21 Best Things To Do in Bergen, Norway

Visiting Bergen, Norway is a visit right into a mystical metropolis the place vestiges of the Viking period meet the awe-inspiring options of nature – this metropolis is solely a hidden gem. Nestled between the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, Bergen sits comfortably as a gateway to the Norway’s magnificent fjords, with experiences that enthral each nature lovers and historical past buffs alike.

I visited Bergen on my technique to go to Pulpit Rock, and I used to be pleasantly shocked. Town is fairly compact, so it’s fairly simple to see most issues in simply at some point.

On this publish, we’ll discover prime actions and sights that make Bergen a must-visit vacation spot whereas visiting Norway.

A Temporary Historical past of Bergen

Bergen was established in 1070 AD by King Olav Kyrre, rising quickly to develop into Norway’s largest metropolis by the thirteenth century, primarily as a result of its key function within the Hanseatic League’s commerce empire. This medieval mercantile and defensive confederation of service provider guilds dominated Baltic maritime commerce from the 1400s to the 1700s. Bergen’s central commerce function is mirrored within the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, with colourful picket buildings that housed workplaces of the Hanseatic retailers.

By way of centuries, Bergen weathered a number of important fires as a result of its largely picket structure. These days, the preserved or rebuilt constructions provide a vibrant testomony to town’s historic resilience. Regardless of now not being Norway’s largest metropolis, Bergen retains a big cultural and financial function, serving as a preferred vacationer vacation spot, and a gateway to the fjords.

Finest Issues to Do in Bergen, Norway

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf

The Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf is among the most recognisable locations in Bergen. Its outdated picket buildings, standing stubbornly in vibrant colours, have withstood the check of time and weathered centuries of fires, displaying resilience typical of town. UNESCO listed the wharf as a World Heritage Web site in 1979 – a testomony to its historic significance and cultural relevance. Wander by the slim passages, discover the small boutiques, and immerse your self within the metropolis’s historical past.

Mount Fløyen

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, with Mount Fløyen being one of the crucial accessible and pleasurable. You may take the funicular (Fløibanen) up the mountain for beautiful views throughout Bergen. As soon as on the prime, there are a number of mountain climbing trails for all expertise ranges. The mountaintop can also be dwelling to a memento store, café, and even a playground for teenagers.

Bergen Fish Market

The bustling Bergen Fish Market, an iconic landmark, serves as each a hive of exercise and a scrumptious culinary hotspot. Situated on the coronary heart of town, beside the harbor, the market provides an array of recent seafood, native delicacies, and worldwide treats. A vibrant hub for mingling with locals and vacationers, the market supplies a wealthy sensory expertise. Be sure you discover the open-air and indoor market areas, pattern smoked fish, or savor a seafood meal on the intimate eating places. The Bergen Fish Market is a real style of Norway’s coastal appeal.

Maritime Museum

Bergen Maritime Museum invitations you to delve deep into Norway’s seafaring heritage, reflection of a nation formed by the ocean. Navigate by its chronicle of maritime historical past, from the Viking period to fashionable offshore actions. The museum showcases mannequin ships, naval artifacts, and interactive reveals that illustrate life at sea, naval battles, shipbuilding evolution, and maritime commerce. There’s even a simulator the place you may ‘sail’ a ship! Teeming with fascinating tales of the maritime world and interactive experiences, a go to to this museum is like crusing by time.

Bergen Botanical Backyard

Nestled within the coronary heart of Bergen, the Botanical Backyard is a good looking little oasis within the metropolis buzzing with life. It’s a rare potpourri of vegetation from all all over the world, together with vibrant flowers, towering bushes, and engaging aquatic vegetation. Stroll the backyard paths, laze round on the grass, or just soak within the tranquility. Don’t miss out on the charming greenhouse. You’ll depart with a smile having witnessed such a palette of nature’s colours. Whether or not you’re a botany buff or just somebody looking for an open-air escape, this backyard is a pleasure to discover.

