10 things to do in Bergen, Norway

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Beautiful Bergen is a stunning city on Norway’s southwestern coast. It’s surrounded by epic scenery of mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. Its main attractions include Bryggen – the colourful wooden houses on the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire and Fløyen Mountain which gives panoramic views out over the mountains, and is home to numerous beautiful hiking trails.

Getting to Bergen from the UK is really easy – it’s a quick 2 hour flight so makes for the perfect weekend getaway destination. Though because of that it is incredibly touristy, and if you want the fjords without the crowds, then places such as Norheimsund, Stavanger or Balestrand may be more suited to you.

If you choose to visit Bergen though, here are 10 fun things to do in the city – all manageable in a long weekend visit.


Bryggen is a series of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings lining up the eastern side of the Bergen harbour, designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Exploring Bryggen

In around 1350, an office of the Hanseatic League was set up in Bryggen, and the wharfs developed as the merchants moved in to the area – initially the warehouses were used to store fish and cereal. Because the buildings are wood, they are susceptible to fire damage and in 1702, the buildings belonging to the Hanseatic League were damaged by fire. They were rebuilt, and some of these were later demolished, and some were again destroyed by fire, before being transferred to Norweigan citizens in 1754. As of today around 25% of the buildings pre-date the fire of 1702, but most are from the later era.


The most accessible mountain surrounding Bergen is Fløyen, which is close to the city centre. It’s connected to the town by a funicular, Fløibanen, that will take you to the top in less than eight minutes. Once at the top, you are free to enjoy spectacular views of Bergen and the surrounding landscape. You can then either hike further up in to the mountains, or take a leisurely walk back down again.

Views from the top


As Bergen is very much connected to the fjords surrounding it, there are several cruise companies stationed in the city, eager to show you the wonders of the famous Norwegian landscape. One of the most spectacular is a visit to Hardangerfjord.

Cruising the fjords

The round trip from Bergen starts by taking the scenic Bergen Railway to Voss. From Voss you continue by bus to the charming village of Ulvik, and pass the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall. From Ulvik you embark on a beautiful boat trip on the Hardangerfjord to Eidfjord. Once in Eidfjord, you can visit the incredible Voringsfossen, as well as visit the Norwegian Nature Centre in Hardanger. You then head back to Bergen.

Norheimsund and Steinsdalsfossen

More stunning fjord views

This is a full day tour, so if you don’t want to dedicate a full day to the fjords, you could get on a smaller half day fjord boat ride that leaves from Bergen harbour.


As the busiest port in the country, it is only natural that Bergen is the place to go for seafood. Take a trip to the outdoor Fish Market, one of Norway’s most-visited outdoor attractions, which offers an abundance of fish, shellfish, fruit, vegetables and hand-made crafts for you to buy…and eat!


One of the unique expressions of the Norwegian national heritage can be seen in the careful ornamentation of the beautiful stave churches. Fantoft Stave Church was built in 1150 but was completely destroyed in a fire in 1992 – the suspected work of notorious murderer Varg Vikernes. The church, as it exists today, is a reconstruction but is still very much a spectacular example of early Norwegian design and heritage.

The beautiful Stave church


St Mary’s Church is in the Bryggen area, near to the Rosenkrantz tower complex in the oldest part of the town. It is the oldest existing building in Bergen dating from 1130-1170 and interestingly is an Anglican church, belonging to the Church of England (!). The Anglican Chaplaincy serves English-speaking communities in four major cities across Norway as well as the village of Balestrand.

St Mary’s


Built in 1885, the Troldhaugen was the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. Troldhaugen today serves as a museum, aiming to document Grieg’s life through exhibitions in the house, and in his Composer’s Hut where he created some of his greatest works. You can see his piano, visit his grave or listen to his music in the concert hall.


Norway has a long seafaring tradition and this monument honours those people who have crossed the seas from Norway, from the Vikings to today. There are sailors along the base and the ships they sailed on the upper plaque.

Sailor’s Monument


St John’s Church is a parish church of the church of Norway, and was built between 1891-1894 in the cruciform design. It seats about 1,250 people which makes it the largest church in Bergen. It’s a nice place to pop in to as it’s lovely inside as well.

St John’s church


This museum is in one of the conserved wooden buildings within Bryggen. The museum covers the Hanseatic League era in Bergen, from the period in which the German guild of merchants created an overseas office at Bryggen in 1360.

The present building was re-constructed after the fire in 1702, and the museum was started in a building owned by the merchant Johan Wilhelm Olsen in 1872. There is an authentic trading room in the museum including a merchant’s office, sleeping places for the boys and a guestroom.


