Bergen is considered one of the most historic and beautiful cities in Scandinavia, with its colourful wooden waterfront, natural scenery, and deep-rooted maritime heritage dating back nearly 1,000 years. It’s also known for being the gateway to the fjords. The city itself was founded in 1070, and it later became one of the most important trading hubs in the Hanseatic League. You can still see traces of its medieval past as you walk through Bryggen Wharf, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, there are countless unique things to do in Bergen for visitors, thanks to the city’s mixture of culture, history, and outdoor activities.
The city of Bergen is full of incredible attractions, viewpoints, and landmarks to explore, but it’s also a good base in Norway to explore the fjords, such as Hardangerfjord. What’s great about planning a trip to Bergen is that the city’s compact layout makes it very easy to explore on foot or with public transportation. If you aim to see as many attractions in Bergen as possible, the Bergen Card will be invaluable as it provides either free or discounted entry into experiences and museums in Bergen, as well as unlimited travel on the Bergen Light Rail and buses.
Whether you’re on the hunt for city breaks to Bergen or you plan to use the city as a base for other Norwegian adventures, there are a lot more things to do in Bergen than visitors expect. This makes it a great destination at any time of the year.
Getting to and from Bergen Airport
One of the easiest ways to travel to Bergen from the UK is by booking one of the many flights to Bergen with Jet2. They offer direct routes from several airports, making Bergen a very accessible Scandinavian city break. I flew from Manchester, and the flight time was under 2 hours. Bergen Airport is modern, easy to get around, and located a very short distance from the city centre. If you’ve travelled to Oslo before, Bergen’s airport offers a much more relaxed atmosphere.
Once you’ve landed, I’d recommend taking the Bergen Light Rail to travel effortlessly into the centre. It takes around 45 minutes, so while it may not be the fastest method of transportation, it’s included in the Bergen Card and won’t cost you any extra. The card can easily be activated on your phone using the app, so you don’t need to collect any physical tickets.
The combination of a flight to Bergen with Jet2 and Bergen’s very efficient public transportation systems means any visit to Bergen is a stress-free one.
Unique things to do in Bergen, Norway
Enjoy a floating sauna cruise
One of the most unique things to do in Bergen is to take a floating sauna cruise. City Sauna is the only company that offers this cruise, while other companies offer sauna experiences that remain stationed at a dock.
The City Sauna floating sauna cruise is a phenomenal activity that offers a stark contrast between the chilly coastal climate and the warmth of the wood-fired sauna. As the sauna moves around Bergen’s waterfront, you’ll have beautiful views of the mountains and the harbour, passing by a few key landmarks in Bergen along the way. The tour lasts for one hour, and during this time, the driver will make two stops so you can take a dip in the cold waters of Bergen. Even if you don’t want to take a dip, you can still have a nice time relaxing in the sauna or sitting outside if the weather is pleasant enough.
A Taste of Bergen Food Tour
Taking a food tour is one of the best ways to learn more about any city and its culture. A Taste of Bergen Food Tour by I Love Bergen Walking Tours not only introduces you to Norwegian food traditions, but along the way, you’ll also learn about Bergen’s history and stop at a few local hidden gems for food and drinks. The tour takes place around the city centre and harbour area, and while seafood is the focus of one stop, many other types of food make up Bergen’s food scene, too.
Taking a food tour in Bergen is a great way for visitors to explore various parts of the city while learning about its fishing heritage, Norwegian traditions, and its role as an important trading port in the Middle Ages. Our tour ended with a final tasting session at the top of a mountain, with stunning views of the city below. This is easily one of the best things to do in Bergen, especially if it’s your first time here.
Take a guided tour on an electric bike
Norway is well known for its outdoor activities, so if you don’t want to go on a standard walking tour, why not join a bike tour instead? Bergen Bike Rent offers guided electric bike tours around the city, which is a nice way to explore the more hilly areas of Bergen without spending hours walking uphill. Using an electric bike makes scenic viewpoints and quiet neighbourhoods more accessible, and you’ll be able to pass by the scenic waterfront and the historic districts in less time.
Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of Bergen, which made the stops all the more interesting. With Bergen Bike Rent, you get a combination of adventure and sightseeing without needing to leave the city. I found this to be a nice alternative to public transportation for moving between attractions. If you don’t want to take a guided tour, you can still rent an electric bike from Bergen Bike Rent and explore the city at your own pace.
