Wondering what you should see and do in Bergen on your trip to Norway? What are the must-see places around Bergen? We had the same questions when planning our stay.
Bergen, nestled between mountains and fjords, is a city of instant charm. Stroll through the colorful alleys of the Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or soar above the city on the Fløibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Fløyen.
To guide you, we’re sharing our tips for exploring Bergen, so you don’t miss out on any of its treasures, our secret corners and our recommendations for savoring the local cuisine and choosing the best accommodation.
Our opinion on Bergen
After Oslo and Stavanger, we hesitated to make a stopover here before continuing our tour of northern Norway. Our curiosity led us to explore the country’s second-largest city (which looks more like a small village), and we were seduced by its charming residential districts and the funicular ride up to Mount Floyen.
Despite its reputation as one of the rainiest cities in Norway, we were lucky enough to enjoy a beautiful sunny blue sky during our visit, which changed everything.
It’s also renowned for being a major hub for cruise passengers, boosting local tourism, but if, like us, you arrive at the same time as a cruise ship, you’ll have to share the harbor and Bryggen district with hundreds of other visitors…
➡️ On vous donne une astuce plus bas pour avoir une jolie vue sur ces quartiers sans trop de monde.
How long can I stay in Bergen?
Half a day is more than enough time to visit Bergen’s very small center. We recommend staying 2 days to explore the surrounding area.
- J1 visite de Bergen le matin et croisière de 3h30 sur le Osterfjorden l’après-midi (en fonction de la météo). Nous vous conseillons de réserver votre croisière en ligne à l’avance (environ 70€ par personne).
- D2 Exploration of the surrounding area, hike to the mythical Trolltuga, an accessible hike offering incredible panoramic views. Or you can hire a car to visit the Tvindefossen waterfall , undreal village and Stegastein viewpoint (all north of Bergen in the same area).
➡️ Nous vous conseillons d’opter pour un hébergement en plein centre-ville et de le réserver en avance et en ligne le plus tôt possible pour avoir le plus grand choix.
Que faire à Bergen : nos incontournables
1. Bryggen historic district
The Bryggen district is a stunning area that you won’t want to miss on your visit. Strolling along its cobbled streets, we were immediately transported to another era. These colorful wooden facades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tell the story of centuries of trading history. The neighborhood has been ravaged by fire on several occasions. The houses have been completely rebuilt to their original appearance.
Today, the houses house museums, boutiques, a hotel and restaurants with terraces overlooking the harbor, all of which were packed on the day of our visit.
The only downside was that we arrived at the same time as a huge cruise ship, bringing with it a huge influx of cruise passengers, just like when we visited Stavanger. We had to share this area with many other tourists.
➡️ Pour en apprendre davantage sur l’histoire incroyable de ce quartier, nous vous conseillons d’explorer ce quartier avec un guide.
2. Fish market
We recommend you then walk along the quays to the fish market. It’s a lively place, where you can discover Norway’s culinary wealth, salmon, crab and shellfish directly from the fishermen. For our part, we were astonished by the high prices charged for the quality offered….
➡️ Nous vous conseillons ensuite de vous rendre au marché couvert, situé également sur le port, pour profiter d’un panorama (presque seul) très photogénique sur Bryggen et les maisons accrochées à flanc de colline en arrière-plan. C’est la carte postale de Bergen. Nous avons adoré ce moment de notre séjour à Bergen.
3. Nordnes and Fjellsiden residential districts
We strongly recommend that you move away from the touristy port area and explore the residential areas of Nordnessometimes also called Nøstet, located to the west of the port, as well as in the charming residential district of Fjellsiden perched on the hill above Bryggen (around the Floyen funicular railway), which was our a real favorite.
Ces coins sont peu fréquentés par les touristes, et nous avons été complètement séduits par leurs maisons blanches ou colorées en bois. On a adoré ce quartier, à la fois fleuri et paisible. C’est le cadre parfait pour s’offrir une pause gourmande loin de l’agitation, nous en avons profité pour déguster nos roulés à la canelle, on a pour projet de tous les tester !
Généralement, dans les villes norvégiennes, nous vous conseillons de vous balader dans les quartiers résidentiels souvent très colorés, c’est le cas également à Trondheim, au centre, par exemple, rien à voir avec notre architecture.
4. Prendre de la hauteur
- Option 1 : Le Mont Fløyen, le sommet d’une des 7 collines qui entourent la ville, est un incontournable et il est facilement accessible depuis le centre-ville. En quelques minutes, grâce au Funiculaire, nous étions au-dessus de la ville, avec une vue panoramique sur la ville et le port à couper le souffle depuis le belvédère.
The best time to go is at the end of the day, when the cruisers have returned to their boats and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset.
