The 9 things to do in Bergen

Visit Bergen: what are the best things to do and see in this city between mountains, fjords and picturesque districts?

What to do Bergen for this holiday in Scandinavia? Coastal town located southwest of the Norway Bergen is the county capital of Hordaland and the second city of the country with "only" 278 121 inhabitants. Important port city of the country, it is also a university city hosting nearly 30,000 students.

A city of history, art and culture, the Viking City is unknown to the general public, but has many advantages to offering its guests. Beginning with its ciseled topography, cut, biting that have over time formed a typical Norway valley: the fjord. The Sørfjorden and Byfjorden in the north and the Raunefjorden and the Grimstadfjorden in the west are one of the most important nature walks to do and to visit in Bergen. This is not all: you will have to taste the culinary specialties, discover the old dock (Bryggen) and its typical wooden houses, wander in the alleys of the Sandviken district, climb up Mount Fløyfjellet and the 8 other mountains surrounding Bergen, etc. Are you wondering what to do in Bergen? We'll answer you, you won't be bored!

To help you with your trip to Norway, the editorial team has been looking for you (we’re nice, aren’t we?) a top 9 of the things to see to visit in Bergen.

1. Bryggen

This picturesque district of Bergen is located in the harbour rade, and is a festival of vivid colors to itself. Although it is very touristic, it is recommended to visit Bryggen. Formerly inhabited by the Hanséates, the area has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Destroyed by the flames in 1955, it was completely rebuilt and allowed to see Mariakirken (Saint Mary’s Church), which was the place of worship of the Hanseates from 1408 to 1766. Coming to visit Bergen, also make a tour Det Hanseatiske Museum , a museum retracing the history of Bergen and its relations with the Hanseatic League, Bryggens Museum , a museum that exposes vestiges of the Middle Ages and the fortress of Bergenhus (13th century). This neighborhood also introduces Bergen artisanal, popular and authentic. An open market is held regularly, where to discover local specialties.

2. Rosenkrantz

The Rosenkrantz Tower, built in 1261 by Magnus VI , is a medieval vestige, one of the most important in the city. Residence of feudal lords, the building served as a fortress protecting the city from enemy invasions. The criminals were imprisoned and tortured in the basement without a window. Upstairs, the city and fjords are overlooked, a must if you know what to do in Bergen.

3. The fortress of Bergenhus

If you are looking for things to do in Bergen, the fortress of Bergenhus, located in the historic heart of the city, is worth visiting. It is a medieval fortress on the natural port of the city, below Sverresborg. It rises to a strategic place from the feudal era and was used for religious purposes, then military.

4. The Hanseatic Museum

This museum, located in the historic district of Bryggen, retraces the history of the powerful Hanseatic League , which dominated the economic and commercial relations of Norway from the 12th to the 13th century, at the time Bergen was the capital of the country. The Hanseatics provided commercial benefits to the communes that joined the league, whose hegemony was ensured through the cod trade. It is a must for anyone who comes to visit Bergen, especially to understand the maritime history of the country.

5. Nordnes

Nordnes, at the end of a small peninsula, is a brightly coloured high quarter, composed of typical wooden houses. Visit the Bergen Aquarium will make you explore the sea fauna of the cold waters of Norway: penguins, seals and all species living in Norwegian fjords. The aquarium contains a tropical section, with crocodiles, snakes, and other reptiles.

6. The fish market

It would be a shame to visit Bergen without taste of her seafood, right? The fish market will be rich in fresh, smoky salmon and crustaceans. As in all the market environments, a popular atmosphere is built into mastery on the area, which is perfectly immersed in local life.

7. A cruise in the fjords

What to do in Bergen? Bergen is the gateway to the fjords – not the Danone... – from Norway. The route of the fjords is called "Norway in a nutshell" (Norway in miniature), allowing to visit the valleys covered by the sea by bus and ferry. The journey, in one day, 2 or 3 days, allows you to discover Voss (on train), Gudvangen (bus trip on the snow). From there, go by ferry to admire the Noerøyfjord, the Aurlandsfjorden and Sognefjorden, the longest and deepest fjords in Europe.

8. Mount Ulriken

As the highest point of the Bergen Mountains, Mount Ulriken is 643 metres above sea level and, good news, is only little frequented by tourists. To access it, go to the Ulriksbanen cable car to the top (there is a TV tower, a restaurant and observation telescopes).

9. Mount Floyen

Want to walk in nature? If you don’t have anything to do in Bergen, go green on the slopes of Mount Floyen, a privileged place where you can enjoy an incredible view of the city and fjords. A funicular leaves the city centre to rally the summit, but you can also climb on foot (399 meters above sea level). In winter, you can go up in funicular, then go down to the sled. This is the most visited of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen.

How to go to Bergen?

To get to Bergen, many flights to Oslo are available from French cities: our partner’s website Ulysses offers cheap flights to Oslo. At the start of Oslo, we can rent a car to reach the west of the country, an exceptional road trip of 480 km on the fjord road. Otherwise, Bergen is of course equipped with an airport, south of the city, but flights will be more expensive.

Where to stay in Bergen?

♪ areas where to stay in Bergen are without hesitation Bryggen, Nordnes, Sentrum, Nostet and Strandsiden. Bergen offers a wide range of accommodations: hotels, hostels, campsites, hostels, guest rooms at home. That they are a Compare hotels or Platform Airbnb , sites are not missing to find accommodation in Bergen.