Mary’s Church is the oldest building in the city, it is also a stop along the St.Olav Pilgrim path.
12. Tour Hopperstad Stave Church on a Fjord tour: The Hopperstad Stave Church is one of the 28 Stave Churches in good condition within Norway. This tour offers a visit to Hopperstad, Sognefjord and the iconic Cider House.
Bergen FAQs
Is Bergen Worth Visiting?
The answer to your question is, Bergen is ABSOLUTELY worth visiting.
It’s known as the Gateway to the Fjords in Norway and has so much to offer!
Many people will choose to fly into Bergen instead of Oslo to take advantage of its proximity to the fjords. There are plenty of day trips available directly from the city center (see below) that you’ll want to add to your must-do list.
What is Bergen known for?
Bergen is the Gateway to the Fjords and is therefore the best starting point for your Norwegian adventure. It’s also known for its rich history in the fishing industry and its artistic culture.
How many days in Bergen is enough?
I’d recommend giving yourself 2 full days to visit Bergen. The first day can be spent exploring the city and the second day can be a day trip to one of the fjords.
Where to stay in Bergen
👉 Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – $$$
👉 Scandic Byparken Bergen – $$
What is the best time to visit Bergen?
The best time to visit Bergen is May to early September. The weather is between the mid 50’s degree (Farenheit) to upper 70’s. You’ll also get to enjoy the benefits of a midnight sun until Midsummer.
Can I rent a car in Bergen?
Yes! I would encourage you to wait to pick up your car until you are ready to be out of the city center. Parking in the city is very expensive, even if your hotel has a designated parking space. Driving through Norway is my favorite way to fully experience the country, I highly recommend renting a car.
How to get around Bergen
Bergen is small in comparison to many European cities, therefore it’s very walk-friendly. If you’d like to take a break from walking, consider a segway tour of the city!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Bergen is an absolute must-add for your Norwegian itinerary. The city is buzzing, especially in the summer when cruise ships are in town. Grab a pastry from Godt Brød and walk around the harbor.
If you’re looking to add another city to your trip, consider adding Stavanger’s hidden gems to your trip.
Now it’s time to start planning your next adventure, Cheers!
