The top things to do in Bergen
Surrounded by fjords and seven mountains, Bergen offers the ideal combination of nature, culture, history and exhilarating city life. Check out this list of must-see attractions for your visit.
Surrounded by seven mountains on the west coast of Norway, Bergen is the second-largest city in the country. It was founded in 1070 and boasts plenty of vista-filled attractions, delicious markets and fascinating museums.
To make the most of your time in Bergen before departing on your Hurtigruten voyage, here is a list of highlights to prioritise.
Bryggen
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen is one of the most popular places to visit in Bergen. This ancient merchant quarter makes up the oldest part of the city and is the only preserved business district from the Hanseatic period. The stretch of wooden houses lining the eastern side of the fjord entering Bergen have been ravaged by fires time and again, the last being in 1955.
Today you will find restaurants, craft workshops, artist's studios and boutiques in the neighbourhood. Also check out the Hanseatic Museum, housed in one of the old Hasana buildings on the waterfront, and Bryggen Guiding.
Mount Fløyen and the Funicular
Enjoy breathtaking views over the city at Mount Fløyen, perched 1,050 feet above sea level. Enjoy the funicular ride up to the top of the cliff, where a 10-minute walk rewards visitors with a 360-degree view across the sea to colourful ships in the harbour and mountains beyond. There is a cafe, restaurant and playground for children at the top.
If you’re feeling active, there are also a number of walking trails that make their way from city centre up to the mountain top.
Mount Ulriken
If Mount Fløyen isn’t tall enough for you, check out Mount Ulriken, the highest of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. It is roughly 820 feet taller than Fløyen and far more rugged, though like its smaller counterpart, the top of Ulriken can be reached by a gondola that grants supreme views.
To save time, many visitors take on one or the other, but if you're voracious for vistas, two in one day never hurt anyone.
Fish Market
After you work up an appetite conquering mountains, swing by the Bergen Fish Market. The market is one of the most visited outdoor markets in Norway.
Located in the heart of the city, it sells everything from flowers to fruits to whale meat. Although it's rather expensive, most visitors find the experience worthwhile.
Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum
The Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum offers land-destined visitors on fjord cruises a glimpse at the life of Edvard Grieg, the world-famous Norwegian pianist who’s widely considered one of the leading Romantic-era composers.
Troldhaugen, which means “troll house” in Norwegian, consists of the Grieg museum, Grieg’s villa where he wrote his music, and both his and his wife’s grave sites. You can even listen to a recital of the composer’s tunes by a live a pianist.
Mariakirken
If you have any interest in church history, architecture or the decorative arts, Mariakirken (St Mary’s Church) is a necessary stop in Bergen. Nestled close to the water, it is the oldest building in the city and has burnt down and been rebuilt several times. It recently underwent an extensive restoration process.
Dating from the 12th century, it is a great example of the Romanesque church architectural style. There are several historic pieces inside, from a delicately carved altar cabinet to statues of each of the apostles standing in their own niche.
