24 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway (2024 Guide + Map!)

Norway’s rainy, west coast capital is an incredible place. And it is mind-blowingly beautiful. This is a guide to the best things to do in Bergen, Norway, from culture to food to history (and more)!

When I first moved to Norway, I struggled to adjust because of the rain in Bergen. I eventually moved to Oslo. What a shame (but I loved Oslo). But Bergen was the city that delighted tourists.

When my family came to visit me, I was so eager to drive them from Oslo to Bergen so they could marvel at the city, which I swear is one of the most stunning and captivating in the world.

And the city didn’t disappoint. For some odd reason, Bergen couldn’t give me an ounce of sunshine when I lived there. But it gave my family sun, and they fell in love with the city!

This guide contains some of my favorite things to do in Bergen, from the touristy stuff to some of my favorite restaurants and day trips.

If you have any other recommendations for the top attractions in Bergen, please drop them in the comments. Thanks!

Best Things to Do in Bergen

The guide to places to visit in Bergen (and things to do there!) is not comprehensive, as there are heaps of things to do there!

But it is a good start for travelers who want to explore the depths of the Hanseatic city. I also give some insider tips throughout the guide from my time living and traveling there!

The guide also includes quite a few day trips from Bergen for the person who wants to experience Norwegian nature removed from the city.

1. Go on a Mostraumen Fjord Tour (#1 Bergen Excursion)

One of my favorite things to do in Bergen is to head out on a boat, and there is no better way to experience the city for the first time than taking this Mostraumen fjord cruise!

The Bergen fjord tour will guide you through the Osterfjord before ending up in Mostraumen, where you can see the Bergsåafossen waterfall and a small town before heading back.

The tour is one of the more affordable ones and will only take up 3–3.5 hours of your day. Even if you’re in Bergen at the start (or end!) of a cruise journey, I still think this excursion is a good one, as you will enter an area you won’t see on your coastal journey.

On a side note, the best part about this fjord tour is that it runs year-round (with limited offerings in winter, but still at least once daily).

It is one of my favorite experiences in Bergen, and you can read about my experience on the Bergen fjord cruise here.

>> Click here to book a Mostraumen fjord tour

2. Hang Out on the Nordnes Peninsula (a Bergen Hidden Gem!)

A favorite part of Bergen for me is the Nordnes peninsula. And I think it deserves a place on every Bergen bucket list!

This area is so close to the city center, but many people miss out on seeing it unless they spend a bit more time in the city (and away from Bryggen). I firmly believe that it is one of the best-hidden gems in Bergen.

Historically speaking, this area was first established during the 12th century as the home of a monastery/garden. Today, it is one of the best places to live in the city.

Nordnes is also home to Nordnesparken, one of my favorite parks in the city that overlooks the sea.

Some of my favorite places on the Nordnes Peninsula are:

• Steep and narrow alleys in Nøstet
• Ytre Markeveien (cute street)
• Løvetann Café & Bistro (one of my favorite cafes in Bergen)
• Nordnes Sjøbad (a swimming and bathing area close to the sea)
• Nordnesparken (as noted above!)

This tour with I Love Bergen will take small groups on a walking tour of Nordnes. If you have more than just one day in Bergen, I think you need to add this area to your itinerary (and a tour is a good way to get to know the neighborhood).

3. Cruise the Fjords to Famous Flåm

Flåm is one of the most talked about and visited fjord villages in Norway, and its beauty and stillness are the reasons. I have visited several times, and it never fails to make my jaw drop. It sits on the Aurlandsfjord (one fjord over from Nærøyfjord).

Many of the ships stop in the fjord, and there can be an influx of visitors here and there, but I deem it worthy of the trip from Bergen, even if it is packed during the day.

If you’re a craft beer fan, you’ll be delighted to know that there is an awesome brewery there called Ægir.

Some other things to do in Flåm are to ride the world-famous Flåmsbana to Myrdal (one of Earth’s most beautiful train rides!), check out the historic Fretheim Hotel, take an adventure tour (RIB boats go from here… or you can rent a kayak!), and more!

You can reach Flåm on a day trip from Bergen by boat. Below is a top-rated tour from Bergen that you should consider checking out (I did this!).

>> Click here to check rates and availability to Flåm

4. Feel Like Royalty at Gamlehaugen

Located not too far out of the Bergen city center is Gamlehaugen, a Royal Castle in Norway that belongs to the Norwegian Royal Family.

