Travelers to Norway typically plan a trip for five days to a week when combining Bergen with Oslo and Balestrand. If you’re only headed to Bergen, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in about five days. With less time, it’s still possible to see the highlights in as few as two to four days. Check out kimkim’s favorite Bergen trips below.
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How Many Days Do You Need in Bergen? A Comprehensive Guide
Planning a trip to Norway and wondering how much time you should dedicate to the beautiful city of Bergen? This is a question many travelers grapple with, as Bergen offers a rich tapestry of experiences that can fill anywhere from a quick weekend getaway to a more extended exploration.
- Most travelers find that spending 5 days in Bergen provides a good balance between seeing the key sights and enjoying the atmosphere without feeling overly rushed.
- Visiting Bergen in 2 to 4 days is certainly possible, but be prepared for a whirlwind tour. You’ll likely need to prioritize your must-see attractions and accept that you won’t be able to delve as deeply into the city’s culture and surrounding natural beauty. This shorter timeframe might feel rushed, especially if you want to experience the fjords.
- With 6 or more days at your disposal, most travelers opt to expand their horizons and add more stops to their Norwegian adventure. This allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore regions beyond Bergen.
- The most common extensions from Bergen are destinations like Oslo, the vibrant capital city; Balestrand, a picturesque village nestled on the shores of a fjord; and Tromsø, a northern city famous for its Northern Lights displays.
Ultimately, the ideal length of your stay in Bergen depends on your individual interests, travel style, and budget. Consider what you want to experience – whether it’s hiking in the mountains, cruising the fjords, exploring historical sites, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this charming city – and then plan accordingly.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Bergen: Tailored Experiences
To help you visualize the possibilities, we’ve outlined a few recommended itineraries for different lengths of stay, incorporating popular attractions and activities.
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days: A Classic Bergen Experience
This itinerary focuses on exploring the heart of Bergen and experiencing the natural wonders that surround it. It’s designed to give you a well-rounded introduction to the city and its stunning fjord landscape.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Bergen. Arrive and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. | Bergen |
| Day 2 | Explore Bergen with a Local. Embark on a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems and learn about the city’s rich history and culture. Consider a visit to the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views. | Bergen |
| Day 3 | Train from Oslo to Flåm – Ferry to Bergen. Experience the scenic Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railway lines in the world, before taking a breathtaking ferry ride back to Bergen. | Bergen |
| Day 4 | Fjordcruise to Mostraumen. Embark on a memorable fjord cruise to Mostraumen, navigating narrow straits and admiring cascading waterfalls. | Bergen |
| Day 5 | Depart Bergen. Enjoy a final breakfast in Bergen before heading to the airport or train station for your onward journey. |
This picturesque five-day itinerary hits key summer spots using various means of transportation for a true Nordic adventure. You’ll start off in your home base of Bergen, the country’s 2nd largest city (complete with a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and explore the streets and surrounding mountains on your own and with a local guide. From here, take two day trips involving a scenic train ride, a ferry through the longest fjord in Norway, and a fjord cruise to nearby waterfalls—all while returning to Bergen each night to enjoy its restaurants and nightlife.
Extended Itineraries: Venture Further Afield
5-Day Itinerary Including Oslo & Balestrand: A Taste of Eastern and Western Norway
This itinerary provides a broader overview of Norway, combining the urban appeal of Oslo with the fjord landscapes of Balestrand and Bergen. It’s perfect for those who want to experience a diverse range of Norwegian scenery and culture in a short amount of time.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Oslo. Explore the city’s highlights, such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Akershus Fortress. | Oslo |
| Day 2 | Train to Flåm – Ferry to Balestrand. Enjoy a scenic train journey to Flåm followed by a relaxing ferry ride to the charming village of Balestrand. | Balestrand |
| Day 3 | Fjordcruise to Fjærland – Ferry to Bergen. Take a fjord cruise to Fjærland, home to the Norwegian Glacier Museum, before continuing by ferry to Bergen. | Bergen |
| Day 4 | Explore Bergen with a Local. Discover the history and culture of Bergen with a knowledgeable local guide. | Bergen |
| Day 5 | Depart Bergen. Enjoy a final Norwegian breakfast before departing from Bergen. |
This five-day jaunt covers a great deal of Nordic ground, visiting the country’s two largest cities and its longest and deepest fjord. Start in Oslo before taking a scenic train and ferry to the fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue north to Fjærland before getting on another boat—this time to Bergen, a historic wharf city and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1-Week Itinerary Including Oslo & Aurland: A Slow-Paced Exploration
This itinerary is designed for those who prefer a more leisurely pace and want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and local culture of Norway. It includes time in Oslo, a relaxing stay in Aurland, and exploration of Bergen and its surroundings.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Oslo. Settle into your accommodation and explore the city center. | Oslo |
| Day 2 | Explore Oslo with a Local. Take a guided tour to discover the highlights of Oslo. | Oslo |
| Day 3 | Flåm Railway – Riverside Farm Lodge. Travel by train to Flåm and then continue to a riverside farm lodge in Aurland. | Aurland |
| Day 4 | Aurland Slow Travel. Enjoy a day of slow travel in Aurland, exploring the local area by foot or kayak. | Aurland |
| Day 5 | Aurland – Sognefjord – Bergen. Cruise the Sognefjord by ferry to Bergen. | Bergen |
| Day 6 | Bergen City Tour. Discover Bergen with a guided city tour. | Bergen |
| Day 7 | Depart Bergen. Enjoy a final Norwegian experience before departing from Bergen. |
This relaxing weeklong journey starts in the capital city of Oslo before heading west via the steepest train in Norway (Flåm Railway). From here, embrace the slow-paced local culture of Aurland while staying two nights at a secluded and upscale lodge that serves organic cuisine. Take part in some light hiking and paddling and then cruise the Sognefjord by ferry, finishing the adventure in scenic Bergen—Norway’s UNESCO-listed second-largest city surrounded by seven mountains.
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