Bergen, The Gateway to Norway's Fjords
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Wonderguide by

Chris Naylor

Bergen, The Gateway to Norway's Fjords

I've been visiting Bergen, Norway's Second City and the Gateway to the Fjords, since I was six years old. With so much to do and see, you'll fall in love with Bergen from the second you arrive. This is my guide to everything that Bergen, and Norway, have to offer.

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My Bergen Recommendations

These are my recommendations of things to do and see in Norway's Second City, based on my own experiences and the time that I have spent exploring the Gateway to the Fjords.

Image - Fløyen
Place
Fløyen
Chris:Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen and see a breathtaking view of everything that Bergen has to offer.
Image - Bryggen
Place
Bryggen
Chris:Bergen's UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of old wooden houses, visited by over 1 million people every year.
Image - Bergenhus Fortress
Place
Bergenhus Fortress
Chris:Bergenhus Festning, or Fortress, is one of Norway's oldest fortresses, home to Rosenkrantz Tower and Håkonshallen.
Image - Troldhaugen
Place
Troldhaugen
Chris:The home of renowned composer Edvard Grieg, now a museum dedicated to his memory. Buses and tours depart from the city centre during the summer.
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Image - Gamle Bergen Museum - Bymuseet i Bergen
Place
Gamle Bergen Museum - Bymuseet i Bergen
Chris:It's easy to spend a good half a day, if not longer, at Gamle Bergen. A very authentic take on a classic open air museum.
Image - Thon Hotel Orion
Place
Thon Hotel Orion
Chris:Recently refurbished and well located for Bryggen and Bergenhus Festning, breakfast and a light dinner are included in the price.
Image - Fantoft Stave Church
Place
Fantoft Stave Church
Chris:A replica after the original burnt down, an impressive sight none the less, very popular in the summer.
Image - Akvariet i Bergen - Det Nasjonale Akvariet
Place
Akvariet i Bergen - Det Nasjonale Akvariet
Chris:A bit expensive but worth it just to see the penguins and the sea lions! A good family day out.
Image - Søstrene Hagelin
Place
Søstrene Hagelin
Chris:One of my favourite eateries. Ask for the Fiskekaker or Fiskesuppe and you'll see why the locals flock here for lunch!
Image - Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport
Place
Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport
Chris:A good hotel choice for when you're flying in late, or flying out early the next day, just a short stroll from the airport.
Image - Colonialen Fetevare
Place
Colonialen Fetevare
Chris:Colonialen sell Bergen's best Skillingsboller (Bergen's take on a cinnamon roll) - perfect with a cup of their freshly ground coffee.
Image - Trekroneren
Place
Trekroneren
Chris:Ask for the Reindeer Hot Dog with all the trimmings - very filling and good value for money!
Image - Ulriken
Place
Ulriken
Chris:After Fløyen you should check out Ulriken and take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Wow!
Image - 7-Eleven
Place
7-Eleven
Chris:Dotted throughout Bergen, they sell cheap coffee that tastes really good, along with affordable snacks to keep you going!
Image - Bergen Segway
Place
Bergen Segway
Chris:You'll often see tourists zipping around town on a Segway. A fun way to see much of what Bergen has to offer.
Image - Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant
Place
Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant
Chris:A short boat ride from Bergen, Cornelius is a must-visit for all lovers of seafood. A popular choice with my Norwegian family.
Image - Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
Place
Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
Chris:Close to Bryggen, a good few hours can be spent here if you're interested in Bergen's history as a member of the Hanseatic League.
Image - Colonialen 44
Place
Colonialen 44
Chris:A modern restaurant serving elegant food in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Image - KODE 4, KODE Kunstmuseer og komponisthjem
Place
KODE 4, KODE Kunstmuseer og komponisthjem
Chris:KODE are Bergen's world-famous art museums, ideal for art lovers who are looking to get out of the rain for a day!
Image - Askøy
Place
Askøy
Chris:Askøy is an island close to Bergen, where my family live. I love spending time here, it's very peaceful away from the hustle and bustle.
Image - Pingvinen
Place
Pingvinen
Chris:Intimate eatery that is very popular with the locals, serving traditional Norwegian dishes.
Image - Galleriet
Place
Galleriet
Chris:The Galleriet Shopping Centre is home to some of Bergen's best shops and cafes. Easy to spend a half a day here if it's raining heavily.
Image - Bergen Airport
Place
Bergen Airport
Chris:A modern airport that offers both domestic and international flights to most of Europe's key destinations.
