Bergen, Norway’s picturesque coastal city is the perfect destination for a weekend escape or short stopover while exploring the Norwegian fjords. Known for its colourful wooden houses, UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf and gateway access to the fjords, Bergen offers the perfect mix of old world charm and nature. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or just passing through, this guide covers the best things to see and do in Bergen.
Getting to Bergen from the Airport
Bergen Airport is located about 18 km (11 miles) south of the city centre and getting into the centre is both easy and affordable especially with a Bergen Card which gives free access to public transport including the Light Rail from the airport. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes with services operating every 5-10 minutes. Single journey NOK40 (£2.99). Another option is the Flybussen (airport bus) which takes 25-30 minutes and has frequent stops in the city centre NOK150 (£11.22) but please note this is not included in the Bergen Card.
Stay:
During our weekend in Bergen, we chose to stay at the Scandic Torget Bergen which proved to be the perfect base for exploring the city. The hotel’s location is unbeatable as it’s on the waterfront directly across from the Fish Market and overlooks the beautiful old wooden houses of Bryggen.
Bergen Card
If you’re planning to spend several days in Bergen, the Bergen 96-hour Card is an excellent investment that offers excellent value and convenience. The card includes access to over 30 museums and attractions throughout the city, some free and others discounted. Beyond museums, it also covers free travel on all Bergen public transport, including buses, the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen), and even discounted rides on the famous Fløibanen Funicular that takes you up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views.
Valid from the time of first use, we ordered our cards on-line ahead of our visit so that we were able to utilise them for the light rail journey from the airport to the city centre. Several fjord tour operators also offer discounts with the Bergen Card making it a cost effective way to explore the city. Cards can also be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre next to the Fish Market. The cards are available in 24, 48, 72 and 96 hour durations and cost from NOK420-780 (£31.40-£58.40). Bergen Card.
See and Do:
Start the day with a ride on the Fløibanen Funicular
There seemed no better way to start our Bergen weekend than by taking a ride up the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. The journey takes just a few minutes to reach the top but the views are unforgettable.
For best views opt for the rear carriage and stand at the back or left hand side for the perfect views. From the mountain top viewpoints we enjoyed a picture-perfect panorama of the city, the fjord and the surrounding mountains—making it an absolute ‘must’ whilst visiting Bergen.
Several walking trails lead from the top of Mount Fløyen, from where there are other lookout points which are less crowded than the nearest one to the funicular. We followed a looped trail towards a lake that we had almost to ourselves, the path being mostly flat and prettily lined with trees.
Goats roam around the hilltop and are tame and friendly. Their job is to keep the grass down but during our visit which was on a very windy day, they were sensibly sheltering in a small cabin so we popped inside to give them a stroke.
After our walk, we made our way to the nearby restaurant which was warm and cosy with its open fire. We warmed up with mugs of hot chocolate which was thick and creamy and just what we needed after being outside in the breezy conditions. Funicular return tickets NOR140 (£10.47) and half price with the Bergen Card. Fløyen
Wandering Through Bryggen
Another ‘must see’ highlight on a short break in Bergen is to head down to Bryggen, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colourful wooden houses lining the harbour are gorgeous with their history going back a long way as Bryggen used to be the heart of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire.
We took a leisurely stroll along the old wooden wharf where we admired the historic buildings with their characteristic pointed roofs. Most visitors just stroll along the waterfront but I recommend wandering along the narrow alleyways that run behind as these are equally charismatic.
Nowadays the small houses are occupied by artisan traders and small shops selling crafts, souvenirs and authentic knitted jumpers. One can visit Bryggen Museum which explores the area’s medieval roots and a great place to learn more.
Enjoy the catch of the day at the Fish Market
The indoor Mathallen fish market is located overlooking the harbour and just steps away from the Scandic Torget where we were staying. This very modern indoor fish market offers a warm and inviting space to explore local Norwegian cuisine throughout the year and especially from the end of September when the famous outdoor fish market closes for the winter months. The indoor hall has the same focus on quality and local ingredients bringing Bergen’s food scene under one roof.
Mathallen then becomes the go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking to experience Bergen’s culinary tastes. Wandering around the stalls we spotted fresh seafood, traditional Norwegian dishes, artisanal cheeses, cured meats and restaurants to enjoy the flavours of the region. Though the bustling, open-air summer fish market is missed in winter, Mathallen offers a relaxed atmosphere, with the same focus on quality, local ingredients and the charm of Bergen’s food scene under one roof.
Explore Bergen’s Museums
Bergen Maritime Museum
A short bus ride from the harbour (fare included in the Bergen Card) took us to the Maritime Museum which documents Norway’s seafaring history from Viking longships to modern freight vessels.
