Norway

Our Top-3 of things not to be missed on your outdoor adventure to Bergen:

, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjord

A visit to the village Flåm – and a ride with the 

Perhaps you’ve heard that it rains a lot in Bergen – and there is no way we can deny that. But the sun also comes out and makes the charming city even more beautiful, and in fact, the temperatures can reach 25 degrees C on hot summer days.

And don’t worry – even if it rains on one of your days in Bergen, the city has plenty of wonderful indoor activities for visitors of all ages!

If you’re planning on visiting Bergen – with or without a car or motorhome – the easiest and most direct way is to sail with us from Hirtshals in North Denmark. You can reach Hirtshals by freeway from most of Europe – and even by train and bus, as the town is only an hour’s bus ride from Aalborg which is connected to the European rail network.

Find the best prices on boat trips right 

Bergen in itself of course has a lot to offer as a holiday destination – but now that you’re visiting this Norwegian gem, we recommend at least one day trip or overnight stay in some of the incredible natural areas in the region. And if you haven’t brought your car along, many are reachable by train or bus, too!

 – a small village that offers incredible nature experiences, including a beautiful gondola ride to the top of the Hangurstoppen mountain. Distance: 120 km. Driving time: 2 hours.

 - some of Norway’s most beautiful scenery with the UNESCO World Heritage Site fjord and surrounding mountains. Distance: 370 km. Driving time: 6h 30 mins.

 - an incredible national park whose heart is the magnificent Folgefonna Glacier. Distance: 115 km. Driving time: 2h 45 mins.

 – one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway with a height of 182 metres. Distance: 175 km. Driving time: 2h 45 mins.

 – an extraordinary cliff formation aptly named ‘the troll’s tongue’, and a popular hiking destination. Distance: 160 km. Driving time: 3h 30 mins.

Bergen's main attractions stem from the city's exciting and colourful history. For several centuries, the city was one of the Hanseatic League's power centres, and it has also been an important seat for the royals throughout history, as well as home to many of Norway’s great artists. Among the highlights are:

that looks today exactly as it did in the Middle Ages – and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. It's an experience not to be missed while you're in Bergen.

 – a miniature version of a historic town with workshops, schools, shops and private homes, all equipped with artefacts and clothing from their period.

 – an association of four art museums and three composers’ homes, including the home of Edvard Grieg

Bergen also offers a wealth of exciting experiences for children – here’s our Top-3 of fun and intriguing attractions for the entire family:

 - Aquarium, where you can explore penguins, seals, crocodiles and a host of fish and other creatures from the depths of the sea

, which offers an exciting world of almost 100 different experiments for teenagers.

, where you’ll find lots of fun for young and old water lovers, including Norway’s longest water slide and a relaxing spa area.

When choosing what kind of accommodation to choose on your trip to Bergen, all options are open to you. The city offers everything from campsites and holiday houses in the city or the surrounding area to hotels of all sizes and standards.

When you travel to Bergen with Fjord Line, you can take advantage of our package deals and book excellent accommodation at the

Your guide to an unforgettable holiday in Bergen

Bergen is a perfect destination for your next Norwegian experience – here’s lots of fun activities for children, a cornucopia of historical and cultural experiences to enjoy with the one you love, and some of the world’s most beautiful nature within easy driving distance. This is where memories are made!

Read more about what to do and where to stay in Bergen below – and find inspiration for your Bergen adventure in our travel articles about the area.

Hirtshals

Bergen

Bergen in Fjord Norway is the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure or city break. From beautiful fjords to world-class restaurants – Bergen has it all.


Visit Bergen in Norway – the gateway to the fjords ⎮ Fjord Line

Vestlandet

If you’ve brought your car or motor home, you can check out the 

 near the city – here you can park your motorhome or caravan, put up your tent or rent a lovely holiday cabin.

You can find campsites of different prices, sizes and standards, and no matter which you choose, most of them are within 15-20 minutes’ drive from the city centre – often with bus services as well.

If you’ve come here by train, bus and ferry, you’ll find a wide range of lovely hotels, hostels, bed & breakfasts and guest houses within easy reach – some just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal.

Bergen and the nearby region in fact has almost 40 hotels – from local, charming guesthouses to large city hotels from global hotel chains. No matter which you choose, you can expect to be offered free WiFi, and most of the hotels also have breakfast included in their deals.

When you travel to Bergen with us, you can take advantage of our package deals with two of Bergen’s most popular hotels, which are both lovely, newly renovated and close to some of Bergen's best sights and experiences.

. Whichever hotel you choose, you'll be staying close to the harbour in Bergen and thus close to Bryggen, Fisketorget and Fløibanen.

