Best Things To Do in Bergen

Bergen, located in southwestern Norway, is one of the best destinations to get to know the fjords and the maritime tradition that distinguishes the region. With captivating landscapes and museums that reflect the city's cultural heritage, it is also a perfect place to use as a base to get to know some of Norway's most popular natural attractions.

Some of the best things to do in Bergen include visiting Bergenhus Fortress, seeing Bryggen Pier, touring Sognefjord, Gudvangen and Flam around the city and discovering the Mostraumen waterfall, which is one of the most famous waterfalls in Scandinavia.

Bergenhus Fortress is located in the harbor area of Bergen and is one of the best preserved fortresses in Scandinavia, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. There you can explore a collection of historic buildings, including Haakon's Hall, which are open to the public and reflect the medieval and Renaissance architecture of the region.

The fortress has its roots in the 13th century, when Bergen was the capital of Norway and a major trading center in Northern Europe. During the following centuries, Bergenhus has been the scene of the most important moments in Norwegian history, from the reign of the Viking kings to the Nazi occupation during World War II.

In addition, in this fortress you will find gardens and open areas surrounding the building that are perfect for a stroll overlooking the port of Bergen. There you will also find exhibitions that highlight the military history of this structure and its role in the defense of the city. Also, if you plan to visit Bergen during the summer, you will find outdoor events and concerts there.

Due to its strategic location near the city's harbor you can visit Bergenhus Fortress on your own and get there by public transportation or it will be included in the tour if you decide to book a guided tour of Bergen.

If you want to live a traditional experience in this destination, I recommend you to book a Viking boat ride in Bergen. This city has a direct connection to the sea and the Viking heritage of the region, so you can embark on a replica of a Viking ship, experiencing what it was like to sail the Norwegian fjords more than 1000 years ago.

The relationship between Bergen and the Vikings runs deep, because although Bergen was officially founded in 1070, shortly after the Viking Age, the city and its surroundings were already a strategic point of trade and exploration for these warriors. Viking ships, in their time, were not only used for raids and conquests, but were also crucial for trade and exploration of Europe and beyond.

The Viking ship tour is not only a journey through the fjords, but also an immersion into Viking culture and mythology. In fact, during the tour you will hear stories about the exploits of the Norse warriors, about the gods of the Scandinavian pantheon that they worshipped and about the daily life of this people that has remained in history. In addition, some tours include the possibility of dressing up in replicas of traditional costumes.

After the tour, it is advisable to continue exploring other aspects of Viking and Norwegian heritage in Bergen. The Bergen Maritime Museum is a very good option, as it offers an unmissable collection of Viking artifacts and model ships of the period.

Bergen is built entirely around its historic harbor, so one of the best ways to discover this destination is to take a walk along Bryggen Pier, which offers a trip back in time to the medieval era of this Norwegian city. Bryggen is one of the oldest and best-preserved groups of buildings in the country, with timber-framed houses lining the harbor.

Today, Bryggen is not only a destination for history buffs, but also a meeting place for the local community. In its narrow streets and passages you can find everything from craft stores and art galleries to artists' studios, cafes and restaurants, where you can sample the local cuisine, which usually includes fresh seafood and fish dishes.

In addition, one of the most interesting things to do in Bryggen is to visit the Hanseatic Museum, which will give you a detailed view of how the merchants lived and worked in Bergen. This museum is housed in one of the historic buildings on the quay and preserves original rooms and objects from the era. You can also explore exhibits on maritime trade and its influence on the Middle Ages.

The Rosenkrantz Tower Museum, located in a separate building in the Bergenhus Fortress, is one of the most important and representative of Norway's medieval history. Dating back to the 13th century, the tower was originally built as a defensive fortification and now houses an exhibition that allows you to explore the life and power of the Norwegian nobility in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

As you tour the Rosenkrantz Tower you will have the opportunity to explore a series of historic rooms and corridors that have been restored to reflect the lifestyle of the time. The museum houses exhibits on the history of Bergenhus and the evolution of the fortress over the centuries, displaying artifacts, weaponry and everyday objects of fortress life.

In addition, one of the most interesting parts of the visit is the tower dungeon, a dark and gloomy reminder of the days when the tower also served as a prison. On the other hand, at the top of the tower you will discover panoramic views over Bergen harbor, the fjord and the surrounding mountains. The fortress is usually included in the city tour, at least its outer area, so access is easy.

The Bergen Maritime Museum is one of the most important museums in the city and is dedicated to preserving and telling the maritime history of Norway, from the Viking Age to the present day. Located on the campus of the University of Bergen, this exhibition is a must-see for those interested in naval history, trade and navigation.

Bergen, since its founding, has been a historically significant coastal city and has forged a deep relationship with the sea for centuries. That's why the Maritime Museum tells that story with a vast collection of artifacts, ship models and interactive exhibits.