Galleries cover the age of sail, steam ships, and modern shipping. Here we found ship models, full‑size boats, archaeological finds and displays on how shipbuilding, trade, and travel shaped Norwegian life. Standard admission NOK 160 (£11.94) and included in the Bergen Card. Bergen Maritime Museum
Fisheries Museum
Staying with the maritime theme, we called into the Fisheries Museum, which is housed in an old warehouse giving an insight into Norway’s fishing industry which is still hugely important today. Alongside exhibition galleries, we even had an opportunity to try on fisherman’s gear and handle nets and tools.
Natural History Museum
Another great place to visit was the University Museum of Bergen’s Natural History on the attractively laid out Bergen campus.
The museum is located in a beautiful old building and was the perfect place to learn about local wildlife, geology and natural history through interesting exhibits featuring plants, animals, and fossils. Standard admission NOK 150 (£11.20) and included in the Bergen Card. Bergen Natural History Museum
University Museum Garden
Tucked away behind the Natural History Museum lies the Museum Garden (Muséhagen) which was first established in the 1890s. This beautifully landscaped botanical garden features over 3,000 plant species from around the world – ranging from delicate alpine plants to towering exotic trees. We strolled through the kitchen garden, water and rock gardens before exploring the glasshouse with its tropical plants and giant water lilies. The garden is open all year round and free to enter and is highly recommended even if you are not planning a visit to the museum itself.
KODE Art Museums
During our visit to Bergen, we explored Kode, a collection of four art museums situated around the city centre lake. Each building has its own character with one featuring ornate silver and historical furniture, while a second offered interactive exhibits that make art fun and engaging. Not to be missed are the paintings of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. Even if you’re not really into art, the buildings themselves are beautiful and worth a look. Standard admission covering all Kode galleries NOR 175 (£13.06) and included in the Bergen Card. Kode Art Museums
Bergen Cathedral
Bergen Cathedral (Bergen Domkirke) is a historic church located in the city centre. It’s free to enter but has very limited opening times so do check its website in advance before visiting. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century although it has undergone several restorations and rebuilds over the centuries, especially after fires. Its architecture features a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles with impressive stained glass windows.
Relax on board a Fjord Cruise
Morning Fjord Cruise (3.5 Hours)
As Bergen lies at the gateway to the fjords a scenic boat trip should be high on everyone’s itinerary. We booked a 3.5 hour cruise that departed from just outside our hotel at 10.00 a.m. The cruise took us through Osterfjorden and into the dramatic Mostraumen Strait.
The comfortable catamaran offered excellent views from its large windows and as we approached towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and picturesque villages a tannoy announcement invited us out on deck for photo opportunities whilst the boat slowed down. After dreary weather during most of our weekend, we were really fortunate to have clear blue skies and sunshine throughout this voyage. The boat trip was a highlight of our weekend in Bergen and is not to be missed. A 3.5 hour cruise costs NOR 850 (£63.50) per person with a 20% discount for holders of the Bergen Card. Rodne Fjord Cruise
Afternoon at Haakon’s Hall
Back on dry land, we headed to Haakon’s Hall inside the Bergenhus Fortress. It’s just a ten minute walk from the harbour so combines well with a half day fjord cruise. The Great Hall is very impressive with its towering stone walls, high timbered ceiling and long medieval tables.
The Hall dates back to the 1200s, built by King Håkon Håkonsson when Bergen was Norway’s capital. The hall was where grand banquets were held, laws made, and where Norway’s elite once gathered in celebration. Though damaged during World War II, the restoration work was completed blending original stonework with carefully recreated details and wall tapestries.
Bergen Technical Museum
I always like to seek out technical and transport museums wherever I am, and was delighted that during our weekend we were able to visit the one in Bergen as it is only open on Sunday afternoons. The museum is slightly off the tourist trail as it’s located in a residential district surrounded by attractive wooden homes.
The museum is run by volunteers and includes an impressive collection of old trams, vintage buses, cars and bicycles. Vintage tram rides are included in the admission price but these sadly weren’t operating on the day of our visit. Nevertheless, we were pleased we made the effort to visit and especially enjoyed viewing the old funicular railway carriages and clambering on to some of the old trams and buses. Standard admission NOK 150 (£11.19 and free with the Bergen Card. Bergen Technical Museum
Final Thoughts
Well, what a lovely long weekend we’d spent in Bergen. The sun might not have shone for us very much but it didn’t matter a jot as we fell in love with Norway’s second city and its beautiful setting.
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Our weekend was supported by Visit Bergen and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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