What to See and Do in Bergen, Norway

Bergen, known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is a city that beautifully combines history, culture and nature. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, it offers a wide range of activities and attractions, making it one of Norway’s must-visit destinations.

Here’s a guide to the best things to see and do in Bergen to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Bryggen: The Historic Harbour and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bryggen, with its iconic colourful wooden houses lined up along the harbour, is Bergen’s most recognisable landmark.

This historic area, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the city’s rich trading history during the Hanseatic League.

Walking through its narrow alleyways feels like stepping back in time. You’ll discover craft shops, galleries and restaurants that still preserve the charm of the past.

Don’t miss the Hanseatic Museum, where you can learn more about the lives of the merchants who once lived and worked here.

2. Explore the Nordnes Peninsula

The Nordnes Peninsula is one of Bergen’s most charming and peaceful areas.

This small peninsula stretches out into the sea from the city centre and offers a mix of history, nature and culture.

• Nordnes Park (Nordnesparken): Located at the tip of the peninsula, this park is a perfect place to relax and enjoy views of Bergen’s fjord. It’s particularly popular with locals for picnics and peaceful evening walks.
• Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet i Bergen): Nordnes is home to Bergen’s famous aquarium, an ideal attraction for families and marine life enthusiasts. Here, you can see otters, penguins, seals and a wide variety of local fish species. It’s one of Norway’s largest and most comprehensive aquariums.
• The streets of Nordnes: This neighbourhood is also known for its narrow cobbled streets and picturesque wooden houses. Walking around Nordnes is a relaxing experience, away from the busy city centre.
• Witchcraft Memorial: Nordnes also has a darker side to its history. The Steilneset Memorial commemorates people executed for witchcraft in Norway during the 16th and 17th centuries.

3. Visit Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget)

Located in the heart of the city, Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget) is a lively place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy fresh seafood.

Here, you can try everything from salmon and king crab to traditional Norwegian dishes such as rakfisk (fermented fish).

You’ll also find local products, including cheeses and cured meats.

It’s a great place to discover Norwegian food and experience the lively atmosphere of Bergen’s harbour.

4. Take the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen

For panoramic views of Bergen and its surroundings, take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen.

In just a few minutes, you’ll reach the top, approximately 320 metres above sea level.

From here, you can admire the city, the fjord and the surrounding mountains.

If you enjoy hiking, several trails start at the summit, leading through forests and past beautiful lakes.

One popular option is the hike to Mount Ulriken, Bergen’s highest mountain, which offers even more spectacular views.

5. Discover the Sailors’ Monument (Sjøfartsmonumentet)

The Sailors’ Monument (Sjøfartsmonumentet) in Bergen represents Norway’s rich maritime history through five different periods.

These include the Viking Age, with its warriors and iconic ships; the Middle Ages, highlighting trade during the Hanseatic League; the 16th and 17th centuries, when international trade expanded; the early modern period, marked by advances in navigation; and the contemporary era, celebrating today’s maritime technology and industry.

Each figure and relief illustrates Norway’s strong connection to the sea and its influence around the world.

6. Admire Bergen’s National Theatre (Den Nationale Scene)

Bergen’s National Theatre, known as Den Nationale Scene, is one of Norway’s oldest and most prestigious theatres, founded in 1876.

This beautiful Art Nouveau building is not only an architectural landmark but also an important cultural symbol.

It’s closely associated with the famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, who directed and premiered some of his works here.

Located in the heart of Bergen, the theatre remains an important centre for Norwegian performing arts.

7. Visit Bergen’s Museums

Bergen has a rich and varied cultural scene, with several museums worth visiting.

Some of the most interesting include:

• KODE: One of the largest museums of art, design and music in the Nordic countries. Its collections include works by artists such as Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso, alongside temporary contemporary art exhibitions.
• Troldhaugen: The former home of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, now converted into a museum. Here, you can learn about his life and music and enjoy concerts in a unique setting.

8. Visit St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken)

St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken), built in the 12th century, is the oldest building in Bergen.

Built in the Romanesque style, it’s known for its stone façade and detailed wooden carvings.

Although the church has suffered damage over the centuries, including during the Second World War, it has been restored and remains an important reminder of Bergen’s medieval history.

Is the Bergen Pass Worth It?

The Bergen Pass can be worth buying if you plan to visit several attractions and use public transport around the city.

This is particularly useful if you’re staying outside the centre, as most of Bergen’s main tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other.

The pass offers free admission or discounts at museums such as the Hanseatic Museum and Edvard Grieg’s former home.

It also includes the Fløibanen funicular, discounts on fjord cruises and public transport, including the airport bus and local buses.

If you’re planning to visit as many attractions as possible, it can be a convenient option.

However, if you only want to explore the city centre on foot and visit one or two attractions, it may not offer particularly good value for money.

How to Visit the Fjords from Bergen

Bergen is the perfect starting point for exploring the Norwegian fjords.

Excursions such as Norway in a Nutshell take you through spectacular landscapes, combining train journeys, boat trips and bus rides.

You can cruise along Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and admire steep mountains and waterfalls cascading directly into the sea.

If you have an extra day and would rather explore the coast than visit another fjord, cross the Nordhordland Bridge towards Alver.

Knarvik Church, the coastal heathlands of Lygra and the area’s beaches are around half an hour from Bergen city centre.

To the west, the Askøy Bridge connects Bergen with the island of Askøy, making it easy to explore Kolbeinsvarden, Strusshamn harbour and, further north, Herdla.

Heading south, the ferry from Krokeide to Hufthamar takes around 35 minutes to reach Austevoll.

Here, you can visit Bekkjarvik harbour, explore islands connected by bridges and, weather and sea conditions permitting, discover Marstein Lighthouse.

To the east, the Hardanger Bridge makes it easier to reach the inner part of the fjord.

In Eidfjord, you’ll find Vøringsfossen waterfall, Kjeåsen mountain farm and routes leading up to the Hardangervidda plateau.

A little further north, Ulvik has its own arm of the fjord, with apple farms, a wooden church and, high above the village, the train stop at Finse.