How to Spend One Day in Bergen Norway
Are you planning a trip to Norway and wondering if you should include a visit to Bergen? What are the best things to see and do? How much time will you need? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Be inspired by this guide as you plan your next adventure to Bergen, Norway!
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A trip to Norway wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic city of Bergen. Here you will find plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy. A nicely thought-out itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time, have a realistic plan and stay within budget. You’ll also be able to book excursion tickets and reserve accommodations in advance.
As tempting as it can be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s best to prioritize must-see destinations. Give yourself enough time to discover the highlights, but remember you won’t be able to see everything Bergen has to offer. Have some flexibility built in to your itinerary for unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or transportation delays.
This guide is structured to provide an overview of the best activities, historical sites, museums as well as dining and shopping experiences that can be accomplished during a 1-day visit. Adjust accordingly to suit your own travel timeline, budget and personal preferences.
How Many Days to Spend in Bergen
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Bergen can be seen in one full day. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors. If you plan to hike nearby or cruise the fjords, spend a few extra nights here using this beautiful town as your base. Bergen is an essential stop if you are continuing on to see other parts of Norway on a longer trip around the country.
↠ Stavanger, Norway – 3 Day Itinerary
This guide assumes travellers have one full day available to explore. Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary. Even if you only have a short period of time, visiting Bergen will certainly be worthwhile.
Bergen – One Day Itinerary
Use the following one-day itinerary as an inspirational guide to plan your trip to Bergen. This itinerary has been created with the must-see highlights presented in a logical, geographical order. Follow this route to maximize your travel time and make the most of your budget. One full day of travel is dedicated to the town of Bergen. Set aside additional days if you plan to hike or explore some of Norway’s most stunning fjords or scenic railways.
Norway is known for being an expensive country, so it’s best to have an idea of how much things cost before you arrive. Costs for airfare, accommodation, meals, attractions and transportation add up quickly if you are not prepared. Planning in advance is the best way to save money and to have an unforgettable experience. With so much to see in Bergen, let’s get started!
Morning – Historic Bergen
Once you have arrived in Bergen, check into your accommodation. If you have arrived prior to check-in, ask your hotel/hostel staff if there is a secure place to store your belongings. It’s time to start exploring the city!
The majority of travellers arrive in Bergen by:
- Train – Bergen Railway Station
- Bus – Bergen Busstasjon
- Ferry – Port of Bergen
- Cruise Ship – Port of Bergen
- Airplane – Bergen Flesland Airport (BGO)
Train, bus and ferry terminals are located directly in central Bergen. If you have arrived by plane, the Airport Bus (Flybussen) is a convenient way to reach the city centre.
Bergen is a very walkable city with its main attractions located reasonably close to each other. One of the best ways to see the city is on foot, but there are bike rentals, taxis, bus and light rail options available as well.
This morning you will spend time in one of the oldest districts of the city. Learn about Bergen’s history with a visit to one of its many museums. Enjoy traditional Norwegian cuisine at the local market and watch the ships pass by along the harbourfront. Adjust this route as needed based on the location of your starting point, (usually your hotel/accommodation) and sight-seeing preferences.
1. Bryggen (The Dock)
Row of historic buildings found along the eastern side of the Bergen Harbour. The colourful architecture is one of Bergen’s most recognizable landmarks and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original wooden buildings were destroyed by fire, although some of the stone foundations dating back to the 15th century still remain. Learn more about this culturally significant area at the Bryggen Museum. The buildings now feature restaurants, pubs, museums, shops and homes belonging to the local residents.
2. St. Mary’s Church
Large, gray stone, two-towered church located in the Bryggen district of Bergen. Constructed in the 11th century, St. Mary’s Church is now the oldest remaining building in the entire city.
3. Bergenhus Fortress
The castle found at the entrance to the Bergen harbour is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved stone fortifications. Håckon’s Hall & Rosenkrantz Tower are two remaining medieval structures. Nowadays the complex is used as a concert venue and to host local events. Open daily from 6:30am – 11:00pm. Admission is free.
4. Fisketorget (Fish Market)
One of Norway’s most visited outdoor markets selling seafood, fruit and vegetables. Located in the heart of Bergen for centuries, this picturesque market is a popular place for locals and tourists. The market is open daily year-round. Hours of operation vary depending on the season. In the winter, the market relocates indoors to Mathallen Food Hall (located below Bergen’s Tourist Information Centre).
Join a food and culture tour to taste some delicious Norwegian cuisine and learn about the history of Bergen from a local guide. Stop at several eateries you may not have found on your own. Tours typically begin around 12:30pm.
