11 Things to Know Before Visiting Bergen, Norway

Bergen is one of those places that earns its own reputation and then surpasses it. Set on Norway’s southwestern coast, surrounded by seven mountains and the Byfjorden, it’s a city that genuinely surprises people. Even travelers who’ve done Scandinavia before tend to leave Bergen saying they weren’t ready for how much they loved it.

I’ve spent time in Bergen, and it always teaches me something new. This guide covers the most important things to know before you go… the kind of stuff that separates a trip you tolerate from one you talk about for years.

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Quick Facts

Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, founded in 1070.
Population: ~285,000
Airport code: BGO
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Language: Norwegian (English widely spoken)

Introduction to Bergen, Norway

Founded in 1070, Bergen was the biggest town in Norway until the 1830s. It was a major European trade and sea port and part of the Hanseatic League – a commercial cooperation in Europe. The Hanseatic merchants helped put Bergen on the map originally as it was a giant export of fish products in the Middle Ages.

Visiting Bergen, Norway today offers unique opportunities for everyone from the outdoorsy to the city folks and from the foodies to the cultural travelers. Often called the “Fjord Capital of Norway” and “the city between the seven mountains”, you’ll instantaneously be charmed by the city and its scenic location in the heart of the fjords.

Not to mention, the city center of Bergen is compact, requiring only about 15 minutes to really travel from one end of the city to another. Let’s dive into the details about visiting Bergen and what you can expect during your visit!

1. Where Is Bergen? And Why It Matters

Bergen sits on Norway’s southwestern coast, roughly 288 miles (463 km) from Oslo by road. It’s the unofficial gateway to the Norwegian fjords, specifically the Hardangerfjord to the south and the Sognefjord to the north, the longest fjord in the world.

The city is cradled by seven mountains (De syv fjell), including Fløyen (320m) and Ulriken (643m), which define its skyline and give travelers easy access to panoramic hikes right from the city center. It fronts the Byfjorden and has historically been one of Europe’s busiest sea trade hubs.

This matters because Bergen’s geography directly shapes how you experience it. The mountains create weather that shifts multiple times a day. The fjords are the main reason most people come. And the compact city center, walkable end-to-end in about 15 minutes, means you don’t need much transit to see a lot.

2. How to Travel to Bergen

As you can tell based on the location of Bergen on the map above, you have limited options of how to get to Bergen. The most popular options are to rent a car and drive, fly in, stop in Bergen by boat, or my favorite taking the train across the country. It’s not only an extremely picturesque journey, but it will take you to central Bergen quickly and cost effectively.

Rent a Car

In Norway, renting a car to drive from destination to destination is pretty popular due to the flexibility it gives you. However, distances often are larger than they appear on the map due to mountains, fjords, limited roads, and of course weather.

For example, driving from Oslo to Bergen will take you 288 miles across Norway, but it will take you 7.5 hours if you make no stops. If you do the math, this means you’re going on average 38.4 miles per hour.

If you do decide to rent a car, check out Discover Cars to get the best deal. They search over 500 suppliers to help you find the best rate for your car. You’ll also get 24/7 support, free cancellation, and zero hidden costs!

Arrive by Plane

If traveling by plane, you will arrive at Bergen Airport Flesland, located 19km south of the city. The Bergen airport code is BGO.

From the airport, you can take public transport to get into the city. The airport bus service, Flybussen, is a quick 30 minute journey costing NOK 149 one-way if bought in advance online. If you buy the ticket no the bus, it’s an extra NOK 30. Or, you can take the light-rail system, Bybanen, for a 45 minute journey costing only NOK 44 for an adult and NOK 22 for a child.

Both run frequently, about every 15 minutes, and will take you into the Bergen city center. There is also of course, the option to take a taxi from the Bergen airport, but it will run you closer to NOK 550 – 850. You can check prices of Bergen Taxi here.

