Bergen Travel Guide

Other Things to See and Do in Bergen

1. Take a free walking tour

One of the best ways to experience a new city is to take a walking tour. You’ll learn about the history and culture from an expert local guide who can also answer all your questions. It’s how I start all my trips to a new city as I get tons of insights that aren’t in the guidebook. Nordic Freedom Tours offers daily tours in English which are a great way to start your trip. Just remember to tip your guides!

2. Visit the University Museum

Founded in 1825, this museum covers archaeological artifacts, zoology, natural history, folk art, and more! It was the first official museum in Norway and has over 4.5 million items in its collection. It’s a wonderful place to visit to get a feel for Bergen’s history, culture, and wildlife. Admission is 120 NOK for adults and children under 16 enter free.

3. Go on a Fjord tour

Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful fjords in the country. Most boat tours last a few hours and are a great way to spend a day. You can also tour the scenic Hardangerfjord, considered the Queen of the Norwegian Fjords. Expect to pay at least 530 NOK for a tour, depending on how long it is and where you go. There are also half-day kayaking tours in the fjords, usually costing around 900 NOK per person.

4. Visit the Bergen Aquarium

This aquarium boasts Europe’s largest seal and penguin exhibits, as well as an extensive marine fauna collection and one of Europe’s largest collections of fish and invertebrates. There are also crocodiles, lizards, and over 50 different aquariums to check out. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a good place to spend a few educational hours. Admission is 300 NOK for adults and 190 NOK for children.

5. Attend the Bergen International Festival

Every year at the end of May, the Bergen International Festival offers a wide array of performing arts including music, opera, ballet, theater, and more. It’s the biggest festival of its kind in all of Scandinavia, lasting over two weeks. Ticket prices vary (you pay per event; there isn’t a single festival ticket). Expect to pay at least 100 NOK per performance. Be sure to book your accommodation early if you visit during the festival!

6. See the Folgefonna Glaciers

Just north of Bergen lies the Folgefonna glaciers. They are three separate glaciers that cover over 200 square kilometers. This is the third-largest ice cap in the country, located within Folgefonna National Park. You can hike and camp in the park, and there are also guided glacier walks across the ice (they are expensive though, costing 1,500 NOK for a day tour and 2,500 NOK for a two-day trip). If you’re here in the winter, try to hit the slopes at one of the nearby ski resorts as you get some world-class skiing here. Lift passes cost 330 NOK per day.

7. Hang out in Festplassen

This is a recreation park area used for various fairs, amusement parks, feast days, festivals, and more! If you’re looking for something engaging, ask the local tourism office if anything is going on here during your visit. Otherwise, just come to enjoy the scenery — it’s a nice place to relax in the summer with a book and enjoy the long sunny days.

8. Hike Rundemanen Mountain

This is one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen and host to some of the most popular hiking trails in the area. The trails here are easy-moderate and usually take between 2-3 hours, with the route to the top of Rundemanen being just 4.5 miles (7.4km) total. You’ll start the hike behind Fløyen’s playground and follow the Blåmansveien road on the left. You’ll pass Revurtjernet Lake before arriving at Brushytten, where you’ll want to again take the trail on the left to reach the summit. At the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views over the Hordaland Mountains, including its alpine lakes and rolling valleys. Other nearby mountains to consider hiking are Brushytten (easy), Lyderhorn (moderate), and Ulriken (challenging).

9. Explore Bryggen

Bryggen (“The Dock”) is the historic harbor of the city. This is the area you see in most tourism ads or photography from Bergen. Many of the buildings date back to the 18th century, while some of the original cellars are from the 16th century. Today, the area is lined with colorful pubs and boutique shops selling crafts and handmade souvenirs. You’ll also find the Fish Market and the Bergenhus Fortress here. Spend some time walking around the narrow alleys, visiting the galleries, and taking in the historic houses.

10. See the Fish Market

This market dates back to the 13th century and is where you can find all sorts of fish and seafood. It’s more of a tourist attraction now so the prices are a little high. While it’s not the best place to eat, it’s still worth exploring and seeing for yourself. Arrive early to beat the crowds (especially on weekends).

