Fly to Bergen

In Bergen, you can experience a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. The city is filled with cozy cafés, lively bars, and exciting museums. Say hello to the penguins at the aquarium or mingle with tourists and local patriots at the fish market. Bergen is also known as "the city between the seven mountains," with majestic peaks within walking distance. No matter what you enjoy doing, the city has something for you.

Price examples shown below are in NOK.

A trip to Bergen will never be boring. The city offers plenty of unique experiences and attractions. Visit Bryggen and enjoy the atmosphere in the narrow alleys filled with shops and cafés. From the city center, you can take the Fløibanen funicular up to Fløyen, where you’ll get an unforgettable view of the city, fjord, and mountains. If you're looking for more physical activity, we recommend hiking one of the seven mountains surrounding the city. No matter what you choose to do in Bergen, you are guaranteed to be fascinated by its history, culture, and stunning nature.

Bryggen in Bergen is more than just a tourist attraction. It is one of Norway’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a living museum, and one of the country's most visited tourist destinations. The historic wooden buildings were established in the 11th century and served as an important trading hub for the Hanseatic League for centuries. German merchants settled here and traded dried fish and other goods. Today, Bryggen is a vibrant area with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and cafés.

In addition, you’ll find several interesting museums, including Bryggens Museum, the Hanseatic Museum, and Schøtstuene. These museums offer insights into Bryggen’s history and the Hanseatic culture.

Bergen is perfect for those who just want to enjoy life, stroll along the waterfront, or hop on the Fløibanen funicular to be transported all the way to the top. There's little that beats the feeling of reaching the top of Fløyen and getting a bird’s-eye view of the city— the scenery of the city and fjords is simply beautiful. The Fløibanen is just 150 meters from Bryggen and the Fish Market, but if you prefer to walk, the journey up is a lovely experience along narrow cobblestone streets and lush forest paths.

Once at the top, you'll also find the small Fløistuen café, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and freshly baked buns.

If you enjoy mountain climbing, you've come to the right city. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains: Ulriken, Fløyen, Løvstakken, Damsgårdsfjellet, Lyderhorn, Rundemanen, and Sandviksfjellet, which are popular hiking destinations for both locals and tourists. The many hiking trails vary in difficulty, so there is something for everyone. Once at the top, the reward is a beautiful view of the city and the fjords.

Ulriken is the highest mountain, standing at 643 meters above sea level. If you don't want to hike, you can take the gondola to the top.

Every year, the great event "7-Fjellsturen" takes place. Both locals and visiting hikers walk from Lyderhorn in the west to Sandviksfløyen in the north, a 35-kilometer hike with a total of 2,500 meters of elevation gain. Most finish the hike after 8-12 hours.

"Smauene", or the alleyways in Bergen, are a unique part of the city's identity. These narrow streets and passages, often paved with cobblestones and lined with colorful wooden houses, create a special atmosphere and offer a range of small treasures.

They have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages when Bergen was an important trading city. The alleyways were part of the city's infrastructure and were used for transporting goods and people.

How about a treasure hunt in the alleyways? The streets are full of small shops, galleries, and cafés. Here, you can find everything from handmade products and vintage clothes to local delicacies and artworks. It's like a treasure hunt walking through the "Smaus", and you never know what you might find around the next corner.

Forget busy shopping streets and tourist traps! Skostredet is one of Bergen’s most charming neighborhoods and a must for visitors seeking an authentic experience. Here, you'll find a lively area with a unique selection of shops, cozy cafés, and bars.

Skostredet has a long and fascinating history. Originally, it was where the city's shoemakers were based, and the narrow alleyways between the colorful wooden houses create a nostalgic atmosphere. Today, the area is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, a place where you can stroll around in tranquility.

For those who appreciate good food and drinks, Skostredet is a paradise. You'll find a wide range of restaurants and cafés, offering everything from Italian and French to vegetarian and vegan options. Take a coffee break in the sun, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the small cafés, or try an exciting dinner at one of the more exclusive restaurants.

In one of Norway's most visited aquariums, you can get to know a variety of sea creatures from around the world. You can see everything from small seahorses to majestic sharks, and of course, the penguins!

A visit to the aquarium is a perfect activity for the whole family. Both children and adults can learn about the sea in a fun and interactive way. Tip! Check the daily schedule to catch the penguin feeding times.

Many big cities have hop-on, hop-off buses. In Bergen, you have the Beffen boat, which offers the perfect start to your stay. This iconic ferry has been crossing Vågen since 1894 and is a great way to get a sense of the city while also getting an overview of where the popular attractions are located.

With Beffen's "hop on/hop off" system, it’s easy to visit the attractions you want at your own pace. You can get off at the Aquarium, the Norwegian Fisheries Museum, or Old Bergen, and continue your boat ride afterward.

