Bergen, called “the gateway to the fjords,” is one of the most picturesque cities in Norway, captivating both with its history and its unique location. Surrounded by mountains and water, it is a perfect starting point for exploring the spectacular landscapes of the western coast.
Bergen is mainly associated with the colorful houses of its waterfront. Bryggen, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is still full of life and recalls the city’s Hanseatic past. Tourists are also drawn here by numerous museums, the fish market, and the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen. In this article, I will present the biggest attractions of Bergen and its surroundings based on our several visits to this charming city. At the end of the guide, you will also find plenty of practical information.
We visited Bergen for the first time in 2002 and returned again in 2025. The first time, the city was just a stop on a long journey through southern Norway, and we weren’t lucky with the weather. On our next visit, we were pleasantly surprised by how little had changed in the city over those 23 years.
LOCATION OF BERGEN ON THE MAP
FLØYEN HILL
We will start our guide with Mount Fløyen, as it is the best viewpoint over the entire city. The funicular railway is one of the biggest attractions in Bergen, and if you happen to get weather like we did, you will be delighted. It is the best place in the city to watch sunsets.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION OF THE LOWER STATION: the very center > Fløyen
- INFORMATION: travel time: 8 minutes, route length: 850 m, elevation difference: 320 m
- OPENING HOURS: runs all year round, 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM, in season even every 10–15 minutes
- TICKET PRICES: round-trip ticket: approx. 150–180 NOK, one-way ticket: approx. 80–100 NOK, tickets are best purchased online (recommended in season), at machines at the station, or at the ticket office
- VISIT DURATION: At the top, you can spend as much time as you like; there are great hiking trails starting from here, so you can extend your visit.
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Fløyen
DEVELOPMENT AT THE SUMMIT
At the summit, there is a viewing terrace, as well as a restaurant complex and a playground for children.
VIEWS
From the hill, there is an impressive panorama of the entire Bergen, with a clear view of the city center, the harbor, and the characteristic colorful houses of the Bryggen waterfront. In good weather, you can also see the mountains surrounding the city as well as parts of the nearby fjords, which give the landscape a unique, almost postcard-like character.
TRAILS
From the summit, numerous trails spread out through forests, clearings, and viewpoints, including routes through Granbakken and the area around Lake Skomakerdiket. These trails can be combined with other mountains, such as Rundemanen or Blåmanen, creating both short walks and several-hour hikes with beautiful panoramas of the city, fjords, and surrounding hills. Due to the late hour, we only made it to the first small lake.
BRYGGEN – THE HISTORIC HEART OF BERGEN
A BRIEF HISTORY
Bryggen is not only a picturesque waterfront of Bergen, but also a living history lesson dating back to the 13th century, when Bergen was one of the main ports of the Hanseatic League. The wooden townhouses that today form the characteristic buildings of the district originally served German merchants as warehouses and workshops, where goods such as fish, hides, textiles, and spices were stored.
ORIGINAL BUILDINGS
The district was repeatedly affected by fires in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, it was always rebuilt in the traditional style, which is why it has preserved its unique layout of narrow alleys and wooden facades. Bryggen was also home to the headquarters of craft guilds, making it the center of the city’s economic life. Today, you can visit museums documenting the history of Hanseatic trade, craft traditions, and the everyday life of merchants, which makes Bryggen one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval port district in Europe.
BERGENHUS FORTRESS
Bergenhus Fortress is one of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Norway, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is located at the entrance to the harbor in Bergen, just beyond the famous Bryggen. Over the centuries, it served important defensive and representative functions and was, among others, a residence of the kings of Norway. Within its grounds are historic buildings such as Håkon’s Hall (a royal hall from the 13th century) and Rosenkrantz Tower (a defensive tower from the 16th century). The fortress played a significant role in the country’s history, protecting the city and serving as a center of power, and today it is a popular tourist attraction as well as a venue for cultural events.
PORT OF BERGEN
Just beyond the fortress and along the southern waterfront lies the port. It is one of the most important seaports in Norway, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Thanks to its location on the North Sea, the city quickly became a key trading center, especially during the Hanseatic period. The port was the heart of Bergen’s economic life. Ships from various parts of Europe arrived here, bringing goods and merchants, which contributed to the city’s development as an international trade hub. In its immediate vicinity is the historic district of Bryggen, which served as a warehouse area for Hanseatic merchants. Today, the port of Bergen still plays an important role. It handles both commercial and passenger ships, including ferries and cruise ships. It is also a popular starting point for cruises through the Norwegian fjords, combining rich history with modern infrastructure and tourism.
FISH MARKET IN BERGEN
The fish market is one of the most characteristic spots in the port, located right on the waterfront, not far from Bryggen. Its tradition dates back hundreds of years, and today you can buy fresh seafood, try local specialties, and experience the atmosphere of the old port life.