11. Visit the Maritime Museum

Bergen has depended heavily on maritime trade since its inception in the 11th century. You can spend an afternoon at this museum learning about the city’s maritime history. The exhibitions include ships, paintings, films, artifacts, original maps, and some cannons from the 18th century. The highlight here is the Kvalsund boat, an old Viking longship that dates to the eighth century. It was excavated in 1920. There’s also an original Halsnøy boat that dates back to somewhere between 390 and 535 CE. Admission is 90 NOK.

12. Hike Mount Ulriken

Located just a few kilometers outside the city, Mount Ulriken stands 643 meters (2,100ft) high and is the tallest of the seven mountains near Bergen. If you’re not feeling up for a hike to the top, you can take the cable car, which takes about eight minutes and costs 285 NOK round trip. At the top, you’ll get spectacular sweeping views of Bergen and the sea. There are some shorter hikes (2-3 hours long) up there as well. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush, you can speed down the mountain on Norway’s fastest zip line. It opened in 2016 and is 300 meters long. You need to book tickets in advance though (tickets cost 450 NOK).

13. Visit the Leprosy Museum

Leprosy ran rampant in Europe between 1850-1900. With three leprosy hospitals, Bergen was home to the greatest concentration on lepers in all of Europe. This eye-opening museum belongs to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme and you can take an educational tour to learn about the history, symptoms, and treatment of leprosy, as well as what the conditions were like in the hospitals during the outbreak. Admission is 120 NOK.

14. See Bergenhus Fortress

Next to the Bergen Harbor is an imposing stone fort called Bergenhus Fortress. It dates to the 1260s and is one of the oldest fortresses in Norway. It encompasses Rosenkrantz Tower, a fortified tower that dates to the 16th century, and Haakon’s Hall, a former royal residence from the 13th century. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed Haakon’s Hall and all of the interior decorations in 1944, so it is now decorated with tapestries and is mainly used for concerts and banquets. Rosenkrantz Tower was the residence of Eirik Magnusson, the last king to hold court in Bergen. Make sure you climb the narrow stairs to the top of the tower, where you’ll get an impressive view of the surrounding area. Admission is free.

Bergen Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start around 200 NOK per night for a 8-10-person dorm (there are mostly large dorms here — including 20-person dorms). If you want a private room, prices start at 620 NOK. Prices are pretty consistent year-round. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Of the three hostels in the city, only one includes free breakfast (HI Bergen Hostel Montana).

Additionally, hostels charge a 50 NOK surcharge for linens (this is standard practice in Scandinavia). You can bring your own to avoid the fee, however, you cannot use a sleeping bag.

Wild camping is a budget-friendly option as it is legal (and free) to camp almost anywhere in Norway. Norway has ‘Freedom to Roam’ laws (called “Allemannsretten”) that allow anyone to camp anywhere for two nights as long as it’s not on cultivated late. You’ll need to make sure you are not camping near someone’s house, that you take all trash with you when you leave, and that you aren’t in a farmer’s field or garden. But other than that, you can pretty much pitch your tent anywhere!

If wild camping is not your thing, campgrounds are also common around Bergen. Many require a Camping Key Europe card which you can purchase it at your campsite for 160 NOK or online for 140 NOK. You can use the online.camping.no website to look for sites around Bergen that use the card. Most campsites have modern facilities, including toilets and showers. Expect most plots for two people without electricity to cost around 200 NOK per night.

Budget hotel prices – A three-star budget hotel (there are no two-star budget hotels in Bergen) begins around 1,190 NOK during high season. During the low season, are closer to 990 NOK. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Private rooms on Airbnb can be found for 400-500 NOK per night while a whole apartment or house costs at least 700 NOK per night.

Food – Norwegian cuisine is centered around seafood. Smoked salmon is one of the country’s staples and cod is also super popular. Prawns and crab are other local delicacies (locals host “crab parties” when they are in season). Lamb is the most popular meat, and open-faced sandwiches are the go-to choice for both breakfast and lunch (usually composed of dark bread, cheese, and either meat, seafood, or vegetables).

Street food like hot dogs cost between 40-50 NOK while fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 120 NOK for a combo meal. A meal at a casual restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 180 NOK. For a three-course meal with table service, expect to pay closer to 450-500 NOK.

A basic large pizza costs around 110 NOK (or 140 NOK with more toppings) while Chinese food is around 160 NOK for a main dish.

Beer at the bar costs 90 NOK though you can get it for half that price if you buy it at the store. Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 45 NOK while bottled water is 25 NOK.

