The best things to do in Bergen

Bergen unfolds like a shuffled deck of picture-perfect postcards. You’ll find yourself engaged in the experience as a distinct setting, a monument, or an activity appears one after the other. Bergen, Norway’s once-largest city, has long been known as the picturesque capital, because of its famed series of seven mountains. Another reason it’s a tourism hotspot is that it’s a crossroads for trading, education, media, shipping, petroleum, and subsea technologies. And, of course, cruising, with over a million passengers arriving in Bergen only by ship.

On your first visit to Bergen, you’ll pass via many of the city’s extra-municipal suburban islands, linked by massive bridges. Commuting is a breeze when you have the Bergen Card and free public transportation at your disposal. Are you unsure where to go or what to see? Some of the best things to do in Bergen are listed here.

Visit Bryggen Wharf

Norway’s historic Bryggen Wharf has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest Wharf in Norway and the world. Many of the wood-panelled houses look like they belong in a fairytale when you first see them.

All the same, Adam’s Ale reflects a municipality marked by red and yellow hues. Bryggen Wharf, which now sits idle on Bergen’s eastern coast, was once Europe’s most important commercial hub. You may get a taste of Hanseatic life by taking a walk down Bryggen Boulevard.

Funicular Car to Mount Floyen

When visiting Bergen, the city of mountains, be sure to ride the Funicular car up Mount Floyen for some of the city’s most stunning panoramas. A 10-minute ride on the Floibanen mountain cable car will allow you to catch a glimpse of the city of Bergen as it soars a cliff over the cityscape and the azure depths of the sea.

Take this cable car to see the amazing panoramas of mountains, Wharf, fountains, and a city hidden in russet silk colours. A day that will live in infamy is what I observed in Floyen.

Tour Hanseatic Museum

The Hanseatic Museum in Bergen, located three minutes from Bryggen Wharf, depicts the Hanseatic lifestyle of German merchants from the 13th to the 17th centuries. This museum, which includes two trading houses, allows visitors to view a vast range of marine trade artefacts.

The back of the tenement houses one trade house, while the front of the tenement houses the other. Previously, the museum rooms were utilised as winter assembly halls, courtrooms, or a learning centre. This 18th-century museum is a unique experience that allows visitors to learn more about Bergen’s past.

Explore Bergenhus Fortress

The historic Bergenhus Fortress has long guarded the entrance to Bergen’s harbour since the late sixteenth century. This Fortress is one of Scandinavia’s most impressive structures, and you can see the medieval-era Håkonshallen Haakon’s Hall, banquet hall, Rosenkrantz Tower and the museum during your visit. Håkonshallen was built in 1261 for Norwegian King Håkon Håkonsson, and it was extensively rebuilt after World War II in 1950.

This magnificent Hall, which is open all year, is Norway’s largest surviving structure from this era. The Rosenkrantz Tower was built in the early 15th century on top of a twelfth-century mediaeval construction. In the museum, you may see fascinating exhibitions about women’s contributions throughout the German occupation. Before leaving, take a trip up to Sverresborg’s walled antiquity, a 16th-century fortification built on top of a 12th-century castle.

Eat at Bergen Fish Market

Another interesting spot to visit in Bergen is the fish market near Bryggen Wharf. For one thing, it has great views of the Wharf, and for another, you can eat some of the best seafood in the city, sourced from the Baltic Sea. Simply order a steaming plate of paella and a cup of hot coffee and relax while watching the sunset over the Wharf.

As beautiful as ever, you may spend hours at the fish market feasting on the stunning harbourside scenery. While you’re here, don’t forget to pick up some brown cheese, sausages, and caviar – the best of its type at a bargain price.

Tour Grieg Museum (Troldhaugen)

Troldhaugen, the 18th-century residence of Norwegian musician Edvard Grieg, is located a short trek from southern Bergen. This well-preserved home, built in the late eighteenth century, currently houses the Grieg Museum, with articles about the composer’s life and career. Edvard and Nina used to live on the current site of Greig Museum. There were many new buildings pitched to the villa, each commemorating the composer’s work.

Greig’s private workstation, the composer’s cottage beside the lake where he retreated, and Troldsalen, a 200-seat concert venue facing the composer’s hut and the lake, are all visible from here. If you travel between June and September, you might even be able to attend a concert.

Visit KODE Museums

Disbanded across four neighbourhoods in central Bergen, The KODE is positioned, along Lake Lungegard, the Lille Lungegård. KODE1 contains several of the museum’s permanent collections, including the Silver Treasure, featuring locally created works in silver and gold. It is also, a great museum to observe the Singer Collection, including works by the old masters and antiques from Asia and Europe. KODE2 displays changing exhibits and installations, along with an art book store. KODE3 features the Edvard Munch collection, and KODE4 is home to modernist art and Kunstlab, an interactive art museum for children. All three historic composer homes are also managed by the KODE.

Partake in Norway in a Nutshell Tour

Bergen is also the beginning point for one of the world’s most magnificent fjord trips, Norway in a Nutshell. You’ll need to drive to Gudvangen from Bergen to catch a cruise through the world’s longest and narrowest fjords. The journey begins early in the morning at Bergen and concludes late at night in Oslo.

The cruise will take you from Gudvangen to Flam, where you will board the Flamsbana train and then change to another train to reach Oslo. Along the way, you’ll see mountain seagulls and ice age wonders – trust me, no words can do justice to the glaciated beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. All you have to do now is go see it in person!

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