Image - St. Mary's Church
Place
St. Mary's Church
Chris:One of the oldest buildings in Bergen, probably built between 1130 and 1170.
Image - Restaurant 1877
Place
Restaurant 1877
Chris:A unique take on modern Scandinavian cooking using local ingredients from the Bergen region.
Image - Christie Mølle
Place
Christie Mølle
Chris:An old mill just a short distance from Brann Stadion, easily accessible via the Bybanen Light Rail.
Image - Nordnes
Place
Nordnes
Chris:A beautiful peninsula and residential area of Bergen that has a lot to offer those looking for a taste of typical Norwegian life.
Image - Gamlehaugen
Place
Gamlehaugen
Chris:The Bergen home of Norway's Royal Family, tours are available at certain times of the year.
Image - Biologen
Place
Biologen
Chris:A family-owned restaurant with a passion for fine, traditional Norwegian food, approx. 45 km from Bergen.
Image - Nygårdsparken
Place
Nygårdsparken
Chris:Take the Bybanen Light Rail to this charming park, just a few minutes from the city centre.
Image - Bergen Light Rail
Place
Bergen Light Rail
Chris:Bergen's light rail system which runs from the city centre right the way out to Flesland Airport.
Image - St. John's Church
Place
St. John's Church
Chris:Johanneskirken, a church that stands tall above the city. Home to some great concerts, well worth a visit just for a good photo!
Image - Clarion Hotel Admiral
Place
Clarion Hotel Admiral
Chris:The newly renovated Clarion Hotel Admiral is located in a charming old warehouse that dates back to 1904.
Image - Herdla museum
Place
Herdla museum
Chris:A short distance from Bergen, Herdla Museum is dedicated to the island's experience of World War II, and it's development since.
Image - Lerøy Mat Galleriet
Place
Lerøy Mat Galleriet
Chris:A good if expensive supermarket on the basement level of Galleriet, perfect for picking up a few groceries.
Image - Vestkanten Storsenter
Place
Vestkanten Storsenter
Chris:One of the region's largest shopping centres that offers everything you need under one roof.
Image - Bergen Cathedral
Place
Bergen Cathedral
Chris:A splendid cathedral and churchyard in the city centre. Currently closed for maintenance, but still an impressive sight to see.
Image - Hotel Norge by Scandic
Place
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Chris:Recently refurbished and centrally located, the Hotel Norge is the crème de la crème of Bergen hospitality.
Image - Berle Bryggen
Place
Berle Bryggen
Chris:A good souvenir shop, centrally located, selling all kinds of Norwegian-themed gifts with an impressive selection of trolls.
Image - ADO Arena
Place
ADO Arena
Chris:The Alexander Dale Oen Arena is Norway's premier swimming and diving facility.
Image - Sartor Storsenter
Place
Sartor Storsenter
Chris:Recently expanded and just 15 minutes from the centre of Bergen, on the island of Sotra.
Image - Brann Stadion
Place
Brann Stadion
Chris:Home to Bergen's local football club, easily accessible via the Bybanen Light Rail.
Image - Bryggens Museum
Place
Bryggens Museum
Chris:A museum dedicated to the history of Bryggen and it's trading status as a member of the Hanseatic League.
Image - Holy Cross Church, Bergen
Place
Holy Cross Church, Bergen
Chris:Known locally as Korskirken, a parish church along Kong Oscars Gate, close to Vågen and Bryggen.
Image - Solheimsgaten
Place
Solheimsgaten
Chris:Picturesque commercial area that is also home to a marina, close to Danmarksplass.
Image - Kaffemisjonen
Place
Kaffemisjonen
Chris:A very good cafe that serves all kinds of coffee using all kinds of different methods. Well worth a visit.
Image - Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant
Place
Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant
Chris:A charming and traditional Bergen restaurant that serves tasty dishes using the finest local produce.
Image - Lille Lungegårdsvannet
Place
Lille Lungegårdsvannet
Chris:A nice lake in the heart of Bergen, close to the bus station and Bybanen stops. Very popular in the summer, a great way to spend a little time strolling round.
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Image - Pepperkakebyen
Place
Pepperkakebyen
Chris:Bergen's famous Gingerbread Town returns to the city every winter. Local schools and charitable organisations build all kinds of little gingerbread houses and structures. Well worth a visit!
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Image - Comfort Hotel Holberg
Place
Comfort Hotel Holberg
Chris:An affordable no-frills hotel in the centre of Bergen, well located for the Aquarium, Fish Market, and Strandgaten. Part of the Nordic Choice Hotels group.
more
Image - Bergen Børs Hotel
Place
Bergen Børs Hotel
Chris:Located in the old stock exchange building, offering luxury accommodation in the heart of Bergen.
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Bookable Experiences