The farm area itself dates back to the Middle Ages but this home was completed in 1900 and has been the Royal Family’s Bergen home since 1927.

My favorite thing about the place is that it sits on a property of beautiful green land that you can visit and chill out in.

Getting to Gamlehaugen requires a little bit of planning – you can either take Bus 600 from the Bergen bus station (a short walk once there) or the Bybanen Line 1 (a 25-minute walk once there).

Address: Gamlehaugvegen 10 (in Paradis)

5. Visit Bergen’s Most Famous Stave Church in Fantoft

In Fana, you will find one of Bergen’s most recognizable sights, the Fantoft Stave Church. Although reconstructed, it is still mind-blowing knowing that this church dates back to 1150, originally built near the Sognefjord.

In 1992, the church was destroyed by arson, of which Varg Vikernes, a Norwegian black metal singer, was accused. He was found not guilty in this particular instance but was convicted of arson crimes against other churches around Norway.

Nevertheless, Stave Churches are unique to Norway, and this is one of the best attractions in Bergen (and wherever they are located in Norway).

Address: Fantoftvegen 38

6. Learn About the City’s Seafaring Past at the Bergen Maritime Museum

One of Norway’s oldest specialized museums is the Bergen Maritime Museum. The place dates back to 1914 and was officially opened to the public on February 18, 1927.

Inside, you can find a lot of detailed information about Bergen’s seafaring past, and some of the stories date back 2,000 years! The museum offers guided tours during the high season.

To get to the Bergen Maritime Museum, you will need to get the bus to Møhlenpris stop or walk there from the city center (it is around a 15-20 minute walk).

Bergen Maritime Museum opening hours:

• January-April: 11am-3pm (closed on January 1, Good Friday, and Easter)
• May-August: 10am-4pm (Monday through Friday), 10am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday)
• September-December: 11am-3pm (closed on December 25 and 31)

Address: Haakon Sheteligs plass 15

7. Visit Edvard Grieg’s Former Home at Troldhaugen

Bergen’s pride and joy is Edvard Grieg, one of the most famous composers in the world.

In Bergen, you can visit his former residence, Troldhaugen, where you will find the Edvard Grieg Museum, his villa that overlooks Nordås Lake, the hut where he composed his music and his gravesite alongside his wife’s gravesite.

The house museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm from May 1 until September 30.

During the winter (Oct 1-April 30), it is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 am-4 pm and weekends from 11 am-5 pm. It is part of the KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes and a ticket is 130 NOK for adults.

Please note that Troldhaugen is closed for January 2024.

To get there, you can take Bus 600 from the Bergen bus station.

Address: Troldhaugvegen 65 (in Paradis)

8. Do the Vidden Hike from Fløyen to Ulriken

You can do this hike either way, as it is an out-and-back trail, and I did it from Fløyen to Ulriken when I did the entire thing.

This is one of the best city hikes I have ever done and one of the most popular things to do in Bergen during the warmer months. It is also one of the best free things to do in Bergen, making it great for budget travelers!

The entire hike is 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) and takes anywhere from 5-8 hours (depending on your stamina and the number of stops you make).

The best time to do the Vidden hike is from May until October, but you can go up there and ski during the winter months. The hike is well-marked and is considered moderate (although I would say it is easy-moderate if you hike frequently).

9. Ride the Fløibanen to Fløyen for One of the Best Views over Bergen

One of the essential things to do in Bergen for any visitor is to take a ride up the Fløibanen funicular to that ‘iconic’ view of the city! Built in 1918, it takes you up to the top of Fløyen Mountain.

Up there, you will get a chance to see the city from above, enjoy a coffee at the cafe, eat at the restaurant, or even start a hike to Ulriken.

Be sure to also go a bit to the left (if facing the city) up there, as goats are wandering about!

The ride is short, and the funicular leaves every 10–15 minutes, so you won’t have to wait too long! A return ticket is currently 130 NOK (about $12.75) and there are student discounts (and dogs ride for free).

The Fløibanen runs from 7:30am until 11 pm every night all year round and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. You can find out more here.

Address: Vetrlidsallmenningen 23A

10. Warm Up at one of the Top Coffee Shops in Bergen

Bergen has some exceptional cafes and one of my favorite things to do is to hunt them down and enjoy a cup of coffee with a sweet, Norwegian pastry.