Afternoon – Mount Fløyen & Nordnes Sjøbad
This afternoon, witness incredible views of Bergen from the summit at Mount Fløyen. Cultural lovers will spend time exploring the city’s best museums and art galleries. There’s no better way than to end your day soaking in a heated pool as you watch the sunset.
1. Mount Fløyen Funicular
The Fløibanen Funicular is a cable car that transports visitors from Bergen city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen in less than 10 minutes. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city, as well as the surrounding fjords and mountains. There is also a walking path that leads up to the summit. Fløistuen Café serves freshly baked pastries, ice cream, beverages and souvenirs.
Operating hours and the cost for one-way or round-trip funicular tickets vary depending on the season. Check the official website for hours of operation and pricing.
2. Byparken
City park in the middle of Bergen perfect for a picnic or a stroll around the pond. The park is surrounded by museums and art galleries: West Norway Museum of Decorative Art, Bergen Kunsthall & Kode. Purchase a Bergen Card for free admission to many of the city’s museums.
3. Nordnes Sjøbad
Experience Norwegian bathing culture by visiting an outdoor, heated (84ºF), saltwater swimming pool in Nordnes Park. Enjoy the heated pool, sunbathe as you watch the boats pass by or take a plunge into the icy cold fjord waters. Nordnes Sjøbad is a hidden retreat where you can swim under the Midnight Sun.
Operating hours vary depending on the season. Check the official website for opening/closing times. Admission: 90 NOK (Adult – Summer); 80 NOK (Adult – Winter).
To complete the day, make your way to Torgallmenningen. This is the main street and public square in central Bergen. Here you will find a wide selection of bars and restaurants. If you haven’t already, make sure to sample the fresh local seafood and craft beer.
Depending on your schedule, you may have a final night at your accommodation before heading off to another part of the county or you may need to prepare for a flight home. Although it was a brief visit, you will leave Bergen with memories that last a lifetime!
Day Trips from Bergen
Bergen is considered the gateway to the fjords. Check out these must-see fjord cruises, hiking trips and other adventures nearby!
1. Osterfjord Scenic Cruise
Sail through the Osterfjord on a round-trip cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Norwegian landscape. Get up close to waterfalls and feel the spray on your skin. Tours typically last 3.5 hours and depart from the Zavhariasbryggen Pier by the fish market in central Bergen.
2. Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is considered to be one of the most scenic train rides in Norway (and Europe). If you have the opportunity to visit this region of the country, this is one destination that you shouldn’t miss. For those travelling from Bergen, it’s worthwhile to combine the Flåm Railway with a scenic cruise of Nærøyfjord.
Enjoy a train, bus, boat cruise and railway combination during this full day adventure (10 hours). Begin your journey by boarding a train from the Bergen Railway Station to Voss. From there, a bus will transport you to the scenic boat departure point in Gudvangen. Cruise the incredible Nærøyfjord, soaking up the beautiful views. The boat will dock in the village of Flåm where you will board the iconic Flåm Railway.
The train will pass towering mountains and the famous Kjosfossen Waterfall during the 20-kilometer ride to Myrdal. Once you have arrived in Myrdal, head back to the starting point by boarding the train to Bergen. This trip is definitely a bucket list adventure and an authentic Norwegian experience you won’t soon forget.
3. Hike Mount Ulriken
Mount Ulriken is the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains. Hike or take the cable car to the top for stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The climb is quite steep, but suitable for active people of all ages.
Skyskraperen Restaurant & Café at Mount Ulriken have food, refreshments and washrooms available for visitors.
After spending some time admiring the view, decide whether to climb down or pay for the cable car. Adventurous hikers can continue on another 5 hours (15km) to reach the summit at Mount Fløyen. This is considered the preferred direction of travel as you will end your hiking trip back in the city centre of Bergen.
Hike Details
Distance – 5.8 kilometres (one-way)
Elevation – 460 metres
Duration – 2-3 hours one-way (not including time spent at the top)
Difficulty – Medium (average fitness level)
Season – Open year-round
Distance from Bergen – Approximately 10-minute drive from central Bergen
Parking – Free
Public Transit – Mount Ulriken Shuttle Bus (summer season) or Bergen Light Rail Line (#2) from city center to Haukeland Sykehus (year-round)
Cable Car – 115 NOK (one-way); 175 NOK (round-trip)
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Bergen, Norway!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book tours with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
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Have any questions about planning your trip to Bergen, Norway? Please share your questions or comments below!
