Things to do
Things to do in Bergen: 12 ideas from Bryggen to Mount Ulriken
Bergen is small enough to walk across in a day and rich enough to need three. These are the twelve things we would do, from Bryggen and Mount Fløyen to the Kode museums, Troldhaugen and a boat into the fjord.
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It is eight in the morning and the fish market has only just opened. Gulls perch on the railings by the harbour, Bryggen lies in the shadow of Mount Fløyen, and the first funicular is on its way up. In two hours the streets will fill with cruise passengers. Right now the city is yours.
Bergen is easy to enjoy and hard to finish. It has seven mountains, a World Heritage Site, one of the largest art collections in Norway and a fjord right outside the centre. We have chosen twelve experiences and grouped them so you can walk between most of them.
Short answer: what should you do in Bergen?
Walk Bryggen early in the morning, ride the funicular up Mount Fløyen for the view, and spend an afternoon at the Kode museums. With more days, add Mount Ulriken, Troldhaugen and a boat trip into the fjord. Pack a rain jacket whatever the forecast says.
Do not miss: Bryggen early in the morning
Best view: Mount Fløyen
Best for art: Kode
Best for children: the aquarium
Best day trip: a fjord cruise or Norway in a Nutshell
1. Bryggen
The Hanseatic wooden houses along the harbour are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Slip into the narrow passages between the buildings, where the air smells of tar and old timber. Bryggens Museum tells the story of the medieval city.
The catch: at midday in cruise season it is crowded. Come before nine or after five.
2. Mount Fløyen and the funicular
The funicular lifts you from the centre to the viewpoint in minutes, and from there trails lead into the mountains. Read more in our guide to Mount Fløyen.
3. Mount Ulriken
Ulriken is the highest of the city mountains, and the Ulriksbanen cable car takes you to the top. The view runs from the sea in the west to the peaks in the east. Feeling fit? Hike the Vidden route across to Fløyen.
4. Kode
The art museums by Lille Lungegårdsvann hold Munch, Astrup and one of the largest collections of Norwegian art. Pick one or two of the buildings, as all of them in a day is too much.
5. Troldhaugen
Edvard Grieg's home sits by Lake Nordåsvannet south of the centre, with the villa, his composing hut and a concert hall set into the slope. Come for a lunchtime concert in summer.
6. The fish market
Wander through for the atmosphere and a fishcake. Have your big seafood dinner elsewhere, though, as prices here are set for visitors.
7. Bergenhus Fortress
Haakon's Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower stand at the entrance to the harbour. The fortress grounds are free to explore, and from the ramparts you look straight into the port.
8. The aquarium
Bergen Aquarium on Nordnes has seals, penguins and fish from the Norwegian coast. Walk on to Nordnesparken afterwards, one of the loveliest seaside parks in the city.
9. Fjellveien
This almost level path runs along the hillside above the centre, with a new view at every bend. Ideal for a morning walk and easy to combine with Fløyen.
10. Old Bergen Museum
The open-air museum in Sandviken has around 50 wooden buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, with streets, shops and workshops as the city once was.
11. A fjord cruise
Boats leave Strandkaien for the Osterfjord and Mostraumen, where mountains plunge straight into the water. Three hours gives you fjord Norway without leaving the city for more than an afternoon.
12. Nordnes and Skostredet
End the day in the lanes of Nordnes or on Skostredet, with cafés, bars and second-hand shops. This is where locals spend their evenings.
Opus XVI
Opus XVI at night in central Bergen.
Where to stay to walk everywhere
The centre between Torget and the Kode museums is the best base. See more in our guide to the best hotels in Bergen.
Opus XVI: in the very centre
Opus XVI fills an old bank building on Torgallmenningen. Bryggen, the fish market and the Kode museums are minutes away on foot, and the funicular is under ten. A small, calm hotel for anyone who wants to walk everywhere.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Opus XVI
Scandic Ørnen
The roof terrace at Scandic Ørnen in Bergen.
Scandic Ørnen: a roof terrace over the city
Ørnen stands by the main bus station, with a roof terrace looking over the centre and the mountains. The light rail, Kode and the Grieg Hall are close by. Right if you want to see the city from above even when you are back at the hotel.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Scandic Ørnen
Good to know before you go
Pack a rain jacket: Bergen is famous for rain, and sunshine is a bonus.
The Bergen Card: gives discounts and free entry to several sights, and pays off if you plan to see a lot.
Walk as much as possible: the centre is small, and the light rail runs to the airport and towards Troldhaugen.
Cruise days: check the ship schedule and do Bryggen and Fløyen early on busy days.
Bergen: frequently asked questions
What should you see in Bergen?
Bryggen, Mount Fløyen, the Kode museums and the fish market are the essentials. With more time, add Ulriken, Troldhaugen and a fjord cruise.
How many days do you need in Bergen?
Two days covers the centre and Fløyen. Three gives time for Ulriken, Troldhaugen and a fjord trip.
What can you do in Bergen when it rains?
Kode, the aquarium, Bryggens Museum and the Old Bergen Museum are good rainy-day choices.
What is free in Bergen?
Bryggen, Bergenhus Fortress, Fjellveien and the trails on Mount Fløyen cost nothing. You only pay for the funicular up.