Bergen holidays

Start your Bergen holiday by taking the funicular for panoramic views from Mount Floyen. From here, you’ll find well-marked trails for exploring the six other surrounding mountains. If you have accessibility issues, Skomakerdiket is a perfect fit. The most challenging trail is to Trolltunga and takes 10 to 12 hours for the round trip.

Unleash your inner Viking from the capital of fjord country. No city break to Bergen is complete without a cruise. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord in style. Or borrow a free kayak from the Fisheries Museum in return for picking up rubbish from the sea while you paddle.

All aboard the Flam railway, considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and a must-do during a holiday in Bergen. As you travel along one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, you’ll see dizzying mountainsides, crashing waterfalls and deep gorges. The trip from Bergen to Flam takes just under three hours.

With its wharf and characteristic wooden buildings, picture-perfect Bryggen has been a trading port for a thousand years. Explore its narrow alleys deeper, however, and you’ll find modern studios, galleries and small shops selling local artisan’s creations. Besides its astonishing beauty, Bryggen is also where to stay in Bergen if you want to be near some of Norway’s best restaurants, known for their outstanding seafood.

Good for: Iconic architecture, shopping, seafood

Stretching along the short peninsula that extends into the harbour, Nordnes is the best neighbourhood to stay in Bergen to escape the bustle. Relax in some of the city’s best cafes or go for a swim in Nordnes Sjobad, a heated saltwater pool beloved by generations. For something completely different, take a walking tour to learn about Bergen’s grizzly history of witches, crime and executions.

Good for: Cafes, relaxation, history

Picturesque Sandviken’s narrow, cobbled lanes and wooden homes make it perfect for taking lots of photos. This traditional neighbourhood is where you’ll find the Old Bergen Museum, the Norwegian Fisheries Museum and the Storebla Aquaculture Visitor Centre here. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Stoltzekleiven trail towards Sandviksfjellet before taking a refreshing dip from the diving tower at Sandviken Sjobad.

Good for: Museums, harbour views, hiking

One of the top things to do with family in Bergen is explore Mount Floyen, a perfect spot to let the kids run wild. At the Troll Forest, they’ll have small obstacles to conquer as they make their way along the path. The forest is located behind Floistuen cafe, so you can enjoy a coffee as they exhaust themselves at Bergen’s best playground.

The shopping in Bergen runs the gamut from big-brand malls to specialist boutiques. Wander around Torgallmenningen, Bergen’s main square, and browse the various shops. Find traditional Norwegian souvenirs like knitwear, silver jewellery, trolls and ‘nisse’ (a gnome-like folkloric creature) in Bryggen. Or visit Lagunen shopping centre, one of the largest shopping centres in Norway.

You’ll find museums in Bergen covering every aspect of this historical city. Get a feel for life 200 years ago in Europe’s largest wooden city at the Old Bergen Museum. Learn about medical science and hear powerful human stories from days gone by at the Leprosy Museum. Or visit Fantoft Stave Church, faithfully reconstructed after the 800-year-old original burnt down.

The nightlife in Bergen revolves around its thriving music scene, which has produced internationally renowned acts including Kygo, Aurora and Royksopp. No matter your taste, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Head to the student neighbourhood of Nygardshoyden for lively clubs and bars. Or find long-established bars and taverns in the city centre and around Bryggen.

Discover why Bergen holds a UNESCO City of Gastronomy title at one of the city’s amazing restaurants. The culinary scene here is heavily influenced by the Fish Market, founded in 1276. Enhjorningen not only claims to be Bergen’s oldest fish restaurant — it’s also one of the best restaurants in Bergen for traditional Norwegian seafood. For the ultimate fjord-to-fork experience, make a reservation at Cornelius, accessible only by boat.

Wander around Bryggen’s UNESCO-listed wharf and brightly painted buildings. One of the most unique free things to do in Bergen is the ‘Tubakuba’ (Rabbit Hole). Wriggle inside the tuba-shaped hole, designed by the Bergen School of Architecture as an invitation to explore nature. Inside, you’ll find simple accommodations where you can stay overnight.