Bergen

The 8 best things to do in Bergen

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  1. Bryggen

  The wooden buildings on Bergen's iconic wharf are reflections of its history in the Hanseatic League. St. Mary's Church is Bryggen's tallest and oldest structure, dating to 1180.

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  2. Bryggens Museum

  Built over Bryggen's first settlement, the main exhibition will take you back to Bergen's medieval past, and you'll see artifacts exactly where archaeologists found them.

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  3. Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene

  The museum provides wonderful insight into daily life of German merchants living and working here during the Hanseatic era. The Schøtstuene are the former assembly halls in winter.

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  4. Bergenhus

  It's one of Norway's best-preserved fortresses. The oldest structure on site, Håkon's Hall, dates to 1250, and was a royal residence during the Middle Ages.

• 5. Den Nationale Scene

  Constructed in 1909 in traditional Art Nouveau style, Norway's oldest theater is a celebrated venue for classical and contemporary performances throughout the year.

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  6. Troldhaugen

  This villa belonged to composer Edvard Grieg, whose Steinway piano still stands in the sitting room. He used to lock himself in the red hut down from the house in order to work.

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  7. Fløyen

  Take the cable car to the top of this famous mountain and enjoy a bird's eye view 1049 feet above the city. Time it right for sunset and watch the urban lights flicker on.

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  8. Hardangerfjord

  This renowned fjord boasts not only spectacular scenery of waterfalls, glaciers, and soaring mountains, but also activities, such as hiking and kayaking, for the adventurer in you.

Frequently asked questions about Bergen

Planning Your Visit

• How many days to spend in Bergen?

  You could spend three days exploring Bergen's attractions, tacking on another full day for a trip to the Hardangerfjord.

• Getting around

  You won't need a car to go sightseeing in Bergen. It's small, compact center makes it easy and fun to get around on foot. There are two daily departures on the Hardangerfjord Express to the town of Rosendal, and, of course, there's the option of taking a cruise through the fjord, which usually includes transportation by bus to the town of Norheimsund.

• Where to stay in Bergen

  Bergen is a small city and geographically compact. Whether you stay in the very heart of it or just beyond it, you'll still be able to reach the main attractions.