On my last trip to the city, I had the chance to check out several fantastic Bergen cafes and some of my favorites were:

• BKB (Bergen Coffee Roastery): they recently closed their Vågen location, but the one on Kong Christian Frederiksplass 6 is open
• Blom
• Kaffeemisjonen

One thing to note is that Norwegians drink a lot of coffee and many love a typical, black-filtered coffee. If you opt for this at a cafe, chances are you can get a half-priced refill (called a påfyll).

11. See Byparken (a Famous Bergen Landmark)

Another popular park in Bergen is Byparken. This park is super centrally located and smaller, but it is definitely one of the most popular places to visit in the city.

Now, despite living in Bergen, I don’t really know if Byparken is just the small area where the gazebo is or if Festplassen and the large lake behind it are considered Byparken, too. 

You will see events hosted around here, as well as the KODE Art Museum.

And, if you head to the left (if you’re facing the lake away from the city), you will eventually run into Marken Street, which is worth a stroll down.

12. Indulge in Hanseatic History at Bryggen

If you’ve seen one photo of Bergen prior to traveling there, you have likely seen a photo of the charming, wooden harbor buildings called Bryggen.

These colorful buildings are a historic masterpiece of the city and are even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hanseatic buildings mark some of the origins of the city (founded in 1070) and now are home to museums, shops, and some of Bergen’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Some of my favorite places at Bryggen are:

• Hanseatic Museum & Schøtstuene
• Bryggeloftet & Stuene (a worthwhile stop for Norwegian cuisine)
• Enhjørningen (another good place for dinner)
• Kaf Kafe Bryggen (cozy coffee shop – can get quite busy)
• Bryggen Husflid (offers a large selection of Norwegian wool sweaters – a bit expensive given its location, but you can come across some good finds!)
• Røst (products designed in the Nordics and Northern Europe)
• Gullsmed Per Vigeland (local jeweler’s shop – I have a ring from there)

These iconic buildings and area sit on the harbor and will undoubtedly be one of the first places you visit when you arrive in the city!

13. Learn About the Battle of Vågen at Bergenhus Festning

As if Bergen couldn’t get more idyllic and perfect… it has a fortress located directly on its harbor.

Bergenhus Festning is one of the best-preserved stone fortifications in all of Norway, and it is definitely worth a visit and one of the essential things to do in Bergen if you’re there.

The fortress dates back to the 1240s, and despite being the main Bergen attraction, you can find peace and quiet within its walls.

It is one of my favorite places to visit in Bergen, actually. Mainly because I love strolling through the gardens around it. You can find it a bit further down from Bryggen, going toward Sandviken.

Rosenkrantz Tower

Okay, so this is technically part of the Bergenhus Festning, but it definitely deserves its own place on this guide as it is a really cool place to visit in Bergen.

The Rosenkrantz Tower was built by Erik Rosenkrantz, the governor of the Bergen Castle, in the 1560s.

The tower is considered one of the most important Renaissance monuments in all of Norway, and you can climb its narrow stairs and get an impressive view over the Bergen harbor.

There is a fee to visit the Rosenkrantz Tower, and the hours vary depending on the season. If you’re into history, this is one of the best things to see in Bergen!

14. Peruse the Streets of Gamle Bergen

Perhaps Bergen’s most charming quarter, Gamle Bergen, is the city’s ‘open-air’ museum and area where you can explore the history of the city.

Bergen was the largest wooden city in Europe in the 1900s, and Gamle Bergen boasts 55 wooden houses from various eras and decades, showcasing this history.

While it is a bit further away from the city center than many Bergen sights, it is still worth the drive or walk there (it is in Sandviken).

If you’re looking for historical things to do in Bergen, visiting Gamle Bergen takes the cake!

Address: Nyhavnsveien 4

15. Explore the Ruins of a Cistercian Monastery at Lysekloster

I legitimately have no idea how I first discovered or heard about Lysekloster Monastery in Os Kommune. But, it is a super off-the-beaten-path place to visit near Bergen if you’re interested and have a car!

The monastery is actually in ruins but is worth a Sunday stroll as you can rock up to it without a fee or anything and chill out.

The Cistercian monastery was named ‘Lysekloster’ for the fjord it was situated on, the Lysefjorden.

You need a car to get here, but if you have one rented and are looking for a hidden gem in the area that is unknown to nearly everyone (even some locals), take a trip there.

