Famous Sightseeing Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bergen
Bergen is a city in the Vestland county of Norway. It is a port city and many of the places to visit in Bergen are related to the port, fishing and trading history. The city is also surrounded by beautiful mountains so you get to explore many outdoor activities among top things to do in Bergen. The legend says that the city was founded by King Olav Kyrre and was named Bjorgvin, which means a green meadow among the mountains. That’s actually quite a fitting description of the city and its surroundings. Trading on the ports of this region is estimated to have begun in 1020s and it gradually flourished. By the 13th century, this port was included in the bureau of Hanseatic League. You can visit Hanseatic Museum among Bergen tourist attractions to learn more about the trading history of the city.
If you would like to further delve in the history of the city, you can explore Bergen attractions like the city’s open air museum and University Museum of Bergen. Actually, many parts of the city which you encounter during Bergen sightseeing can be considered historical exhibits by themselves. Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also been among Europe’s City of Culture. You don’t have to go far to explore culture and history in this city. However, if you are looking to explore mother nature, there are incredible things to see in Bergen hiding in the mountains. For some of the mountains, you have the option of cable cars to reach the top. But, hiking along the beautiful trails is among the best things to do in Bergen. You will encounter lakes, waterfalls and many other beautiful natural sights along these trails.
If you plan to visit Bergen, you should create two separate schedules, one for the city and one for nature. There is so much to explore around the city as well, plus if you have time, you may also go on multi day hiking and camping trails amidst the mountains.
Table of Contents
Visit The Best Tourist Places in Bergen in 3 Days
There are numerous Bergen attractions in and around the city. It will take a lot of time, if you don’t know where you should be going. Some of the best things to do in Bergen are hidden in the mountains around. This itinerary will help you navigate during Bergen sightseeing and make the most of your holiday.
Day 1
1. Mount Floyen and the Funicular
You can reach atop the mountain by Funicular cable cars. There are also a few hike trails of varying distances for those who are looking for fun things to do in Bergen. You will come across beautiful sights of lakes, landscapes and valleys. You would need about 2 hours of time for the mountain.
2. Leprosy Museum
During the 15th century, Bergen had the highest concentration of leprosy patients in Europe. There were 3 hospitals for treating leprosy in the city and this museum used to be one of them. This museum outlines one of the most disastrous disease breakouts in Europe’s history and how it was tackled in the region. For those who understand significance of such events on history, this museum would be among the most interesting things to see in Bergen. You would need about an hour to explore the museum.
3. Bergen Cathedral
This cathedral is about 900 years old and is dedicated to the patron saint of Norway, Olav the Holy. You will see several gothic elements in the architecture of this church. It is among the most culturally significant places to visit in Bergen. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this church.
4. Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
This museum is built in one of the oldest wooden buildings in the city, which itself should be explored during Bergen sightseeing. The museum tells about the history and architecture of the areas as well as about the merchants who traded under Hanseatic League. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this museum.
5. Market Square – Old Fish Market (Torget)
This square is where the old fish market of the city was situated for 700 years. It is still an important seafood market and you can explore a huge variety of seafood items in the market itself when you visit Bergen. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes for this market.
Day 2
1. Old Bergen Open-Air Museum (Gamle Bergen Museum)
This museum is actually a reconstructed town comprising of 55 wooden houses built between 18th to 20th century. It is among Bergen top attractions for many reasons. The museum focuses on the life during these time periods exhibited through elaborate sets and displayed artifacts. You would need about an hour and a half to explore this museum during Bergen travel.
2. Bergenhaus Fortress
This fortress is situated at the entrance of the city’s harbor and is one of the most interesting places to visit in Bergen. Different parts of the fortress were built during different time periods. Besides the history of the fortress, the museum also sheds light on the contribution of women in Norwegian army as well as the resistance movement in Norway during the second world war. You will need 2 hours to explore the fortress and the museums within.
3. Rosenkrantz Tower
This tower is a part of the fortress itself and was built during the 1500s. It is one of the best places for Bergen sightseeing. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this tower.
4. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
The history of this port goes back all the way to 1200s. It is also included among UNESCO World Heritage sites. People especially want to see the wooden houses near the wharf among Bergen attractions. You would 30 minutes at least to explore this area.
5. Bergen Aquarium
Also known as Akvariet i Bergen, this aquarium contains more than 300 species of sea life. It is among the top things to do in Bergen for families especially. You would need an hour or so for the aquarium.
Day 3
1. Troldhaugen
This villa used to be the house of famous composer Edvard Grieg and is now a house museum dedicated to him, his life and his work. It is one of the most popular Bergen tourist attractions for its association with such a famed musical figure. You would need about an hour to explore this museum.
2. Mount Ulriken
This is the tallest among the 7 mountains around the city. It is also the the best options for outdoor, adventure and other best things to do in Bergen. You can reach the top through a cable car or by hiking. Either way, you will be treated with beautiful scenery which is unlike any of the things to see in Bergen. You would need 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the mountain,
3. VilVite – Bergen Science Center
Also known as Bergen Science Center, this place is popular among Bergen tourist attractions for the interactive science exhibitions. It is especially popular among families who visit Bergen with children. You would need about an hour to explore the entire science center.
