Before you go

Your trip to Bergen.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Bergen – Vestland Capital

How to get there

Bergen lufthavn, Flesland (BGO) Flesland · 19 km
Bergen stasjon 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. Flesland airport is about 19 km away; the tram takes about 45 minutes to the centre. From Oslo, the Bergen railway takes about 7 hours. Express boats link Bergen with the Sognefjord and Stavanger, and the Hurtigruten departs from here for the north.

How many days

Two days for Bryggen, the market, Bergenhus, Fløyen and Ulriken. Three days with Troldhaugen, Fantoft and the KODE museums. One more day for a trip to the Nærøyfjord and Flåm or to the Hardangerfjord.

When to go

From May to September days are usually longer and somewhat less rainy, and fjord boats run on summer schedules. Rain is frequent in any month. Winter is usually wet and dark, with temperatures near zero and little snow in the centre.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The centre is explored on foot, and the tram links the centre with the airport, Troldhaugen and Fantoft. A car only helps for getting around the fjords; trains, buses and boats cover the main itineraries.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Bergen

Morning
Bryggen and the market
Start early in Bryggen, wander the inner alleys, and cross over to the fish market.
Afternoon
Fløyen
Take the Fløibanen funicular up to Fløyen for the viewpoint and walk down the trail to the streets of Fjellsiden.
Late afternoon
Bergenhus
Walk along the harbour edge to the fortress, Håkonshallen and the Rosenkrantz tower.
Evening
Seafood dinner
Dine at Mathallen or the restaurants in Bryggen, with Bergen's fish soup.

2 days in Bergen

Day 1

Morning
Bryggen and Bryggens Museum
The alleys of Bryggen and the Bryggens Museum, with medieval foundations.
Afternoon
Market and Fløyen
Lunch at the fish market and the funicular up to Fløyen.
Late afternoon
Bergenhus
Fortress and the Rosenkrantz tower, with Bryggen seen from above.
Evening
Center
Dine near Torgallmenningen square or in Nordnes.

Day 2

Morning
Ulriken
Cable car to Ulriken for views of the fjords; in good weather, continue along the Vidden trail.
Afternoon
Troldhaugen and Fantoft
By tram to the south: Grieg's house, with recitals in summer, and the wooden church of Fantoft.
Late afternoon
KODE
Return to the centre for the Rasmus Meyer collection, with the Munch room, and walk around the lake.
Evening
Nordnes
Stroll along the streets of wooden houses in Nordnes to the tip of the peninsula.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Bergen a good base for the fjords?

Yes. Fast boats to the Sognefjord, trains to Myrdal and Flåm, and buses to the Hardangerfjord depart from here. The 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour departs from Bergen or Oslo.

What to pack for Bergen?

A raincoat, umbrella and waterproof footwear at any time of year, plus a light jacket even in summer.

Does the Hurtigruten depart from Bergen?

Yes. The coastal ship departs from Bergen and sails up the coast to Kirkenes, stopping at Ålesund, Trondheim, Lofoten and Tromsø.

How does Bergen's tram/light rail work?

The Bybanen connects the centre to the airport and the southern neighbourhoods, passing Troldhaugen and Fantoft. Tickets are bought in the app or at the machines on the stops.

Does Bergen have a beach?

There is no beach in the centre. In summer, locals swim in lakes and the coastal islands, with the water usually cold.

Back to Bergen