After our beautiful train journey from Oslo through Norway, we arrive in photogenic Bergen. Maybe you’ve already read my Oslo City Guide. We spent 2 full days in Bergen and discovered the best sights, restaurants, cocktail bars and a stunning boutique hotel. Despite the fact that it rains almost 200 days per year here, we enjoyed a lot of sunshine! These are my favorite Bergen Norway tips and highlights.

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Best hotels in Bergen Norway

– Click on the names for rooms and rates –

My absolute favorite is Grand Hotel Terminus. This gorgeous boutique hotel from 1928 sits right next to Bergen Central Station and breathes history. The rooms are lush, the interior is rich and the bar is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen in Norway. If you are only spending one night in Bergen, spend it here.

For a more modern feel in the heart of the historic district: Home Hotel Bryggen sits right on the famous Bryggen waterfront and combines design interiors with a superb location. Also worth considering are the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen and the charming VANDER Altona, both solid options for a Bergen Norway city break.

Bergen highlights and tips

Bergen Norway sights

Fløibanen and a walk on top of Mount Fløyen! This very steep tram takes you to the top of Mount Fløyen in about 5 minutes, from where you have a stunning view over Bergen. It can be a bit scary if you are afraid of heights, so be warned. Try to go early to avoid the crowds.

Bryggen: Bergen has a beautiful old city centre. Bryggen is the historic harbour district. The area has been damaged by many fires but has always been restored to its previous structure. The appearance today stems from after the big fire in 1702. Visit the Hanseatic Museum, where you will learn more about the history of this colorful area.

Knøsesmauet street. We discovered this lovely street by accident. Typical Bergen.
Kroken street in Bryggen.

Kroken, Fisketorget & Fløibanen – Bergen highlights and tips

Fantoft Stave Church. This unique church was built around 1150 and was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1992, started by a member of the Norwegian black metal scene. The suspect was never convicted. The church was fully restored and is now protected by fences and alarms. You can reach it by taking the Light Rail between the airport and the city centre.

Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen: the former home of the famous composer Edvard Grieg, who lived here for 22 years until 1907.

Fisketorget: see below in the restaurants section.

CLICK HERE FOR MY OSLO CITY GUIDE

First and last photo: Hanseatic Museum – Bergen highlights and tips

Best things to do in Bergen Norway

Bergen is so much more than a pretty city to walk around. The surrounding nature is extraordinary and there are enough activities to fill several days.

Cable car and hiking in Bergen Norway

The round-trip Ulriken cable car ticket takes you up to the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains in minutes. The views from the top are spectacular and you can combine the ride with a hike along the mountain ridge back down into the city. A genuinely Norwegian way to spend a morning. Also worth booking is the Past and Present small group guided walking tour, which takes you through hidden corners of Bergen that you would never find on your own. Compact, personal and a great way to get your bearings on day one.

Day trips from Bergen Norway to the fjords

Some of Norway’s most breathtaking fjord routes are just a day trip away from Bergen. The Viking Village, Nærøyfjord Cruise and Flåm Railway is the highest-rated day trip from Bergen and it is easy to see why. You combine the train, a UNESCO fjord cruise and a visit to an authentic Viking village all in one day. Book early because groups are small and spots go fast.

The UNESCO Fjord Cruise, Flåm and Stegastein including lunch adds the breathtaking Stegastein viewpoint to the itinerary, a platform that literally juts out above the fjord. Dizzying in the best possible way. Prefer something on the water with a little more flexibility? The Flåm Railway and UNESCO Fjord Cruise with lunch is a relaxed all-in-one option. And for something a bit different: the Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with local guide is a 4-hour round trip through Norway’s narrowest fjord. Small-scale, personal and absolutely worth it.

Best restaurants in Bergen Norway

BARE. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at this fancy restaurant. The dishes looked like little pieces of art and tasted amazing. I have to say that I liked the atmosphere in the bar better than in the restaurant itself. Everybody starts the evening in the stunning bar with a drink and some bites, and the cocktails and live jazz are fantastic. The restaurant space felt a little quiet and formal, but the food more than made up for it.