4. University Museum of Bergen
This museum focuses on cultural as well as natural history of the region. You can see exhibits of several fields like art, history, anthropology, geology, botany, zoology and so on. This museum is also among Bergen top attractions for the insight it gives about the region and its people. You would need about 2 hours to explore the museums.
If you plan to visit Bergen for more than 3 days check out the section below. We have collected an exhaustive list of different places to visit and top things to do in Bergen.
Things to do in Bergen
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Bergen
- Bergenhus Fortress
- Troldhaugen
- Hanseatic Museum
- University Museum – Museum of History
- Bryggens Museum
- Old Bergen Open Air Museum
- Fantoft Stave Church
- Bergen Art Museum
- King Hakon’s Hall
- St. Mary’s Church
- KODE Art Museum
- Bergen Maritime Museum
- Leprosy Museum in St. Jorgen Hospital
- Kunsthall Modern Art Gallery
- Gamle Bergen Museum
- West Norway Museum of Decorative Art
- Gamlehaugen
- Damsgard Country Mansion
- Fjell Fortress
- Lysoen Musuem
- Rosenkrantztarnet
- Bergen Cathedral
- Norway Fisheries Museum
- Ole Bull Museum
- St. John’s Church
- Siljustol Museum
- Museum Center in Hordaland
- Alvoen Manor
- Hordamuseet Museum
- Lyse Abbey
- Theta Museum
- Sailor’s Monument
- Bergen School Museum
- Osteroy Museum
- Bergenhus Fortress Museum
- Schotstuene Museum
- Fredriksberg Fortress
- Holy Cross Church
- Nykirken Church
- Storebla Visningssenter Museum
- Bergen Technical Museum
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Bergen
- Mount Floyen
- Mount Floibanen
- Mount Ulriken
- Mount Storfjellet
- Mount Rundemanen
- Lovstakken Peak
- Lyderhorn Summit
- Mount Gullfjellet
- Lake Skomakerdiket
- Damsgardsfjellet Peak
- Mount Veten
- Blamanen Peak
- Mount Sandviksfjellet
- Lake Svartediket
- Store Lungegardsvannet Bay
- Kanadaskogen Waterfall
- Lake Storavatnet
- Lake Osavatnet
- Preikestolen Cliff
- Mount Livarden
- Mount Askoyfjellet
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Bergen
- Akvariet i Bergen Aquarium
- Bergen Science Center
- Gingerbread City
- Vannkanten Waterworld
- Byparken
- Nygardsparken
- University Gardens
- Nordnes Park
- Ovre Eide Farm
- Flipzoen Trampoline
Shopping in Bergen
- Fish Market
- Bergen Storsenter
- Kloverhuset
- Lagunen Storsenter
- Sartor Shopping Center
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Bergen
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Mountaineering
- Mountain Biking
- Kayaking
Sightseeing in Bergen
- Bryggen Buildings
- Bryggen Wharf
- Bergen Harbour
- Stoltzekleiven
- Lille Lungegardsvannet
- Old Voss Line
- Sotra Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Bergen
- Lysverket
- Anne Madame
- Staup
- Tre Koneren
- Colonialen 44
- Sweet Rain
- Kranen
- Olivia’s
- Restaurant 1877
- The Flying Dutchman
- Hoggorm
- Magic Ice Bar
- Bar Barista
- Allmuen
- Sjomat
- Altona Vinbar
How to Reach Bergen?
By Air
The Bergen Airport Flesland is the easiest option for Bergen travel. The airport is situated about 19 km from the city in the southern direction. You can get direct flights to visit Bergen from London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Prague, Paris, Berlin and even New York City. As for transport from the airport to places to visit in Bergen, you can use buses or cabs.
By Road
There are trains connecting several towns and cities in Norway to Bergen and the same is true for the buses. Although the bus network is more widespread than the train network. But, either is convenient for Bergen travel from almost anywhere in Norway.
The two most popular routes to visit Bergen are E39 and 555. Route E39 runs along the north-south axis of the city while Route 555 connects with Bergen from the western side.
By Water
You can get ferry service to visit Bergen from Hurtigruten and Kirkenes in Norway. You can also get ferries from Hirtshals in Denmark for Bergen travel.
Image Reference
- Mount Floyen and the Funicular – Michelle Raponi / PixaBay
- Leprosy Museum – rheins / Wikimedia Commons
- Bergen Cathedral – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
- Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene – Reading Tom / Flickr
- Market Square / Old Fish Market (Torget) – Michelle Raponi / PixaBay
- Old Bergen Open-Air Museum / Gamle Bergen Museum – Like_the_Grand_Canyon / Flickr
- Bergenhus Fortress – Nina Aldin Thune / Wikimedia Commons
- Rosenkrantz Tower – Jan’s fotoside / Wikimedia Commons
- Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf – Michelle Raponi / PixaBay
- Bergen Aquarium – Arne Halvorsen / Flickr
- Troldhaugen – denisbin / Flickr
- Ulriken – harmishhk / Flickr
- VilVite – Bergen Science Center – clare_and_ben / Flickr
- University Museum of Bergen – David40226543 / Wikimedia Commons