Kode Museum of Artwork

KODE Artwork Museum is one in every of Scandinavia’s largest museums for artwork, craft, design, and music. The museum complicated includes 4 fundamental buildings, showcasing a formidable assortment of worldwide and Norwegian artwork spanning from the Renaissance to modern works. It proudly homes the works of famend artists like Pablo Picasso, Edward Munch, and Johan Christian Dahl. KODE additionally boasts of lovely artist houses, a composer museum, and intensive collections of design and craft. A go to to KODE guarantees inspiring encounters with artwork from varied intervals and types, reflecting humanity’s huge artistic spectrum.

Bryggens Museum

Bryggens Museum showcases Bergen’s wealthy medieval historical past, unveiling remnants of town’s previous found throughout archaeological excavations. The museum preserves town’s largest assortment of medieval picket constructions, which survived devastating fires that ravaged the Bryggen space over the centuries. Guests can observe fascinating artifacts, cash, runic inscriptions, and different historic relics relationship again to a Twelfth-century settlement. With its interactive shows and fascinating exhibitions, Bryggens Museum provides an enchanting journey by time, unveiling town’s cultural, political, and business heritage.

Hanseatic Museum

The Hanseatic Museum in Bergen sheds gentle on the Hanseatic period, a interval of commerce dominance in Northern Europe between the 14th and sixteenth centuries. Housed in one of many oldest picket buildings in Bryggen, the museum provides an immersive stroll by well-preserved rooms furnished to supply an genuine look right into a service provider’s life. Displays embody artifacts, work, and instruments that inform tales of buying and selling, residing circumstances, and hardships of the period. A go to to the Hanseatic Museum provides a possibility to delve into an intriguing chapter of Bergen’s socioeconomic historical past.

Gamlehaugen

Gamlehaugen was the residence of Norway’s first monarch, King Haakon VII. Constructed in 1900, this ornate, castle-like mansion marries parts of Scottish and Norwegian architectural design, exuding fascinating appeal. Surrounded by a superbly manicured English-style backyard and serene views of Nordåsvannet fjord, it provides a peaceable retreat from metropolis life. At the moment, Gamlehaugen serves as a museum throughout summers, permitting glimpses into royal life-style, whereas remaining the Norwegian royal household’s official Bergen residence. Its regal magnificence and picturesque environment make Gamlehaugen a must-visit attraction in Bergen.

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church, prominently nestled in Bergen’s historic quarter, is town’s oldest standing ecclesiastical constructing, relationship again to the Twelfth century. This enchanting Romanesque and Gothic-style stone church bears an awe-inspiring vibrant pink Baroque pulpit, a fragile altar, and hanging frescoes. A go to to St. Mary’s immerses you in historical past, narrating Bergen’s wealthy Norse heritage and offering uncommon glimpses into medieval non secular life. With its lovely structure and unimaginable preservation, St. Mary’s Church serves as each a haven for non secular contemplation and a testomony to the artistry and craftsmanship of bygone eras.

Bergen Aquarium

Bergen Aquarium, located on Nordnes Peninsula, is a treasure trove of marine life. With over 60 aquariums housing a whole bunch of various species, guests can journey from the tropical Rainforest exhibit to the Arctic Penguin Park. From dreamily gliding sea anemones to playful otters, the aquarium brings nature’s wonders up shut. Participating feeding exhibits, common movie screenings, and interactive reveals provide an enriching studying expertise. Additionally identified for its initiatives aiming conservation and training, Bergen Aquarium supplies an enthralling and insightful look into the mysteries and marvels of the underwater world.

Troldhaugen – Edvard Grieg Museum

Troldhaugen, nestled within the scenic outskirts of Bergen, was as soon as the house of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s well-known composer. In-built 1885, this idyllic villa overlooks Nordås Lake, providing tranquility and inspiration. At the moment, it serves as a mixed museum, live performance venue, and tribute to Grieg’s extraordinary life and accomplishments in classical music. Guests can discover the home, Grieg’s composing hut, and the gorgeous surrounding gardens. Troldhaugen’s on-site live performance corridor, Troldsalen, hosts common performances of Grieg’s works, welcoming audiences to expertise the enchanting melodies within the very place they have been created.

Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Fortress, majestically overlooking the harbor in Bergen, is one in every of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses. Courting again to the thirteenth century, this historic monument was the residence of Norway’s King Haakon Haakonson and performs a vital function in Bergen’s wealthy historical past. The fortress contains two fundamental buildings, the Royal Corridor (“Håkonshallen”) and Rosenkrantz Tower, that includes Gothic and Medieval designs. At the moment, Bergenhus is not only a logo of Bergen’s previous, but additionally a culturally vibrant house that includes museums, ceremonies, and concert events. This enduring fortress tells a fascinating story of energy, resilience, and survival.

Pepperkakebyen

Pepperkakebyen, translating to “The Gingerbread City,” is an enthralling Bergen vacation custom, celebrated because the world’s largest gingerbread metropolis. Annually, faculties, households, and native companies come collectively to assemble a formidable array of gingerbread constructions. From intricate homes, trains, and boats, to replicas of iconic Bergen landmarks, the creativity displayed is outstanding. This festive spectacle, awash with the aroma of ginger and the flicker of sweet adornments, ushers within the vacation season each November, filling the city with pleasure and enchantment. Pepperkakebyen instills a magical festive spirit, making Christmas in Bergen really unforgettable.

Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church is a masterpiece of historic Norwegian structure. Initially inbuilt 1150 in Sognefjord, it was relocated to Fantoft in 1883. Famend for its intricate carvings and aesthetic grandeur, the church ignites a way of marvel amongst guests. Although tragically destroyed by arson in 1992, it was meticulously reconstructed, preserving its distinctive appeal. At the moment, the Fantoft Stave Church stands proud, symbolizing resilience and hope whereas providing a glimpse into centuries of non secular and cultural historical past, making it a must-visit cease for these exploring the gorgeous metropolis of Bergen.

Hunt for Murals

Bergen’s vibrant and expressive murals are globally acclaimed for his or her significant narratives and inventive magnificence. This metropolis is a residing canvas the place streets and buildings develop into the exhibition areas that seamlessly mix artwork and on a regular basis life. Should you wander by the streets of Bergen, you’ll encounter a various array of avenue artwork, from small stencil works to large-scale murals—they’re a part of Bergen’s distinctive attraction. The annual Nuart Competition, specifically, has made important contributions to Bergen’s avenue artwork scene, turning town into an open-air gallery for modern city artwork.

Attend a Competition

Bergen invitations you to have fun tradition and life with its vibrant festivals all 12 months spherical! Every Might, the Bergen Worldwide Competition showcases world-class music, dance, and theater performances. Bergenfest, a surprising open-air music fest, brings worldwide artists collectively, spanning genres from indie rock to people. Jazz lovers flock to Nattjazz in late Might for nights stuffed with mesmerizing tunes. For movie fanatics, BIFF (Bergen Worldwide Movie Competition) unspools quite a few worldwide and native masterpieces in October. Expertise town’s wealthy cultural material as you revel within the power and magic Bergen’s festivals have to supply.

VilVite Science Heart

VilVite Science Heart is a haven for budding scientists and curious minds. With its interactive reveals, state-of-the-art know-how, and hands-on studying method, VilVite sparks creativity and cultivates a love for science and discovery. From exploring climate phenomena to experiencing the joys of a “gravity room,” guests are certain to search out marvel and pleasure at each flip. Good for households and college teams, the middle goals to encourage the subsequent technology of innovators whereas providing an interesting, instructional expertise appropriate for all ages.

Have a Espresso at One in every of Bergen’s Finest Cafes

Bergen is a paradise for espresso lovers, providing a plethora of charming cafés. Kaffemisjonen is a favourite amongst locals, the place you’ll discover extraordinary brews and a welcoming ambiance. Det Lille Kaffekompaniet, tucked away on a picturesque hill, supplies a surprising metropolis view together with pleasant espresso. Don’t miss Café Opera, a cultural hotspot that mixes positive java, tempting pastries, and fascinating artwork exhibitions. Lastly, get a caffeine repair and assist a noble trigger at Blom, the place they donate their proceeds to essential social tasks. Journey by these cafés for a real Bergen espresso expertise!

