I spent 3 days in Bergen in collaboration with Visit Bergen. As always, all experiences, photos, thoughts and opinions are all my own!
My recent trip to Scandinavia was one for the books, kicking off the excursion by spending 3 days in Bergen. This beautiful western city is Norway’s second largest after Oslo. The city is completely surrounded by mountains and fjords, specifically the Sognefjord which is Norway’s longest and deepest.
Here’s 3 Days in Bergen – A Norwegian Fairytale:
Getting to Bergen
Bergen is located within the municipality of Hordaland on the west coast of Norway, nearly 300 miles from Oslo.
Flights to Bergen through Norwegian Air or SAS (Scandinavia Airlines) are fairly reasonable. I flew from Chicago O’Hare to Gatwick airport in London and then a direct flight on to Bergen. I bought a one-way ticket costing $325.
If you’re coming from Oslo or other parts of Norway, the NSB has multiple trains running routes into Bergen. Check prices and timetables here.
Accommodation in Bergen
With a slew of options for places to stay in Bergen, I booked a fairly reasonable AirBnb located on the cutest street. Having a full size kitchen and a washer and dryer came in handy to help save money! I shopped at the nearby grocery store and made dinner nightly because, y’know, budget backpacker here!
The Bergen Card
If you’re planning a trip to Bergen, definitely take advantage of buying a Bergen Card for up to 3 days. Not only will it grant you a free transport to and from the airport, you’re able to receive different discounts and free admissions to museums, attractions and restaurants!
For more information on purchasing a Bergen Card and what exactly it entails click here.
Day 1 in Bergen
Bergen is considered Europe’s most rainy city as it experiences precipitation for nearly 70% of the year. I definitely experienced that on the first day when I planned to spend my time exploring the best parts of the town.
Exploring Bergen
After grabbing a cappuccino at the Espresso House, we take a walk through the pedestrian-friendly square called Torgallmenningen.
The first stop in the morning is the Fish Market, one of the most popular areas in Bergen. Operating since the 1200s, the market sells fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables in a picturesque atmosphere at the base of the fjords.
An indoor fish market, Mathallen, is located near the outdoor fish market below the Visit Bergen tourist information center. Continuing on to the north is the Hanseatic Museum, dedicated to the German merchants who have conducted port business here since the 1300s.
The Pomnik Mina Morska is a popular sculpture located near this area as well, along with the picturesque European architecture in the background.
Following along the water’s edge, the Port of Bergen and the Bergen Havn can be seen. Various fishing boats are docked along the edge with the view across the water display the more modern parts of Bergen.
Bryggen
A quick 180 turn away from the water will display the opposite of that modern look. Here is the most popular spot in Bergen, the UNESCO-site of Bryggen.
This “Old Town” of Bergen has been standing since the city was established in the late 1000s. The portion you see here was constructed after the great fire of 1702.
Wanting to escape the rain for a moment, we make a quick stop into Baker Brun. This small café has been operating here at Bryggen since 1893.
The alleyways hidden between Bryggen open up a whole other world where the old town name earns its name. Schøtstuene, an area depicting the life of German Hanseatic merchants and their meeting hall, can be found behind the picturesque colorful buildings of Bryggen.
Multiple shops full of artwork and various cafés exist in the back portion of Bryggen. Those beautiful Norwegian colorful buildings continue on.
To save on money, we snag some groceries from the market near the AirBnb, cooking up pasta for dinner and getting an early night’s sleep.
Day 2 in Bergen
Up and at ’em bright and early today, I head off for coffee and breakfast at the local Starbucks. Since the weather seems nice, I decide today’s the day to head up to Mount Fløyen via the Fløibanen funicular.
Since I had my Bergen Card, I was granted a free roundtrip ticket on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen.
Read More: Exploring Mount Fløyen with Visit Bergen
After making it back down to the bottom, I grab dinner at Fish Me where I have the best fried cod ever (no joke!) I also receive 10% off my meal by using the Bergen Card.
After dinner, I decide to check out this side of Bergen through the residential areas. The adorable cobblestone streets and colorful homes seriously makes Bergen a top contender for most charming city.
The sun was nearly setting at this point so I walk back down to Bergen’s waterfront near the ferry port. This is the optimal spot to snap some photos of those incredible views of Bergen across the water.
Day 3 in Bergen
You must take an entire day from Bergen to embark on the Norway in a Nutshell tour! This completely customizable, self-guided tour begins by transporting you on the Bergen Railway. Next up is cruising along the UNESCO fjords then to the picturesque village of Flåm. The day ends with a scenic train ride down the iconic Flåm Railway.
Read More: Norway in a Nutshell Tour: The Best of Norway in a Day
My favorite part of the day was the 2 hour fjord cruise on the stunning Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO-protected sites.
Read More: Cruising Through the Fjords of Norway
My other highlight of the day was something I had been dreaming about for years. Visiting the picturesque colorful village of Flåm was such a dream for me. Then to get a ride on the Flåmsbana, regarded as the most scenic train rides in the world, the day couldn’t have been better.
Read More: A Visit to Flåm + The Flåmsbana
Booking Tours
For more information about booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour, visit the Fjord Tours website here. For inspiration as to why you should visit Flåm, check out their website here!
If you don’t wish to take part in the Norway in a Nutshell tour, at least add in a fjord cruise and a ride on the Flåmsbana. I fully believe they are both the two must-do activities on your 3 days in Bergen!
Check out all the fjord tours that depart from Bergen here and information/ticket prices for the Flåm Railway here.
Bergen: A Norwegian Fairytale
I’m so incredibly grateful that I finally got the opportunity to visit Norway’s most western city. A huge thank you to Visit Bergen for collaborating and gifting me the Bergen Card! If you’re looking to take a trip to Bergen, I really couldn’t recommend it more and the Bergen Card will make your stay that much more enjoyable!
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Ah your pictures look beautiful Charli!! You’re making me miss Norway. It’s such a beautiful country with so many amazing sights. I remember going to Bergen and eating amazing seafood. The fish there is incredible!
I am actually so surprised by how many people have never been to Norway or given it a chance! So glad you’ve already got to experience it and you have such good memories from it. The fish was sooooo YUM!
So many beautiful pictures! Looks like it was a lot of fun!
Xoxo,
Laura // afinnontheloose.com
Thank you Laura we had such a good time here in Bergen! I’d love to go back in visit in the summertime!
The Airbnb link to where you stayed isn’t working, what streets/ area do you recommend staying in? Thanks!
Ahh, they must have taken that listing down! You can’t go wrong with pretty much anywhere near the harbor. We stayed in the Strandsiden/Nordnes area which was in close proximity to most things. Bryggen, Vagsbunnen, and Vagen are a beautiful areas to stay in as well!