It also means that if you're travelling without a car, you can simply walk from the ferry terminal to your hotel – both hotels are 1.5–2 km from the ferry terminal.

Looking for a place to stay in Bergen? Accommodation in Norway’s second-largest city comes in many forms – from primitive campsites to world-class hotels.


Accommodation in Bergen: From campsites to hotels ⎮ Fjord Line

In Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen, mountains are the name of the game – in fact, the city’s Norwegian name means “the mountains”. Situated at the edge of the Bergensfjord, the city is surrounded by no less than seven mountains that form a majestic backdrop for a city teeming with cultural treasures and telling the history of centuries-long trading traditions.

One of the most famous attractions in Bergen is the historical district, Bryggen, that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical Hanseatic quarter makes an impressive sight with its colourful tall wooden buildings from the 14th century.

Nearby you will find Bergen’s famous Fish Market where visitors can try Norwegian specialties such as smoked salmon and dried fish and purchase hand-made souvenirs.

For a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding landscape, take a trip with Fløibanen, a funicular that takes you from the city centre to the top of the mountain Fløyen.

And for even more stunning nature, plan a fjord cruise to one of Norway’s – and the world’s – most beautiful fjords – from the impressive Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord to the small but unique Nærøyfjord.

Water park fun, exciting encounters with exotic animals or challenging experiments in the VILVITE adventure centre – in addition to outdoor museums and adventures in nature, Bergen offers plenty to do if you’re bringing your children or grandchildren to Bergen.

Bergen offers a wide range of things to do and places to see. Get our best tips for your next visit – from sightseeing to fun activities for the children.

Things to do in Bergen, Norway – Plan your next trip ⎮ Fjord Line

We've teamed up with a number of Norway experts and locally renowned guides to share advice, recommendations and tips on everything from world-famous sights and attractions to "hidden treasures".

Planning a visit to Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen? Find inspiration for what to do and see in our online travel guide.

Inspiration for your visit to Bergen, Norway ⎮ Fjord Line

Bergen – the gateway to the fjords 

Whether the family is into hiking and magnificent scenery or cozying up in the city, Bergen delivers. We've gathered five sure-fire hits for families in (and around) Bergen.

Bergen for kids – five sure hits for the family

Bryggen in Bergen is often named as the city’s absolute highlight and a must-see for all visitors – but what’s the actual history behind this unique quarter, and why is it on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites?

Bryggen in Bergen – A trip back in time

When exploring Bergen with children, finding places where the whole family can enjoy a tasty meal in a relaxed, cosy atmosphere is essential. Bergen offers a range of family-friendly restaurants that make dining a pleasure for both young and old. Here are five of our top picks for families visiting the city. 

Bergen’s most child-friendly restaurants

Sørlandet

The Norwegian coast has so much to offer. Whether it’s wreck-diving or investigating marine life, there are plenty of outstanding dives waiting for you in the Norwegian fjords and archipelago.

Fantastic diving in Norway

Østlandet

Take a ride on the world's most beautiful railway and be transported through some of Norway's most spectacular scenery while relaxing in a comfortable train carriage. The journey with the Bergensbanen between Oslo and Bergen and includes magnificent mountain landscapes, deep gorges, waterfalls and Europe's highest railway station, Finse. 

Train journey at the top of Europe

Geirangerfjord is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and with good reason: images of the fjord are used in almost every Norwegian tourist brochure and it has captured popular imagination more than any other tourist destination in Norway.

Geirangerfjord: Norwegian nature at its most beautiful

A mother and child standing next to a car, overlooking a breathtaking fjord in Norway, with mountains in the background.

Setesdal

Are you dreaming of a road trip filled with spectacular landscapes, charming towns and unforgettable nature experiences? Then Norway is the perfect destination for you. 

Road trip in Norway: Tips for the driving holiday of a lifetime 

A modern dome tent and a small wooden cabin situated on a green hill overlooking rocky landscapes under a slightly cloudy sky.

The Fjord Line terminal in Bergen is a perfect starting point for a wonderful camping holiday. Here you'll find a wide range of campsites suited to kids and adults alike. Here's our pick of the 5 best.

5 picks for the perfect camping holiday near Bergen

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is renowned for its seven mountains that encircle the city, offering some of the most spectacular natural experiences in the country.

Tips for a holiday in Bergen – explore the mountains surrounding the city

People sitting around a campfire at a cozy Christmas market surrounded by holiday decorations and snow.

In December, Bergen transforms into a true Christmas city, where traditions and modern cosiness go hand in hand.

Visit the Christmas Town Bergen

Three people kayaking on calm waters in red kayaks, enjoying an outdoor adventure on a sunny day.