If you have the time, this is the ideal place for a hike: a 6 km loop leads to Lake Storediket, and as always in Norway, the trail is well signposted. We recommend walking to Bergen, as the path is pleasant and offers beautiful views.
One-way ticket price 60NOK per adult (approx. €5)
- Option 2 : Parmi les sept montagnes qui encerclent Bergen, le mont Ulriken se distingue comme le plus élevé.
Pour atteindre son sommet sans effort, empruntez le téléphérique Ulriksbanen qui grimpe en quelques minutes à plus de 640 mètres d’altitude. Pendant l’ascension, vous profiterez déjà d’un panorama impressionnant sur la ville et les fjords environnants.
5. Bergenhus fortress
Just a stone’s throw from Bryggen stands Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved castles.
We recommend you take a look before or after your visit to the Bryggen district. The fortress, with its thick walls and towering towers, has watched over Bergen for centuries.
Fjords to visit around Bergen
Bergen is surrounded by water and nicknamed “the capital of Norway’s fjords”, as it is located next to Osterfjorden and positioned between the country’s 2 largest fjords (Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord).
Osterfjorden and Sognfjord
Exploring a fjord is definitely the experience of a lifetime in Norway, and we treasure all the beautiful images in a corner of our minds.
But what exactly is a fjord? It’s a question we also asked ourselves when preparing our stay. A fjord is an arm of the sea wedged between mountains or cliffs (it’s salt water, all right). It’s the result of millennia of glacial erosion, a masterpiece shaped by ice and time.
Après notre exploration du Lysefjord au sud, nous étions ravis d’en découvrir un nouveau, car c’est évidemment l’activité à faire en Norvège. Alors on vous explique comment visiter les fjords depuis Bergen.
Exploring Osterfjorden
It’s the most accessible of Bergen’s fjords, with many cruises departing from the port of Bergen to reach the village of Mostraumen at the far end of the fjord.
Coup de coeur ❤️: Au départ du port de Bergen (au niveau du marché au poisson), nous avons embarqué à bord d’un petit bateau, où nous avons profité d’une jolie vue sur le quartier de Bryggen puis nous sommes partis découvrir l’Osterfjorden, comme toujours arriver en bateau sur un fjord est impressionnant, on se sent tout petit entouré par les impressionnantes falaises.
Pendant 3h30 nous avons navigué le long des eaux tranquilles du fjord entouré de paysages à couper le souffle. La compagnie Rødne Fjord Cruise, qui opère la croisière, a une excellente réputation.
Nous vous recommandons de partir avec la compagnie Rødne Fjord Cruise qui a une excellente réputation pour une croisière panoramique sur l’Osterfjorden jusqu’au village de Mostraumen, au départ du port de Bergen (à côté du marché au poisson).
➡️ Un petit conseil au passage, n’oubliez pas de réserver à l’avance vos billets en ligne (environ 70€ par personne), surtout pendant la saison touristique, car ces excursions sont très prisées et le nombre de places est limité.
Exploring Sognfjord
Bergen is located 1h30 from Sognfjord, Norway’s deepest and longest fjord, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Its tranquil waters reflect the snow-capped peaks and picturesque villages nestling on its shores, an almost unreal vision of tranquillity and majesty.
The Aurlandfjord arm is a stretch with the picturesque villages ofUnredal and Flam, and a footbridge has been built to enjoy the view. The Stegastein viewpoint can be reached via a beautiful winding road.
Depuis Bergen, vous pouvez opter pour une excursion guidée d’une journée complète avec aller-retour pour explorer ce coin de Norvège. Bergen : avec un arrêt au village de Flam.
What to do in Bergen
Troldhaugen
For music lovers, Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, is a must, located 10km from Bergen. It was here that the famous Norwegian composer lived, worked and drew inspiration from the breathtaking scenery surrounding Bergen.
A visit to Grieg’s home, now converted into a museum, provides an intimate insight into the influence of nature on his work.
Hiking on Mount Ulriken
For hiking enthusiasts, Bergen and the surrounding area offer an ideal playground. Mount Ulriken, the highest of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, is particularly popular for its hiking trails, which offer spectacular views of the city and beyond.
A less touristy option than Mount Floyen, the Ulriksbanen cable car to the south of the city takes you to its summit.
Water sports: viking ship / kayak
Depuis Bergen, plusieurs compagnies proposent des tours en kayak ou encore une sortie sur un bateau viking.