OTHER PORT BUILDINGS
The remaining port buildings in Bergen combine history with modernity. In addition to the historic wooden houses and warehouses that recall the Hanseatic era, there are contemporary structures whose architecture references the old Bryggen. Altogether, they create a coherent space where the port’s former commercial function is still visible, although today it is complemented by tourism and services.
CENTRAL BERGEN – VÅGSBUNNEN DISTRICT
We leave the port and head east. Vågsbunnen is one of the oldest districts in Bergen, located near the port and the historic waterfront. Its urban layout dates back to the Middle Ages, when this area developed as part of the city’s commercial center. The district is distinguished by narrow streets, traditional wooden buildings, and an intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the more touristy Bryggen. In the past, it was mainly inhabited by local residents—craftsmen and merchants not directly connected to the Hanseatic League—making Vågsbunnen an important complement to the Hanseatic part of the city. Today, it is a quieter, more authentic part of Bergen, where you can see historic churches, small shops, and cafés, and also experience the atmosphere of the old city, preserved in a less altered form than in other port areas.
CENTRAL BERGEN – TORGALLMENNINGEN SQUARE
Torgallmenningen is the main square in central Bergen, serving as an important gathering place and hub of city life. It was created after the major fires that repeatedly destroyed this part of the city, which is why its current appearance is the result of modern reconstruction and urban planning. The square has a representative function, hosting events, ceremonies, and daily gatherings of residents. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and hotels, though the architecture is somewhat “grandiose” and does not fully match the rest of the city.
CENTRAL BERGEN – AREA AROUND LUNDEGARDSVANNET LAKE
LUNDEGARDSVANNET LAKE
Continuing southeast, we reach a charming spot adorned with blooming cherry trees. This small lake, located in the center of Bergen, is an important feature of the city’s landscape. It is surrounded by parks, museums, and representative buildings, serving both recreational and aesthetic purposes. The lake was created in the 19th century as part of urban transformations and has since become a popular place for walks.
MUSEUMS IN THE AREA
Several important museums are located around Lille Lungegårdsvannet:
- KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes – a group of art museums (including KODE 1–4) right by the lake, showcasing Norwegian and international art.
- Bergen Art Museum – the historical name for part of the KODE complex.
- Rasmus Meyer Collection – a collection of works, including pieces by Munch
- Bergen Kunsthall – a contemporary art gallery on the southern side.
FESTPLASSEN AND BYPARKEN
To the west of the lake, there are small green areas and squares that serve recreational and cultural purposes. In the center stands Musikkpaviljongen, a decorative music pavilion. It was built in the 19th century and has the character of a classical, ornamental concert gazebo. It served as a venue for musical performances and public events, and today it is an important part of the park’s historic landscape as well as a popular meeting point.
SOUTHERN BERGEN
We had the chance to explore Southern Bergen several times, as our small hotel was located in this part of the city. The area around Nygårdsparken is architecturally quite diverse. Historic townhouses and villas stand alongside large university buildings. Overall, the area is interesting and colorful.
NORDNES PENINSULA
This is the most picturesque part of Bergen, located between bays and jutting into the harbor waters. It is one of the oldest areas of the city, which for centuries played an important residential and defensive role. Nordnes offers a peaceful atmosphere, narrow streets, traditional buildings, and beautiful views of the port and surrounding fjords. In the past, it housed fortifications and places related to maritime activities. Today, the peninsula is home to the National Aquarium. We visited it in 2002, so I won’t include photos, but below is a gallery of other views of the peninsula. It is worth mentioning that the beautiful panoramas of Bryggen shown above were taken from the northern coast of the peninsula.
AREA AROUND BERGEN – NORTH
To the north of Bergen, beyond the dense city buildings, the landscape quickly changes to a more natural and open environment. Buildings become sparser, dominated by individual houses, small settlements, and road infrastructure along the coast and fjords. The terrain is hilly, with numerous elevations and views of the water.
We will conclude our stories of Bergen from the north at the Nordhordland Bridge. This bridge spans a fjord north of Bergen, connecting the city with the Nordhordland region. The bridge has an interesting design, combining a cable-stayed and a pontoon structure. In its surroundings, buildings are very sparse, with natural landscapes, water, islands, and mountains dominating. From the bridge and nearby roads, there are wide views of the fjords and surrounding mountain ranges, including Gullfjellet.
AREA AROUND BERGEN – SOUTH
Entering Bergen from the south, what immediately catches the eye are the expansive panoramas, including the view of the highest peak in the Bergen area, Ulriken. The mountain is clearly visible from many points outside the city and is an important element of the region’s landscape.
