Bergen is perhaps best known as “the gateway to the fjords” – and with good reason! Some of the world’s most beautiful fjords are just a short drive away, along with a wealth of extraordinary natural experiences – from the seven mountain peaks surrounding the city to the small holiday gem of Flåm, famous as the starting point of the world’s most beautiful train journey, the Flåm Railway.
Our Top-3 of things not to be missed on your outdoor adventure to Bergen:
- Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjord
- Trips to the tops of Fløyen and Ulriken - reachable by funicular and cable car
- A visit to the village Flåm – and a ride with the Flåm Railway
Foto: Visit Bergen / Ulriken643
The weather in Bergen
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!
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Travel with Fjord Line to Bergen
Travel comfortably with Fjord Line from Hirtshals to Bergen and let your holiday begin on board. When the ship arrives in Bergen, the city’s charming centre is just a short distance away.
Bergen is the perfect gateway to the Norwegian fjords – with experiences such as Flåm, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord within easy reach. A journey filled with nature, culture and unforgettable moments awaits.
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Top 5 outings from Bergen
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!
- Voss – 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.
- Geiranger/Geirangerfjord - 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.
- Folgefonna National Park - an incredible national park whose heart is the magnificent Folgefonna Glacier. Distance: 115 km. Driving time: 2h 45 mins.
- Vøringsfossen – one of the most famous waterfalls in Norway with a height of 182 metres. Distance: 175 km. Driving time: 2h 45 mins.
- Trolltunga – an extraordinary cliff formation aptly named ‘the troll’s tongue’, and a popular hiking destination. Distance: 160 km. Driving time: 3h 30 mins.
Foto: Sveinung Klyve / www.FjordNorway.com
Bergen – living history and culture
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:
- The Bryggen district 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.
- The royal residence and banqueting hall Håkonshallen (built 1247–1261)
- The Rosenkrantz Tower (parts of which date back to the 1270s)
- The open–air Old Bergen Museum – a miniature version of a historic town with workshops, schools, shops and private homes, all equipped with artefacts and clothing from their period.
- KODE – an association of four art museums and three composers’ homes, including the home of Edvard Grieg
Things to do with children in Bergen
Bergen also offers a wealth of exciting experiences for children – here’s our Top-3 of fun and intriguing attractions for the entire family:
- Bergen Aquarium - Aquarium, where you can explore penguins, seals, crocodiles and a host of fish and other creatures from the depths of the sea
- VILVITE adventure centre, which offers an exciting world of almost 100 different experiments for teenagers.
- Vestkanten Water Park, where you’ll find lots of fun for young and old water lovers, including Norway’s longest water slide and a relaxing spa area.
Package holidays with ferry crossing and accommodation
With Fjord Line, you can make things even easier by choosing a package holiday that combines your ferry crossing and hotel in Bergen in one convenient solution. Enjoy a relaxed and comfortable start to your holiday – and more time to explore Bryggen, the Fløibanen funicular and the magnificent fjords for which Bergen is so well known.
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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.
Foto: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