At the museum you'll find replicas of ships and tools from that era, documents about the Hanseatic trade that was vital to Bergen's economic growth in the Middle Ages, and scale models of historic vessels, navigational equipment, antique maps and objects related to life at sea. Notable artifacts include weapons, tools and products used by the Vikings.

Usually, this museum is not on the itinerary of the guided group tours of the city, but you can include it if you decide to book the private tour of Bergen in which you can design your own travel plan. You can also get there by public transportation or if you decide to buy tickets for the Bergen sightseeing bus, which includes a stop at this site.

Bergen is not only an attraction in itself, but also an ideal place to use as a base to see some of Norway's most popular sites, such as Sognefjord, Gudvangen and Flam, epicenters of the Scandinavian fjords.

Sognefjord, known as the King of the Fjords, is the longest and deepest narrow gulf in Norway, stretching for more than 200 kilometers. From Bergen, you can take a ferry or a cruise that will take you through the crystal clear waters of this site, surrounded by mountains, valleys and monumental waterfalls.

Also, Gudvangen, is a small picturesque village at the end of the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest branches of Sognefjord. Known for its natural environment, this village is surrounded by mountains that rise over 1,000 meters high and houses a recreation of a Viking village, where you can learn about the life of these ancient Norse explorers.

Finally, Flam is a village located on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord, which is famous for its tourist train, the Flamsbana, which has what is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. This train will take you from the fjord level to the mountain station of Myrdal, through mountain scenery and rock-hewn tunnels. Hiring a private tour to Sognefjord, Gudvangen and Flam from Bergen is one of the most comfortable ways to get to know these landscapes.

Visiting the Alversund creeks on a tour from Bergen is a perfect alternative to experience a quiet escape into the surrounding nature. Alversund is a picturesque strait located north of the city, with a setting made up of small islets, crystal clear waterways and lush forests that will allow you to take some of the best pictures of your trip.

One of the main activities in Alversund is sailing in its serene waters. There you can opt for a boat or kayak trip, which will take you past small fishing huts and cross paths with traditional boats along the way, allowing you to experience the Norwegian coastal way of life. In addition, Alversund is known to be an excellent place for fishing.

The Alversund area, however, is also ideal for hiking. You will find multiple routes that take you over hills and offer panoramic views of the fjord and stream. Also, in spring and summer the landscape is transformed with colorful scenery, which enhances the experience. To experience this site you can book a fjord cruise from Bergen to the Alversund creeks.

The Mostraumen waterfall is one of the most recognized natural scenery around Bergen. Located just a few hours by boat from the city, this waterfall is accessible via a cruise on the Osterfjorden fjord, on a journey that will take you through narrow channels surrounded by mountains, hills and small coastal villages.

The journey to the waterfall will also allow you to discover the small settlements typical of rural Norway and also the narrow passes of the fjord, which are characteristic of the local geography. If you decide to book an excursion to Mostraumen from Bergen you will be able to fulfill the tradition of collecting some water that flows directly from the waterfall, to drink it and to know its glacial temperature.

You can also take in the scenery of the North Sea at Mostraumen and take some of the best pictures of your trip, so don't forget to bring your camera!

Gamlehaugen Palace is the official residence of the King of Norway and an important historical site that combines architecture, history and idyllic scenery. This majestic building is surrounded by gardens and sits on the shores of Lake Nordasvannet, creating a fairytale scene.

Gamlehaugen is also an outstanding example of the neo-Renaissance architectural style and is one of Norway's most iconic residences.

The palace was originally the home of Christian Michelsen, a Norwegian politician who played a key role in Norway's independence from Sweden in 1905 and was the country's first prime minister. Michelsen commissioned the construction of Gamlehaugen as his private residence and, after his death, the Norwegian state acquired the property. Today, Gamlehaugen is also a museum that houses exhibitions about Michelsen.

In addition, one of the most striking aspects of Gamlehaugen is its setting. The gardens surrounding the palace are open to the public all year round and are a popular place to take a leisurely stroll or rest between excursions. You can reach this site on your own by public transportation or by booking a private tour of Bergen.

Hardanger Fjord is one of the most popular destinations you can visit around Bergen. Located a few hours by car or boat from the city, this fjord, the second longest in Norway, stretches for more than 180 kilometers, offering sweeping panoramas of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and lush orchards.

Another reason not to miss Hardanger Fjord is its diversity of scenery and activities. From quiet fishing villages to glaciers, Hardanger offers an immersive experience in Norwegian nature and the Voringsfossen waterfall, one of the highest in the country, where you can find trails to discover the waterfall from above.

Hardanger Fjord is also known for its orchards of apple, plum and cherry trees that bloom in spring, creating a magical landscape of white and pink flowers that contrast with the snow-capped mountains in the background. The region is also famous for its cider production and many tourists take the opportunity to sample cider at the local cider houses, where some of Norway's finest handcrafted beverages are produced.