The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Spectacular Bergen

Once the largest city in the Nordic countries, and the capital of Norway throughout some of the country’s most influential periods, today Bergen is the second-largest city in the country. A past seat of the Hanseatic League, Bergen still plays an important economic and cultural role as the picturesque city in between the seven mountains and breathtaking fjords. See our list of some of the many things to see and do in this spectacular landscape.

Did you know you can travel with Culture Trip? Our premium small-group adventures are culturally immersive trips designed to give you an authentic taste of your dream destinations.

1. Bryggen

Building

By far the most iconic sight to greet any visitor to Bergen is the colourful facade of Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf first established in the 14th century. It has been, and still is, a place of both cultural and economic significance. The picturesque wooden structures, rebuilt following a fire in 1702, later became recognised as a vital part of Bergen’s cultural heritage, and also the world’s, as a Unesco World Heritage site. The wharf today houses a small museum, shops, restaurants and cafés and is an emblematic and natural focal point for locals and visitors alike.

2. Fløibanen and Fløyen

Natural Feature

Bergen from the Perspective of Mount Floyen

Since Bergen is known in Norway as the city of seven mountains, it is only natural that you would want to visit at least one of them. By far the most easily accessible is Fløyen, which is close to the city centre. It’s connected to the town by a funicular, Fløibanen, that will take you to the top in less than eight minutes. Once at the top, you are free to enjoy spectacular views of Bergen and the surrounding landscape. Take Fløibanen back down, enjoy a leisurely walk down the mountainside, or go on a hike further into the mountains.

4. Bergen Aquarium

Aquarium

If the wonders of the North Sea have caught your fancy, a visit to the Bergen Aquarium is also a must. Sporting over 50 different tanks and aquariums, with beautiful displays and an abundance of species, the aquarium’s collections range from fish and seaweed to penguins, sea lions, crocodiles and even the odd monkey. Be fascinated by live demonstrations, daily shows, screenings and events in a place that has formed an important part of the local cultural identity for over 50 years.

5. Troldhaugen

Concert Hall, Museum

Built in 1885, the Troldhaugen was the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and his wife. Grieg had an international career as one of the leading figures of the Romantic movement and also played an important role in establishing the national identity in a newly established nation. Troldhaugen today serves as a museum, aiming to document Grieg’s life through exhibitions in the villa itself, as well as in his Composer’s Hut where he created some of his greatest works. Have a look at the villa, see Grieg’s personal Steinway piano, visit his gravesite, or listen to his music in one of the many concerts put on in the concert hall located on the property.

6. KODE

Museum, Art Gallery

KODE is one of the largest museums for art, design and music in the Nordic region, mainly due to its collection of artists’ homes, and external buildings in addition to its central buildings in the middle of the Bergen city centre. These buildings house temporary displays of the works of contemporary artists, as well as extensive permanent collections containing works by Edvard Munch, JC Dahl, Nikolai Astrup and others. Visit KODE’s main buildings and experience a truly diverse display of art and culture.

7. Fantoft Stave Church

Church

One of the unique expressions of the Norwegian national heritage can be seen in the careful ornamentation of the stave churches, ranging from simple, spartan constructions to the dizzyingly complex. Fantoft Stave Church was built in 1150 but was completely destroyed in a fire in 1992 – the suspected work of notorious musician and convicted arsonist and murderer Varg Vikernes. The church, as it exists today, is, therefore, a reconstruction but is still very much a spectacular example of early Norwegian art, design and heritage.

8. Fjord Cruise

Building

As Bergen is very much connected to the fjords surrounding it, there are several cruise companies stationed in the city, eager to show you the wonders of the famous Norwegian landscape or to offer you simple transportation to nearby towns and cities. You could set off from Bergen and travel all the way along the Norwegian coast to its northernmost point or, for a simpler day trip, head to nearby Sognefjorden, the longest of fjord in Norway; Baroniet Rosendal, the smallest castle in the country; or to the surrounding fjords and mountains for a sightseeing trip.

9. Old Bergen Museum

Museum, Building

Old Bergen is an open-air museum with some 40 wooden houses in typical Norwegian style from 18th, 19th century.

In the 19th century, Bergen was one of the largest cities in Europe to consist of wooden buildings; it has therefore been susceptible to major fires. To preserve the memories of a city that changed rapidly, the Bergen City Museum was established. Walk along constructed streets, with authentic buildings on either side, and experience the distinct atmosphere of the old city streets. Through shops, workshops, details, ornaments and objects, history is brought back to life in its original setting.

10. Bergenhus Fortress

Historical Landmark

Haakons Hall is a medieval stone hall located inside the Bergenhus fortress.

Built around 1240, Bergenhus Fortress is one of the best-preserved Medieval buildings in all of Norway. Functioning as the royal palace when Bergen was still the capital of Norway, until about 1300, the Fortress contains some of the best-preserved secular buildings in the country, including Haakon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower. Today, these are open to the public and used as venues for concerts and official banquets. Visit Bergenhus Fortress to see some of the sites that witnessed the foundations of the Norwegian state and its rulers, and follow them from the Viking Age until today.

Browse our full collection of Epic Trips and Mini Trips to find the itinerary of your dreams, from festive Munich to volcanic Iceland.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.