Things to Do in Bergen
The old Hanseatic port between seven mountains, and the door to fjord country.
See top-rated activities »About Bergen
Bergen was Norway's largest city for centuries, a trading port where German merchants of the Hanseatic League ran the stockfish trade from a row of wooden warehouses on the harbor. That wharf, Bryggen, burned and was rebuilt many times, and the tilting, colorful buildings you see today are a UNESCO World Heritage site, with narrow passages behind the facades full of small shops, studios and cafes. Bryggens Museum and the Hanseatic Museum explain the merchants' world.
The city is wrapped by mountains, and getting above it is the first thing most visitors do. The Floibanen funicular climbs from the center to Mount Floyen in a few minutes, where there are viewpoints, easy forest trails and lakes. The Ulriken643 cable car goes higher, to the tallest of the seven mountains, and the walk between the two summits is a popular half-day hike. Back on the harbor, the Fish Market has stalls and restaurants selling shrimp, salmon and king crab.
KODE, one of the largest art museums in the Nordic countries, spreads across several buildings beside the Lille Lungegardsvannet lake and holds major works by Munch and the landscape painter J.C. Dahl. South of town, Troldhaugen was the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg, with a concert hall where recitals are given in summer. Bergen is famous for rain, so pack a waterproof jacket, but on a clear day there are few prettier harbors anywhere.
Bergen is also the main base for day trips into the fjords, either by express boat or on the train and bus route through Voss to the Naeroyfjord and Flam, covered on our fjords page. The Bergen Railway links the city with Oslo in about seven hours across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Most travelers spend at least two nights in Bergen, using one day for the city and one for the fjords.
Don’t Miss
The wooden Hanseatic wharf, with shops, studios and history museums in its narrow passages.
A short funicular ride to viewpoints, lakes and walking trails above the city.
A cable car to the highest of Bergen's mountains, with a restaurant and hiking trails at the top.
Several buildings of Norwegian and international art, with important Munch and Dahl collections.
Edvard Grieg's villa, his composing hut and a concert hall by the lake, run by KODE.
Seafood stalls and small restaurants at the head of the harbor, busiest in summer.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Bergen
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best in Norway may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Bergen — FAQ
How many days should I spend in Bergen?
One full day covers Bryggen, the fish market and Mount Floyen. Add a second day for KODE or Troldhaugen and a third for a fjord day trip.
Does it really rain that much in Bergen?
Bergen is one of the wettest cities in Europe, with rain in every season. Bring a rain jacket and good shoes, and plan indoor museums as a backup.
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