It may still be the little sister city to more grown-up Oslo, but Bergen has come a long way in the last decade. Ringed by mountains and unfolding gracefully toward glistening fjords, Norway’s second city is gorgeous—and also happens to be one of the friendliest, most relaxed spots in Scandinavia. Follow this itinerary for the best of Bergen in one perfect day.
## A Perfect Day Unveiled: Exploring the Charms of Bergen
Bergen, a city nestled amidst stunning fjords and majestic mountains, has evolved into a captivating destination that seamlessly blends its historical charm with a vibrant contemporary culture. Once perceived as a quaint university town renowned for its thriving music scene, Bergen has blossomed into a world-class city, beckoning travelers with an enticing array of museums, cultural institutions, innovative New Nordic restaurants, and inviting cafés and bars. Moreover, Bergen serves as an ideal gateway for embarking on unforgettable fjord excursions, invigorating day hikes, and immersive overnight adventures, allowing visitors to witness breathtaking natural wonders such as the iconic Trolltunga, all within easy reach.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler familiar with Bergen or a first-time visitor, the city likely conjures up images of its iconic colorful houses adorned with distinctive pointed roofs. This is the renowned Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city’s historic wharf, gracing countless postcards and guidebook covers. Here, you will discover a plethora of cafés and restaurants, their tables and chairs spilling onto the streets, beckoning you to bask in the warmth of the sun’s precious rays during the warmer months. However, Bergen offers a tapestry of experiences that extend far beyond the iconic Bryggen.
Venture beyond the well-trodden paths to uncover equally charming streets where the authentic rhythm of local life unfolds. Here, you will encounter quaint shops brimming with an eclectic assortment of treasures, from vintage clothing and handcrafted souvenirs to essential ponchos and umbrellas – indispensable items in one of the world’s rainiest cities, a title Bergen proudly embraces. Delve into the city’s rich cultural heritage at museums and cultural centers that celebrate Bergen’s esteemed painters, writers, and artists, while also unraveling the fascinating history of the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of merchants who dominated this region centuries ago, playing a pivotal role in Bergen’s ascent to prominence.
While a single day may not suffice to fully explore all that Bergen has to offer, the city’s compact and easily navigable layout ensures that you can still make the most of your time, even with just 24 hours at your disposal.
## Practical Pointers for a Memorable Day in Bergen
Bergen exudes a welcoming and intimate atmosphere, often feeling like a friendly small town. However, it is essential to remember that you are in Norway, where prices can be considerably higher than you might expect. It is advisable to budget more generously than you typically would for daily expenses, as even a simple bottle of water can cost the equivalent of $5-6, depending on the point of purchase.
The positive aspect is that Bergen’s compact size allows you to explore much of the city on foot, potentially spending an entire day traversing its streets without needing to rely on buses or trains. However, if you do require transportation, consider utilizing Skyss, Bergen’s efficient bus and light rail system. A 24-hour ticket for the central 2 zones is priced at 97 NOK, approximately $12 (as of Spring 2018), while a single ride costs 37 NOK, or $5. If you anticipate taking at least 3 rides, opting for a 24-hour ticket would be the most cost-effective choice. Alternatively, consider the Bergen Card, the city’s comprehensive tourist pass, which grants you discounts to 30 museums and tourist attractions, along with complimentary travel for 24, 48, or 72 hours – an ideal option for a weekend getaway in this remarkably accessible city.
Bergen is an exceptionally safe city, and you will find the local residents to be incredibly helpful and welcoming should you require directions or recommendations for your day’s itinerary. As with any popular tourist destination, it is wise to be mindful of petty theft, such as pick-pocketing, particularly in crowded areas like the Bryggen wharf. However, the rate of such incidents is not significantly higher than in many other mid-sized cities.
## 9 AM: Embracing the Morning in Bergen
While Bergen may not yet rival Oslo in terms of cutting-edge trends, it boasts a selection of hip coffee bars that provide the perfect setting for your morning caffeine indulgence. Most of these establishments are conveniently located just behind Bryggen, making them easily accessible from the waterfront. Consider visiting Kaffemisjonen, Det Lille Kaffe Kompaniet, or Bergen Kaffebrenneri Vagen, all sleekly designed local favorites that offer a delectable array of pastries, cakes, and open-faced sandwiches alongside a satisfying cup of coffee. The city is also replete with Instagram-worthy cafés that serve breakfast, including traditional waffles or porridge adorned with various sweet toppings. For a delightful start to your day in a quaintly retro ambiance, venture to the centrally located Café Opera.