So there you have it – thank you for reading about a few of the amazing things to do in Bergen. I hope this post has been interesting, or helpful if you’re planning to visit Bergen one day. Stay safe and happy travelling everyone!

25 responses to “10 things to do in Bergen, Norway”

  1. A good friend of mine lived in Bergen for almost a year and told me just great things about the city, since then I really want to visit eheh it was wonderful to read your post 🙂 have a great week 🙂 PedroL

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    1. Oh wow, that would be amazing to live there for a year! I really hope you get to visit soon 🙂 Have a great weekend!

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      1. thanks Hanna, enjoy your weekend too 🙂 regards, PedroL

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Such an interesting guide to Bergen Hannah. I’ve only spent a few hours in the city and that was quite a long time ago. We had taken the car ferry from Newcastle to Bergen and enjoyed a two week holiday touring the fjords, staying in log cabins. On our return to Bergen we parked the car and planned to explore but it poured with rain so the city didn’t look its best. Hopefully I’ll be tempted to return to Bergen by air and be able to see more next time! Marion

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    1. Ah I’m so glad you found it interesting. The fjords are just magical aren’t they, and staying in log cabins sounds perfect! I definitely recommend a longer stay in Bergen and hope you can return soon 🙂 Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend.

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  3. I’ve never been to Norway, but my brother used to live in Trondheim for a short while and he loved everything about Norway particularly fjords, waterfalls and those charming red fishing cabins. Unfortunately, he moved away to Guernsey before I had a chance to arrange a visit and see everything for myself. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Aiva 🙂

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    1. Ahh it’s such a beautiful country – the fjords are incredible and well worth a visit so I really hope you get to visit one day soon. Though Guernsey is also lovely and still on my list – we did Jersey in 2019 an were surprised at how nice it was! Have a lovely Sunday 🙂

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  4. I love the Fantoft Stave Church! The structure is so unique and intricate! I would like to see it myself! ❤

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    1. Yes for sure, the churches are so unique- I hope you get to visit one day soon to see for yourself 🙂 Have a lovely Sunday.

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      1. Yeah, I hope that too!

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  5. I’ve only been to Oslo in Norway, but I’ve heard wonderful things about Bergen. Its colorful, Nordic houses are the selling point for me to want to go, and I’ll have to prioritize this Norwegian city should I return to that side of the pond someday! Thanks for sharing, Han. 🙂

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    1. Ahhh yes, I’ve never been to Oslo and really want to go. Bergen is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever back this side of the pond – there are just so many lovely places to explore in Europe 🙂 Have a lovely Sunday Rebecca x

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  6. Bergen must be the gateway of fjords, because it’s surrounded by all those mountains! And cruising the fjords looks like a real wonderful experience ☺️. Thank you for telling me more about this city and all the lovely things one can do there!

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    1. It definitely is the gateway to the fjords, they are everywhere! Definitely a unique experience, and I hope one day you can visit and see 🙂 Have a lovely Sunday.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Norway is a dream vacation for me. Now I’ll definitely include Bergen. Maggie

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    1. Oh I’m so pleased you like the look of it Maggie, it’s definitely worth a visit. I hope you get to visit Norway soon 🙂 Have a lovely Sunday.

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  8. Such a beautiful part of the world. I was there for only 24 hours many years ago and would love to go back to further explore.

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    1. It really is such a beautiful country, and there is just so much incredible nature to see and explore. I hope you get to go back one day soon 🙂 Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I’ve never been to Norway before, but it’s pretty high up there on my travel bucket list. I would love to visit someday. Bergen will definitely be on my itinerary.

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    1. Ah it’s such a beautiful country and definitely worth a sport on the bucket list post COVID. I hope you get to visit soon 🙂 Have a lovely Sunday x

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  10. Sold – I must visit Bergen! The fjord cruise looks fake it’s so beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. jasonlikestotravel

    I’ve not been to Norway yet but Bergen looks gorgeous. The fjord cruise in particular looks like an incredible experience 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  12. We loved our time in Bergen and our Fford cruise.

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  13. […] closest airport to arrive at is Bergen, a wonderful gateway city in to Norway’s fjords. From Bergen it’s easy to hire a car […]

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About the author

Hi! My name is Hannah, I’m a travel blogger from the UK who fits travel around a full time (and full on) job. In this blog I share my adventures around the world and hopefully help you to find some inspiration for destinations, things to do or places to stay. Thanks for stopping by – stay safe and happy travelling.

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