If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Norway then you are missing out. Bergen is an awesome city, surrounded by beautiful fjords and mountains is a small historic centre. A cosy oasis in the rugged Norwegian landscape.
Bergens is literally on the fjords, surrounded by 7 mountains. The Fløibanen funicular will take you right from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city and fjords. At least when the fog lifts! You also have the streets of Bryggen a Unesco World Heritage Site of beautiful timber buildings and the fish market.
I really fell in love with the feel of this city. From the wonderful historical timber buildings to the cosy cafes in the streets. The whole area of beautiful so its only logical you want to know how to maximise your time here.
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Day 1- Arriving In Bergen
If you decide to travel by air then you will arrive at Bergen airport. You will be met with the intriguing “Bergen?” Artwork once you step outside. At last you know you’re in the right place!
You have a few choices on how to get into the city from here. The cheapest but also super easy option is the city light rail. It’s not quite a metro as its above ground but also not quite a tram. Either way it will get you into the city in around 45 minutes and it runs on time! From 49 NOK you really can’t argue with that price given how traditionally expensive Norway is.
For tickets you can buy them at the stations or you can download the Skyss app either before you go or it’s advertised at the station. The ticket is timed for travel within that zone and I found with the app the tickets got cheaper the more you used it, so definitely worth it if you plan to make several local trips.
If you want a speedier approach is the Flybussen or airport bus. It takes about 30 minutes to get into the city centre but costs about 3 times the price of the rail system. It also pays to book this ahead of time as the price increases if you buy it on the day.
Otherwise, you can choose between Taxis (which may be a good choice if you are staying outside the city) or private transfers. The taxi rank is outside the terminal and you should not need to pre book.
Once you are in the city centre unless you are staying on the outskirts everything is walkable. Although be prepared, depending upon where you are staying there may be some hills between you and the hotel.
Day 2- Explore Bryggen
Staying overnight in Bergen sets you up for the best views of Bryggen. This is the gorgeous Unesco World Heritage Site full of wooden buildings and narrow streets. This harbour settlement began around 1070 and developed into this historical harbour over the years. Built and rebuilt after many fires threatened the complete destruction. Now it is home to lively shops and the Bryggen museum.
Head out earlier before the cruise shippers arrive and you will find this area fairly peaceful. You get a lovely reflection of the waterfront from the opposite side of the harbour and you can continue waterfront right along Bryggen.
Exploring these nooks and crannies is really exciting and you have to explore the shops on the waterfront but also along the streets to really experience this unique place. Visit Juhl’s Silver Gallery for handmade silver jewellery inpsired by the artic tundra and there is even a bakery next door.
Once you have had your fill or you find that it is becoming a bit too busy head back across to check out the fish market. There is a whole array of seafood on sale and even a place to have it cooked fresh right on the harbour-side. Locals do think it has become expensive and more touristy but it is still worth a little look.
Now it’s turn to explore the rest of Bergen. Head to Fjåk Chocolate Shop and Cafe for a sensational real hot chocolate. They melt their own chocolate into hot milk for a decadent drink. No instant hot chocolate powder here. Sit in or outside if the weather allows and enjoy a moment of bliss.
As you might have noticed if you got the light rail train into town that there is a lot more to Bergen than the seafront. Back here there are more shops, parks and St John’s Church perched onto of the hill are all worthy landmarks for sightseeing. Near here is also where you will find the Bergen maritime museum.
Now before you think you have done it all I really recommend heading to Kippers Bar & Kafe. It’s a bit if a walk on the cruise port side of Bergen but it does have plenty of seating overlooking the fjord. In the right conditions, sat outside in the sun this place is simply gorgeous.
After dinner, walk off all those yummy food and drink towards Nordnes Park for a bit of peace and quiet. Nestled amongst the trees whilst getting peaks out across the ocean especially at sunset it is such a lovely spot.
If you head here earlier in the day you will also find the National Aquarium and an outdoor swimming pool for those looking to get fit. Either way follow it round back towards Bergen city centre and you will find some pretty houses before getting the full view of Bryggen again. If the light is fading then expect to see all the twinkling lights reflected in the flat harbour water.
Today may not be a traditional hike but you will definitely get your steps in walking around Bryggen then around to the viewpoints on the opposite side of harbour.
Day 3- Up Mount Fløyen
Norways mountains may not be the amongst the monsters of the rest of the world but it is worth saying that even though they may only be 800m or so, you are starting from sea level. You will be climbing all those metres, or you can take the Fløibanen funicular.
I recommend getting the funicular up if you want to do a long hike once you’re up there and you can always walk back down if you find you still have energy. Once you are up there are multiple routes to choose from and helpful maps. These range from a few kms to 18km for more experienced hikers. This one takes you over to Mount Ulriken.
