Planning a trip to Bergen, Norway? Discover the best things to do in Bergen including Bryggen, the Fløibanen funicular, Mount Fløyen, Gamle Bergen Museum, Bergen Fish Market, and Bergenhus Fortress with this personal travel guide.Bergen, Norway: A City That Feels Like a Fairytale.
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Bergen, Norway: A City That Feels Like a Fairytale
If there was one city in Norway that completely exceeded my expectations, it was Bergen. Nestled between mountains and surrounded by breathtaking fjords, Bergen has an effortless charm that’s hard to describe until you experience it yourself. Every street feels postcard-worthy, the colorful waterfront is even more beautiful in person, and despite being Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen somehow manages to feel cozy, welcoming, and easy to explore.
We spent our day wandering through historic streets, taking in incredible panoramic views from Mount Fløyen, visiting one of the city’s most unique museums, and enjoying fresh seafood along the harbor.
If you’re planning a Norway itinerary, Bergen absolutely deserves at least one full day, although I could easily have spent two or three.
Read: Best Things to Do in Oslo
Start Your Day at Bryggen
The first place you’ll probably recognize is Bryggen. These famous colorful wooden buildings lining the waterfront are one of Norway’s most photographed landmarks, and for good reason. Dating back to the Hanseatic trading era, Bryggen is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic places in the country.
The brightly painted buildings almost look too perfect to be real. While many people simply stop to take photos from across the harbor, don’t miss walking between the narrow wooden alleyways. Hidden behind the front buildings are tiny artisan shops, galleries, cafés, and staircases that feel like stepping back hundreds of years in time.
If you’re visiting in the morning, the light hitting the colorful buildings makes for some of the best photos of the day.
Ride the Fløibanen to Mount Fløyen
Without question, our favorite experience in Bergen was taking the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen. The ride itself takes less than minutes, but it’s surprisingly scenic. As the funicular climbs higher above the city, more of Bergen begins to reveal itself below, red rooftops, the harbor, cruise ships, surrounding islands, and mountains stretching into the distance. The anticipation builds with every minute.
Once you reach the top, the views are simply spectacular. Looking out over Bergen from above gives you a completely different appreciation for the city. The combination of mountains, water, colorful buildings, and winding streets creates one of the prettiest city views I’ve seen anywhere in Europe.
There are several viewing platforms, plenty of walking trails, picnic areas, and even a café if you want to relax for a while. Even if you’re not much of a hiker, this stop is absolutely worth making.
Skip the Ride Down. Walk Instead.
Here’s my biggest recommendation if you’re visiting Mount Fløyen. Take the funicular up, but walk back down. The trail down ended up being one of my favorite parts of our entire day.
The walk is peaceful, easy enough for most people, and offers constantly changing scenery. We passed quiet forest paths, beautiful overlooks, little streams, and occasional openings where you could stop and admire Bergen from different angles. It never felt crowded, and there were plenty of place to stop along the way if you wanted to take your time.
Walking down also lets you experience the mountain in a way you simply can’t from the funicular. As you gradually descend, the city slowly comes back into view until eventually you’re walking through charming residential neighborhoods before arriving back near the city center.
If the weather cooperates, I honestly think this is the best way to experience Mount Fløyen. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll thank yourself later.
Wander Through the Bergen Fish Market
Back near the harbor sits Bergen’s famous Fish Market, one of the city’s oldest traditions. The market has been a gathering place for fishermen for centuries, and today it’s filled with fresh seafood, local specialties, souvenirs, and outdoor dining.
Even if you aren’t planning to eat, it’s worth walking through simply to see the incredible displays of seafood. You’ll find everything from fresh salmon and king crab, to cod and traditional Norwegian fish dishes.
The atmosphere is lively, especially when cruise ships are in port, and it gives the waterfront even more energy. If you’re looking for a quick seafood lunch while sightseeing, this is a convenient stop.
Step Back in Time at Gamle Bergen Museum
One of the hidden gems we visited was Gamle Bergen Museum. Unlike a traditional museum, this is an open-air museum that recreates what Bergen looked like in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Walking through the historic wooden houses almost feels like wandering through an actual neighborhood from another era. Many of the buildings have been carefully preserved or relocated, and depending on when you visit, you may even encounter costumed interpreters demonstrating what daily life looked like hundreds of years ago.
Take a Fjord Cruise from Bergen
One of the biggest reasons people visit Bergen is that it’s considered the gateway to Norway’s spectacular fjords. If you have more than one day in the city, consider booking a fjord cruise to experience the dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful villages that make this part of Norway so famous. Whether you choose a half day excursion or a full-day adventure, seeing the fjords from the water offers a completely different perspective than exploring the city itself.
Don’t Let the Rain Stop You
Bergen is known as one of Europe’s rainiest cities, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting. In fact, the changing weather is part of what makes the city so beautiful. One moment the mountains may be hidden behind mist, and the next the sun breaks through to illuminate the colorful buildings along the waterfront
Helpful Tips for Visiting Bergen
- Dress in layers. Bergen’s weather can change quickly, even during the summer. A light rain jacket is a must, and you’ll be glad you packed one if a passing shower rolls through.
- Take the Fløibanen up and walk down. This was one of the highlights of our visit and gives you the best of both worlds, stunning panoramic views from the top and a peaceful, scenic hike back into the city.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Bergen is an incredibly walkable city, but between the cobblestone streets and the downhill trail from Mount Fløyen, supportive shoes make all the difference.
- Visit Bryggen early in the morning. You’ll beat the crowds and have the best lighting for photos of the colorful waterfront.
- Bring a camera, or make sure your phone is charged. Between the harbor, mountain views, charming streets, and colorful buildings, Bergen is one of the most photogenic cities in Norway.
- If you’re arriving by cruise ship or train, most of Bergen’s top attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to explore without needing a car.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Bergen
Bergen is one of those cities that effortlessly combines history, nature, and charm into an unforgettable experience. From the colorful Bryggen waterfront to the breathtaking views from Mount Fløyen, every stop felt like a postcard come to life. If you’re planning a trip to Norway, make sure Bergen is on your itinerary. You won’t regret it.