Take the Train

Coming from Oslo to Bergen, the train is the best option. It will take about 7 hours to cross the country, but it provides insanely scenic views. Make sure to grab a seat by the window!

If you have extra time in your Norwegian itinerary, you can also do the scenic “Norway in a Nutshell” journey as you cross the country. This train and fjord adventure takes you through the mountains, fjords, and waterfalls that make Norway one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Learn how to do the Norway in a Nutshell journey without a tour!

Transportation around Bergen

Bergen has a fairly small city center which then spreads into the hillsides. This makes it easy to explore the city center by foot. In fact, walking is the best way to get around town. It will only take you about 15 minutes to walk from one end of town to the next.

If you’re interested in the public transit in Bergen, you can stop by the Bergen Tourist Information office next to Fisketorget in downtown Bergen to purchase tickets for the busses and light-rail. Alternatively, you can travel on the light-rail and busses for free if you purchase the Bergen Card.

3. When to Visit Bergen, Norway

Located in southwestern Norway, you’ll find that the days in Bergen greatly vary in length throughout the year. If you visit Bergen in the summer, you’ll have about 19 hours of daylight, but visit Bergen in winter and you’ll be limited to under 6 hours of daylight! This of course will impact how much you’ll be able to see each day in Bergen – particularly if you want to take in the beautiful scenery in the area.

Similarly, if you are interested in hiking around Bergen, plan to visit in summer. Some of the most popular Norwegian hikes are only accessible from June to September due to the amount of snow some regions in Norway get. That being said, the city of Bergen is more likely to get rain than snow, making winter an acceptable time to visit Bergen. Just be prepared for frequent rainfull between October and March.

To find your ideal time of year to visit Bergen, let’s talk a little bit more about the weather in Bergen.

Weather in Bergen

What surprised me most about Bergen? The weather. Throughout a day in Bergen, it can go from sunny and “warm” to freezing rain to overcast and windy to snowing and then back again. Fortunately, the weather comes and goes quickly. This means you’ll want to wear layers and always carry a coat.

You’re also quite likely to encounter rain during your trip to Bergen as this beautiful city typically receives 200 days of rain per year. That’s right, rain, not snow, so pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes – no matter what time of year you’re visiting Bergen!

You’ll definitely end up getting to know some of the amazing indoor sights, like the museums around Bergen, if you stay long enough.

Find more details in the Best Time to Visit Bergen: Deep Dive into the Seasons of Bergen

4. The Cost of Visiting Bergen

If you’re wondering if Bergen is expensive, wonder no more… I’m here to tell you all of Norway is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive places to travel in the world! I’ve broken down the cost of visiting Bergen in a helpful post for those concerned about expenses.

Fortunately, Bergen is a bit less expensive than Oslo and there are plenty of free things to do in Bergen to help keep your costs down. However, make sure to leave some extra room in your trip budget for Norway – as you are sure to need it!

You are likely to encounter unexpectedly high prices for food, accommodations, tours, and entry fees. In fact, it’s common to find beers costing over $10 USD and a typical meal coming in around $30 USD.

To get a better idea of the cost of Norway, budget out some of the big ticket items, like hotels on Booking.com and tours available on Viator and Get Your Guide. This will make up the bulk of your trip costs and help you better plan ahead.

Review 44 Pro Tips to Save Money While Traveling to help make your trip to Bergen more affordable.

Currency in Norway

As Norway is not part of the European Union, it does not operate on the Euro. The Norwegian currency is the Norwegian krone. You’ll see the currency code listed as NOK and the symbok as “kr”. You’ll find coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 and banknotes come as 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kroner.

While most places in Norway do accept credit and debit cards now, you will also want to visit an ATM to have some krones on hand for the instances where credit and debit are not accepted. Having cash on hand is also helpful for any small purchases you may want to make.

5. Language in Bergen

Unsurprisingly, in Bergen, as in the rest of Norway, the official language is Norwegian (Norsk). However, many Norwegians, including those in Bergen, also speak English fluently. Signs, menus, and other essential information are often available in English as well.