Address: Edne 121 (Lysekloster)

16. Experience Bergen’s Amazing Seafood at the Fish Market

A can’t-miss spot in Bergen is the Fish Market. Existing since the 1200s, it is definitely worth a stroll through and is even a great place to have a beer if the weather isn’t too shabby (but don’t worry, they have covering and blankets if it is).

In 2012, an indoor fish market opened right beside it (called Mathallen). It is located right beside the outdoor one and below the tourist information center.

While I don’t suggest eating lunch or dinner there (I just think there are better options as I list directly below!), it is a great place to walk around and take in the atmosphere of one of the top attractions in Bergen.

Best Bergensk Fiskesuppe by the Harbor

When in the city, I often had a hankering for something cheap and delicious. I never had to look far and would always end up with a cup of Bergensk Fiskesuppe, or Bergen fish soup.

There are so many places you can find this (and many purchase at the fish market), but I love buying around the harbor at Søstrene Hagelin at Strandgaten 3 and taking it to go and sitting by the harbor (or sitting outside of their eatery).

The soup is creamy, hearty, and thick and comforts you well on the dreary and chilly Bergen days.

Inside the soup, you will usually find potatoes, leek, and various types of fish (salmon and cod, most notably). This is one of the foods I really miss when away from Western Norway!

17. Support Local and Visit the 7 Fjell Tap Room

Norway’s craft beer scene is honestly one of the best things about the country (and that says a lot). And 7 Fjell is proof of this.

‘7 Fjell’ means ‘Seven Mountains’ which is the symbol of Bergen (okay… that and rain… but it keeps those mountains green and luscious). The Bergen craft beer was named after this famous feature of the city!

They have a tap room that exudes Scandinavian minimalism and intelligent design. I highly recommend taking a trip out to Bønes and visiting the 7 Fjell Tap Room on your trip to Bergen if you’re a beer enthusiast.

Address: Fjellsdalen 5 (in Bønes), but you can drink it in several places around Bergen city center!

18. Enjoy One of Bergen’s Best Restaurants

If you’re a foodie and happen to be traveling to Bergen, don’t worry—you’re in good hands! You will find plenty of tasty restaurants in Bergen, and some of my favorites are as follows:

• Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant: super touristy, but locals love it too. You can find local food here, and if you go on Thursdays, you can enjoy raspeballer! Located around Bryggen.
• Trekroneren: some of the most delicious hotdogs you will ever taste! Located near Fløibanen.
• MOON: French techniques with Norwegian ingredients. Exquisite! Located at Marken 33.

Click here to check out some of my other top restaurants in Bergen!

19. Have a Hot Chocolate at Fjåk Chocolate Shop & Cafe

Norwegians are never lazy when they produce a product, and you can almost assure yourself that it will be high-quality. Fjåk Chocolate Shop & Cafe is located not far from the harbor area, and they are the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in the country.

You will find the highest-quality ingredients combined with organic and ethically-traded chocolate.

Their factory is located in the Hardangerfjord area, but you can step inside their cozy cafe and try some, or opt for hot chocolate as I did!

They offer a regular hot chocolate (as Americans know it) or a Spanish-style one (which I, personally, don’t like as it is thick and tastes more like pudding). I had a milky hot chocolate with a large marshmallow in it, and it was simply divine!

Address: Skostredet 5

20. Take a Day Trip to Extreme Sports Capital, Voss

The city of Voss is likely a familiar one for people around the world, all as a result of the famous water that comes from there. Well, sorry to spoil things, but Voss water isn’t actually from Voss (but who cares?).

Voss is one of the best places to visit on your Norway trip and is Western Norway’s capital of adventure and extreme sports.

The city is insanely beautiful, and if you’re an American football fan, you might be interested to know that Knute Rockne was born here. There is even a statue dedicated to him in the city. His family later emigrated from Norway to the United States (Chicago), and the rest is history.

Nevertheless, Voss is an easy train ride from Bergen, and there is plenty to do there (and many places to stay overnight).

Be sure to ride the gondola to Mount Hanguren (a year-round activity), go skiing at one of the three resorts nearby (in winter, of course), or go skydiving, rafting, or kayaking (in summer).

If you decide to visit Voss for more than just a day trip, you can book a room at the historic Fleischer’s Hotel in the town.

