Bergen holidays

Norway’s second-largest city is no runner-up when it comes to dramatic landscapes — from waterfalls to misty mountain peaks to the majesty fjords that put the region on a million bucket lists. The best holidays to Bergen also take advantage of the city’s cultural clout. Explore offbeat museums, New Nordic cuisine and a thriving music scene that ranges from black metal to one of the world’s oldest orchestras.

Bergen holiday highlights

Visit Bergen / Espen Haagensen - visitBergen.com

Climb every mountain

Start your Bergen holiday by taking the funicular for panoramic views from Mount Floyen. From here, you’ll find well-marked trails for exploring the six other surrounding mountains. If you have accessibility issues, Skomakerdiket is a perfect fit. The most challenging trail is to Trolltunga and takes 10 to 12 hours for the round trip.

Cruise the fjords

Unleash your inner Viking from the capital of fjord country. No city break to Bergen is complete without a cruise. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord in style. Or borrow a free kayak from the Fisheries Museum in return for picking up rubbish from the sea while you paddle.

Ride the railway

All aboard the Flam railway, considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and a must-do during a holiday in Bergen. As you travel along one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, you’ll see dizzying mountainsides, crashing waterfalls and deep gorges. The trip from Bergen to Flam takes just under three hours.

Bergen: Know before you go

Language

Norwegian

Currency

Norwegian krone (kr)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

June – August

Low season

November – February

Find the best time to go to Bergen

Weather in Bergen

March – May: The weather in spring can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to pack plenty of layers, especially if you plan to explore the hiking trails.

June – August: Summer days are generally clear, bright and long, with the sun setting late and rising early. Book ahead for the city’s busiest months.

September – November: Much of Bergen’s rain arrives in autumn. It can get windy then too, with temperatures dropping from October.

December – February: Expect snow blanketing the mountains and lakes freezing over in winter. This is the time to strap on skis, skates or snowshoes. It’s also your chance to see the Northern Lights.

Events in Bergen

Bergen City Marathon (April): The streets of Bergen come alive when thousands of runners take to them each spring. Spectators come out in full force to cheer, and there’s even a 5k race that anyone can join.

Bergen International Festival (May to June): Northern Europe’s largest music and theatre festival has been on the calendar for decades. From Håkonshallen, the royal banqueting hall, to Edvard Grieg’s humble villa, the city’s buildings thrum with performances for 15 days straight.

Bergen Matfestival (September): Every autumn, the city celebrates its regional food, from artisanal meats and cheeses to fresh berries and seafood. It’s also a great opportunity to sample the local beer and cider, with its centuries of tradition.

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The best neighbourhoods in Bergen

Bryggen

With its wharf and characteristic wooden buildings, picture-perfect Bryggen has been a trading port for a thousand years. Explore its narrow alleys deeper, however, and you’ll find modern studios, galleries and small shops selling local artisan’s creations. Besides its astonishing beauty, Bryggen is also where to stay in Bergen if you want to be near some of Norway’s best restaurants, known for their outstanding seafood.

Good for: Iconic architecture, shopping, seafood

Nordnes

Stretching along the short peninsula that extends into the harbour, Nordnes is the best neighbourhood to stay in Bergen to escape the bustle. Relax in some of the city’s best cafes or go for a swim in Nordnes Sjobad, a heated saltwater pool beloved by generations. For something completely different, take a walking tour to learn about Bergen’s grizzly history of witches, crime and executions.

Good for: Cafes, relaxation, history

Sandviken

Picturesque Sandviken’s narrow, cobbled lanes and wooden homes make it perfect for taking lots of photos. This traditional neighbourhood is where you’ll find the Old Bergen Museum, the Norwegian Fisheries Museum and the Storebla Aquaculture Visitor Centre here. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Stoltzekleiven trail towards Sandviksfjellet before taking a refreshing dip from the diving tower at Sandviken Sjobad.

Good for: Museums, harbour views, hiking

Things to do in Bergen

Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com

Family friendly things to do

One of the top things to do with family in Bergen is explore Mount Floyen, a perfect spot to let the kids run wild. At the Troll Forest, they’ll have small obstacles to conquer as they make their way along the path. The forest is located behind Floistuen cafe, so you can enjoy a coffee as they exhaust themselves at Bergen’s best playground.

