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I recently took my first trip to Norway (which was only my second stop in Scandinavia, having visited Denmark years ago), and it blew me away. Unlike some countries that I’ve explored for weeks or months, I just had 3 days in Bergen. However, it was enough to get a feel for this lovely city and learn a bit about wider Norwegian culture and cuisine.
Hopefully, in the future, I’ll be able to tell you about more Norway adventures high on my bucket list, like seeing polar bears in Svalbard! Today, I’m going to tell you how to have the perfect mini break in Bergen with some culture and nature thrown in…
Despite being Norway’s second-biggest city (with a population of 280,000), Bergen doesn’t feel like a busy urban hub. Wandering the peaceful backstreets, I felt I’d stepped back in time. There’s something special about seeing the ocean and mountains at the same time. I felt my mind and body instantly relax.
Once the largest city in Scandinavia in the 1600s, you can feel the history when visiting the idyllic harbour. Bryggen (Norway’s first UNESCO site) is the most iconic corner of the city, and a highlight of any city break to Bergen. The colourful wooden buildings reminded me of Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district, also on the waterfront.
Another perk? Bergen is known as the ‘city of seven mountains’, cradling the city. With numerous efficient transit systems, it’s easy to access nature within minutes from the city centre.
Day 1 in Bergen – Mount Ulriken & city tour
We landed in Bergen at 10am, having taken an early flight from Manchester airport. We were feeling fresh and managed a full day of activities, starting with…
Ride the cable car to Mount Ulriken
This is one of two popular viewpoints in Bergen, both accessed by efficient, modern transport: a cable car here to Mount Ulriken, and a funicular to Mount Fløyen, which I’ll mention later in this itinerary.
Mother Nature only granted us good weather for one of these excursions, and it was the latter! Sadly, we couldn’t see much from the top of Ulriken, but the views were at least misty and intriguing.
Mount Ulriken or Mount Fløyen? The Ulriken cable car lower station is a 20-minute drive (accessed by bus/Light Rail) from Bergen, while the funicular to Mount Fløyen is located in the city centre. A ride up Ulriken is around double the price, but it’s higher at 643 metres above sea level (compared to Fløyen’s 400), so arguably more impressive in the right weather.
Price: the cable car costs 435 NOK return (€40) as of 2026.
For an upmarket lunch with unrivalled views, you can’t beat Skyskraperen Restaurant located beside the Ulriken upper cable car station.
We had a delicious 3-course lunch featuring heirloom asparagus soup, beef, and an eye-catching ‘ice lolly dessert’ with fresh strawberries and a touch of Norwegian brown cheese, a local delicacy.
Everything was delicious and so beautifully presented.
Afternoon (day 1) – Bergen bike tour
After riding the cable car back down to ground level, we headed to the city. After wandering through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen harbour area, we joined a cycling tour with Bergen Bike Rent. This was VERY fun on speedy electric bikes, which frankly, you need to contend with the steep hills!
We saw so much of the city; it would have taken hours longer on foot. I loved the idyllic backstreets with characterful buildings dating back centuries. Our guide kept up a good commentary, filling us with facts about Bergen. Apparently, it was damaged in no less than seven major fires, so we’re lucky it’s here at all!
If you don’t fancy a guided bike tour, you can simply unlock a Bergen City Bike (non-electric) from one of 100+ stations around the city. Use the Bergen Bysykkel app to get started.
Another great option is a free walking tour: use Guruwalk to find these. I’ve done them all around the world and swear by them for getting to know a new city and meeting other like-minded travellers, especially if you’re travelling solo.
Day 1 dinner – Fish Me restaurant
There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Bergen: my three top recommendations are Fish Me, Allmuen Bistro and Bryggen Tracteursted. It doesn’t matter in which order you visit them.
Fish Me is a beautiful restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour. It’s located within the historic fish market, which is worth a visit in itself.
My friend and I shared the monkfish (pictured) and seafood pasta; both were delicious. Fish Me has a fantastic wine list, too.
For dessert, I indulged in a pecan pie with more Norwegian brown cheese ice cream. I like brown cheese more as a dessert than in its traditional form of hard cheese with a sweet flavour.