21. Travel to Folgefonna National Park and See a Glacier

From Os, where I lived for a while, I was able to see the Folgefonna Glacier on most days, especially when the weather was clear outside.

Folgefonna Glacier (one of Norway’s most famous glaciers) sits inside Folgefonna National Park in the Odda area and is easily one of the best places to visit in Norway.

The area surrounding the glacier is teeming with aqua streams from glacial runoff, and the fjords are magical.

Even if you don’t make it into the park, the drive itself is so breathtakingly beautiful that you’ll find yourself transfixed by the scenery! It takes a couple of hours to get there from Bergen, but add it to your list if you’re addicted to nature like I am.

22. Drive Northern Europe’s Steepest Road at Stalheimskleiva

**January 5, 2024: Please note that Stalheimskleiva is temporarily closed to vehicles for maintenance. You can only walk along it. I will update this once it reopens for visitors.

If you continue past Voss, you will come across Stalheim, a village that sits high in the Nærøydalen (Nærøy valley), and right on the E16 highway.

There is a hotel there called the Stalheim Hotel and it has historic WWII ties.

If you continue driving, you will have to drive down into the valley a bit more and you will experience a lot of twists and turns as you’re on Stalheimskleiva, Northern Europe’s steepest road.

This Norwegian road was built between 1842 and 1846 and has 13 narrow turns, making it an adrenaline-rush experience!

At the top of the road, you will find the hotel but keep your eyes peeled on the way down (if you’re a passenger) as you will see waterfalls along the way. The names of the waterfalls are Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen.

23. Swim in a Seawater Pool at Nordnes Sjøbad

Something I never took the time to do was swim in the seawater pool at Nordnes Sjøbad.

The famous sea bath has been around for over 110 years but didn’t become a sea bath until 1965 and became heated in 1978.

Today, you’ll find an 82ft (25m) long saltwater pool with changing facilities, a children’s pool, a sauna, a diving tower, and more! An adult single ticket costs 95 NOK in the summer and 85 NOK in the winter.

Address: Nordnesparken 30 

24. Celebrate Christmas in Bergen at Pepperkakebyen

In 1991, one of Bergen’s biggest traditions started and it takes place during the dark, winter months! It used to take place in the center of the city (Torgallmenningen), but now you can find Pepperkakebyen, the world’s largest gingerbread town at KODE (address below).

Since it started, young children and local businesses are involved in its annual construction and people come from all over the world to visit it.

It is open from mid-November until the end of December and all profits made are donated. This is a must-visiting if you’re visiting Bergen during these months!

It really is one of the most unique things to do in the city. You can find the Pepperkakebyen during the Christmas holidays at KODE at Nordahl Bruns gate 9.

How to Get to Bergen

There are several ways to get to Bergen, even though it may look a bit remote on the map! You can fly there, or if you’re the type who wants to experience a luxury cruise, there is that option too, as the harbor receives a lot of tourists off the boat.

If you do fly, however, you will arrive at Bergen Flesland Airport. It is super easy to get from Bergen Airport to the city center and it is usually fairly cheap to fly there from within Europe.

The train ride from Oslo is also known to be one of the most gorgeous train rides in the world (I have taken this train so many times). And, if you take this train, you can enjoy a day in Flåm between destinations!

Map of the Best Things to Do in Bergen

This map contains (most) everything in this guide – including a few of the mentioned day trips.

Where to Stay in Bergen

If you are looking for some of the best accommodation options in Bergen, here are our top picks! And many of these are located near some of the most popular Bergen landmarks!

• Bergen Børs Hotel (unique 4-star hotel in the old stock exchange building)
• Det Hanseatiske Hotel (a high-rated hotel at Bryggen in a 16th-century building)
• Hotel Norge by Scandic (at Bybanen Park, next to the light rail station)
• Hôtel Charmante (gorgeous boutique hotel a short walk from the harbor)

Did I miss any of the best things to do in Bergen, Norway for a first-time visitor? Let me know what to do in Bergen in the comments. Thanks!

More Norway and Bergen Travel Guides

• Bergen airport to city center
• Bergen itinerary
• Best cafes in Bergen, Norway
• Best boat trips in Bergen
• Mostraumen fjord cruise
• Best Bergen restaurants
• Best hotels in Bergen, Norway
• Bergen first-timer tips
• Bergen winter travel guide
• Amazing Bergen day trips
• When to visit Bergen
• Day trip to Vøringsfossen

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Megan Starr

Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.