SOUTHERN BERGEN – AIRPORT AREA
If you are staying overnight near the airport, or simply have a little time before your flight, you can take a quite interesting walking trip to the nearest fjord from here.
- ROUTE MAP – LINK
- LENGTH – approximately 4.2 km round trip
- WALKING TIME – about one hour
Start at the terminal and head south along the airport parking areas. After a short distance, you will enter a green path along the forest and rocks.
At the end of the trail, a small harbor awaits, with charming buildings and a little bridge leading to Mariholmen Island.
What truly makes this spot attractive is the fact that it is perfectly situated on the flight path to the airport. Planes fly right overhead, practically within arm’s reach.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN BERGEN AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
Even having visited Bergen twice and spent several days here, it was impossible to see and explore everything. We saw some places, but photos from the pre-digital era aren’t suitable for publication, so I am sharing the list below. Perhaps you will have the chance to stay longer and will need guidance on what to see in the city and its immediate surroundings.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURE
- Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene – history of the Hanseatic League and merchants
- Bryggens Museum – archaeological finds from Bryggen
- Gamle Bergen Museum – open-air museum with historic city buildings
- Norway Fisheries Museum – local history museum
- VilVite Science Center – interactive science center
- Bergen Technical Museum – automotive museum
- MUHO – Museumssenteret i Hordaland – Textile Museum
- Troldhaugen – home and museum of composer Edvard Grieg
ATTRACTIONS AND VIEWPOINTS
- Ulriken – the highest mountain within the city limits
- Fantoft stavkirke – reconstruction of a medieval stave church
- Tennebekktjørna – trails around the lake and to waterfalls
BERGEN – PRACTICAL GUIDE
BERGEN AIRPORT
Bergen Airport Flesland is located about 18 km south of the city center and is well connected to the rest of the region. The airport offers a wide range of direct flights, both domestic and international. It is easy to reach from the major cities in Norway, as well as from many cities across Europe.
HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER
The most convenient way to reach the city center is the light rail Bybanen, which runs regularly and takes about 45 minutes. Alternatives include airport buses and taxis, which are faster but considerably more expensive. The airport also has car rental services, which is the best option for those planning to explore the fjords and surrounding attractions.
TRANSPORT IN BERGEN
Bergen has a well-developed public transport network, including buses and the aforementioned Bybanen light rail. Tickets can be purchased via a mobile app or at ticket machines. It is worth considering a time-based ticket if you plan on intensive sightseeing. The city center is relatively compact, so many attractions can be explored on foot.
Current prices (2026):
- Single ticket: approx. 51 NOK (~18–20 PLN) – Bergen zone (Zone A), valid for 60 minutes
- 24-hour ticket: approx. 136 NOK (~50 PLN)
- Longer-term tickets: 7 days: approx. 315 NOK, 30 days: approx. 844 NOK
WHEN TO VISIT BERGEN?
Bergen is known for frequent rainfall. The best period to visit is from May to September, when the days are longer and temperatures are more favorable for sightseeing. Regardless of the season, a rain jacket is essential.
PRICES AND PAYMENTS
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, which is particularly noticeable in restaurants and when using services. The difference is not as drastic as it was in 2002, but it is certainly a bit more expensive. In Bergen, you can pay by card almost everywhere, and cash is rarely used. It’s wise to plan your budget in advance and consider shopping at supermarkets to limit expenses.
WHAT TO BUY?
- Salmon products: smoked salmon, dried fish (tørrfisk), salmon paste
- Norwegian sweaters and wool: traditional sweaters with Norwegian patterns, hats, gloves, scarves
- Trolls: the most “Norwegian” souvenir
- Scandinavian cosmetics: natural creams and lotions, products made from herbs and oils
- Norwegian sweets: chocolates (e.g., Freia), salted licorice (specific but popular)
- Local art and handicrafts: paintings of fjords, ceramics, nature-inspired jewelry
HOW MUCH TIME TO PLAN?
For basic sightseeing, it is worth setting aside at least one day. However, if you plan to visit museums, take a hike in the mountains, or explore other parts of the city, 2–3 days is the minimum. We spent about 2 days in Bergen (2 nights) and managed to see this much.
ACCOMMODATION IN BERGEN
Bergen offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, hostels, and apartments. It’s best to book in advance, especially during the summer season when the city is most popular. We stayed in three different places: the first time at a campsite in a wooden cabin, and the next time near the city center in a charming guesthouse with a very pleasant atmosphere – Hotel Park Bergen (photos below).
Our last stay was right by Bergen Airport. This is also a good option, as the city center is easily accessible, and if you have an early morning flight, you can get a good night’s sleep. The hotel is literally just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal. The recommended hotel is Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport
When booking, we recommend using the portal Booking.com which we have used successfully many times. Through any link on this site, you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Enter your desired dates and book safely:
