Bergen is a popular tourist destination on the western shores of Norway, mainly because of its proximity to the Norwegian fjords. This city sits perfectly between the ocean and neighbouring hilltops, being nicknamed the “city of the seven mountains”. The negative side of its geography are the mean 240 days of rain each year.
Its foundation dates back to 1070 and it is today the second largest city in Norway, only after Oslo. The city was an important trading point during the Hanseatic League glory times and was even assigned as the country’s capital in the 13th century. Today, about 275000 people call it home.
The city centre sprawls around a water recess. As any modern European city, Bergen took some drastic decisions to withdraw cars from the city centre. As a result, you may find parking lots quite expensive. Our car was left in Kloster Garasjen, a convenient garage next to the centre and with a daily rate of 250NOK (~25€)
We visited Bergen on a day trip from Vossevangen, a strategic sleeping location between Hardangenfjord and Sognefjord that suited the planned itinerary. Here’s an itinerary proposal for this charming city:
1. Nykyrken
The itinerary started with a quick visit to Nykyrken (translated as “new church”), a church built in the 17th century whose nickname stuck for centuries. It has a clean white cruciform shape and still endures after several fires partially destroyed it throughout history.
It is still used regularly, but with a special emphasis to families as a “childrens’ church”.
2. Bergen Havn
The port of Bergen has nothing special to itself, really. However, this is the place where you get the best views to the world-famous Bryggen waterfront. This set of buildings was rebuilt according to the original plan of the 12th century, after the great fire of 1702.
3. Fish Market
One of the most popular open markets of Norway. Locals usually come to this picturesque place for fresh fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables. There’s also the option of having a meal here inside one of the tents. The experience is more genuine but prices are similar to regular restaurants.
4. Rosenkrantz Tower / Bergen City Museum
This tower is considered one of the most important renaissance monuments of Norway. Built around 1560, it served both as a residence and a fortified defence structure. Some parts of the tower are from the 13th century, though.
The initial floors have some memorabilia from ancient times on display. The top two floors, however, hold an exposition depicting the history of the city. The balcony on the top rewards visitors with a 360º view to the exterior. It is arguably the best view to the city centre and justifies the entrance fee by itself.
- Entrance fee: 120NOK (~12€)
- Timetable: usually closes by 15:00 but make sure to check this website before visiting
5. Bryggen
The most famous postcard-worthy landmark in Bergen, built in 1702 after a great fire and according to the original plan from the 12th century. This set of wooden buildings is best photographed from the other side of the bay (Bergen Havn). Narrow streets run in between some of the houses to meet again on a tiny plaza on the opposite side of the block. This area gives a glimpse of what Bergen should have been like in Middle Ages.
Souvenir and clothing shops, cafés and restaurants are the main businesses operating here. This feels like a good place for a meal if you haven’t done it yet.
6. Cathedral
Bergen’s Domkirke dates back to the 12th century. Like most of the buildings in Bergen, several fires ravaged it through history. After the fires of 1623 and 1640, the cathedral finally acquired today’s appearance. It might be difficult to visit inside due to the timetable restrictions.
- Timetable: open on Fridays from 12:00-14:00
7. Fløyen Panorama
The last stop of this Bergen itinerary will take you up a mountain for a full panorama of the city (depicted on the header of this article). From the city centre, the most convenient and fast way to get there is by a cable car that climbs the hill (the Fløibanen). Hiking trails are also a possibility that will take longer but feel more rewarding. The starting point of the hiking trail is the Floibanen lower station.
- Fløibanen:
- April to September: 150NOK roundtrip; 75NOK one way (~ half prices for children)
- October to December: 105NOK roundtrip; 53NOK one way (~ half prices for children)
- Hiking trail:
- 3km / 1h00 / 300m elevation gain
And those were the top picks for a day in Bergen! Feel free to drop any commentaries or questions on the section below 🙂