The scenery on the top is incredible. Don’t rush off into your hike but take a moment to savour the view over Bergen and the surrounding ocean. The weather can change in an instant so you may loose the view completely in a heartbeat or get a break in the clouds. Either way enjoy the dramatics! You don’t know what the view will be when you return.
Top of the mountain is a completely different feel to the city. Once you are past the souvenir shop, bakery (amazing cinnamon buns) and troll garden (really worth an explore when you return) you enter wilderness. Lakes, exposed rock, tufted grass and moss just complete the look. I really recommend exploring the longer trails if you are able. You really can get a sense of being the only one up there despite being a few minutes from the city.
A little word of warning if you want to hike. The short trails are well sign posted, however, once you get a few kilometres in the path becomes less obvious and the signs disappear. The only sign at one point I did see was for the route to Mount Ulriken. Not where I was headed. Make sure if you do not have a proper paper map with you (ideally you would) get a good photograph of the maps before you leave and check you can read all the detail of the correct trail.
Another word of warning is Norway can have every whether in the space of 5 minutes let along the day so pack well. It can also make navigation challenging. The fog came in fast and what I thought would be easy navigation features such as a lake I actually could not see. The whether also turned wet and windy. So have a back up for navigation (compass). If you do find yourself lost don’t be afraid to cut your losses and retrace your steps back to the funicular
Once you have enjoyed your hike head back and spend some time meeting the trolls and grabbing the local delicacy which is a cinnamon bun from the cafe up there before settling down for the night.
Day 4- Say Goodbye To Bergen
Enjoy a nice breakfast at your hotel and a lazy morning before grabbing your final few souvenirs. Hop back onto the light rail train and you will be back at the airport in no time. Past security grab yourself some cloud berry jam and have a safe flight home.
If you’re not flying, Norway has an excellent rail service and the journey to Oslo takes around 7 hours but passes through some beautiful scenery.
Got Longer In Bergen?
The little city itself can be done in a few days but fear not, you will have plenty more exporting to do. Whether this is around the local mountains or a little further afield.
More Hikes
As I mentioned before, just on Mount Fløyen there are many different routes. Have a glance at the map, as some do appear to overlap but if you have a spare day why not attempt the hike over to Mount Ulriken. If that’s a bit far for you then make your way over there and head up the cable car to enjoy the view and a shorter trail.
Norway has a love for the outdoors and you will find every mountain will have a hiking trail to explore. The city’s website even has whole pages dedicated to explaining the hikes to ensure you find the right one for you.
Local Attractions
I did mention some above and perhaps you will find time to visit a few of them but if not an extra day will hardly hurt. Especially if the weather isn’t going your way you could visit the aquarium or perhaps check out the art scene at Bergen Kunsthall.
If you want to do a lot of the museum type attractions then consider getting a Bergen card. This includes admission to many of the city centre museums but also some that are a little distance away. You can get a pass for 24 to 96 hours for 420 to 780 NOK. This also includes public transport which will be useful for getting to some of the places which are further out.
Only thing to mention is that the time of year affects how much bang for your buck you will get. Some attractions offered by the card are free in the off season and only discounted at peak season. If you want to max out this card, make sure to factor that into your plans to see if it is worth it for you.
Head Into The Fjords
Norway is known for its majestic fjords and really no trip is complete without getting out on the water. There are quite a few options from a few hours (up to Mostraumen) to whole day cruises so take your pick to focus on what you want to see in the time you have available.
If you have the time take a trip up to Voss. It takes only an hour and from here there are tours which take you into the Sognefjord by kayak. I did a Much Better Adventure tour where I spent two days kayaking and one day hiking which I can wholly recommend.
Folgefonna National Park
Not everyone is a water baby and even less so if you happen to appreciate how cold the water is in Norway. Other tours from Bergen take you further north and into the national park. It is a fairly long drive but every time you exit a tunnel in Norway you are met with more jaw dropping views so I would not worry about that at all. You even hop on a ferry before taking a tour of the national park and stopping at several view points.
This tour includes a hike to a lake but should you choose to make your own way there. There are several gateway places and visitor centres you can start your hike from such as Jondal. On the same website you can find suggested hikes and information about Norways right to roam.
Hiking In Norway
Just a few points to ensure you have a good hiking trip in Norway. This includes advice for your safety and for those around you.
- Ensure the hike you wish you do is within your ability. Distance, terrain, navigation etc.
- Pack layers for all weathers. It will be sunny one minute, torrential rain the next.
- Leave no trace
- Know 112 in case of emergency
- There is no shame in turning back if the hike doesn’t go as planned
- Bring enough food and water
Conclusion
Bergen is a gem of a city. Not only is it packed with history, it is surrounded by natural beauty which is easily accessible for most people. If your into your hiking then it really is a bucket list place to visit surrounded by several mountains. All this partnered with the Norwegian culture of being outside in nature it really is a hikers paradise. Happy Hiking!
