Bergen may be Norway’s second largest city, but it has a small village vibe to it. As such, you can see a lot of the former capital’s highlights on a day trip.
I visited Bergen on a 12-day road trip through Norway. We spent one night in the city. As we arrived in the evening and left again in the afternoon the next day, we had about one full day to discover this fabulous town. It was just enough to savour the distinguishing vibe of beautiful Bergen … Although the city could entertain you for a while longer, if you’d like.
Bergen breathes history and natural beauty at the same time. On the one hand, the city was an important port and the capital of Norway during the Middle Ages. This reflects in the wonderful wooden facades lining the streets. On the other hand, Bergen is surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords. So it also makes an easy gateway for a glimpse of Norway’s natural wonders.
Don’t be misguided by my sunny pictures. Bergen is a rainy city. Some sources even call it the wettest place in Europe, with on average 239 days with rain per year. Be prepared for some drops or showers of rain when you visit this place … or pray you’re as lucky as us and happen to see Bergen on a rare sun-soaked day.
1. Bryggen
Bryggen is without a doubt Bergen’s pièce de resistance. This Unesco World Heritage Site consists of about 60 colourful wooden buildings. The houses were reconstructed in 1702 after a fire devastated Bergen’s oldest quarter, but the pattern they were built in dates back to the 12th century. During the Middle Ages Bryggen (that translates as wharf) was an important trading centre. The buildings that line the quays still mimic what the area looked like during its hay days.
Take a look at the picturesque buildings along the waterfront from up close and from the other side of the water for a lovely view on Bryggen. In addition, don’t forget to enter the narrow wooden alleyways that make up this historic quarter. Here you’ll find many arts and crafts shops.
2. Vågen harbour
While Bryggen definitely draws the most attention, the rest of Bergen’s harbourfront also merits a visit. From the impressive historic buildings that don’t belong to the Bryggen quarter to the huge cruise and other ships that dock in the Vågen harbour, this part of town has many views on offer.
3. Torget fish market
The waterfront is Bergen’s beating heart and the fish market is another example of that. We only walked through the outdoor market, but you can also find an indoor one in the harbour area. If you want to taste some local and fresh produce, this is the place to be.
4. Bergen’s squares
When walking through Bergen we passed many lovely squares. There’s the Festplassen, that lies next to a pond with fountain. From here you have a view on the city’s KODE museums. Next to it, is the Byparken. A large field of grass, sprinkled with lovely flowers and surrounded by stately buildings.
Closer to the harbour is Torgallmenningen, the main square of Bergen. You can find many shops and eateries along this plaza. The most remarkable part is the Sjømannsmonumentet, a seven-metre high monument dedicated to sailors throughout the centuries. Each side of the cube-shaped sculpture represents a different age of seafaring.
Last but not least there’s Vågsallmenningen. A picturesque square with lovely buildings in many colours close to the waterside.
5. The Fløibanen funicular and Mount Fløyen
Seeing beautiful Bergen from up high is a must when you’re visiting the city. The town’s stunning location is best admired from above. One way to do so, is taking the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen, one of the seven hills that hug Bergen.
The cable car departs every 15 minutes from a station in the city centre, only a short walk away from the fish market and Bryggen. Do take in mind that the funicular is a popular attraction and that waiting lines can get really long in summer. If you buy your tickets in advance, like we did, you can wait in another queue. When we visited, this line didn’t seem shorter than the one for people without tickets, but it moved considerably faster. Tickets for the Fløibanen funicular cost 50 Norwegian crowns for adults, or about 5 euros.
The ride up (or down) Mount Fløyen takes 5 to 8 minutes. You can also reach the top of the 320-metre high hill by foot, if you like. At the top, you’ll get mesmerizing views over Bergen’s city centre and the mountains and fjords that encircle it. As we were lucky with the weather, we stayed here for a long time, soaking in both the vistas and the sun from the terrace of the Følkerestaurant.
In addition, Mount Fløyen offers a range of activities that could keep you busy all day. There are hiking paths, an exercise park and a playground for the youngest visitors. In summer you can rent a mountain bike, while in winter you can discover the mountain on snowshoes. On lake Skomakerdiket you can have some water fun on a canoe or paddle board. And last but not least, there’s the chance to have a meet and greet with the goats that manage Mount Fløyen’s greenery. Had you ever imagined finding all of that on a mountain next to a city?
6. Bergen’s city centre … and backstreets
Many people stick to the main attractions and sights when city tripping, but Bergen is one of those places where you should simply wander the streets without a map. The city centre is dotted with pretty buildings. And don’t even get me started on the lovely backstreets behind Bryggen and the harbour quays. Here you’ll find many quintessential wooden houses and few tourists.
7. Bergen’s churches
The oldest building in Bergen? That title goes to Saint Mary’s church. It was built in the 12th century and is in use since the early Middle Ages.
In town, you’ll also come across Bergen’s Cathedral. This building is about 900 years old and just a little younger than Saint Mary’s. Don’t expect a stately cathedral, though. The one in Bergen looks like a rather small church.
Contrary to what you might expect, Bergen Cathedral is not the largest church in the city. That is Saint John’s church, which is also located in the centre of town.
8. Bergenhus fortress
If you continue further along the water past Bryggen, you’ll end up at Bergenhus fortress. The construction of the fortress started in the early 16th century, making it one of the oldest fortifications in Norway.
Bergenhus fortress served both a military and a religious function, and it was also a royal seat. Nowadays, there still works military personnel here. However, entrance to the fortress grounds is free for the public, making it a must see when you’re in Bergen.
9. The street art
Just like Oslo, Bergen counts many great street art murals. We didn’t take a real street art tour, but if you keep your eyes open while discovering the lovely streets in town, you’ll undoubtedly spot many artworks as well. We saw a colourful troll mural, referring to Norway’s myths, but also several black-and-white paintings. Oh, and when you’re on Mount Fløyen: look out for funny signs, a different type of street art.
Street art fan? In Belgian city Ostend you can discover the city’s street art with a virtual tour guide.
Bergen has more to offer than what is listed here and you could spend several nights here. The city is the ideal destination for a combination of a city break and outdoor explorations. You could add visits to Bergen’s many museums to this list and discover Norway’s magical fjords on one of the day trips that departs here.
Norway also makes a good road trip destination, where you can mix breathtaking natural wonders with some city time. Discover the full itinerary of our 12-day road trip for some inspiration.
Fancy another Norwegian city trip? Discover the highlights of Oslo.
Want to read more about Norway’s natural wonders? Read my posts about hiking Trolltunga and hiking on the Lofoten Islands.
Craving a Scandinavian adventure? Check out kayaking on the Hardangerfjord.