Things to do in Bergen

In the competition for the title of the world’s most beautiful country, Norway often comes out on top. In Bergen, you’ll find the gateway to the magnificent fjords, making it one of Norway’s prettiest cities. In short: it deserves that spot on your bucket list.

Bergen’s charm offensive starts at Bryggen, the Unesco-recognized old quarter on the east side of the harbor.

As one of Northern Europe’s oldest ports, Bryggen is a photographer’s dream. It’s filled with colorful wooden buildings and narrow cobbled alleys which are home to unique boutiques, artisan studios and seafood restaurants.

It looks even better when viewed from the top of Mt Fløyen (1050 ft). Ride the iconic Fløibanen cable car up there and then follow one of the many scenic forest trails.

Indoor activities in Bergen

It rains a lot in Bergen (we're allowed to say that, we're from Iceland), but that doesn't need to put a dampener on sightseeing. There are plenty of exciting and interesting indoor sights to be explored.

The hands-on exhibits at the Bryggens Museum will teach you about the history of this region, whereas you’ll learn about the city’s naval history at the Bergen Maritime Museum. For another dose of history, check out the Fantoft Stave Church.

You can also get lost in Norwegian art at one of the city’s many art galleries. Four of the most notable are managed by KODE, but each displays different kinds of art.

Looking to find fun for all the family? We recommend exploring Bergen Aquarium; Norway’s largest. Home to 60 different aquariums, housing over 400 different animal species, it’s a fascinating place to visit.

What and where to eat in Bergen

Hit up central Fisketorget (the fish market) for a reminder of how important fish are to the Norwegian diet and to sample tasty seafood freshly plucked from clear, cold waters.

Stalls sell sandwiches bursting with prawns, crab or salmon. Or why not grab some fish and chips or a bowl of the city's most celebrated fish soup?

It's not all fishy business, though. Bergen also has a critically acclaimed dining scene.

In those classic, old-school restaurants hidden in historic waterfront buildings, you’ll find modern Nordic chefs weaving their culinary magic with seasonal local ingredients. Seafood, of course, but expect wild berries, apples, pears and plums too.

Bergen’s many wine bars, cool cafes or microbreweries are also fine spots to spend a few hours - especially when they come with a soothing vista of mountains and sea views.

Day trips from Bergen

There’s no denying that Bergen is lovely, and a large part of that comes from its enviable surroundings. Seven mountains surround the city, and a fjord-slashed coast sits right on its doorstep.

Many visitors fly to Bergen solely to catch a glimpse of its breathtaking coastline, and it certainly delivers. The boat tours in Bergen promise to provide hours of panoramic pleasure.

If you’ve got time to play with, you should consider a journey on the renowned Hurtigruten ferries. These give you the chance to blow your mind along some jaw-dropping coastline. They begin just north of Bergen and travel as far as remote Kirkenes, via islets, archipelagos and isolated towns.

Prefer to stay on solid ground? Climb a local mountain like Fløyen or Ulriken, or head to the gorgeous Hardangerfjord region. Travel even further by taking the train from Bergen to Oslo, considered one of the world's most beautiful train journeys.