Grocery shopping here is the cheapest way to eat on a budget. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 700 NOK for basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some fish.

Backpacking Bergen Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 555 NOK per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like walking tours and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 100-200 NOK per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,275 NOK per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for most meals at street food stalls or fast food restaurants, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits and fjord tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,800 NOK or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals at cheap casual restaurants, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NOK.

Bergen Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Anywhere you go in Norway is going to expensive. Bergen is no exception. There are slightly cheaper eats thanks to the university here but it still takes work to save money. And you won’t be able to eat or drink out a lot. Here are some tips to save money in Bergen:

1. Cook your own food – Food is expensive in Norway so the best thing you can do is cook your own meals. It’s not fancy, but it will save you a fortune!
2. Eat cheap – If you do decide to eat out, your cheapest options are shawarma and pizza. These meals usually cost around 100 NOK and can be found all around the city.
3. Couchsurf – Couchsurfing is the best way to save money on accommodation. While you might end up sleeping on a couch, you’ll get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice with you. Just be sure to send your requests early.
4. Camp – Generous camping laws allow you to camp on public lands for free. You can stay for up to two nights in any area as long as you are quiet and respectful. Make sure to leave the area as you found it! If you plan on camping in campgrounds, make sure to get the Camping Key Europe card (it’s 140 NOK). It offers discounts to most of Norway’s campgrounds.
5. Get the Bergen Card – The best way to afford all the city’s attractions is to get this city tourism card. It offers free entry into all the main attractions as well as free transportation. The card is available in 24, 48, or 72-hour options costing 280 NOK, 360 NOK, and 430 NOK respectively.
6. Stay sober – At 90 NOK per drink (often more!), going out to drink will destroy your budget. While Norwegians love to go out and have a good time, if you are on a tight budget, skip the drinks!
7. Buy your drinks at the store – If you do plan on drinking, buying your drinks at the Vinmonopolet (the state-run chain of stores that sell alcohol). You’ll save 50% or more doing this!
8. Travel with friends – If you rent a car to get out of the city (which is the best way to see the surrounding areas) try to find people to join you to share costs. You can use the Couchsurfing app or just ask around in hostels to find people. This can help you save money on gas and rental prices — which can eat into your budget quickly!
9. Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Bergen is super clean, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Bergen only has a few hostels and they’re all pretty comfortable and sociable. These are my suggested and recommended places to stay in Bergen:

• HI Bergen Hostel Montana
• Bergen Budget Hostel
• Marken Gjesthus Hostel

How to Get Around Bergen

Bus – Public transportation in Bergen is efficient, reliable, and clean. Tickets are priced per zone and increase if you travel to and from different zones. Tickets start at 39 NOK for a single journey within a single zone, 60 NOK for traveling between two zones, and 102 NOK for three zones. You can get a 24-hour pass starting at 100 NOK for traveling within a single zone.

Buy your ticket in advance using the Skyss Billett app. If you don’t, a single journey ticket costs 60 NOK when bought onboard (instead of 39 NOK).

Free public transportation is included with the Bergen Card See the Money-Saving Tips section for more details.

The airport bus costs 119 NOK for a single trip or 199 NOK round-trip. The journey takes around 30 minutes, be sure to buy your ticket in advance or it’s a 30 NOK upcharge if you buy it on board.

Taxi – Taxis are prohibitively expensive here. Rates start at 90 NOK and go up 12 NOK per kilometer. Avoid them!

There are no ride-sharing apps like Uber here.

Bicycle – Cycling is a great way to get around the city as everything is compact and lots of locals bike as well. You can find rentals for 500 NOK per day. You can also rent e-bikes for 600 NOK per day.

Car rental – Car rentals start at 400 NOK per day for a multi-day rental. If you’re just staying in the city, you won’t need a vehicle. However, having a car will let you explore the many parks and forests outside the city.

When to Go to Bergen

The ideal time to visit Bergen is from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long (sunset isn’t until after 11pm and sunrise happens around 4am). The country is at its liveliest during this time and locals take advantage of the good weather every chance they get. The parks are always full and there are always fun events happening around town. Temperatures hover in the 20s°C (60s-70s°F) during the summer. Not too hot, but warm enough to swim, hike, and lounge about.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Norway has a very short summer, Bergen can get busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. That being said, “busy” in Bergen is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Paris, Berlin, or London (or even Oslo for that matter).