Bergen day 2 – day trip to Hardangerfjord
Bergen is a fantastic city with easy access to nature thanks to its surrounding mountains. Yet, it would be a shame not to experience the nature we picture when someone says ‘Norway’: fjords!
We took a day trip to Hardangerfjord, the second-longest fjord in Norway and the third-longest in the world. With sublime scenery, the 2-hour drive from Bergen was anything but boring. I suggest bagging a window seat and having your camera to hand.
If you don’t fancy hiring a car and driving, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips: there are countless options including return transport, lunch and stops at the fjord and waterfalls. Here’s how our day panned out…
Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall
This was our first stop, and a stunning one at that. This powerful, single-drop waterfall is located near the town of Norheimsund and easily accessible from the road. A sloped ramp lets you walk behind the falls to the viewing platform.
Next, we stopped at Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory, a family-run venue with sublime views over the snow-capped mountains and islands in the fjords. After learning we were in the ‘orchard of Norway’, I was excited to do a tasting.
We tried numerous types, from non-alcoholic to rosé and ice cider. I had no idea there was so much variety!
Lunch at Brakanes Hotel & RIB ride
After a busy morning itinerary, we stopped at the lovely Brakanes Hotel on the banks of the Fjord. They specialise in local, organic produce, which we sampled in abundance, including this deconstructed tiramisu (above left).
Then, it was time for our adrenaline dose of the day. We boarded a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) for a speedy ride around the Fjord. Not only was this thrilling, but I loved admiring the jaw-dropping scenery while hearing about it from our guide.
We rode underneath the impressive Hardanger Bridge and learnt that, before it was built, you’d have to drive an extra nine hours, almost to Oslo, just to get across the water!
We also saw a small town on the banks that, despite having a population of just 37, has a coffee shop (priorities!). When the road is closed in the winter due to rockfall, children get picked up for school by boat… and when the water freezes, they have to ski to the boat. What a crazy life!
Once we got back to dry land, it was time to board the van and return to Bergen in time for…
Dinner at Allmuen Bistro
Another spectacular spot to add your Bergen itinerary is Allmuen, a cosy bistro with funky wall art and a solid wine list. We tucked into a scrumptious feast of crayfish, steak and some of the tastiest mashed potatoes I’ve ever had.
The desserts also stand out. Don’t miss the Earl Grey macarons!
Read next: best restaurants in Bergen
Day 3 – floating sauna, food tour and funicular
Our last day in Bergen was busy! Here’s what we got up to…
Floating sauna ride
Since we were travelling as a group of six, it was a fun option to take a private sauna ride around the harbour. At 3,600 NOK for up to four people or 4200 NOK for up to six, it works out at around €80pp.
If the budget allows, it’s a real bucket lister to soak up harbour views from the warmth of a sauna… and take an icy cold plunge, if you dare!
Food tour with I Love Bergen
We’d already learnt that Norwegian food is excellent, but today stole the show with its great eats. As a true foodie, it’s always a highlight of a trip for me. We took a tour with I Love Bergen Tours and learnt loads about the city through our stomachs.
We tried seafood while learning how Bergen was built on the cod industry, then tried a Christmas-style hot dog with parsnip puree and blackberry sauce. My favourite was the brown cheesecake at Fjak, a cute cafe also specialising in quality chocolate. It’s worth popping in for a hot chocolate, whether or not you have room for this whopper!
Another lovely stop was at Siderbar Bergen. With vintage decor and a huge range of drinks, it’s a testament to how seriously Norway takes its ciders. As a Brit who also loves a good cider, it has my stamp of approval!
Mount Fløyen (cable car or hike)
The final activity we had time for during our 3 days in Bergen was one of the best. After cloudy views while visiting Mount Ulriken on day one, I was excited to ride the Fløibanen funicular into blue skies and take a nature walk around Mount Fløyen.
The funicular runs until midnight so you can make the most of the evening sun during the summer months. Return tickets cost 220 NOK (included with the Bergen Card), saving you a 40-minute walk from ground level. Another option is to skip the cable car and hike (earning you an extra dessert later!).