Restaurant BARE – Bergen highlights and tips

Daily Pot. The best soups and salads in Bergen! I loved the Thai pot with sweet potatoes and chickpeas for just €10. Prices in Norway are high and you can easily spend €20 or €30 on a regular lunch here. The Daily Pot is fresh, cosy and very well priced.

Fish market / Fisketorget. A bit touristy but still great fun. At this fish market you can buy fresh fish to cook at home or sit down at one of the small restaurants inside. Try the spicy mussels at Lokalt og Lekkert! Check when the cruise ships arrive to avoid the biggest crowds.

Daily Pot – Bergen highlights and tips

Spisekroken. This restaurant serves typical Norwegian dishes including whale and elk. The service was a little stiff and the food could not quite match BARE, but the wine was great and we had a very cosy evening.

More restaurant tips for Bergen 

Restaurant 1877: unfortunately fully booked when we visited!
Restaurant Bryggeri
The Unicorn Fish Restaurant
Colonialen Litteraturhuset: great for lunch and a latte and laptop session.
Mandalay Sushi & Burmese

Knøsesmauet, Rock’n Roll American Diner, Solros Kafe & Bakery – Bergen highlights and tips

Coffee in Bergen 

Kaffemisjonen: the best coffee we had in Bergen. Be patient while your cup is prepared with real care and attention. It is worth the wait.
Solros Kafe and Bakery
Bar Barista
Kaf Kafe Bryggen
Colonialen Litteraturhuset
Blom

CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST HOTELS IN BERGEN

Bryggen, Fisketorget – Bergen highlights and tips

Cocktails and drinks in Bergen Norway

Alcohol is very expensive in Norway because of the excise tax. Expect to pay around €13 for a glass of wine and €14 for a cocktail. That said, there are plenty of great spots to raise a glass.

Dark & Stormy
BARE
Vågal wine bar
Vinyl – Plater & øl
Roll & Rock American Diner
Tempo Tempo
Pingvinen
Sjenerøs Bar
HEM

Cakes in Bergen

Sweet Rain
Solros Kafe and Bakery

CLICK HERE FOR RATES AT GRAND HOTEL TERMINUS

Høyer Bergen – Bergen highlights and tips

Shopping in Bergen Norway

Småting Bergen: the cutest kids store ever! I may have bought a few things for my own home too, including one of those old-fashioned mailboxes you see everywhere in the Bryggen district.
Raw materials
Chillout Bergen: a great shop for travel essentials.
Illums Bolighus: Scandinavian design for your home, clothing and kids.
Høyer Bergen: amazing brands and interior pieces. I became a huge fan of the label MAUD here.

MY TRAIN JOURNEY FROM OSLO TO BERGEN

Mount Fløyen – Bergen highlights and tips

Pro tip: bring an umbrella every single day. No matter how sunny the morning looks, the weather in Bergen can turn within minutes. You have been warned.

Bergen Norway: frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Bergen Norway?

Two to three days is ideal. That gives you enough time to explore the city itself and do at least one day trip to the fjords. Search for the best hotels in Bergen here.

What is the best hotel?

My favorite is Grand Hotel Terminus: a stunning boutique hotel right next to the station with one of the most beautiful bars in Bergen.

What is the best day trip?

The Viking Village, Nærøyfjord Cruise and Flåm Railway is the highest-rated day trip from Bergen. It packs a UNESCO fjord cruise, the Flåm Railway and a Viking village visit into one incredible day. Book early.

Follow my adventures on Instagram @lieke.pijnappels for more Bergen Norway inspiration!

Does it really rain that much in Bergen Norway?

Yes, Bergen is one of the wettest cities in Europe with around 200 rainy days a year. We got lucky with sunshine but always pack a compact umbrella regardless of the forecast.

How do I get from Bergen to the fjords?

The easiest option is a guided day trip. The UNESCO Fjord Cruise, Flåm and Stegastein tour is one of the most complete and includes lunch. Alternatively you can travel independently using the train and ferry connections from Bergen station.

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