Experiencing such diversity in the people, festivals, festivals, and locations when you are in Bergen might be overwhelming. You need to have some understanding of the places that you must visit when traveling if you want to make sure that you get a taste of all the colors that Bergen has to offer. The best tourist attractions in Bergen are covered by our list of the city’s top places to see, which will make sure your trip includes all the must-see sights.
Norway’s second-biggest city, Bergen, is also the largest port on the west coast and one of the busiest ports of call for cruise ships in Scandinavia. The city is surrounded by a ring of hills known as the Seven Mountains (De syv fjell), and its picturesque location and gorgeous natural harbor have solidified its status as one of Norway’s most well-liked tourist destinations.
The Bergen International Festival, the Nattjazz Festival, and Bergenfest are just a few of the well-known summer arts and music events that it hosts as one of the top cultural attractions in the nation. One of Europe’s oldest orchestras is based in Bergen. Edvard Grieg spent his summers at the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, which was established in 1765.
There are numerous museums in Bergen that examine the city’s fascinating past, honor art, and even enable visitors engage with science first-hand. Read our list of the top tourist attractions in Bergen to find out more about these and other enjoyable things to do in one of Norway’s best tourist destinations.
1.Tour Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
Undoubtedly one of Bergen’s most well-liked tourist destinations is Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. This UNESCO World Heritage Site’s beautiful lanes and historic wooden merchant houses beg to be explored. Visit the intriguing Bryggen Museum to see its numerous exhibits and 14th-century antiquities.
Address: Bryggen, 5003 Bergen
2.Hike Mount Floyen (Floyfjell)
Mount Floyen, often referred to as Floyfjell, is 319 meters tall and is the highest mountain in Bergen. Over a million people every year ride the Floibanen funicular railway to the top. Plan your visit for early in the morning or late in the day for the most stunning views.
Address: Address: Funicular: Vetrlidsallmenningen 21, 5014, Bergen
3.Grieg Museum (Troldhaugen)
The former residence of Norwegian musician Edvard Grieg, Troldhaugen, is well-known. The 1885-built, well kept house is now the Grieg Museum. The composer’s cabin, a secluded workplace by the lake where he fled for concentration, is also open to visitors.
Address: Troldhaugvegen 65, 5232 Paradis-Bergen
4.Hanseatic Museum and Schotstuene
Of the 18th-century merchant residences in Bryggen, Finnegarden is one of the best maintained. Since it was founded in 1872, it has served as the Hanseatic Museum’s home. The former counting house offers a fascinating look into the lifestyle of the German traders. The museum also includes a kitchen, assembly halls, and a schottuene.
Address: Finnegarden 1a, 5003 Bergen
5.Bergenhus Fortress
Since the 16th century, Bergenhus Fortress has commanded the harbor’s entrance. For King Hakon Hakonsson, the banqueting hall known as Haakon’s Hall was finished in 1261. The Rosenkrantz Tower, which was constructed in the 1500s on top of an earlier building from the 1270s, is also noteworthy.
Address: Vagen, 5003 Bergen
6.Visit the KODE Museums
Four venues make up the KODE, all along Lille Lungegard in the heart of Bergen. The museum is well-known for its extensive collection of Edvard Munch artwork. The three historic mansions of the city’s composers are also managed by the KODE.
Location: Rasmus Meyers alle, Bergen
7.Mount Ulriken
One of the most well-liked activities in Bergen is hiking up Mount Floyen. There are many trails, with the Montana Hostel or the Ulriken Cable Car station serving as the most popular starting sites. It takes between one and a half and two hours to complete the somewhat challenging hike.
Address: Haukelandsbakken 40, 5009 Bergen
8.Old Bergen Museum (Gamle Bergen)
The Old Bergen Museum is concealed in Sandviken’s old city neighborhood (Gamle Bergen). Visitors are transported to the early 19th century by this unique open-air living history museum, which is packed with intriguing structures and costumed individuals who tell the city’s history.
In an effort to preserve Bergen’s historic structures, the museum was opened in 1946 and today preserves 55 of the original wooden houses that formerly existed in the town center.
Visitors can observe the living history interpreters at work, enquire about their daily activities, and get a feel for the vibe of Ancient Bergen while touring the old city. Additionally, the museum holds annual celebrations that are themed after common holidays from the time, and there are performances in the town square many times a day.
Address: Elsesro, Nyhavnsveien 4, 5042 Bergen
9.Explore Norway’s Largest Fjords
The “Fjord Capital of Norway” is Bergen. It is situated between the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjold, two of Norway’s biggest fjords. The country’s minor rivers can be explored by tourists on day trips.
10.University Museum of Bergen
Bergen is renowned for its university, which is renowned for its internationally renowned museum holdings. The Natural History Collection, Cultural History Collection, and Seafaring Museum are all featured at the University Museum of Bergen (Universitetsmuseet I Bergen), which is definitely worth a day trip. Visit the university’s magnificent Botanic Garden when you need a break from all that studying.
For a look at the flora and famed Unicorn Fountain by Gustav Vigeland, head over to the adjacent Nygrdspark if you’re interested in gardens. Visit the Norwegian Arboretum later on for a wonderful collection of more than 5,000 plants from throughout the world.
Address: Haakon Sheteligs plass 10, 5007 Bergen
11.VilVite Bergen Science Center
You won’t be prevented from learning from the many interactive exhibits at the VilVite Bergen Science Center by language barriers. The museum, which is well-liked by families, welcomes guests of all ages and encourages them to have fun while learning about science.
