Known as the capital of the fjords, Bergen is well known for its nature. However, this historic city is awash with culture, too. In fact, the city boasts UNESCO World Heritage accreditations and the title of a European City of Culture.
Surrounded by seven hills and fjords, the former member of the Hanseatic League has long been an important seaport and was once even the capital of Norway.
With art museums and connections to one of Norway’s great composers, too, as well as a buzzing student population, there’s never a dull moment in this lively city with a small-town personality.
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One Day in Bergen? Where to stay.
Scandic Ørnen: This modern, polished hotel is located right next to Bergen Train Station, making it an ideal spot for exploring the city if you’ve limited time. Guest rooms here are comfortable and contemporary, while the onsite sky bar, breakfast buffet, and free bicycle rental offer great value for money. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices,
Det Hanseatiske Hotel: Set inside a 16th-century building right next to the Hanseatic Museum, this warm, timber-walled hotel features rooms with wood-beamed ceilings and rustic furniture. In terms of amenities, there are two onsite restaurants, a bar, and the convenience of a 24-hour front desk. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Things to do in Bergen in a day
Check out Bryggens
The UNESCO-listed Bryggens (literally “the docks”) district consists of several historic Hanseatic-era buildings set around the eastern edge of Vågen harbor. The architecture in this charming area tells the tale of Bergen’s history, from the construction of its earliest pier in 1100 to being a member of the Hanseatic League.
Bergen, as a thriving trade center, developed over the next few centuries. The buildings here are laced with history, with a few particularly notable examples, including the Bellgården (a 300-year-old building), part of the Hanseatic Museum.
Simply taking some time to explore Bryggens on foot is a rewarding way to spend the first part of one day in Bergen.
Ride the Fløibanen Funicular up Mount Fløyen
The Fløibanen Funicular connects Bergen with the top of Mount Fløyen and is a must for anyone seeking a slice of nature. The historic railway was first opened in 1918 following initial plans put forward in 1895.
Today the modern funicular seamlessly glides up the side of the mountain, carrying visitors through green foliage (in spring and summer, at least). At the top, there’s the opportunity to enjoy pleasant walking trails, while there’s a shop and cafe for refreshments, Lake Skomakerdiket to admire, as well as views out over the city to lap up.
Visit the Fish Market
If you’ve only got one day in Bergen, don’t miss out on the city’s long-established Fish Market – the most-visited outdoor market in Norway. This is a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike, famed for its wide variety of fish as well as its history; the Fish Market has been a focal point of Bergen’s fishing industry since it first took shape in the 1200s.
Today you’ll find a variety of seafood, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, and other local produce on sale. There’s also a selection of eateries serving up traditional Norwegian fare in the form of seafood. The outdoor part of the Fish Market only takes place from the 1st of May and during summer, while the indoor market is open year-round.
Explore the streets of Bergen.
There’s no better way to get acquainted with Bergen than by simply putting on your best walking shoes and hitting the city’s streets. You can take yourself on a walking tour around the city, taking in Bergen’s urban and natural sights.
For example, there’s the UNESCO-recognised Hanseatic wharf to explore, then strolling past the KODE Art Museum, the Grieg Hall (dedicated to composer Edvard Grieg), and finally stopping to take a dip at the Nordnes Seawater Pool.
There are plenty of chances to stop off for a bite to eat at one of many cafes and restaurants along the way.
Visit a museum
With its centuries of history and oodles of culture, there are plenty of museums to visit while you’re in Bergen. First up is the Hanseatic Museum, which is the place to go to learn about the part the city played in the Medieval trading alliance of the Hanseatic League.
Set in a historic building, it tells the story of how Hanseatic merchants lived and worked in the city and explain how they left their mark on Bergen over the four centuries of their presence.
Elsewhere the Leprosy Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history of the city’s oldest leprosy hospital. Though small, the museum comprehensively explores the science as well as the human stories of leprosy, not least the discovery of its cause by Norwegian doctor Armauer Hansen.
Art lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit the landmark KODE Art Museum. One of the largest museums in Norway, it’s spread across four buildings and plays host to exhibits on crafts, art, music, and design.
More than one day in Bergen?
Take a Fjord Cruise
If you have more than one day to spare in Bergen, one way to make the most of your extra time in the city is to set sail on a fjord cruise.
This particular cruise takes you on an adventure through Norwegian fjords, firstly allowing you glimpses of the Bryggens from the water before gliding along the 27-kilometer-long Osterfjord, where you’ll be completely surrounded by skyscraping mountains.
There’s also the chance to see waterfalls up close as you sit back and relax with a drink on board the boat.
I recommend: Round-Trip Scenic Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
Old Bergen Museum
This open-air museum is a picturesque reconstruction of a traditional Norwegian town. Here you’ll find streets lined with around 50 wooden buildings dating from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Here you can experience what towns in Norway would have looked like in the past; the roleplaying staff members dressed in historical costumes add to the atmosphere of the place.
Fantoft Stave Church
This intriguingly designed church may seem fantastical, but it’s actually a reconstruction of a church that was originally built in Sogen in 1170 and later moved to Fantoft in 1883.
The structure, with its wooden spires, carved dragons, and natural interiors, harks back to the early days of Christianity in this part of the world. Certainly, a beautiful place to visit if you have more than one day in Bergen to spare on your trip.
Hike on Mount Ulriken
Mount Ulriken is the highest of the mountains that surround the city of Bergen, standing at 643 meters above sea level. There’s a variety of different hiking opportunities to enjoy on this snow-capped peak.
Attempt a hike from the city itself, taking around an hour and a half, or take an aerial tramway from Bergen to the top of Mount Ulriken and then enjoy one of the more gentle trails that wind around the summit. It’s particularly beautiful in spring or autumn when the changing of the seasons makes for a colorful stroll in nature.
Visit Troldhaugen
Troldhaugen is the former home of composer Edvard Grieg and his wife, Nina, both of whom are buried at the property. Built in 1885, the couple spent 22 summers at the property, where Grieg composed some of his music.
It’s also the location of the Edvard Grieg museum, filled with artifacts and memorabilia, with one of the key exhibits being his actual Steinway grand piano. In the summer and autumn, the nearby Troldsalen plays host to classical concerts overlooking Lake Nordås.
Tips for Visiting Bergen in a Day
When’s the Best Time to Visit Bergen?
The high season for visiting Bergen is around mid-June to August, which is when most tourists tend to visit the country. For the most part, that’s due to the warmer weather and the chance to see the phenomenon that is the midnight sun. Weather at this time of year ranges between lows of 11°C and highs of 20°C.
However, if you’d like to avoid tourists but still want some pleasant weather, the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn are also fantastic times to visit. Temperatures can drop between 2°C and 6°C, but there’s still lots of sunshine.
Winter in Bergen is cold and dark, but the dramatic landscape becomes thick with snow, making it a magical time for one day in Bergen.
What is the Bergen Card?
If you’re heading to Bergen, it might be a good idea to purchase a Bergen Card. This pass gives you free or discounted tickets to a long list of museums and attractions around the city.
Not only that, but the Bergen Card will also get you free transport on the Bergen Light Rail between the airport and the city center, as well as Skyss buses. The card comes in 24, 48, or 72-hour versions, which means it’s ideal for one day in Bergen or longer if you want to extend your trip.
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