From here, embrace the day in true Norwegian fashion by taking a deep breath of fresh air and stretching your limbs while admiring the breathtaking panorama from Mt. Fløyen. If you are feeling energetic and are in reasonably good physical condition, you can opt for the more challenging yet rewarding route to the summit, hiking through charming neighborhoods that you might otherwise miss. However, the majority of visitors choose to ascend via the Fløibanen funicular, which swiftly transports you to the peak, where a glass-enclosed lookout platform provides a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city below. While at the summit, explore some of the scenic trails that wind through the surrounding forests, discovering picnic tables, children’s play areas, and even a small lake where you can rent canoes for a leisurely paddle.
## 1 PM: Immersing Yourself in Culture
If you haven’t already done so, there is no better place to whet your appetite in Bergen than at the vibrant harborside Fish Market, a bustling institution that dates back to the 1200s. The market is now housed in a recently constructed indoor/outdoor structure, featuring walls that open to the elements during warmer weather, providing ample space for both fish vendors and seafood restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll through the rows of glistening scales, vibrant crustaceans, and smoked filets, sampling various delicacies along the way. Alternatively, find a seat at one of the bustling eateries and indulge in a delectable seafood lunch. The must-try dish is the city’s classic fish soup, a creamy and flavorful concoction brimming with shellfish and succulent morsels of fish.
Having spent the morning exploring the outdoors and enjoying a satisfying lunch, you are now likely ready to immerse yourself in some culture and history. The city’s crowning jewel is arguably the Hanseatic Museum, which meticulously recounts the story of the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of merchants whose extensive network spanned across northern Europe. These merchants established trade routes that transcended nationality, culture, and even language, leaving their distinctive architectural legacy of majestic redbrick buildings in numerous coastal cities throughout modern-day Scandinavia, the Baltics, northern Germany, and Poland. From there, explore art through the ages at KODE, which is, in fact, a collection of several museums consolidated into one. This complex encompasses four beautiful buildings and three composer’s homes, including the summer residence of Edvard Grieg. KODE showcases a mind-boggling array of Nordic paintings, sculptures, and arts and crafts spanning various eras.
If museums are not entirely your preference, you will be pleased to discover that Bergen is also renowned for its thriving street art scene. The city’s relaxed and creative atmosphere has not only fostered the emergence of bands and musicians such as Kings of Convenience, Röyksopp, and Annie but has also nurtured talented graffiti artists like AFK and Dolk, who transform buildings into their canvases. Fortunately, these artists are not compelled to work in secrecy, as numerous art collectives, such as BART Gallerier and Galleri s.e, actively support them, showcase their work, and introduce them to a wider audience. However, the most immersive way to experience Bergen’s street art is to simply wander around the city, where you will quickly encounter large-scale murals, small figures, delicate stencils, and intricate tags adorning various surfaces.
## 7 PM: Embracing Dinnertime and the After Hours
By this point in the day, you are likely ready to unwind and enjoy some drinks or dinner, and Bergen offers a plethora of options for both. The city is brimming with nightlife venues, many of which cater to its significant university-age population. However, this does not mean that you cannot find some more refined and sophisticated establishments as well. For relaxed cocktails in a serene setting, consider visiting No Stress, aptly named not only for its ambiance but also as a tribute to the iconic ’80s streetwear shop, called Stress, that previously occupied the space. Here, you can savor classic cocktails alongside signature creations with playful names such as the “Machu Pisco” or the “Mezcalator.” Bergen also boasts a thriving craft beer scene, anchored by cozy brewpubs like Apollon, Henrik Øl og Vinstove, and Bryggeriet, which offer a diverse selection of local brews and beers from across Scandinavia, both on tap and by the bottle.
In terms of cuisine, Bergen is rapidly catching up to Oslo. The most celebrated establishment in the city is undoubtedly Lysverket, located within one of the KODE museums. Here, a chef with both Norwegian and American heritage has coined the term “neo-fjordic” to describe a cuisine that is even more intensely focused on local ingredients than typical New Nordic cuisine. For a taste of traditional Norwegian fare in a setting that evokes the ambiance of a 19th-century explorer’s cabin or a ship bound for the Arctic, venture to Restaurant 1877. Meanwhile, if there is one “mini-brand” that has achieved remarkable success in Bergen, it is Colonialen, which offers sleek, modern cuisine at its local restaurant, brasserie, bakery, and café. If you are eager to savor more fish while you can, and at a reasonable price, explore one of the many traditional restaurants located directly on the wharf, including Bryggeloftet & Stuene.
In just one day in Bergen, you have managed to experience the city’s culinary delights, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Where you choose to venture next is entirely up to you.