Bergen, the beautiful gem on Norway’s west coast, is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to combine nature with activity. The city’s stunning surroundings, with fjords, mountains, and forests, provide a perfect setting for a holiday filled with adventure and exciting experiences. Here are our top tips for making the most of an active holiday in Bergen. 

Active Holiday in Bergen – Discover the Fjords and Nature in New Ways 

Person sitting at the edge of Trolltunga.

Dreaming of hiking to the spectacular Trolltunga rock formation near Odda in Western Norway? Get our tips for a safe and memorable hike here – from where to start and what to bring to how to get the most of this incredible experience.

Hiking the Trolltunga

A motorhome and two bicycles parked by a fjord, surrounded by majestic mountains under a bright blue sky.

Dreaming of a holiday filled with freedom, flexibility, and fantastic natural experiences? Then take your motorhome to Norway. Here, we present a suggestion for a fantastic route in Fjord Norway that takes you through many of the region's spectacular natural areas. Parts of the route follow the special "National Tourist Routes," offering a unique experience where nature, culture, and architecture come together harmoniously.

Road trip from Bergen

Listen to the Norwegians themselves when choosing what to experience on holiday – Here are the 15 most popular attractions and destinations among Norwegians in 2013 (Source: Visit Norway):

The Norwegians' own favourites

The desire to travel and explore is stronger than ever! And especially, we long for Norway – that’s why we’ve gathered 10 unique experiences in Norway that you simply cannot miss.

Explore Norway with Fjord Line

Norway has just been voted one of the world’s best destinations in 2022 by Lonely Planet – thanks in large part to its key focus on sustainable travel experiences. 

Norway – A sustainable destination

From Oslo fjord in the east to Varangerfjord in the north-east, there are over 1000 fjords in Norway: some are long, some are short, others are deep and still others are so breath-taking that they’ve become UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But the most famous fjords – the ones you usually find on postcards – are found in Western Norway.

The magical Norwegian fjords

Fjord Norway offers an abundance of first-class hiking and cycling routes, alongside various other nature experiences suitable for all ages. Here are nine ways to intimately encounter this fascinating nature.

9 Nature Experiences for the Family

In Norway, Easter holidays are all about skiing, chocolate, oranges — and crime novels. Here, Easter is often spent at a cabin in the mountains and involves lots of fun in the snow. 

The Norwegian's five Easter favourites

Norway offers a wide range of beautiful cycle routes across varying terrain. The magazine ‘Reiser & Frihed’ and Norwegian Cyclists Association have put together a list of the country’s ten best cycle routes. (Source: Visit Norway).

Top 10 cycle routes in Norway

Man sits with his hands in the air on Kjeragbolten.

The hike to the Kjeragbolten rock is challenging – but if you’re an experienced hiker, the reward is worth the effort. Get our insider tips for the hike here. 

Kjeragbolten – The ultimate hiking experience

Quiet roads that pass through endless green forests, along the deep blue fjords, over snow-covered mountain passes, through deep gorges and past thundering waterfalls – it’s no surprise that Norway is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations.

Visit Norway

Come fishing in Norway: experience some of the world’s the best sea fishing and river-and-lake fishing.

Get a record catch

Kristin Krohn Devold, former Secretary General of the Norwegian Tourist Association, offers a few inspirational facts about some of Norway’s best mountain hiking (Source: Visit Norway).

Norway’s best mountain hikes

Norway is a country filled with breathtaking nature, a rich cultural heritage and unique experiences that make it a dream destination for travelers from near and far.

Norway's best sights: Nature, culture and history

A person sits inside a tent at sunset, with a beautiful view of mountains and valleys in the distance.

Planning an autumn holiday with friends? Then head to Norway – the perfect destination whether you’re into outdoor activities, culture, or breathtaking natural landscapes.

 Autumn holiday in Norway with friends

Image credits: norwaysbest.com / Sverre Hjørnevik

Tired of traffic jams and crowded attractions? Then travel to Norway off-season, enjoy the space, and have some truly special experiences to boot.

10 great reasons to travel to Norway in the autumn

Norway is best known as a hiking mecca, but our northern neighbour offers a wealth of other unique experiences among the beautiful natural surroundings. 

Norway – Holidays for everyone

A couple holds hands and smiles while walking down a decorated street during the Christmas season.

Norway is a country brimming with Christmas spirit, whether you're visiting one of the atmospheric Christmas markets in the larger cities or seeking the peacefulness of a snow-covered log cabin in the mountains.

Norway – a Christmas filled with cosiness and traditions

A man and a woman are standing outside in nature, looking at a brochure.