Visitors can try out hydropower, watch a weather prediction on a screen, and step inside a bubble, among other exhibits. In a Virtual Reality experience, you can explore the deep-sea realm of offshore drilling or try your hand at navigating an oil ship. Other exhibitions look at physics, energy, and weather characteristics. A fantastic 3D movie experience is also available.
Address: Thormohlens Gate 51, 5006 Bergen
12.Bergen Cathedral
The magnificent cathedral in Bergen first appears in writing in 1181, when it was still a monastic church. Several times after fires, especially in 1623 and 1640, when the cathedral gained its current front, Bergen Cathedral (Bergen domkirke) was rebuilt. During renovations in the 1880s, architect Christian Christie built the Rococo interior.
Throughout the tourist season, from early June to the end of August, the cathedral is available to visitors on weekdays. During this time, guided tours are offered in English. The cathedral only occasionally opens during the off-season.
Address: Domkirkeplassen 1, 5003 Bergen
13.Explore Market Square
Bergen’s Market Square, at the southeast corner of the charming city’s major harbor, is constantly busy. Each morning, local fisherman bring in their catches at its bustling quays, which, coupled with the Fish Market (Torget), which dates back 700 years, provide for an intriguing sight for early risers.
The greatest restaurants in the city also buy their seafood from here every day, so be sure to take notice of the catch of the day so you may try it out for lunch and supper.
Address: Grensegrenden 1, 5035 Bergen
14. Lisoy Island
Ole Bull’s charming 1873 home, built on an island in a Fana suburb, is well known for being a master violinist and composer from Norway. Since 1973, visitors have been able to explore the 13 kilometers of paths on the grounds of Villa Lysoen (Ole Bulls villa pa Lysoen), take a picnic lunch under a gazebo, or unwind by one of the many ponds.
Additionally, the grounds and mansion are open for guided tours at the nearby Lysen Museum.
Another significant draw on the island are the remnants of Lyse Abbey (Lysekloster), commonly referred to as the Monastery of Lyse. This was the first Cistercian house in Norway, established in 1146 by monks from York, England.
Address: Lisoy, Fana, Bergen
15.Gamlehaugen: The Royal Residence
The beautiful Renaissance building known as Bergen’s Royal Residence (Gamlehaugen) has undergone numerous extensions to serve as a fortress and a symbol of power. It is now the Bergen home of the Norwegian Royal Family.
Visitors can ascend to the roof, which offers spectacular views of the city, and excursions cover other parts of the structure, such as the scary dungeon. The opportunity to tour the mansion’s grounds, which were created in the manner of a traditional English Garden, is quite enjoyable.
Address: Gamlehaugvegen 10, 5230 Paradis, Bergen
Where to Stay in Bergen for Sightseeing
Since Bergen is a small city, most of the major tourist sites are close to one another and the waterfront. The best spot to stay is close to the port, particularly close to Torgallmenningen, the city’s central plaza, or Bryggen, Bergen’s old dock that is included on the World Heritage List. Here are a few well-rated accommodations in these handy areas:
Luxury Hotels:
- There are few better locations in Bergen than The Hanseatic Hotel, which is housed in a historic structure on Hanseatic Wharf. Large guest rooms with wood paneled walls and exposed beams.
- The cutting-edge Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen, located adjacent to Bryggen, offers breakfasts as part of its tariffs, while the ultra-modern Hotel No 13 offers breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner as freebies. It has a view of Torgallmenningen and is close to a retail mall.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- The Clarion Collection Hotel Oleana, which is conveniently situated next to Bryggen, exudes style with its modern decor and plush mattresses decorated in vibrant colors. The rates here, as well as at its sister hotel, the pet-friendly and opulently furnished Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, include breakfast, afternoon tea, and an evening dinner. The latter is housed in a peculiar former bank structure close to Bryggen.
- The boutique Klosterhagen Hotel is located in a charming residential area but is nevertheless close to all the city’s attractions thanks to its warm staff and small size. Although there is no elevator, the staff will assist with carrying bags upon request, and the rooms are spacious and up to date.
Budget Hotels:
- True cheap hotels are hard to find in pricey Bergen, but Basic Hotel Bergen offers reasonable value and is located in a bustling part of town, just 10 minutes’ walk from Bryggen and the railway station. Its luxurious rooms have flat-screen TVs.
- Marken Gjestehus is a well-run hostel with shared and individual rooms and nice beds that is also about ten minutes on foot from Bryggen.
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bergen
- Hopping around Town:The City Sightseeing Bergen Hop-On Hop-Off Tour offers transportation and informative commentary for travelers and is ideal for people who seek a hassle-free method to reach the city’s greatest tourist attractions. The Skolten Cruise Terminal, the Hanseatic Museum, the Mount Floyen Funicular, and the Bergen Tourist Information Center are all suitable route stops.
- Bergen’s Best Photo-Ops:With an experienced English-speaking guide, the Best Views of Bergen – Segway Day Tour is a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground and see the city’s best sights. With stops at some of Bergen’s most picturesque vantage points, this small-group tour is ideal for taking pictures.
- Fjords for Miles:Take a full-day private tour to Sognefjord, Gudvangen, and Flm to see some of Norway’s most breathtaking fjord scenery and its biggest fjord. This tour includes private transportation, personalized service, and a flexible itinerary based on your interests. Along with a magnificent journey on the Flmsbana railway, it offers excursions to Naeryfjord and Aurlandsfjord.
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