We recently visited Bergen for 2 days and were impressed by how much there is to do in this Norwegian city and that so few people have a chance to visit. This was our two day itinerary of Bergen, the city of seven mountains that took in the main sites and best bars and restaurants the city had to offer.
Is Bergen in Norway nice and worth visiting?
Bergen may not be top of everyone’s list when considering a weekend away. However Bergen has so much to offer that your typical Mediterranean holiday doesn’t have. Additionally if planned in advance a Bergen trip also doesn’t need to cost a lot, often a reason given for avoiding trips to Norway.
We spent two days in Bergen and had an epic time exploring this compact city and think Bergen is definitely worth visiting.
Is Bergen really expensive?
Lets address the elephant in the room, yes Bergen is expensive compared to 95% of European destinations. But it is not that expensive compared to London, Paris and actually cheaper compared to parts of USA. But we think there are ways to reduce the cost of your trip to ensure you get best value. We have listed some money saving tips at the bottom of this article.
What is Bergen known for?
Bergen is best known for it’s impressive harbor and it’s historical routes as a trading post. These days it offers impressive natural beauty and cruises down the Fjord to visitors.
Is Bergen in the Arctic Circle?
No, you are still 1200km from the Arctic circle when in Bergen! It would take a place around another 3 hours to reach the Arctic Circle. If you are interested in reaching a Norwegian city in the Arctic circle then consider Tromso, Kirkenes or Bodo instead.
Does Bergen have an international airport? And how to get to Bergen from the U.K?
Yes Bergen has an international airport accepting flights from around the world. Getting to Bergen by plane takes two hours from London airports. We took the plane from Gatwick airport, but Bergen can also be reached from Heathrow.
How many days in Bergen is enough?
We visited Bergen for two days and think this is a great amount of time to pack everything in without rushing. The city is compact and you’ll be very likely be located centrally so walkable distance to all bars, restaurants and sightseeing.
Is Bergen safe?
Yes Bergen is one of the safest cities in one of the safest countries in Europe.
How to get from Bergen airport to the centre?
Getting from Bergen airport to the centre of the city is easy. We took the tram located outside of the airport which took around 50 minutes. It does pass the city football stadium so if there is a game on the tram can get busy. If you prefer to take a taxi there were options for around $70 to the centre or by private transfer.
What is the best time of year to visit Bergen?
We visited Bergen in April and while cold it was pleasant to visit. Official best times to visit are in the summer months as you’ll get to experience the long days which are wonderful to stay out eating and drinking. But just as much fun can be had in the colder months in Bergen hanging out in the old bars and pubs, it will also be less busy during the winter months so your choice!
Bergen Itinerary | DAY 1
Morning – day 1
Take a stroll round Bergen harbor to get your bearings, depending on the time of year the weather may be brisk so wear warm clothing. Then head to Det Lille Kaffekompiniet, one of the cities best coffee shops for a caffeine hit and cinnamon roll, one of Norway’s morning specialties. If you prefer a something similar for around a third of the price you can head to any of the Narvesen convenience stores where they do a deal 39NOK ($3) for a hot drink and pastry.
Next head to Bryggen, this medieval complex of Wharf buildings. This area has a fantastic atmosphere where you could imagine traders and merchants would have all met from across Europe to sell their wares.
While now slightly gentrified with stores selling souvenirs is well worth a visit to see the ancient structures. If you are looking for a more detailed explanation of the history, city tours can be booked that will explain this area in detail. This tour sells out quickly so best to book ahead.
Lunchtime/Afternoon – day 1
Now you’ve adjusted to the brisk weather, it’s time to get some authentic Norweigan fish cakes. There is nowhere in Bergen that does this better than The Hagelin Sisters, this institution has been operating since 1929.
They offer fish cakes in various forms served in a thick milky broth. Out of our group of friends about half loved it, while the others were not sure and even referred to them as ‘gelatinous blobs’. But an authentic try! Lunch was not expensive at The Hagelin Sisters around $10 so a great option for a casual sit down bite to eat.
After lunch head back to Bergen harbour and take a Fjord Cruise, tickets must be bought ahead as it is highly likely to sell out (the boat was totally full when we went in April.)
The cost was around $80 per person, so while not the cheapest activity it was the highlight of the trip because of the sheer beauty of the Fjord. Check Fjord tickets availability here. The trip lasts 3.5 hours and takes your out of Bergen harbour to a place called Mostraumen which basically where the Fjord becomes too narrow for the boat to travel any further.