Even though Norway has a long-standing tradition of charging road tolls, you can still get to most places without driving on toll roads. All it takes is a bit of planning and some extra patience while driving – but what you get in return is both saving money and seeing more of Norway’s incredible scenery! Read our guide to the Norwegian toll road system – and how to get around it – here.

Toll roads in Norway – How to save money on your trip

A woman stands in a boat and looks out over the fjord and the mountains.

Crossing the fjords quickly and easily - Tips for your ferry trips in Norway

Whether you love city breaks, mountain hikes, or relaxing by the water, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect destination in beautiful Norway. With plenty of experiences and activities for all ages, a trip to Norway is ideal for family holidays, romantic getaways, or road trips with friends.

Dreaming of a trip to Norway?

AutoPASS is the automated system for collecting road and ferry tolls.

Are you planning a road trip in Norway in your car or motorhome? Then be aware that many roads in Norway are subject to road tolls. Register your vehicle with AutoPASS to get your toll tag before you go – and get a discount on your fees!

AutoPASS – Automatic payment of toll road fees in Norway

An elderly woman sits in a car and talks to a man outside the car.

Planning a camping trip in Norway? Get our best insider tips for an unforgettable vacation in a motorhome, caravan or tent in beautiful Norway here – from camping with children or in the wild to the best places to camp in western and southern Norway. And remember – you can choose to stay your entire vacation at one camping site, but for the ultimate Norwegian adventure, plan a road trip where you spend the night at
several different sites – or even in the middle of Norway’s wild nature! 

Camping in Norway: Tips for an unforgettable vacation 

Each of the four seasons in Norway has its own charm and colours the landscape in different ways. From endless summer nights to golden autumn days, the glistening white snow of winter and spectacular blossoms of spring. 

The four seasons in Western Norway

Three boys relaxing in an orange hammock hung between trees in a green wooded area.

Travelling with Fjord Line to Stavanger is the perfect starting point for a fantastic camping holiday. Here you can find our top tips for a successful camping holiday in and around Stavanger.

5 picks for the perfect camping holiday in Stavanger

Norway is a global pioneer of e-mobility and, with its comprehensive charging infrastructure and reasonable electricity prices, offers a great starting point for anyone who wants to explore the country with their own electric car. Here you will find all the information you need for your e-car holiday in Norway.

Information, tips and benefits - Travelling to Norway by electric car

Join a fjord cruise with Fjord Line and get up close to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery. Or what about a cruise on a lake in the mountains - or the southern Norwegian archipelago?

Experience Norway’s most beautiful fjords

Visit some of Norway’s lesser known viewpoints and attractions – and come away with unique experiences and holiday memories for life. 

Untraditional destinations

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten often top many hiking enthusiasts’ Norwegian “bucket list”, but our northern neighbour has many other spectacular hiking trails to offer.
In this article, we present two hikes that should also feature high on your list.

Two of Norway’s lesser known hiking gems: Hornelen and Flørli 4444

We’ve listed a number of highlights below – remember that you’ll find lots of fantastic family activities at all of our destinations in Norway, so you can find more inspiration on each individual destination page here in our travel universe.

Norway for kids

A child dressed in a red jacket and pink hat, holding a stick, stands in a marshy mountain landscape in autumn.

Take the kids to Norway during the autumn break, and you’re guaranteed a wonderful family holiday filled with cosy moments, togetherness, and unforgettable experiences.

Autumn holiday in Norway with kids

Planning a family trip to Norway this year and want to save on the travel budget? Discover a wealth of free activities for the whole family in this article.


Family Holidays in Norway on a Budget

Two women on a hike in green surroundings with a fjord and mountains in the background.

Dreaming of hiking through Norway’s unforgettable scenery of fjords, mountains and forests? Get our tips for a hiking holiday to remember – from the best hikes of Southern and Western Norway to how to offer your kids a hiking adventure in the Scandinavian nature paradise.

Hiking in Norway – The ultimate outdoor holiday

A man fly fishing in a calm river, surrounded by lush green mountains and countryside houses, under a clear sky.

Norway is known for its impressive nature, and for anglers the country is a true paradise. 

Fishing holidays in Norway: Your Ultimate Guide

Motorhome parked by the fjord and beautiful mountains.

The Norwegian exchange rate is still historically low – so you can once again get great holiday experiences at small prices! Read our 5 top tips for an incredible Norwegian adventure. 

Inspiration for your visit to Bergen

Travel articles

Bergen for kids – five sure hits for the family

Bryggen in Bergen – A trip back in time

Bergen’s most child-friendly restaurants

Fantastic diving in Norway