Bergen is Europe’s highest rain-receiving city in a year. There is really too much rain sometimes, but Bergen is surrounded by fjords and amazing scenery, which is why all that rain and snow may make it better. Many people are considering going to Bergen, Norway, but have a hard time creating a Bergen Norway itinerary – mostly because there is too much to do and little time. You may not have that problem if you are thinking of going to Trondheim, Tromso, or Lofoten Islands, for example. They also have a lot of to do, sure, but Bergen is just too much sometimes.
Check this out, too: Norway Travel Itinerary: Between Fjords and Nature
Most of the time, deciding what to do in Bergen, Norway, is tricky because of this. It’s not just that the city has a lot to offer, but the surrounding regions has beautiful things to do and see. That’s why I believe Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is the perfect place to start your Norway trip and create a Bergen Norway itinerary. It offers a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.
Imagine walking through the colorful wooden houses of the Bryggen UNESCO site or riding the historic Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen‘s top. How is that not going to be beautiful? And don’t forget the beautiful fresh seafood at the bustling fish market! It’s cute and tasty. Despite being very rainy, Bergen’s charm wins over visitors from everywhere.
When you visit Bergen, Norway, and create a Bergen Norway itinerary, you’ll see why it’s called the “Gateway to the Fjords.” It’s close to Norway’s most stunning fjords, like Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. You can take a fjord cruise, join a guided tour, or explore on your own. Options are endless, and the scenery is breathtaking.
The Heart of the Fjords in Bergen
Bergen is called the “Fjord Capital of Norway” for good reason. It’s a charming city surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. A trip to Bergen isn’t complete without seeing its natural wonders, aka the fjords and the mountains. That’s why I’ll start from these Fjords and go towards the city itinerary of Bergen.
The place to start, without a doubt, is Mount Fløyen. It’s a top spot among locals and tourists in Bergen. The mountain is 319 meters high, and you can ride the Fløibanen funicular to the top to see that amazing view. You can hike, see a troll forest, and meet cashmere goats there.
Another amazing mountain is Mount Ulriken. It is the highest mountain in Bergen, and besides the top view, you have to try the cable car to the mountain. The Ulriken Cable Car is another must-see with amazing views. It’s not just the destination you get; the ride with the cable car offers breathtaking views.
In addition to the sightseeing, Bergen is also known for its culture. The Bryggen Wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many tourists visit it. It has wooden buildings and narrow alleys coming from the city’s past.
Sognefjorden: Norway’s Longest and Deepest Fjord
Sognefjorden is a natural wonder north of Bergen. It’s length is over 200 kilometers inland and reaches depths of up to 1,308 meters. It’s Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The most accessible entry point is Flåm, a picturesque village. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Bergen. Visitors can take a scenic cruise or ride the Flåm Railway to see its beauty. The railway is quite famous because of its views, so I recommend taking that ride to the city before you go to Sognefjorden.
Hardangerfjorden: The Majestic Queen of the Fjords
Hardangerfjorden is in the south of Bergen and is known as the “Queen of the Fjords.” It’s the second-longest fjord in Norway. It has charming villages, waterfalls, and fruit orchards along its shores. Visitors can take a full-day trip from Bergen to see its highlights. Vøringsfossen waterfall and Ulvik village are the top spots to see there. The region is also famous for its apple cider and traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Osterfjorden: A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
Osterfjorden is a hidden gem north of Bergen. It’s a quieter alternative to more popular fjords. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of mountains and waters. A cruise along Osterfjorden shows stunning waterfalls like Mostraumen. It’s great for hiking and exploring remote villages. Osterfjorden is perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and experience Norway’s raw beauty.
Bergen Fjord Tours and Cruises
When you visit Bergen, you have to book a fjord tour or a fjord cruise. These trips offer amazing views of Norway’s natural beauty, and if you don’t have the time to visit the fjords one by one, this one gives you a good view of the best ones. You can pick from many Bergen fjord tours to find the perfect one for you.
Guided Tour and Fjord Cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, and Stegastein Viewpoint
The guided tour to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, and Stegastein Viewpoint is very popular. It’s a full-day trip that includes bus, train, and boat travel. You’ll see the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjorden and the village of Flåm. The Flåm Railway ride is about 1 hour. The fjord safari is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The tour has a set schedule from May 1 to September 30.
Norway in a Nutshell®: A Classic Fjord Adventure
The Norway in a Nutshell® tour is a classic choice. It starts or ends in Bergen and includes a cruise on Nærøyfjorden and a ride on the Flåm Railway. The Basic Fjord Tour lasts about 10 hours and can be customized. Of course, there are many other tours, as well. One example is the Best of Norwegian Fjords – Express tour. Many people love this and I think it’s second next competitor to the Norway in Nutshell tour. Both take similar routes, though, so don’t expect a huge difference in tours, it’s mostly the same views and areas. Some differences maybe in the service, transportation vehicle you take, and so on.
Fjordcruise Bergen – Mostraumen: Perfect for Limited Time
If you’re short on time, try the Fjordcruise Bergen – Mostraumen. It’s a 3-hour cruise through the Osterfjord. You’ll see beautiful landscapes. The cruise has 557 TripAdvisor reviews with 4,5 average. So it’s pretty good! Prices start at NOK 840.00, and Bergen Cardholders get a 20% discount. The cancellation policy offers a 100% refund if tickets are canceled two days before.