On board there is bar serving cans of beer and snacks if you need refreshments. The boar operates in bad weather and in winter so you can be sure you’ll get the chance to do this whenever you visit Bergen.
Evening – day 1
We decided to try somewhere authentically Norwegian for dinner and settled on AS Bryggestuen Bryggeloftet, located back near the wharf complex this amazing restaurant (the oldest in Bergen) serves various traditional meats and fish in rich sauces including reindeer. The service was so friendly and kind so would recommend this an experience to try, albeit being pricey.
After finishing dinner we went looking for some live music and found Sjoboden. Located facing the waterfront in the Bryggen (where you may have visited earlier in the day) this atmospheric pub takes you back to how it would have been for drinkers in Bergan’s olden days.
Live music was fantastic and drew a crowd. We also loved that beers were served in the +600ml glasses. It became one of our favourite drinking holes for our time in Bergen.
Bergen Itinerary | DAY 2
Morning – day 2
To start day two we joined other Bergensars with the plan of reaching the top of the Floyen Mountain.
We bought tickets for the Cable Cart, a return was $15 (however we ended up walking down from the mountain so only a single would have been necessary). We didn’t have to wait long for to be whizzed by the cable cart up to the top.
Once up we were treated to stunning spring weather with not a cloud in the sky and incredible views of Bergen below. This really was an absolute highlight of our trip and would highly recommend.
The top was crowded due to the gorgeous weather but were able to grab coffees and drinks at the Floistuen Cafe. You could clearly see from here why Bergen is called the city of seven moutains as the wrapped around it.
The top of the mountain has kids parks and trails to explore if you more time. Having seen many locals running and pushing prams to the top we decided we shouldn’t be so lazy and walk the three kilometres down the mountain back in town which was pleasant and simple.
Lunchtime/Afternoon – day 2
Once you get back down we were parched and decided to head to bar. A really interesting place, as the bar has been purchased by 51 Norweigan businessmen and turned in to how they thought a bar should look. Folk and Rove does simplicity well with a simple outside terrace area complete with banquet seating, it also benefits from being located on a quiet back street of Bergan.
Drinks are reasonable and some of the cheapest we found in the city. It became an absolute favourite of the time we stayed here.
If you have some time after lunch then consider doing the Hidden Gems Tour. This tour will take you on parts less know in Bergen around Nordnes back to the 16th century when crime and punishment was dished out more easily.
Evening – day 2
Heading in to our final evening we found a great place before dinner to relax in a Billiards bar. Salong Bar and Billiards had a load tables to play at and cool vibe to relax. We sunk a few rounds of pool before turning our hand to Norweigan scrabble and other board games.
Dinner would have been another chance to try some Norweigan food but we had heard about an incredible pizza place. Villani Skostredet (located opposite Folk and Rove) is without doubt one of the tastiest pizzas I have ever tried. How is it possible that Norway has the best pizza? No idea. Prices we steeper than you’d pay at home around $30, but I’s say well worth it.
Ideas for where to stay in Bergen?
Bergen accommodation wasn’t as expensive as we expected and most apartments for tourists are very centrally located. These are best ones we recommend depending on your price range.
- High End | Skostredet Hotel – this five star hotel located centrally is considered one of the best hotels to stay at in Bergen.
- Middle | City Box Bergen – a staple across cities in Norway. This reliable hotel has comfort and convenience without costing too much.
- Budget | Leilighet I Berganshus – a quiet place that allow you to use as a base to explore the city.
Where can I buy a Norweigan Sim?
You not longer need to buy physical sims when you arrive at your destination, the easiest option now is to get an e-sim. This is simply downloaded on your phone and off you go. To purchase a Norweigan e-sim find one here.
Money saving hacks when visiting Norway
- Buy some alcohol in duty free before you fly.
- Coffees and pastries are cheaper and ‘almost’ as good in the Narvesen convenience stores where they do a combo deal.
- Pubic transport is very reasonable, try to get over taxis.
- Book flights well ahead, some flights from London can be as little as £10 at certain times of year.
- The current exchange rate is the best its ever been historically as the NOK has fallen against most currencies.
Any other cities in Norway to recommend?
Norway has many beautiful cities but another we particularly loved was Trondheim in Norway’s central area facing the Arctic Ocean with one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in Scandanavia. We wrote a detailed article on Trondheim and all it has to offer. More well traveled Oslo is becoming more popular with travelers, we wrote an article on how to travel to Oslo on a budget.
Written by John
Blogger. Hiker. Explorer. Chess Fan.
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