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Once the capital of Norway, Bergen remains the country’s second-largest city. It’s primarily the gateway for any traveller to the fjords region, making it an essential destination in Norway. But don’t just see it as a brief stopover on your Viking journey! The city, with its sleepy seaside charm, has much to offer in terms of activities and sights. Here’s what we recommend you visit in Bergen.
📚 A bit of History. If you’ve watched Vikings, you’d be interested to know that the city was founded roughly around the same time the series is set, in about 1070 AD, by King Olaf III. Bergen started to flourish in the following century with the arrival of German merchants.
🗒️ Northern Lights, hotels: things to know about Bergen
Before we delve into the must-dos in Bergen, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this Norwegian destination.
When is the best time to visit Bergen?
Well, it depends on what you’re after. If you want to avoid rain (though bear in mind, Bergen is known for its wet weather) and enjoy milder conditions, it’s best to visit between May and August, during the summer. This is also when the days are longest, giving you ample time to explore and soak up its unique ambiance.
For fewer crowds but still decent weather, late spring and early autumn are good times. But in that case, pack some warm clothing for the evenings.
Is it easy to travel from Bergen to other parts of Norway, including the fjords?
Yes, in fact, Bergen is often dubbed the “gateway” to the fjords of Western Norway. From here, you can easily reach renowned fjords like Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord, either via organised tours or by boat and train. If you’re heading east, the railway line connecting Bergen to Oslo (read our guide) promises breathtaking views, though at seven hours, it’s quite a journey.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Bergen?
The Northern Lights are mainly spotted in Northern Norway, especially above the Arctic Circle. However, during high solar activity, it’s occasionally possible to witness them in Bergen, though it’s rare. If catching this mesmerising phenomenon is your primary goal, cities further north, like Tromsø, are a better bet. Check out our handy guide on the topic (our website’s premier article).
Which hotel to choose in Bergen?
Nestled in Bergen’s heart, Opus 16 is a stylish hotel that beautifully blends history with modernity. Formerly the home of famed composer Edvard Grieg, this boutique hotel provides a luxurious stay with finely decorated rooms and a restaurant serving contemporary Nordic cuisine.
Nearby, Bergen Børs Hotel is housed in the old Bergen stock exchange building, showcasing 19th century architecture. The rooms feature a minimalist Scandinavian design, and it also boasts one of the city’s best seafood restaurants.
Lastly, located near the renowned Bryggen district, the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret occupies a splendid historic building that once served as a harbour office. It seamlessly merges Bergen’s maritime history with contemporary luxury. Its spacious rooms offer stunning views of the harbour and historic district.
Booking.com🔝 What are the things to do in Bergen?
Alright, let’s delve into the heart of our topic, the reasons you’re reading this article: the must-see things to do in Bergen.
Explore the Bryggen district
You can’t say you want to visit Bergen without planning a stop in this historic neighbourhood. Deemed one of the most picturesque in all of Norway, Bryggen is a riot of colours thanks to its wooden houses (in shades of yellow, red, ochre, and more).
It should come as no surprise then that Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once, it was the heart of trade between Europe and Norway. Walking through here is a journey back in time, with its remarkable architecture everywhere you look.
Treat yourself to a beautiful view at the Rosenkrantz tower
It’s not just timber that makes Bergen stand out! Head over to the Vågen bay, and you’ll find an unusual structure: the Rosenkrantz Tower. Dating back to 1261, this tower is a genuine medieval relic. Once serving as protection against external threats, the tower, named after Erik Rosenkrantz, the 16th-century governor of Bergen’s castle, is now a city landmark.
But its appeal isn’t just historical. The Rosenkrantz Tower provides visitors with an unparalleled view of Vågen bay and the Bergen cityscape.
Visit the Fortress of Bergenhus
This is a natural continuation from the Rosenkrantz Tower. Located strategically in the city, Bergenhus Fortress houses ancient buildings, some of which were used as bunkers by the Germans during World War II.
A tour here lets you explore these bunkers, the stables, and command headquarters. Furthermore, parts of the fortress now host concerts, mainly during the summer months.
Eat at the Bergen Fish Market
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, this market is an absolute must-visit. Established in the 12th century, it has always been a hub for fish trade.
Here, you can sample both fresh and smoked fish. It’s also the perfect place for a hearty seafood dish. Plus, the culinary methods on display offer a unique insight into Norwegian culture.
Climb Mount Floyen
For a comprehensive view, why not gain some altitude? Thought the view from Rosenkrantz Tower was impressive? You’ll be even more amazed by the panorama from Mount Floyen, offering a sweeping vista of Bergen. Its peak is 425 metres high, but fear not; a funicular (opened in 1918) can whisk you up there in under ten minutes. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?
Once at the summit, enjoy the view before taking a leisurely walk down, allowing you to appreciate the city from varied perspectives and marvel at the stunning fjords in the distance.
💡 Tip: Mount Floyen has its own website and even a mobile app provided by the funicular company to help you plan your visit. Check it out.
Learn at the Hanseatic Museum
When you’re exploring a city, it’s always worthwhile to visit at least one museum. Hence, we’ve included the renowned Hanseatic Museum (official site) in our list of Bergen must-sees. This place chronicles how German merchants from the Hanseatic League lived and traded in Bergen over 400 years, from 1350 to 1750.
Located in Bergen’s heart, the museum, established in 1872, comprises two trading houses whose interiors have remained intact for over three centuries. A few streets north, you’ll find the Schøtstuene, meeting rooms used by Hanseatic merchants during Norway’s harsh winters.
Both the Hanseatic Museum and the Schøtstuene are crucial to understanding Bergen’s strategic significance in the region during medieval times. And a guided tour is highly recommended.
Visit the Bergen Aquarium
Whether you’re travelling with kids or not, the city’s aquarium (official site) is both entertaining and educational. Although relatively small, it has around fifty tanks and aquariums where you can see sea lions, penguins, and seals, along with more exotic creatures like crocodiles.
We hope this list of activities in Bergen, Norway, has been useful in planning your trip. If you have any more suggestions, please share them in the comments.