Nestled between seven mountains and the North Sea, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and its most photogenic. Rain-slicked cobblestones, UNESCO-listed wooden warehouses painted in sunset hues, and a fjord that glimmers like polished steel – Bergen is a city that feels like it stepped out of a Viking saga and into a modern indie film.
When to Go
Peak Season (June–August): Midnight sun, festivals, and hiking weather. Expect crowds and higher prices.
Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Golden light, fewer tourists, and the first/last snow on the peaks.
Winter (November–March): Northern Lights possible on clear nights, Christmas markets, and half-price hotels. Pack serious waterproofs—Bergen gets ~240 rainy days a year.
Pro Tip: The Bergen International Festival (Festspillene) in late May is two weeks of world-class music, theater, and dance—book tickets early.
Getting There & Around
By Air
Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO) – 20 km south of the city. The airport bus (Flybussen) runs every 10–15 min to the center (40 NOK, ~20 min). Taxis ~500 NOK.
By Train
The Bergen Line from Oslo (7 hrs) is one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys—waterfalls, plateaus, and the dramatic descent into the fjord.
Getting Around
Walk: The compact center is best on foot.
Bybanen Light Rail: From the airport to Byparken (downtown) in 45 min.
Bikes: City bikes (Bergen Bysykkel) are everywhere.
Fjord Cruises & Ferries: The backbone of regional travel.
Where to Stay – Neighborhoods & Stays
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Best For | Sample Stays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryggen | UNESCO wooden wharves, tourist core | First-timers, Instagram | Opus XVI (luxury boutique in a former bank) |
| Nordnes | Seaside peninsula, locals’ secret | Quiet, sea views | Klosterhagen Hotel (cozy, fjord-facing) |
| Skuteviken | Colorful wooden houses, artsy | Hipsters, photographers | Airbnb in restored 18th-century homes |
| Sandviken | Working harbor, fewer tourists | Authentic Bergen life | Det Hanseatiske Hotel (historic charm) |
Hostel Pick: Marken Gjestehus – dorms in a 1901 building, central, communal waffles every morning.
Food & Drink – A Culinary Map
| Dish | Where to Try | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raspeballer (potato dumplings) | Krohnengen Gamle Apotek | Thursdays only – served with bacon and rutabaga. |
| Skillingsbolle | Godt Brød (multiple locations) | Giant cinnamon buns, best with black coffee. |
| Fresh Shrimp | Fisketorget stalls | Peel-and-eat by the harbor; 100 g = ~80 NOK. |
| Aquavit Tasting | Bryggen Tracteursted | 10+ varieties in a 1708 tavern. |
Vegetarian/Vegan: Søstrene Hagelin – fish soup aside, try their vegetarian fish cakes (yes, really).
Craft Beer: Bergen has 15+ microbreweries. Start at 7 Fjell Bryggeri taproom.
Outdoor Adventures
Seven Mountains Challenge – summit all seven in one (very long) day. Locals do it annually.
Kayaking the Fjords – rent from Bergen Kajakk; paddle under Bryggen at blue hour.
Paragliding from Ulriken – tandem flights with Bergen Paragliding (weather-dependent).
Practical Tips
Rain Gear: Locals swear by Helly Hansen (born here). Umbrellas are useless in the wind.
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK). Cards accepted everywhere.
Language: English fluency ~95%.
Safety: One of Europe’s safest cities. Pickpocketing rare but possible at the fish market.
Tipping: Not expected; round up for great service.
Sustainable Travel: Refill water bottles (tap water is pristine). Use the Bergen Card (24/48/72 hrs) for free public transport + museum entry.
Bergen teaches patience with weather and reward with light. One minute you’re soaked; the next, a rainbow arcs over the harbor like it was painted by a bored god. Come for the fjords, stay for the stories – whispered in wooden attics, shouted over craft beer, or simply written in the salt on your lips after a day on the water.
Velkommen til Bergen.
(The rain is just the city kissing you hello.)