There’s a lovely restaurant at the top, Fløirestauranten, where we finished our foodie tour. After a nature walk around Skomakerdiket Lake, we met the VIP guests who call Mount Fløyen home: the adorable goats! I had to be dragged away from my new friend.
Final dinner – Bryggen Tracteursted
Our final meal in Bergen was one to remember: a local feast at Bryggen Tracteursted, a traditional Norwegian restaurant nestled in a colourful, wooden building within UNESCO-listed Bryggen harbour.
We learnt that in historic buildings such as this one, cooking was once banned due to fire risks in the tightly packed wooden houses. I’m glad this one survived to feed us this feast!
Things we ran out of time for
If you choose to forgo any of the itinerary suggestions above, check out instead…
- The Leprosy Museum – once a hospital and leper colony, this is now a museum where you can learn about this dark period in European history, of which Bergen was tragically the capital. Open May-September.
- Troll Museum – modern technology brings Norwegian fairytales to life at this quirky museum. I’ll definitely visit next time.
- KODE Art Museums – the biggest collection of arts, crafts and design in Bergen is where to while away a rainy afternoon.
About the Bergen Card – if you plan to do lots of sightseeing, this might be worth getting. It includes the Bybanen Light Rail from the airport to the city, buses, the funicular up Mount Fløyen, and free entry/discounts on museums and galleries. Check exactly what’s included here.
Getting to and around Bergen
You can fly to Bergen with Jet2 in just 1 hours 45 minutes from the UK. The morning flights are ideal because you get almost the whole day in Bergen after landing.
We flew from Manchester Airport with Jet2; flight times from London take, on average, an extra 15 minutes.
Once you land, it’s easy to take the clean and modern Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) from the airport to the city centre in around 40 minutes.
Although Bergen is a walkable city, you also have the option of buses and trams (all electric), bikes, plus the funicular and cable cars mentioned above.
Where to stay in Bergen
We stayed at the lovely Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen. The rooms were quiet, well-equipped and comfy with lovely hot showers (ideal after our icy dip at the floating sauna!), but the best bit was the delicious breakfast buffet.
From fried breakfasts to smoked salmon and eggs, the creamiest chia pudding ever, fresh fruit and tasty coffee, we were set up for the day.
Best time to visit Bergen
With little daylight in winter and endless daylight in summer, Norway is a destination that changes radically with the seasons. Overall, May to September offers the mildest weather and the lowest chance of rain.
Although technically just outside of peak season, I thought our trip in late April was perfect: we needed a few thick layers, but it was never too chilly, and it was light until around 10pm!
Spring – from March to May, you can expect freezing nights and chilly days, but you might be lucky and get some winter sun if it’s not raining.
Summer – this is the ultimate time for enjoying long days and outdoor city vibes. Bergen doesn’t experience the midnight sun of north Norway, but it’s not far off: the sun sets after 11pm and rises again by 4am. Temperatures can reach 25 degrees Celsius. Just be prepared that this is the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
Autumn – September is a lovely time to visit, but temperatures drop off in October so you’ll need to pack layers. It’s a picturesque season to see the changing leaves.
Winter – temperatures can drop to -5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by heavy snowfall in the mountains. You can still visit if you can handle the bad weather (Brits will have seen it all before!). Some will value the chance to visit ski resorts located 1.5 hours away,
A fun fact about Bergen is that it’s the rainiest city in Europe… So definitely pack an umbrella!
FAQs about visiting Bergen
Is Bergen safe? Yes, like most places in Norway, it’s a very safe city, even for women travelling alone. You won’t have problems, even when walking at night. Don’t sweat it!
Is Bergen good for solo travellers? Yes – it’s safe and easy to get around with public transport. However, it’s an expensive city so you might want to stay in a hostel. These are available from €22 on Hostelworld.
How expensive IS Bergen? It’s one of the more expensive countries in Europe, often ranking above Switzerland. Expect to pay around €13 for a beer, around €50 for a main dish in a nice restaurant, €4 for a bottle of water, €5 for a coffee, €17 for the tram from the airport, and around €20 for museum entry.
Thanks for reading!
I had such a lovely first trip to Bergen and I hope it’s not my last. Time slows down in this picturesque, colourful city with access to the sea and mountains.
Browse more ideas for Europe city breaks in my archives