Walk around Bryggen
For me, one of the highlights of Bergen is the iconic UNESCO-listed waterfront. Bryggen is famous for its colourful wooden buildings that date back to the Hanseatic trading era. Since these buildings are close together and made of wood, they’ve been rebuilt many times over the centuries due to fires in the city, with the last major fire occurring in 1955. Even though most of this district has been rebuilt, the narrow alleyways and uneven wooden walkways still make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Bryggen is very much still a living part of Bergen, with artisan shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums occupying many of the buildings. As soon as you walk into the alleyways, there’s an instant quiet that hits you, which is unexpected considering how busy the wharf is. This is also one of the most photogenic areas in Bergen, so make sure you spend some time exploring this historic corner of the city.
Ride the Fløibanen Funicular
Bergen is surrounded by nature, so you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a scenic walk. If you take a ride on the Fløibanen Funicular, you’ll be transported from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen in only a few minutes – and the views during the ride are incredible. The lower station is located a short walk from Bryggen, so it’s easy to find and doesn’t take much uphill walking to get to.
The top of the mountain offers visitors a peaceful setting, with scenic viewpoints, walking trails, forest paths, and even a restaurant to enjoy. You may come across some goats along the trails, too, which you’re more than welcome to get up close to. Even if you’re only spending a weekend in Bergen, I’d highly recommend riding the Fløibanen Funicular to experience the natural landscapes of Norway without needing to leave the city.
Cider tasting at Siderbar Bergen
There are a lot of unique things to do in Bergen, if you know where to look. Sidebar Bergen, for example, offers visitors the chance to taste Norwegian craft cider that’s mainly produced in the Hardanger region. The bar focuses on locally produced ciders made using traditional methods, so visitors can compare different flavours and styles. We were given a glass of ice cider to try, which is very different from the ice wines made famous in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Norwegian cider isn’t as well-known on the international market, so cider tasting in Bergen is a truly unique experience. Sidebar Bergen is set in a traditional building, and much of its original features have been kept, including the wooden walls. This was one of our stops during a food tour, but you can visit any time to try some Norwegian cider and learn more about where the apples are grown.
Snap a selfie with some goats
As mentioned above, Mount Fløyen is home to several friendly goats that are often grazing near the walking path. After riding the Fløibanen Funicular, it’s very common to find these goats on the right-hand side of the restaurant, where they’re helping to naturally maintain the landscape around the hiking areas. You’ll see a small hut nearby, too, where you can learn the names of the goats.
This has quickly become a popular photo opportunity for locals and visitors alike, adding a unique element to any visit to Mount Fløyen. What makes this an even more memorable experience is the contrast between the goats roaming in nature above the city, with panoramic views in the background.
Visit Fantoft Stave Church
If you’re looking for hidden gems in Bergen, look no further than Fantoft Stave Church. Those of you who have visited Oslo in the past may have seen the Gol Stave Church in the Norsk Folkemuseum, and this one is very similar. It’s located a short distance outside of Bergen’s city centre, and was originally built in the 12th century. However, the structure you see today is a reconstruction from 1995 following a fire that destroyed the church.
Fantoft Stave Church is famous for its dark exterior and dramatic medieval appearance in the midst of a forest. Its Viking-inspired design gives it a completely different feel from other European churches, so it’s well worth adding to your Bergen itinerary. Sadly, when I visited, the church was closed, but there’s a good view of it from an elevated position in the forest. In terms of key attractions in Bergen, this one is somewhat overlooked due to its location, so you’ll find it much quieter.
Grab a drink at Magic Ice
Did you know there’s an ice bar in Bergen? Visiting Magic Ice Bergen is one of the more unusual things to do in Bergen, located not far from the waterfront. Inside, visitors will be provided with a thermal poncho and gloves before entering the sub-zero ice gallery. The gallery is filled with illuminated ice sculptures inspired by Viking culture, Norwegian history, and the Arctic. Even the glasses you’re served the drinks in are made from ice, adding to the unique experience.
My ticket included one specialty cocktail to enjoy while admiring the ice sculptures surrounding the bar. This is a great indoor activity in Bergen if it’s raining or if you’re looking for something fun to do in the evening.
