Bergen is an enjoyable city and a starting point for many tourists to explore the fantastic Norway Fjords but also a town with many historical sights.

Bergen is located between the two biggest fjords in Norway - the Hardangerfjord (180 km) and the Sognefjorden (203 km). Bergen is therefore called the Gateway to the Fjords. From here, you can start your cruises to discover the Norwegian Fjords. 

More than 2.7 million tourists annually visit Bergen, and the town is one of the most important in the Nordic region, which you can also see from its many historical buildings and attractions.

UNESCO heritage attraction

For more than 900 years, Bergen has welcomed people from all over the world, and for centuries Bergen was the centre for trade between Norway and Europe. Bryggen Wharf is proof of this and became a member of the Unesco World Culture Heritage List in 1979.

Bryggen Wharf is one of Norway`s most historically interesting places to visit, and it is located at the harbour site in Bergen. Along the beautiful scenery way, the distinctive stone and timber trading house welcome and remind us of Bergen's history.

See more: UNESCO attractions in Norway

The old Bergen

A visit to Old Bergen provides some answers and a breath of nostalgia. In the 19th century, Bergen was Europe’s largest wooden city, and its steep and densely built-up streets, squares and alleyways, gave the city a unique character. The open-air museum has 55 wooden houses from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, most of which originate from Bergen city centre. Local actors bring Old Bergen to life annually by feeding the spectacle from 150 years ago.

Outside the town, you find the home and museum of world-famous composer and pianist Edward Grieg (Troldhaugen).

Bergen sights and adventures

In Bergen, you will find locally inspired shops, exciting galleries, and great restaurants and cafes with an excellent reputation. At the end of the pier, you will find the marketplace 'Torget', well-known for the famous local fish market.

Bergen is also a great family town with all kinds of activities. Whether you want to canoe at the fjord, hike in the beautiful surroundings, discover the impressive Bergenhus Fortressor experience Norwegian wildlife at Bergen Aquarium, Bergen will captivate you.

Visit Mount Fløyen 

Before leaving Bergen, don`t forget to take the lift to Florin Ian Peak (320 meters), a spectacular view of Bergen, the mountains, fjords and sea.

Go there by Fløibanen, the only funicular railway in Norway and open every day all year round. The journey takes 5–8 minutes, and when you arrive at the top, you can rent a mountain bike or join an organised hiking tour from June to August.

Fløibanen’s lower station is just 150 m from Fisketorget and Bryggen Wharf.
 

Take on a cruise from Bergen

Bergen is also a turnaround port for the world-famous Hurtigruten coastal express.

With this coastal ferry company, "Hurtigruten", you can go on a cruise tour through the fantastic Norway fjords, including many highlights, and take a journey to Kirkenes.

You can also discover Norway's highlights with the tour operator Fjord Tours, which offers spectacular and popular round trips - available all year round.

Some important distances

• Oslo: 463 km
• Stavanger: 210 km
• Trondheim: 660 km
• Ålesund: 420 km
   

 

Getting to Bergen 

By train

Bergen is easy to get to. The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is one of the world's most extraordinary train journeys. There are several departures daily to/from Oslo and the fjord region.



By plane

Fly directly to Bergen from Copenhagen, Stockholm, New York, Helsinki, Amsterdam and London.

You will arrive at Bergen Airport Flesland. This airport has good domestic and international connections. It`s possible to fly to Bergen from more than 30 destinations in Europe.

The airport is 18 kilometres southwest of Bergen, and the bus stops just outside the main terminal. The bus drive to Bergen takes about 25 minutes. The bus doesn't stop before reaching the centre of Bergen at Festplassen, Fish Market and Bryggen.

They will wait outside the airport if you prefer to book a taxi.
 

By ferry

There are direct ferry routes from Denmark by Fjord Line, Stenaline and DFDS.