Bergen: Experience the harbor, art and nature

Bryggen, art collections and the mountain landscape offer different ways to experience Bergen. Whether you want your stay to focus on historic places, art or outdoor activities is a good starting point for planning your days—and for choosing a hotel location that suits your plans.

Harbor district, art and history

Bryggen is a historic harbor district in Bergen that had become established as a trading center by the 12th century. From the 1960s onward, small arts and crafts businesses gradually replaced the former trade in dried cod and other goods. Bryggen is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Bergen is designated a World Heritage City.

Individual historic sites also offer insight into the city’s past. Håkon’s Hall was built between 1247 and 1261 as a royal residence and banqueting hall. Troldhaugen was home to composer Edvard Grieg for 22 years. Those interested in Bergen’s past can combine visits to these places with theatrical experiences: theater tours bring history to life in the city’s streets, lanes and houses, with actors portraying the past.

At the Bryggens Museum, the “Below Ground” exhibition offers insight into the everyday lives of people in medieval Bergen and western Norway. The exhibition presentation may change. At the Old Bergen Museum, short plays are performed in the square throughout the day; performance times may vary. The theater tours and museum performances offer different experiences: one focuses on scenes in the streets and houses, the other on short plays in the square.

KODE cares for, researches and presents a 200-year-old collection of art and music to visitors. KODE also houses the world’s third-largest collection of Edvard Munch’s works. The cultural offerings range from medieval daily life and city history to art and music. At the Bergen Aquarium, visitors can see sea lions, crocodiles, fish and snakes; the animal collection and program may change.

Coast, lakes and hikes

The municipality of Bergen has extensive natural areas, stretching from the coast to mountain areas just under 1,000 meters above sea level. The fjords and coastline offer opportunities for paddling and recreational fishing. Many lakes are suitable for canoeing and kayaking and are good fishing spots. For a day by the water, you can choose between coastal and fjord landscapes or lakes as different settings for recreational activities.

Mount Fløyen has numerous marked hiking trails. The hike across Vidden takes approximately five hours—a useful estimate for planning your day, though you should treat it as an approximate duration. The Ulriken Cable Car takes you to the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains, at 643 meters above sea level. A zipline starts at Ulriken, beneath the terrace in front of the restaurant, and runs 300 meters toward Fløyen. The zipline’s operating conditions may vary depending on the weather.

Getting around and local experiences

The Bergen Light Rail runs from central Bergen to Bergen Airport, as well as from the city center to Fyllingsdalen. As the network configuration may change, check current service before traveling. When planning your trip, you can take culture, outdoor trails and airport connections into account as different considerations, without assuming a particular order for your days.

Bergen’s fish market has been a meeting place for traders and fishermen since the 12th century. Seafood, fruit and vegetables are sold there; the product mix may vary. Together with Bryggen’s historic trading connections, the market offers another insight into Bergen’s long relationship with trade. If you’re mainly interested in art and history, KODE, Bryggen and the museums mentioned offer different points of focus; for time outdoors, hiking and activities on the water are the main options.

Discover more destinations: Bergen, Sandsli, Godvik, Laksevåg, Fyllingsdalen, Kokstad, Nesttun, Blomsterdalen.

For the broader travel overview: Hordaland.