Trolltunga hike
It’s Norway’s most famous hike, after the Preikestolen, located 3 hours south of Bergen. It’s a hike that Matthieu did all by himself. We’ve devoted an entire article to organizing your hike to Trolltunga, which requires a little time and research to find all the (right) information. You’ll find all the information you need to avoid the crowds, where to park…
Undredal village and Stegastein viewpoint
On the shores of theAurlandfjord, the small village ofUndredal (3 hours north of Bergen) is a great place for a stroll, with the world’s smallest standing wooden church at its center! The village is bordered by a beautiful river that flows into the fjord. Of course, we stopped off to taste the delicious goat’s cheese at the Undredal Stølsysteri cheese dairy. We advise you to choose this village over Flam (just next door), which is the destination of many cruise ships.
A stop not to be missed if you’re in the area, the Stegastein footbridge offers a lovely panoramic view of the fjord. We loved all the free facilities in Norway. The access road is very narrow, so you’ll have to wait on the side for another car to pass. After your stay in Norway, you’ll be able to drive really anywhere.
Tvindefossen waterfall
Before the village of Unreal and the viewpoint of Stegastein, we recommend a stop at the Tvindefossen waterfall, a beautiful natural site nestled on the road between Flåm and Bergen, offering a rich and noisy spectacle, especially in spring, when the surrounding glaciers begin to melt.
The water flows with increased force and volume, creating an impressive noise and a veil of refreshing mist.
Practical advice
Where to stay in Bergen?
In Bergen, as in the rest of Norway, the cost of accommodation can be surprising. It should be noted that the cost of living in Norway is around 30% higher than in France.
To find suitable, well-located accommodation in Bergen, you’ll generally need to budget around €150-€200 per night.
We’re often asked for tips on how to cut costs when traveling in Norway, so we recommend renting an apartment. This will also enable you to cook your own meals, and save money during your stay in a country where the cost of living is high.
- Notre coup de cœur : le Veversmauet Apartments propose des appartements entièrement équipés et bien rénovés avec une jolie vue sur la ville. Situé idéalement, dans le centre-ville, vous pourrez visiter Bergen à pied.
Where to eat in Bergen
We don’t have any restaurant addresses in Bergen, but we do have 1 good bakery to recommend.
- Good bread Marken: this is an excellent bakery with sweet and savory organic products. This is a (small) Norwegian chain with stores only in city centers, and we’ve also been there in Stavanger and Tromheim.
It’s a great alternative for eating at lower cost and with good produce right in the center of town. You can also buy their focaccia to make your own sandwiches. We also recommend Kanelboller or cinnamon rolls, or those with cream (I have a slight preference for the latter).
Best time to visit Bergen
Bergen is reputed to be the rainiest city in Europe (not cool). Don’t forget to pack a kway and an umbrella. The summer months, from June to August, offer the longest days and most pleasant temperatures. We were lucky enough to visit Bergen with big blue skies but lots of wind (remember your kways).
How to dress?
We advise you to dress warmly, even in summer, and above all to bring waterproof clothing, a kway and waterproof shoes.
How to get to Bergen
- Par Avion : L’aéroport de Bergen se situe à 30 minutes de la ville en bus. Une navette vous emmène en ville pour 155NOK aller-retour (environ 16€). Si vous avez loué une voiture de location le point de retrait est généralement l’aéroport de Bergen.
- En Voiture : Si vous aimez la liberté, louer une voiture est une excellente option. Les routes norvégiennes sont bien entretenues et offrent des vues spectaculaires. Cela vous donne également la flexibilité d’explorer les environs de Bergen à votre rythme.
Ne prévoyez pas de couvrir de grosses distances à la fois – les limites de vitesse sont assez basses (60km/heure en moyenne) et les routes sont souvent trop étroites, il faudra donc attendre sur le côté pour qu’une autre voiture en face puisse passer, de plus, les montées et les descentes permanentes demandent beaucoup de concentration.
- By bus: Long-distance bus services link Bergen to other major Norwegian cities such as Stavanger, Oslo… with Nor-Way Bussekspress.
- Par ferry : pour vous éviter de nombreux kilomètres sur des routes serpentés des ferries relient Bergen – Oslo et Stavanger – Bergen. Vous pouvez comparer les prix sur le site Direct Ferries.
From Oslo to Bergen: by train
Bergen station is located in the heart of the city, with direct connections from Oslo (approx. 4 trains a day).
A priori, the 7-hour journey isan adventure in itself, and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Information at: vy.no/en.
We hope this article will help you plan your visit and take full advantage of all Bergen has to offer. And who knows, maybe, like us, you’ll be captivated by the unique charm of this Norwegian city.
We really enjoyed writing this article. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below. We spent 2 months in Norway, so check out our other articles about this incredible country.
Don’t hesitate to leave us a note or 5 stars below, to let us know if you’re planning this trip, to ask any questions you may have, below we’ll answer you with great pleasure. Vous pouvez consulter nos stories sur Instagram de notre voyage en Norvège, pour vous donner un avant gout de ce qui vous attend !
