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7 tips on things to do in Bergen
Are you travelling to Bergen with someone who is attending a conference or congress in Bergen? Here are 7 great ideas of things to do, whether you are exploring Bergen on your own or with the rest of the family. And as you are getting to know Bergen, you might just wish the conference would last a bit longer..
Whether you have been to Bergen before or if this is your first time, a birds eye view of the city is always a good start. So let's head off to Fløyen, one of Bergen's 7 mountains surrounding the city.
Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. The station is located just a few minutes walk from the Fish Market. The trip to the top takes 6 minutes and is a popular ride for both locals and visitors. From the top you get panoramic views of Bryggen, the Grieg Hall, the Fish Market and the beautiful coastline.
If the weather is not too bad, take a short hike around the lake Skomakerdiket. (30 minutes). If you have more time, there are plenty of trails you can follow. You can also walk back down to the city center. The walk takes about 45 minutes.
From the walk down from Mount Fløyen. Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho
At the top there is also a large playground and a climbing park, perfect if you have brought the family along. At Fløistuen cafe you can get soup, ice cream and fresh pastry. Eat outside and enjoy the view or enjoy the warmth inside in the winter.
Back down in the city center, enjoy a coffee and a skillingsbolle at one of the many cafes in Bergen. Since the Hanseatic merchants brought this jummy pastry to Bergen around 1500, it has been Bergens favorite treat and it is a common pastry in any coffee shop or cafe.
Photo: Visit Bergen
For lunch, head over to Colonialen Kafé & Brasserie in Litteraturhuset (the House of Literature) in Østre Skostredet. The restaurant has a pleasant rustic and intimate atmosphere. If the next thing on the agenda is Bryggen, then Bryggeloftet is a good option.
Bergen city center is compact and perfect to explore by foot, so remember to pack those comfy sneakers.
Foto: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
During the summer months there are several guided walking tours of Bergen and Bryggen. The tours last for about an hour and a half and are popular amongst visitors to Bergen.
The World Heritage Site Bryggen has a beautiful fasade and is a must to visit when in Bergen. However, there is much more to Bryggen than just a pretty fasade! Take the time to explore the many galleries, shops and restaurants nestled in the narrow alleyways behind Bryggen.
Walking in the charming alleyways is like going back in time and they are nice to explore even if you are on your own. See the artists at work in the galleries or stop for a coffee at Kaf Kafe, located in a 300 year old building in the alley called Jacobsfjorden.
If you want to see a lot in a short time, joining a guided tour on segway or bike is a good option. Never tried a segway? Not to worry, Bergen Segway have a large indoor training area they use before setting off into the streets of Bergen. And when the tour is finished, you will know your way around the city well enough to switch off google maps for the rest of your stay.
Edvard Grieg, composer of famous classical music like "In the hall of the mountain King", lived most of his life in a beautiful villa just outside Bergen city center. Grieg's home is now a museum, and in the summer there is a lunchtime concert. Transport from the Tourist Information in the city center is included as well as a guided tour of the villa. You also get to visit the lovely garden and see his composer hut.
Photo: Dag Fosse / Kode
If you are interested in art you are in for a real treat at KODE Art Museum and Composer Homes. Half a day will fly by in the four different buildings lined up along the lake Lille Lungegaardsvann in the city center.
Have you always wanted to explore the world of art, but never had the time? Then KODE is a great place to start. Head off to Kode 3 where you will find some of Edvard Munch’s famous paintings. If you catch one of their guided tours, you will be fascinated with the amazing stories behind the different pieces of art.
If you have the Bergen Card this will give you free or discounted access to most museums and attractions in Bergen. The card is valid for 1 - 4 days, choose the card that is suitable for you and make the most out of your time in Bergen.
If seeing the fjords is on your bucket list, then it’s time to tick that off. Bergen is situated between Sognefjorden in the north and Hardangerfjorden in the south. It is the perfect starting point for exploring these natural wonders.
From Bergen there is a large selection of fjord tours all year round. Choose between a full day tour and get the ultimate fjord experience or take a half day tour if time is limited.
Full day tours like “Guided tour and fjord cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm and Stegastein viewpoint” or “Norway in a Nutshell” are popular options and you get to see a lot in one day.
For half day tours we recommend “Fjordcruise Bergen - Mostraumen”. The tour “Explore Bergen from the fjord” gives you that personal touch and guided experience.
Fjordcruise Bergen - Mostraumen. Photo: Robin Strand / Rødne Fjord Cruise
From wind in your sails to wind in your hair. We will finish our recommendations where we started; on Bergen’s seven mountains. Choose between a short or a long hike. Let the art, the history and all the impressions from Bergen sink in while enjoying the silence and nature.
If you are left with a feeling that there is so much more you wanted to see, well then you are already well on your way planning your next trip to Bergen. Perhaps for a weekend break with your loved one, or as a part of a round trip in Fjord Norway.
Check out Ideas & Inspiration for more tips on things to do in Bergen.
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