The shoulder season makes for a good time to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 40-50°F (4-10°C). May typically has decent weather with occasional rain, while September offers cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around September/October, or at the very least reduce their hours. The days begin to get dark early in October and temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease and you’re likely to find cheaper airfare and accommodation. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year as it can be quite cool — even during the day.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. You only get a few hours of light each day and temperatures plummet to well below 32°F (0°C). The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that you’ll find cheaper accommodation, and fees for certain attractions are lower as well.

This is the prime time to see the northern lights or go skiing, so there is still plenty to do if you plan on visiting during the winter — you just might have to leave the city to make the most out of your trip.

How to Stay Safe in Bergen

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. While incidents in Bergen are incredibly rare, it’s still good to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train stations and on public transportation. Problems are virtually non-existent but it never hurts to be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable traveling alone — even a night — here in Bergen. Taxis are quite safe and crime is rare against solo travelers. But keep your wits up and never travel alone at night if you’ve been drinking.

If you go hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you go as well.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it never hurts to be safe!

The tap water in Bergen is safe and clean. There is also no real risk of natural disasters or terrorism here either. Winter storms are about as bad as it gets.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for police, 110 for fire, and 113 for ambulance services.

At the end of the day, always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID as well. It never hurts to be prepared!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bergen Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel to Bergen. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Momondo – This is my other favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. I never book a flight without checking here too.
• Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing allows you to stay on people’s couches or in their spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
• Booking.com – The best all-around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Sweden, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get a discount when you click the link!
• Rome 2 Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It gives you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
• EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.

Bergen Gear and Packing Guide

If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!

The Best Backpack for Travelers

What’s the best backpack for traveling long-term? I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack. It’s light and comfy, front loading, and fits perfectly in an airplane’s overhead bin.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt

If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Clothes

• 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 bathing suit
• 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
• 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 razor
• 1 package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 towel
• Deodorant

Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)

• Band-Aids
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Earplugs
• Tylenol
• Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)

Miscellaneous

• A key or combination lock (safety first)
• Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
• Plastic bags (great for laundry)
• Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
• LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

Clothing

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 sarong
• 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
• 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
• 2-3 long-sleeve tops
• 2-3 T-shirts
• 3-4 spaghetti tops
• 1 light cardigan

Toiletries

• 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
• 1 hairbrush
• Makeup you use
• Hair bands & hair clips
• Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

• What I Pack For My Travels
• The Ultimate List For Female Travelers
• How to Choose and Buy the Right Backpack

Bergen Travel Guide: Suggested Reading

Out Stealing Horses, by Per Petterson
This is a deep, reflective, and poignant novel set in the easternmost regions of the country. Written in 2003, the book paints a vivid picture of life after the German occupation, jumping in time to reveal the truth behind the main character’s past and the tragedies that have befallen him. In classic Scandinavian taste, it’s a touch melancholic, but nevertheless a worthwhile read. It won numerous awards and was adapted into a film in 2019.
 
 
 
The World of the Vikings, by Richard Hall
If you’re looking to learn about Norway’s Viking past, The World of the Vikings does a great job of constructing a historical narrative that’s easy to follow without being overly academic or boring. The book focuses on the facts and strips away some of the more romanticized stereotypes of the culture while providing lots of photos and information about the discoveries we’ve used to inform ourselves of the Viking era.
 
 
 
Shadow on the Mountain, by Margi Preus
This is more of a young adult read but it’s an interesting topic inspired by the true adventures of a spy during the Nazi occupation of Norway who just happens to be a teenager. Based on true events, the book captures what life was like during the occupation and how the Norwegian resistance went about its operations on a day-to-day basis. It’s a quick read yet insightful at the same time.
 
 
 
 
One of Us, by Åsne Seierstad
In July 2011, Anders Breivik killed 77 people and injured over 300 more in what is considered the worst act of terrorism in Norway’s history. One of Us is a powerful, gripping read that paints a portrait of both the killer and his victims. This is one of the most formative events in Norwegian history and comprehending it will go a long way towards helping visitors understand the psyche of modern Norway.
 
 
 
The Snowman, by Jo Nesbo
This dark crime novel is the 7th in a series, however, it can be read on its own. Norway — like much of Scandinavia — loves its gritty crime novels and The Snowman is one of the best. Written in 2007, it’s a suspenseful roller coaster of a novel with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. It was also adapted into a film.