Bergen’s residents are widely known for their mood and character – and they love a good party. Every year, major festivals are held, two of which are Bergenfest and the Bergen International Festival.

Bergenfest

It’s no surprise that the city has named its most popular festival Bergenfest. Every summer, the historic Bergenhus Fortress, one of the oldest fortress areas in Norway, is transformed into a festival venue. Artists from all corners of the world fly in to perform. We imagine the noblemen who ruled 750 years ago would have appreciated the festival!

The Bergen International Festival

The Bergen International Festival is one of Norway’s largest and most prestigious cultural festivals. Held annually in May/June, it offers a wide program of music, opera, theater, dance, and visual arts.

The event is a unique opportunity to experience the best of both Norwegian and international culture. The festival has a long and proud history and has helped put Bergen on the map as one of Europe’s leading cultural cities.

Every year, from the end of November, Festplassen in the heart of Bergen city center is transformed into a magical Christmas market. Here, you can stroll along charming wooden stalls and shop for unique handcrafted products. Enjoy the view of the city from the Ferris wheel, or wander through the Christmas tree forest while warming your hands with a cup of delicious mulled wine. The glittering Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere that will make your holiday shopping a truly special experience.

If you're lucky enough to be in Bergen between late November and New Year's Eve, make sure to visit the Gingerbread City! Every year, thousands of people come together to create buildings made from gingerbread. Local businesses, schools, kindergartens, and other volunteers contribute their creations, resulting in a spectacular collection of sweet buildings that make up the world’s largest gingerbread city!

Did you know that Christmas markets are held every year across Norway? The Christmas spirit is never more than a flight away! Read more in our article about Christmas markets in Norway.

Bergen is a perfect starting point for experiencing other gems of Western Norway, whether you want to see the majestic fjords or ski in the mountains. With a rental car, you'll quickly reach your next destination. You can easily book a rental car from Bergen through our partner.

Dreaming of an unforgettable ski trip? Then Myrkdalen Ski Resort is the perfect choice! Just two hours by car from Bergen, you’ll find a family-friendly ski resort with something for everyone, regardless of age and skill level.

Myrkdalen is known for its snowy winters and varied terrain. Here, you’ll find everything from kid-friendly slopes and long, gentle runs to challenging off-piste terrain. The resort has nine lifts and 22 different runs, offering something for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier.

In Myrkdalen, you can enjoy more than just skiing. Try dog sledding, snowshoeing, tobogganing, or relax in the sauna or hot tub. In the evening, enjoy delicious food at one of the many restaurants, or head to the popular Pudder Afterski.

A trip to Trolltunga is an unforgettable nature experience. The famous rock formation juts out 700 meters over Ringedalsvatnet, offering a panoramic view that will take your breath away. From here, you can see Folgefonna National Park and the beautiful surrounding mountains.

The drive from Bergen to Skjeggedal, the starting and ending point for the Trolltunga hike, takes about four hours. It's possible to take a bus or join an organized tour to Trolltunga from Bergen.

The hike is 27 kilometers long, typically taking 8-12 hours, including breaks. With an elevation gain of 800 meters, the hike is challenging but absolutely worth the effort. It's important to be in good shape and have the right footwear, hiking clothes, and other necessary gear to complete this hike.

Tips before the hike: Plan ahead! Check the weather forecast, pack the proper gear and supplies, and remember to inform someone of your whereabouts. It's also a good idea to start early in the day to avoid being caught in the dark.

Hardanger is known for its unique nature and culture. Here you will find majestic mountains, deep fjords, and idyllic fruit orchards.

Every year in May and June, the apple trees in Hardanger bloom. The valley transforms into an indescribable sight of white and pink, attracting visitors from all over the world. The apples from Hardanger are used to produce the famous Hardanger cider, a refreshing and fruity drink that has become popular both in Norway and abroad.

The majestic Sognefjord stretches over 200 kilometers from the coast to the innermost fjord mouth and is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. One of the best ways to experience Sognefjord is by taking a fjord cruise. Several companies offer various tours, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer tours with visits to picturesque fjord villages.

Sognefjord is a paradise for hikers with an extensive network of hiking trails of varying difficulty, from easy walks along the fjord to more challenging mountain hikes. You can trek through lush forests, along roaring waterfalls, and up to majestic mountain peaks with panoramic views of the fjord, mountains, and possibly glaciers.

Enjoy locally produced food and drink in the many towns and fjord villages. Taste fresh seafood, tempting baked goods, and local delicacies. You can easily reach Sognefjord by renting a car from Bergen or flying with Widerøe to Sogndal.