If you're looking for a guided experience in Bergen you can choose from one of the options below.

Explore Norway

If you're looking to explore Norway and get a taste of the true Norwegian way of life, I recommend visiting these cities and destinations.

Image - Oslo
Place
Oslo
Chris:Norway's Capital City, home to Oslo Opera House, Vigeland Sculpture Park, and a thriving food scene.
Image - Trondheim
Place
Trondheim
Chris:Norway's third largest city, Trondheim blends the old with the new like no other place in Europe.
Image - Stavanger
Place
Stavanger
Chris:Traditionally home to Norway's thriving oil industry, Stavanger is re-inventing itself as a cultural tourism destination.
Image - Tromsø
Place
Tromsø
Chris:One of Norway's northernmost cities, head here if you're seeking out the Northern Lights.
Image - Pulpit Rock
Place
Pulpit Rock
Chris:Preikestolen, one of Norway's most famous attractions, is just a short distance from Stavanger.
Image - Lofoten
Place
Lofoten
Chris:Known for excellent fishing and the midnight sun, Lofoten is the perfect destination for adventurers.
Image - Geirangerfjord
Place
Geirangerfjord
Chris:Iconic fjord offering snowy mountain peaks, lush plant life, cascading falls & spectacular views.
Image - Trolltunga
Place
Trolltunga
Chris:The most spectacular rock formation in Norway, along with The Pulpit Rock. A must visit for any hiker and mountaineer.

Wonderguide map

  1. Fløyen
  2. Bryggen
  3. Bergenhus Fortress
  4. Troldhaugen
  5. Gamle Bergen Museum - Bymuseet i Bergen
  6. Thon Hotel Orion
  7. Fantoft Stave Church
  8. Akvariet i Bergen - Det Nasjonale Akvariet
  9. Søstrene Hagelin
  10. Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport
  11. Colonialen Fetevare
  12. Trekroneren
  13. Ulriken
  14. 7-Eleven
  15. Bergen Segway
  16. Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant
  17. Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
  18. Colonialen 44
  19. KODE 4, KODE Kunstmuseer og komponisthjem
  20. Askøy
  21. Pingvinen
  22. Galleriet
  23. Bergen Airport
  24. St. Mary's Church
  25. Restaurant 1877
  26. Christie Mølle
  27. Nordnes
  28. Gamlehaugen
  29. Biologen
  30. Nygårdsparken
  31. Bergen Light Rail
  32. St. John's Church
  33. Clarion Hotel Admiral
  34. Herdla museum
  35. Lerøy Mat Galleriet
  36. Vestkanten Storsenter
  37. Bergen Cathedral
  38. Hotel Norge by Scandic
  39. Berle Bryggen
  40. ADO Arena
  41. Sartor Storsenter
  42. Brann Stadion
  43. Bryggens Museum
  44. Holy Cross Church, Bergen
  45. Solheimsgaten
  46. Kaffemisjonen
  47. Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant
  48. Lille Lungegårdsvannet
  49. Pepperkakebyen
  50. Comfort Hotel Holberg
  51. Bergen Børs Hotel
  52. Guided Half Day Tour - Bergen Railway, Voss Gondol And Lunch At Mount Hanguren
  53. Guided Day Tour - Sognefjord Express Cruise, Flåm Railway And Bergen Railway
  54. Oslo
  55. Trondheim
  56. Stavanger
  57. Tromsø
  58. Pulpit Rock
  59. Lofoten
  60. Geirangerfjord
  61. Trolltunga

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