Shopping

The shopping in Bergen runs the gamut from big-brand malls to specialist boutiques. Wander around Torgallmenningen, Bergen’s main square, and browse the various shops. Find traditional Norwegian souvenirs like knitwear, silver jewellery, trolls and ‘nisse’ (a gnome-like folkloric creature) in Bryggen. Or visit Lagunen shopping centre, one of the largest shopping centres in Norway.

Take in the culture

You’ll find museums in Bergen covering every aspect of this historical city. Get a feel for life 200 years ago in Europe’s largest wooden city at the Old Bergen Museum. Learn about medical science and hear powerful human stories from days gone by at the Leprosy Museum. Or visit Fantoft Stave Church, faithfully reconstructed after the 800-year-old original burnt down.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Bergen revolves around its thriving music scene, which has produced internationally renowned acts including Kygo, Aurora and Royksopp. No matter your taste, you’re sure to find something to suit you. Head to the student neighbourhood of Nygardshoyden for lively clubs and bars. Or find long-established bars and taverns in the city centre and around Bryggen.

Places to eat

Discover why Bergen holds a UNESCO City of Gastronomy title at one of the city’s amazing restaurants. The culinary scene here is heavily influenced by the Fish Market, founded in 1276. Enhjorningen not only claims to be Bergen’s oldest fish restaurant — it’s also one of the best restaurants in Bergen for traditional Norwegian seafood. For the ultimate fjord-to-fork experience, make a reservation at Cornelius, accessible only by boat.

Free things to do

Wander around Bryggen’s UNESCO-listed wharf and brightly painted buildings. One of the most unique free things to do in Bergen is the ‘Tubakuba’ (Rabbit Hole). Wriggle inside the tuba-shaped hole, designed by the Bergen School of Architecture as an invitation to explore nature. Inside, you’ll find simple accommodations where you can stay overnight.

Plan your holiday to Bergen

Budget

Many of this city’s outdoor charms are free and easy to access. But food and drink can be somewhat expensive in Norway, where a beer can cost over 100 Norwegian kroner (kr). For a cheap holiday in Bergen, try the fish market, where you can find an inexpensive meal for around kr250. Or stop by a coffee shop, where a cappuccino costs about kr50.

Day trips from Bergen

Take a two-hour cruise south of Bergen to Rosendal on the outskirts of the Folgefonna National Park, home to Scandinavia’s smallest castle. Or head north to Modalen, where family-friendly hiking offers spectacular views from its mountain rock, The Castle. The tiny village is 90 minutes north of the city or a two-hour boat ride through the thrillingly narrow Mostraumen straits.

Getting around Bergen

Although it’s quite hilly, Bergen is a very walkable city with excellent public transport, including bus, light rail and ferry networks. For an eco-friendly way to make the most of a holiday to Bergen, hire a City Bike, which you can use for 24 hours. And the funicular can get you from the city centre to the top of Mount Floyen in style.

FAQs about Bergen holidays

Organise your Bergen trip for January and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. -5ºC (23ºF) is as cold as it gets.
With temperatures reaching a high of 17ºC (63ºF), August is the hottest month in Bergen.
The locals mostly speak in Norwegian (Bokmål) here. Every city has its own distinct lingo, so it's worth picking up some common phrases to use during your city break in Bergen.
You won't have to look far for awesome things to do in Bergen. From Bryggen to Troldhaugen and more, there's no shortage of reasons to book a trip.
The official currency in Bergen is the Norwegian krone (NOK). It's a good idea to bring a small amount of cash during your trip to Bergen, but digital payments and cards are usually widely accepted.
If your journey to get here is a long one, stay a week or more. You'll be able to balance adventure with relaxation. For a quick trip to Bergen from somewhere nearby, three to five days are generally enough to see the main sights.
Don’t let the Nordic noir fool you — it’s very safe to visit Bergen. Norway is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world for travellers and is a world leader in human rights. Black, LGBTQ+ and female visitors are unlikely to face harassment.
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but you can have a cheap holiday to Bergen by making the most of nature trails and self-catered accommodation.
The wettest month is October, which has an average rainfall of 31 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Bergen trip — there's still plenty to do indoors such as shopping, visiting galleries, or checking out cosy cafes.
Most travellers opt for a holiday to Bergen in summer, though the forested mountains are glorious in autumn. Winters are milder than you’d think for a city so far north due to its position on the Atlantic Coast. September and October are the rainiest months. Be aware that some attractions close for the off-season.

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