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  3. Things to do in Bergen

Things to do in Bergen

Bergen is Norway's second-largest city and the gateway to the fjords. The Hanseatic Bryggen, the Fløibanenfunicular up Mt. Fløyen, the famous fish market, and some of Norway's most dramatic fjords are just a train ride away.

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Bergen Bryggen wharf at sunset with pink evening sky and UNESCO World Heritage colorful wooden buildings
Woman with umbrella through narrow cobblestone street in Bergen on rainy day with colorful wooden houses
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Experience the Nærøyfjord from Bergen

Bergen is the gateway to the fjords for a reason.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord by train, bus, and fjord cruise on the most iconic day trip from Bergen: the Norway in a Nutshell® tour.
Either as a day trip from Bergen or add an overnight stay.
Book Norway in a Nutshell®

Why choose Fjord Tours?

Home of Norway in a Nutshell®
Since 1982, we've connected scenic trains, fjord cruises and iconic sights into journeys that showcase the essence of Norway.
Self-guided freedom
Travel with the confidence of expert planning by local experts. All connections are handled; you just enjoy the journey.
Flexible adventures
Customize your journey when booking; add extra days, hotels, and guided experiences to create your perfect trip.
Sustainable travel
Explore Norway using trains, boats, and electric buses, reducing your footprint while maximizing your experience.

A local’s guide to Bergen

Want to experience Bergen like the locals? We’ve been organizing tours since 1982, so we compiled all our tips into an essential guide.
Two red kayaks paddle past a white boathouse and rocky shore.

Get out into Bergen's nature

Put on some good shoes because there are lots of outdoor activities in Bergen. The city is surrounded by seven mountains – of which Fløyen and Ulriken are 2 of them - and a fjord called “Byfjorden”, literally meaning “city fjord”.
Nature is always close by, so hiking and cycling in the mountains and kayaking along the shore often come with a view of the city skyline.
A unique way to explore the area is by joining a guided kayak tour. See Bergen and the surrounding archipelago from a completely new perspective by hopping in a kayak. Paddle around skerries, wooden boat houses, and spot wildlife – if you get lucky.
Book beginner-friendly guided kayak tour
Cozy glass-fronted waterfront restaurant glowing warmly at twilight, reflections shimmering on calm water surface.

Try the fresh seafood of Western Norway

Bergen is a seaside city, and lots of fresh fish and seafood are brought in daily. Head to the fish market to try the fresh Norwegian salmon, cod, and more. Or sit down at a restaurant and enjoy a seafood platter with a view.
If you’re up for a unique food experience, book a table at Cornelius – a restaurant only accessible by fjord cruise right from the city center.
Book fjord cruise and dinner at Cornelius
Colorful historic wooden buildings at Bryggen UNESCO World Heritage wharf in Bergen, Norway

Walk around the cobblestoned streets and alleys

Go for a stroll around town; you’ll quickly find the narrow, colorful alleyways of the neighborhoods of Marken and Nordnes with proud residents waving the Norwegian flags from their wooden facades and fresh flower pots lining the street.
If you’d rather join a guide who can show you the way, book the guided UNESCO walking tour.

See multi-day tours from Bergen as part of a complete tour

Bergen is the natural start or end point for Norway's most iconic routes. If you'd rather not coordinate connections yourself, these tours include Bergen as part of a complete, pre-booked itinerary.
Turquoise fjord with cruise ships, forested mountains and snow.
Geirangerfjord and Norway in a Nutshell®
Norway's greatest fjords in one full journey
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Norway's UNESCO fjords and scenic trains
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Includes Norway in a Nutshell®
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From 3 days
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Available June – September
From 8459 NOK
Scenic Flåm Railway journey through mountain landscapes in Norway
Active adventure
Preikestolen & Norway in a Nutshell®
Scenic fjords and trains with Preikestolen hike
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The classic route & Norway's most iconic hike
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Includes Norway in a Nutshell®
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From 3 days
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May – September
From 7100 NOK
Havila coastal cruise ship sailing through scenic Norwegian fjords between Trondheim and Bergen
Cities and Coastal Cruise
Discover cities and fjords by rail & cruise
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Ålesund, Trondheim & Flåm via rail and cruise
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Includes Norway in a Nutshell®
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From 4 days
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Available year-round
From 11931 NOK
Fjord cruise boat approaching Balestrand through the Sognefjord
Sognefjord Cruise & Balestrand Stay
Slow down on the shores of Sognefjord
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Fjord cruise, glaciers & 2 nights in Balestrand
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Hotels, transport & activities included
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3 day tour
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Available May – September
From 9096 NOK

One-day itinerary Bergen essentials

A practical itinerary for first-time visitors to the city, based on what we would do as locals!

Travel information

Everything you need to plan your trip, from how to get here to when to book.

Getting to Bergen

Bergen Airport Flesland is 20 km from the city center, with direct flights from Oslo, Stavanger, and several European cities
The light rail (Bybanen) connects the airport to the city center in about 45 minutes. You can buy tickets at the machines at each stop’s platform.
By train from Oslo: the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) is one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, which takes approximately 7 hours
Express boats connect Bergen to towns along the western fjord coast, including Stavanger and Flåm.

Getting around

The city center, including Bryggen, is easily walkable. Most of the city center is quite flat, but keep in mind that Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains and is hilly. When walking through town, you may find some stairs or hills to get you to the other side of the center.
You can explore neighborhoods outside the city center using regular buses that serve the broader city area.
Get to the top of the two mountains using the Fløibanen (a funicular) or Ulriksbanen (a gondola).
Bikes and e-scooters are widely available for short-distance travel
Tip: Bergen is known for rain. Pack a waterproof jacket regardless of the season.
Couple at sunset watching tall ships with flags in the harbor.

Best time to visit Bergen

  • Summer (June-August): Long daylight hours perfect for tours to Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, mountain hikes, and outdoor festivals like the Bergen International Festival
  • Autumn (September-October): Fewer crowds, fall colors in the mountains, and fjord tours with spectacular autumn scenery on the Sognefjord.
  • Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, nearby skiing opportunities at Voss, and a charming atmosphere with snow-capped mountains surrounding the city.
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming parks, gradually warming temperatures, and the beginning of the cruise season with fewer tourists than summer.
Local tip: Bergen's fish market is at its best in the morning. Get there before 10:00 for the widest selection and fewest crowds.

Where to stay

There are many accommodation options in Bergen, most of which are in the city center and within walking distance of the highlights.
  • Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, located between the Fløibanen funicular station and Bryggen
  • Home Hotel Bryggen, right on Bergen’s highlight as the name suggests
  • Clarion Hotel Admiral, on the opposite side of Bryggen by the water
Tip: For summer travel (June–August), book accommodation 2–3 months ahead. Bergen is busy in July, and the best hotels fill up fast.
Bergen city view from Mount Fløyen viewpoint with colorful autumn trees and fjord landscape

When to book your tour

For summer visits (June–August), book day trips and activities 3–6 weeks ahead.
Outside peak season, more last-minute availability is usually possible, but booking ahead gives you a better chance of securing your preferred dates and departure times.

How many days do you need in Bergen?

  • Half a day to see the highlights on foot. Walk Bryggen, visit the fish market, and take the Fløibanen up for the view.
  • Full day to see Bergen + one activity. Combine Bryggen and Fløyen with a kayaking tour, a guided walking tour, the Ulriken cable, or the Mostraumen fjord cruise
  • 2 days to see Bergen + a fjord day trip. Explore the city on day one. Take a full-day Hardangerfjord or Sognefjord trip on day two.
  • 3+ days for the full western Norway experience. Add the Flåm Railway, a hike in the mountains, and the Norway in a Nutshell® route at a relaxed pace.

Frequently asked questions about Bergen

Ready to explore Bergen?

Bergen sits at the heart of Norway's most iconic landscapes. The Hardangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Flåm Railway are all within a day's reach.
Browse the full list of activities in Bergen, check availability, and book your experience today.
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