Explore Bergen

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June - August): The best time to visit Bergen, with mild temperatures and long days. This is the peak season for tourists, and many fjord tours operate during this time.
• Spring (April - May) and Autumn (September - October): These seasons offer fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful landscapes with spring blooms or autumn colors.
• Winter (November - February): A great time for a winter wonderland experience, though Bergen can be rainy. If you enjoy snow and winter activities, this season can still be beautiful, especially for visiting nearby mountains for skiing.

How to Get There:

• By Air:

  • Bergen Airport (Flesland) is the main airport serving the city and is located about 18 km from the city center. You can fly to Bergen from major cities in Norway and Europe.
  • Use platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights to book flights.

• By Train:

  • Bergen is connected to Oslo by a scenic and famous train route that takes you through picturesque landscapes. The Bergen Railway offers one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe.
  • Book tickets via Vy (Norwegian Railways).

• By Bus:

  • Long-distance buses also operate between Bergen and other cities in Norway, like Oslo and Stavanger.

• By Ferry:

  • Ferries from various coastal towns, such as Stavanger, Alesund, and Flam, can take you to Bergen, offering spectacular views of the coastline and fjords.

Top Attractions:

1. Bryggen:

   • A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen is the old Hanseatic Wharf, with colorful wooden buildings and narrow alleys. It’s home to museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Bryggen Museum to learn more about the history of the area.

2. Mount Fløyen:

   • Ride the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. It’s also a great starting point for hiking and exploring nature.

3. Bergenhus Fortress:

   • A medieval fortress located at the entrance of the harbor. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved fortifications in Norway.

4. Fish Market (Fisketorget):

   • A lively market by the waterfront where you can try fresh seafood, including local specialties like krabbe (crab) and sjømat (seafood). It's a great place to experience the local culture.

5. KODE Art Museums:

   • Bergen has a strong art scene, and the KODE Art Museums (comprising several buildings) showcase impressive collections of Norwegian and international art.

6. Troldhaugen:

   • The home of famous composer Edvard Grieg, located just outside Bergen. The museum showcases Grieg's life and work, and you can also enjoy performances at the concert hall.

7. Fjord Tours:

   • Bergen is the starting point for many stunning fjord tours, including the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which combines a scenic train ride, bus, and ferry through the beautiful fjords, including Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord.

Activities to Do:

1. Hike to Mount Ulriken:

   • If you’re into hiking, take the Ulriksbanen cable car or hike up to Mount Ulriken, the highest of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. The views from the top are breathtaking.

2. Fjord Cruise:

   • Bergen is an excellent base for exploring the Norwegian Fjords. Take a day trip to visit Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, and Hardangerfjord, among others.

3. Visit the Bergen Aquarium:

   • A great family-friendly attraction featuring marine life from Norway and around the world.

4. Explore Bergen's Wooden Houses:

   • Wander through the charming streets of Bergenhus, known for its colorful, traditional wooden houses and picturesque cobbled streets.

5. Take a Boat to Islands:

   • Explore the beautiful islands surrounding Bergen, such as Sotra, Bømlo, and Askøy. Each island has its own charm and is perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Accommodation:

• Luxury:
  • Hotel Norge by Scandic: A five-star hotel with stunning views of the city and the fjord. Book via Scandic website.
• Mid-Range:
  • Radisson Blu Royal Hotel: A centrally located hotel in Bryggen, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service. Book through Radisson website.
• Budget:
  • Bergen YMCA Hostel: A budget-friendly option in the city center, close to attractions. Book via Hostelworld.

Food and Restaurants:

1. Seafood:

   • Try fresh fish and shellfish at the Fish Market, including king crab, reker (shrimp), and klippfisk (dried fish).

2. Traditional Norwegian Dishes:

   • Try raspeballer (potato dumplings), komle (dumplings with meat), and risengrynsgrøt (rice porridge) at local restaurants.

3. Fine Dining:

   • Enhjørningen Restaurant: Located in Bryggen, offers traditional Norwegian seafood dishes in a cozy setting.

4. Café Culture:

   • Bergen has a lively café scene with local coffee shops serving up Norwegian pastries like krumkake and skillingsboller (cinnamon rolls).

Local Culture:

• Bergen is known for its music and arts scene, particularly classical music, thanks to the influence of composer Edvard Grieg. There are many music festivals, such as the Bergen International Festival (Bergenfest) and Grieg in Bergen Festival.
• Norwegian Language: While Norwegian is the official language, English is widely spoken, and many signs and menus are available in English.
• Rainy Weather: Bergen is known for its frequent rain, so it’s always a good idea to bring an umbrella or waterproof clothing.

Booking information