Dine at a Michelin Restaurant

Within the coronary heart of Bergen sits Lysverket, your must-visit foodie vacation spot! This Michelin star hang-out serves up ingenious, scrumptious dishes which are a love letter to native, seasonal Norwegian produce. However it’s about extra than simply meals right here, it’s sustainability too. Whenever you dive into their ocean-fresh seafood or mountain-foraged components, you’re tasting the true taste of Norway. And let’s not neglect the nice and cozy, relaxed vibe, making you are feeling proper at dwelling. So why wait? Lysverket is the place to be for an unforgettable ‘eat-local’ expertise!

Discover the Fjords

Final however definitely not least, no journey to Bergen could be full with out a fjord tour. Bergen serves as a great base for fjord exploration ventures. Whether or not you go for a ship journey on the serene waters of Nærøyfjord or a drive down the panoramic routes of Hardangerfjord, you might be assured an unparalleled pure spectacle.

The best way to Get to Bergen

By Air

Bergen’s fundamental airport, Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), is well-connected domestically and internationally. It’s served by a number of airways, making it accessible from quite a few world locations. From the airport, you may take a bus, a taxi, or hire a automobile to achieve town middle. To get the perfect airfare, take a look at my information on discovering low-cost flights.

By Practice

For mesmerising landscapes, journey by way of the Norwegian State Railways (NSB), which supplies intercity trains to Bergen from locations like Oslo and Stavanger. The Bergen Railway is commonly thought to be one of many world’s most scenic prepare journeys.

By Highway

Driving to Bergen provides the liberty to discover at leisure. Main highways just like the E39 join Bergen to different Norwegian cities. Nonetheless, do think about tolls, ferries, and winter street circumstances.

By Ferry

Expertise Norway’s dramatic coastal landscapes by a ferry. Home ferries journey between Bergen and locations resembling Stavanger, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord. Some worldwide cruises additionally dock on the Port of Bergen.

By Bus

A number of bus corporations function long-distance coach providers to Bergen, making it a budget-friendly but snug choice.

The place to Keep in Bergen

Bergen Børs Lodge: Situated in a powerful former inventory change constructing from the 1860s on the coronary heart of Bergen, this resort exudes magnificence and luxury. It homes top-rated eating places, a 24-hour entrance desk, and stylish, fashionable rooms.

Lodge Havnekontoret: This resort is located in a neoclassical, Nineteen Twenties-era constructing that was as soon as the Bergen harbour’s workplace. It provides a singular mix of traditional structure and fashionable amenities, together with a complimentary night buffet and a leisure space.

Opus XVI: An Edvard Grieg Heritage Lodge, Opus XVI provides a luxurious keep within the coronary heart of Bergen. The resort is a part of composer Edvard Grieg’s heritage and is inbuilt classical structure that includes modern rooms, a health centre, and a restaurant that serves a high-quality culinary expertise.

Thon Lodge Orion: This not too long ago refurbished, eco-friendly resort provides beautiful views of Bergen’s harbour and the long-lasting Bryggen. A best choice for each enterprise and leisure travellers, it supplies fashionable comforts, a beneficiant complimentary breakfast and entry to a well-equipped fitness center.

Clarion Lodge Admiral: Housed in a refurbished, outdated packhouse from 1904, this waterside resort provides full-on appeal with superior views of Bryggen, proper throughout the water. The resort options fashionable, snug rooms, a superb restaurant, and a beautiful out of doors seating space.

To benefit from your journey, keep in mind, Bergen’s climate is infamous for its unpredictability, so come ready with rain gear and heat layers. That being mentioned, Bergen is a metropolis the place every rainfall solely provides to the vibrancy of its vibrant roofs towards the pure backdrop, making it a really distinctive Nordic escape.

Should you’re planning a visit to Norway, take a look at my Norway travel guide and my weblog publish on the perfect things to do in Oslo. Should you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also possible to think about hiking to Pulpit Rock.