Bergen to Flåm: A Journey Through the Sognefjord
You can also do either a self-trip or a guided tour from Bergen to Flåm, a beautiful village in the Sognefjord. This day trip is a mix of bus, electric boat, and catamaran rides. It’s about 11 hours and 45 minutes long, perfect for families with kids aged 3 and up.
Begin at the Bergen Bus station, Platform O, 15 minutes before the trip starts. From April to September, you can cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm on an electric boat. This 1.5-hour ride focuses on the fjords and shows you the great views from the bottom. Because it’s on an electric boat, it’s also very silent, stable, and eco-friendly. As you sail, you’ll see cliffs, waterfalls, and green landscapes. You’ll also pass through the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO site known for its narrow paths and stunning views. In Flåm, you’ll have 1.5 hours to explore, eat local food, or ride the famous Flåm Railway.
The return to Bergen is just as beautiful. You’ll take a catamaran for a fast and smooth ride. This part of the trip offers great views of the fjord and Norway’s coast, ending your day trip on a high note. This return tour is about natural beauty, green travel, and a well-planned route. You can choose a private tour, group trip, or go solo.
Bergen City Centre
We talked about the fjords, tours, and the breathtaking views around Bergen. Now, as the last part, you have to see the city, right? After all, that’s why you are there! You can either start your trip with the city centre or put it to the end of your Bergen Norway itinerary. Either way, Bergen city centre is quite small, so one day will be enough to cover most of the city. Choosing what to do will depend on what you feel like doing. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly historical areas, not much of other stuff.
Bryggen
I mentioned briefly about Bryggen above. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – so it’s a huge deal! Bryggen is one of the most picturesque, iconic, and popular landmarks of Bergen. The area is popular for its wooden houses, vibrant colorful environment, and the historic wharf. These buildings date back to the Hanseatic era and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting the city’s rich maritime history. Lining the waterfront, they lean against each other in a slightly worn, old-fashioned way. Today, they host a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants, all with beautiful views of the harbor and nearby mountains.
Bergenhus Fortress
Just a short walk from Bryggen, along the waterfront, you’ll find Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved stone fortifications, guarding the entrance to Bergen Harbour. Built in the 13th century, the fortress has been an important part of Norway’s history. It includes Haakon’s Hall, a medieval banquet hall, and the Rosenkrantz Tower, a historic defensive structure. This must-see fortress offers a great look into Norway’s medieval past, with its stunning architecture, exhibitions, and amazing views of the harbor and city from the top of the tower—definitely worth a visit!
Skansens Bataljon
To finish your day in Bergen with style and add a little fun, romantic evening to your Bergen Norway itinerary, catch a peaceful sunset at the Skansens Bataljon, an old fire station just above the Fløibanen funicular. From there, you’ll get a stunning, uninterrupted view of the town, harbor, and surrounding mountains. During summer, it’s a great spot for a picnic. You can go here with your partner for a romantic, calm, and chill evening. You can even surprise them with something (yes, that)!
Nearby, there’s a leafy park with a popular area for families and kids, plus Skansedammen, an artificial pond that turns into an ice-skating rink in winter. For the adventurous (and depending on the weather, as it can get slippery in winter), this is also where you can start a hike to the top of Mount Fløyen—if you’d rather walk than take the funicular.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect Bergen Norway itinerary isn’t easy, especially if you want to see the surrounding area and not just the city. There are a lot of things to do, and you need quite a bit of time to go through most of them if not all. Bergen isn’t just pretty mountains, fjords, and green scenery; it also has a great history and culture. The Bryggen UNESCO site is a key spot, for example. It shows you Bergen’s Hanseatic past. It’s filled with colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. All very cute.
Beyond the city, culture, and history, Bergen is the perfect starting point for Norway’s fjords. You can take a fjord cruise or tour to see the stunning Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjorden, and Osterfjorden. These fjords show Norway’s natural beauty with cliffs, waterfalls, and calm waters.
When planning your Bergen trip and creating your Bergen Norway itinerary, make sure to have enough time for both the city and the fjords. Bergen is a mix of urban and natural beauty. That’s why you can have memorable and amazing experiences.
FAQ
What makes Bergen the “Gateway to the Fjords”?
Bergen is called the “Gateway to the Fjords” because it’s near Norway’s stunning fjords. Places like Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Nærøyfjord are close by. The city is a great starting point for exploring these natural wonders, and it has many fjord tours and cruises.
What is the historic Bryggen Wharf in Bergen?
The Bryggen Wharf is a historic spot from the Hanseatic League era. It has colorful wooden buildings along the waterfront. This UNESCO World Heritage site shows Bergen’s rich maritime history and cultural importance.
How can I reach the top of Mount Fløyen in Bergen?
You can ride the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen’s top for amazing views. The mountaintop has hiking trails, a troll forest, and cashmere goats to see.
What is the longest and deepest fjord near Bergen?
Sognefjorden is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, located north of Bergen. It’s over 200 kilometers long and reaches depths of up to 1,308 meters. The closest entry point is Flåm, a 2.5-hour drive from Bergen.
What is the best way to experience the fjords around Bergen?
There are many fjord tours and cruises from Bergen. You can choose from guided tours to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, and Stegastein Viewpoint. There’s also the Norway in a Nutshell® tour and the 3-hour Fjordcruise Bergen – Mostraumen.
How can I travel from Bergen to Flåm?
Traveling from Bergen to Flåm is a popular day trip. You can take a scenic train ride on the Bergen Railway, then the Flåm Railway. Finish with a fjord cruise along Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO-listed site.