Try to spot the Northern Lights
Northern Lights sightings are more common in northern Norway, but it’s sometimes possible to see them from Bergen. The wharf area and harbour can provide a scenic viewing location if the conditions are right. The app used to track aurora activity said that there were favourable conditions for seeing the Northern Lights in Bergen when I was there in April; however, seeing them is never guaranteed. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see any activity in the sky, but the view of Byggen at night made the walk worth it.
Incredible day trips from Bergen
Steinsdalsfossen
One of the most popular day trips from Bergen is to Steinsdalsfossen – a beautiful waterfall located in the Hardangerfjord region, near the village of Norheimsund. It sits at around 90 metres in height, with a pathway built under it that allows visitors to walk behind the water without getting wet. At the end of the path is a viewing platform where you can admire the scenic landscape with lush greenery and dramatic mountain views.
This waterfall is very accessible in comparison to others in Norway. Rather than requiring a difficult route to reach, visitors can access it by parking nearby and making a short walk to its base. The drive from Bergen is part of the experience too, as you’ll pass by incredible landscapes and small villages along the way.
Hardanger Juice and Ciderfactory
The climate in the Hardanger region is perfect for growing apples, which results in delicious ciders with distinctive flavours. For one of the best cider-tasting experiences in the area, you have to stop at Hardanger Juice and Ciderfactory. This family-run farm specializes in producing cider, apple juice, and fruit-based products using home-grown apples, surrounded by the stunning fjord landscape. Visitors can take a tour of the farm, learn about their cider-making techniques, and, of course, sample a wide range of their ciders with a breathtaking view of the mountains and fjord.
Unlike large wineries in other areas of Europe, the atmosphere at Hardanger Juice and Ciderfactory feels more personal. When combined with a scenic drive from Bergen, this is a great way to spend a few hours in the Hardanger region. The alcohol laws in Norway are very strict, though, so if you’re driving, you’ll only be able to sample non-alcoholic ciders – but they still taste fantastic!
Hardangerfjord
Is it really a trip to Bergen without visiting the fjords? One of the best things to do in Bergen is to go on a day trip to the fjords, and luckily, Hardangerfjord is less than a 2-hour drive away. If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to experience the fjords rather than a standard cruise, the Hardangerfjord RIB Safari is an amazing alternative.
We left from Ulvik, after having lunch at the beautiful Brakanes Hotel. Before heading out onto the water, the guide gave us waterproof gear, including hats and goggles. The boat reaches speeds of up to 90 km, so you’ll definitely want to be as protected from the wind as possible!
The route took us past waterfalls, remote villages, and towering cliffs, and we made a few stops so our guide could tell us about the history of the fjord and local stories. Seeing the views of the fjord from the water gives you a completely different perspective compared to viewing it from the roadside, so it’s a very unique experience to include in your itinerary. The combination of scenery and adrenaline makes it one of the best day trip activities from Bergen.
Syse Farm
The Hardanger region is well-known for its cider production, so while you’re in the area, you may as well make another cider stop. Syse Gard is located very close to Brakanes Hotel, and it’s another excellent addition to an itinerary. The farm has been run by the same family since 1888, and as well as cider, they also produce other fruit products using fruit grown from their surrounding orchards.
If you’re interested in learning more about the farm, you can take a guided group tour before enjoying the views of the fjord with a nice glass of cider. In the summer months, their cafe is open for simple food and drinks, too. For anyone wanting to experience a quieter side of Norway, a visit to Syse Farm offers the perfect combination of local culture, unbeatable cider, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Places to eat in Bergen
Bryggen Tracteusted
In the heart of Bryggen lies Bryggen Tracteusted, one of the best places to eat in Bergen for its historic atmosphere. The restaurant sits inside a preserved centuries-old Hanseatic building, with rustic wooden interiors and cozy dining rooms that still reflect the city’s maritime history. Although the traditional dishes have been given a slight modern twist, dining here feels like stepping back in time thanks to the medieval architecture. Even the floor in the main dining room is still slanting downwards due to the marshy environment below.