While English is widely spoken and understood, making an effort to learn a few basic Norwegian phrases can be appreciated by locals. Norwegians often admire visitors who try to speak their language, even if it’s just simple greetings like “hei” (hello) or “takk” (thank you).

While Norwegian and English are the most common languages spoken in Bergen, you may also encounter residents who speak other languages, particularly in multicultural areas. Bergen, like many European cities, has a diverse population, and you might hear languages such as Arabic, Polish, Urdu, or Somali spoken in certain neighborhoods.

Lastly, Bergen is known for its distinct dialect called “Bergensk” or “Bergen Norwegian.” While Norwegians from other regions may understand Bergensk, it has its own nuances, vocabulary, and pronunciation that can sometimes be challenging for outsiders to grasp. Locals may use different words or expressions than what you’d find in standard Norwegian.

All that being said, language shouldn’t be a significant barrier when visiting Bergen.

6. Where to Stay in Bergen

Being a pretty small city, you’ll want to stay in central Bergen to easily walk from sight to sight in the city. This will allow you to effortlessly explore the city and really take advantage of all of the activities in Bergen, without having to take transportation everywhere.

Here are recommendations for hotels in Bergen to fit any price range, all located within the city center:

Budget Hostel in Bergen: City Hostel Bergen
A budget-friendly hostel offering affordable private rooms and even less expensive dorm rooms.

Mid-Range Hotel in Bergen: Hotel No13
A chic hotel located directly on Bergen’s Torgalmenningen Square.

Luxury Hotel in Bergen: Bergen Bors Hotel
A beautiful hotel located in an old stock exchange building from 1862.

Find the best areas and hotels to stay in around Bergen.

7. What to Do in Bergen

There are a lot of things to do in Bergen and even more options in the surrounding mountains and fjords. Here are some of the top things you’ll want to see in your time sightseeing in Bergen.

Meander through Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which features the classic wooden houses of Norway.

Have lunch at the Bergen fish market. It offers fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, handicrafts and souvenirs and is one of Norway’s most visited outdoor markets.

Get an epic view of the city by hiking up or taking the Floibanen funicular up Mount Floyen to one of the most accessible view points over Bergen.

Take a fjord cruise just outside Bergen!

Learn more about Bergen at one of their many museums, like the Bergenhus Fortress Museum and the Rosenkrantz Tower, Bergen Maritime Museum, KODE Art Museums, the Composer Edvard Grieg Museum, Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuene, or Old Bergen Open Air Museum.

Admire the Gamlehaugen Royal Residence, which is located in a public park.

Spend a couple of hours hiking up Mount Ulriken, Bergen’s tallest mountain, or take the cable car to the top.

Visit Nordnes Park, home to a totem pole and the Bergen Aquarium!

Church hop from St. Mary’s Church to St. John’s Church and Bergen Cathedral.

Get lost in the many narrow alleys and staircases throughout Bergen.

Take a walking tour with City Tour on Foot.

Explore Bergen and the surrounding areas on a guided tour by hiking, skiing, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting!

Hop across the Ole Bull Fountain pool on the stepping stones. It’s a favorite of kids in Bergen!

Hit up the main shopping streets of Bergen: Strandgaten, Marken, and Torgallmenningen.

Learn about the 21 best things to do in Bergen.

8. What to Buy in Bergen

Souvenir shopping can be a big thing for many travelers. Like many tourist friendly cities, you’ll find shopping in Bergen to be a pleasure – if you can stomach the high prices!

As you explore the city, you’ll find classic Norwegian souvenirs, like trolls, Viking souvenirs, Nordic caviar, traditional Norwegian costumes (bunads), handmade sweaters, and handicrafts.

