Norway is a large country with a surprisingly small population and the most majestic natural landscape. The second largest city in Norway is Bergen, only behind Oslo, the capital. Bergen has earned the nickname “gateway to the fjords” thanks to its prime position near several major fjords. Despite its size as a large city, Bergen has a small-town feel with quant side streets and not too many crowds. Here are all the top things to do in Bergen, Norway during your visit.
With its history-filled streets and green mountains that offer stunning views that go on for miles, this is not a stop you’ll want to miss during your time in Norway.
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Bryggen in Bergen
In Bergens city center, right off the water is a row of colorful wooden houses. These picturesque buildings are honestly filled with very touristy shops and restaurants very stereotypical for a touristy spot. However, this is an iconic spot that is centrally located which makes it an easy quick stop and one of the best places to start your Bergen itinerary.
If you’re looking for a delicious restaurant that serves traditional Norwegian food, try Bryggeloftet. It is very close by and you can try unique Norwegian dishes such as reindeer, whale and of course the famous Bergen fish soup. Not to mention everything tastes amazing.
Bergenhus Fortress and Rosenkrantz Tower
There are a couple of important remnants from medieval times. The Rosenkrantz Tower has housed kings and criminals alike as a castle and a dungeon. If you choose to go to the top of the tower it offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Right next door is Bergenhus Fortress. The fortress is open to the public and is also the place of work for many people as well as a venue for events such as concerts. The fortress and tower are only a short walk from the colorful wooden buildings in Old Gamle.
Fløibanen Funicular
One of the best things to do in Bergen is to take a ride on the Mount Floyen Funicular. The funicular will take you all the way up to the top of Mount Fløyen. Where, on a sunny day, you will have an amazing view of Bergen from above. Along with the views, there are hiking trails, a gift shop, multiple playgrounds, a restaurant and an ice cream shop for everyone to enjoy.
More to do in Norway:
- A Day in Flåm: DIY Norway in a Nutshell Tour
- Bergen Hotel Review: Grand Hotel Terminus (coming soon)
Vidden Hike
If you are a hiker there are a few different trails you can hike along on Mt Fløyen and Mt Ulrich. Bergen is the perfect place for hikers thanks to its easy access to many different hiking areas.
For a long hike, you can actually hike between the two mountains on the Vidden Trail. The Vidden Trail is 15 km long (9.32 miles) and will take the average hiker around 3-5 hours to traverse. You can customize the distance slightly by deciding if you will hike up and down the mountains on top of hiking between the mountains or if you will ride the funicular up Mt Floyen and down the Mount Ulriken cable car or visa versa.
The trail can be hiked starting from either mountain and offers some absolutely spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Bryggens Museum
No trip to Bergen would be complete without visiting the Bryggens Museum. This museum houses artifacts from a small medieval town that was destroyed in a fire centuries ago. It is truly remarkable to see the many items that were found preserved in the ground. It will give you an appreciation for how much history this city has seen over time. You can easily spend half a day at the museum learning about the history of Bergen and you don’t want to miss it! Get a look through a window in time to what life looked like in the Middle Ages; the whole museum is a Unesco world heritage site.
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Fantoft Stave Church
Before this trip, I associated Stave Churches with Iceland, but I have learned they are very common in Norway. There is a beautiful Stave church just a short drive outside of downtown Bergen. There is a sizable entrance fee in order to walk around and inside the church but the building is stunning and the carvings are a true work of art. I love the contrast of the blackened wood on the outside with the orangish natural wood on the inside.
If you have time, it is definitely worth a visit.
Bergen Fish Market
Right off the water near Gamle Bergen is an outdoor market made of tents called the Bergen Fish Market. Here you can walk along the busy sidewalk and stop to have a seafood meal, grab a seafood snack (or meal) to go, or even purchase the fresh fish you need to cook a dinner yourself. It was a fun and hectic atmosphere that you absolutely need to visit if you enjoy fish, prawns or whale steak.
More to do in Scandinavia:
- 11 Top Things to Do and See in Skåne, Sweden
- 15 Best Things to Do in Malmö, Sweden
- 9 Swedish Pastries and Treats You Must Try for Fika
Leprosy Museum
Yes, this is an entire museum on the disease of Leprosy and specifically about its history here in Bergen. Their website states “Between 1850 and 1900 Bergen had the largest concentration of patients in Europe” (visitbergen) which is astounding. The museum is located inside a hospital that was used for the treatment of leprosy itself. In fact, it is where one Dr. Hansen discovered the cause of leprosy.
There is a lot of reading so this may not be the most ideal stop when you have kids with you.
However, the stories you hear and read here are personal accounts from patients, staff and doctors who worked in this very hospital so it is a great place to tour. It is a fascinating history to learn about. Keep in mind the museum is only open during the summer months and closed in the winter.
Fjord Cruise
A fjord cruise is an absolute must-do item when you visit Norway. And luckily, there are several fjords near Bergen that you can visit. A fjord cruise is the perfect day trip from Bergen to see one of Norway’s most majestic natural landscapes. You can ride on a comfortable boat as you sail to tiny towns, some only accessible by boat! The most popular places for a fjord cruise is to visit Flåm. A DIY Norway in a nutshell tour takes you to see fjords, waterfalls, train rides and more!
Hanseatic Museum: Bryggen
Bryggens Museum is an outdoor, open-air museum where you get to see houses from the Hanseatic time period. An entire block of 62 historic buildings has been preserved and you can walk among the historic part of town. The buildings, the narrow alleyways and many different artifacts give us all a peak at what life looked like so many years ago. A guided tour here will really ensure you get the most out of your visit through stories and fun facts.
Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen is a beautiful and vibrant city with plenty of amazing things to do. From exploring historical monuments, to hiking through nature, to enjoying traditional Norwegian food, Bergen’s most popular attractions have a lot to offer. Whether you choose to take a hike on Vidden Trail or visit the Leprosy Museum, Bergen has something for everyone! Take a ride on the Mt Fløyen Funicular to get a bird’s eye view of the city, sample some delicious seafood at the fish market, or explore Bryggens Museum and learn about the rich history of this area. No matter what you choose to do, visiting Bergen is sure to be an experience filled with adventure and unique cultural experiences!