The menu at Bryggen Tracteusted focuses on Norwegian cuisine, using seasonal ingredients sourced from Norway, where possible. There’s a good combination of seafood, root vegetables, and local meats in their dishes, with strong Scandinavian flavours present. Dining here is one of the top things to do in Bergen for history enthusiasts and anyone wanting a historic dining experience.
Fish Me
Fish Me is a popular seafood restaurant located inside Bergen’s fish market, right next to the harbour. Bergen’s history is heavily tied to maritime trade, so it goes without saying that many restaurants in the city have menus that feature fresh seafood. Fish Me is one of the most popular places to eat in Bergen, with dishes that focus on modern ways to present seafood dishes, without straying too far from tradition.
Dishes that feature salmon and cod, or seafood platters, are all great options. To get the most out of your dining experience, I’d recommend ordering a few sharing platters so you can sample various seafood all at once. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere that combines Bergen’s coastal culture with high-quality seafood, without feeling too formal. This makes it a great restaurant in Bergen for anyone wanting to sample Norwegian seafood in the heart of the old town.
Sky:Skraperen
For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the top things to do in Bergen is to hike up Mount Ulriken. If you don’t want to hike up this mountain, though, the Ulriken643 Cable Car takes you right to the top in only a few minutes. Perched high above the city on Mount Ulriken is where you’ll find Sky:Skraperen – one of the most impressive dining locations in Bergen. It’s located right next to the cable car’s top station, offering guests magnificent views of the city, surrounding peaks, and fjords. We didn’t have the clearest weather to enjoy the views fully, but on our journey down, the clouds cleared a bit.
This is another restaurant in Bergen whose menu focuses on Nordic cuisine, with an emphasis on locally-inspired dishes and seasonal ingredients. We had their 3-course lunch menu, which featured Jerusalem artichoke soup, Norwegian Wagyu with vegetables, and a strawberry mousse dessert. All of these dishes were beautifully presented and had incredible flavour profiles. Dining at Sky:Skraperen is a great opportunity to experience fine dining in Bergen while taking in the beautiful views and nature that surround the city.
Allmuen Bistro
As previously mentioned, the food scene in Norway doesn’t solely revolve around seafood. For a more creative take on Norwegian home cooking and comfort food, I’d recommend booking a table at Allmuen Bistro. This restaurant in Bergen has become popular with locals and visitors thanks to its menu that focuses on high-quality produce sourced from western Norway. It offers a relaxed dining atmosphere that’s more contemporary than the city’s historic taverns.
What’s nice about the menu at Allmuen Bistro is that it changes seasonally. You may be surprised to find that the menu isn’t available on their website, and that’s because they want to surprise their guests. Their 5-dish set menu is the perfect way to explore various dishes to the fullest, with everything from seafood to locally sourced meats and seasonal favourites likely to be served. They also have an à la carte menu available, which features dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Where to stay in Bergen
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen is located just steps away from Bryggen, making it one of the best places to stay in Bergen for those wanting to be based in the heart of the city. I stayed in the twin room, which was a good size, offering plenty of storage space, an ensuite bathroom, a smart TV, and a desk for working at. The breakfast buffet is phenomenal and has a selection of hot and cold dishes, pastries, breads, and Norwegian specialties. It’s a great way to start the day if you’re waking up early to explore the city.
The hotel also has a gym if you want to fit in a quick workout during your trip to Bergen. Combined with its location and the city’s transport links, it’s the perfect choice for travellers wanting a stylish and comfortable stay in Bergen. Visitors booking a stay at Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen with Jet2holidays will find it especially convenient, thanks to its easy access to the top attractions in the city.
Is Bergen worth visiting?
Bergen is one of those rare destinations that delivers on both experiences and scenery. Whether you’re wandering the historic streets of Bryggen, using the city as your base to explore the fjords, or enjoying one of the many unique things to do in Bergen, the city is endlessly rewarding. For travellers still in the planning stages, it’s easy to tailor your stay in Bergen using Discover More with Jet2holidays. Ultimately, Bergen is a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left, and it provides adventures and activities that few other European cities can compete with.
If you have any questions about unique things to do in Bergen, where to eat in Bergen, or what day trips from Bergen to try, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch with the contact form on my website or by email. There are always plenty of flexible flights from Manchester Airport and other UK cities direct to Bergen in under a couple of hours, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest deals. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to plan your next trip.
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