Choose from the main pedestrian streets for shopping, like Strandgaten, Marken, and Torgallmenningen, or try out one of the many major department stores, like Galleriet or Bergen Storsenter. You can also stop by Vagsallmenningen, the leading gift shop in Bergen, for your souvenir needs.

You’ll find loads of clothes, antiques, ceramics, jewelry, and more. You’re sure to find the perfect Bergen souvenir!

9. Staying Safe in Bergen

Is Bergen safe? Overall, Norway is a wealthy and safe country with very low crime rates, and Bergen is no exception. Of course, you should always be attentive to your surroundings, but as a solo female traveler, I felt 100% safe in Bergen.

I do however, still suggest having travel insurance to handle any unexpected disruptions to your trip. I always travel with World Nomads travel insurance. This just gives you peace of mind and really allows you to enjoy your trip to Norway.

Read 35 Critical Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

10. Is Bergen worth visiting?

Bergen is definitely worth visiting as a part of your trip to Norway. It’s close proximity to the fjords and coast make it a stunning city and a great base for a few days. You’ll also find it varies greatly from some of the other prime tourist attractions in Norway.

If I can urge you to do just one thing in Bergen, do not miss the opportunity to take a fjord cruise! There is a reason Bergen is the “Fjord Capital of Norway”, and it will be one of the most memorable activities you do while in Norway!

While I personally loved my time in Bergen, if you are more interested in city sights rather than natural beauty, Bergen is likely not the destination for you. The city itself is very quaint and does not offer as many sightseeing opportunities as many of the larger cities throughout Europe, like London, Paris, Rome, or Barcelona.

But if you want to get a bit off the beaten tourist path and really embrace what Norway has to offer – stop in Bergen, Norway!

Check out the many reasons to visit Bergen.

11. How many days do you need in Bergen?

How many days you want to spend in Bergen will largely depend on what your interests are. I recommend you spend at least 2 days in the Bergen area with one day to explore the city center and one day in the Norwegian fjords.

If you like hiking, you should add on at least one more day. Also, if you want to see every museum in Bergen, you could easily spend one to two days just on that, so add a couple more days. Ultimately, how long you spend in Bergen may depend on how long your trip to Norway is.

If you only have 5 days in Norway, 2 days in Bergen is reasonable, however, if you have two weeks in Norway, you should allow another day or two to get to know the city a bit deeper and explore the surrounding areas.

Best Day Trips from Bergen

You can also use Bergen as a base for a few day trips in the region. Here are my favorites:

Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm And Stegastein: The journey begins at Tvindefossen, a breathtaking waterfall cascading 381 feet (116 meters) over a cliff edge. Continue to Aurland, where you’ll ascend to the Stegastein Viewpoint, perched 98 feet (30 meters) above the mountainside. Here you’ll have stunning views of the fjord and surrounding landscape. Conclude the day with a battery-powered scenic cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord from Flåm to Gudvangen and back.

Self-Guided Round-Trip Full-Day Excursion to Flam, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, and more!: Hop on the Bergen Railway to Voss where you’ll switch to a bus to Gudvangen. Here you’ll board a premium fjord cruise in Gudvangen, exploring Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. After the cruise, you’ll transfer to the Flåm Railway in Flåm for panoramic fjord views. At the end of the day, you’ll return to Bergen via the Bergen Railway.

Queen of the Fjords Private Guided Tour: Journey through Osterøy Island via the South Fjord, Hardanger Road, and Hardangerfjord. Experience breathtaking stops at Fossen Bratte and Steinsdalsfossen waterfalls. Admire views of the Hardangerfjord at Vangdal and Omaholmen, with a ferry crossing at Fusafjorden.

See the Perfect Two Day Itinerary for Visiting Bergen

Plan More of Your Trip around Norway

Now that you are prepped with the key things to know when visiting Bergen, Norway it’s time to plan more of your trip to Norway! To ensure you’re well prepared, consider an awesome guidebook about Norway. There’s lots of options out here, but here are the best options for Norway: