Top 6 things to do in Bergen

When we talk about ‘escape’, wild nature and breathtaking landscapes, it’s hard not to mention Norway. But this time, it’s the city of Bergen that we’d like to praise: over and above its many activities and numerous fjords. As the country’s second largest city, it offers an atypical setting, a mix of picturesque districts and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. The atmosphere is described as provincial, with a city feel, where wooden buildings sit peacefully side by side facing the water. Bergen is also known for its hillside houses and narrow cobbled streets, making it an excellent place to familiarise yourself with the city, meet the locals and discover some of the city’s landmarks and monuments. Without further ado, discover the six things to do in Bergen.

What to do in Bergen

1. Visit Bryggen

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: As a starting point, Bryggen makes an excellent and immersive start to your visit to Bergen. Here is a historic harbour district located on the harbour’s roadstead, which never ceases to amaze tourists the second they set foot on its soil. As well as the beauty of the town, with its small colourful houses and boats moored in the harbour, it also has an eventful history, which we’ll let you discover once you’re here. If you’re an art and architecture enthusiast, you’ll be blown away by the artistic and ancient character of the houses, whose structure is reminiscent of medieval times. A trip back in time is a must! You’ll love strolling through the town’s lively streets and visiting the local market for fresh, high-quality Norwegian specialities. As for the harbour, it’s best to go there in the early morning for a calm and serene stroll.

2. The Hanseatic Museum

Category: €/Cultural

Description: A visit to a city includes a visit to one of its museums. In Bergen, the Hanseatic Museum traces the city’s history with the powerful Hanseatic League, which played a significant role in Norway’s trade and economic relations during the 12th and 13th centuries (when Bergen was the capital). Located right in the middle of the city, the museum is made up of two buildings: these bear witness to the way goods were traded at the time, and you can see the merchants doing the hard work of organising themselves. An interesting anecdote to keep in mind during your visit: the museum itself is housed in what was once an 18th-century merchant’s house. Exciting, isn’t it? Find out how Bergen became one of the most important cities on the European market, notably with its cod trade, and how it is still involved in maritime trade today.

3. A cruise in the fjords

Category: €€/Insolite

Description: One of the favourite activities to try out when travelling to Bergen is a cruise in the fjords, which are the result of glacial activity. Surrounded by rocky slopes, it is possible to visit several fjords in one day. One of the best known, and undoubtedly the most popular because of its beauty, is Naeroyfjord. It’s a feast for the eyes, allowing you to leave terra firma for a few hours and escape to the heart of a wild and peaceful nature interrupted only by the rustle of the water. Alternatively, you can opt for a cruise on the Osterfjord to Mostraumen, which takes around 3 hours and is open all year round. Whether in summer or winter, the scenery is never the same and it’s well worth the diversions! On top of that, you can drive along the coast and discover the few villages around Bergen, such as Salhus.

4. Mount Ulriken

Category: €/Sporty

Description: Did you think your trip was going to consist exclusively of simple strolls through the city streets and visits to the museum? Put on your walking shoes and take a few litres of water, the highest of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen is waiting for you! Oh yes, Norway is no laughing matter. The country is inhabited by mountains that give rise to hiking trails each as breathtaking as the next. Mount Ulriken rises to a height of just under 643 metres, offering a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The best way to get there is by cable car, which will take you to the top in less than five minutes. You can then enjoy the view and head up to the restaurant. Then it’s time to head back down. There are plenty of hiking trails starting from the summit, and everyone knows that when it comes to hiking, it’s easier to go down than up!

5. The fish market

Category: €€/Gastronomic

Description: While in some countries red meat is king, here in Norway there’s no doubt that it’s lean meat, and more specifically fish, that everyone’s after. In fact, you can visit the Bergen fish market, a place where conviviality and good humour reign in the smell of dried fish and scales. Specialities from the sea are proudly displayed there, and you can even find a few land-based specialities at some of the stalls. Are you a cod fan? Cod, king crab? Prawns or salmon? There’s a whole host of choices to tantalise your taste buds. After all, a visit to a city is only as good as its food. The best thing to do is to try out a few fish-based recipes, which the merchants will be happy to explain to you how to cook. Enjoy your meal!

6. Fantoft church

Category: €/Cultural/Insolite

Description: Churches in Norway are nothing like those you might have seen in France or elsewhere. Their architecture and structure are very different, and the standing wooden church at Fantoft is a perfect example. If you’ve been paying attention to the illustrations in the Asterix comics, you’ll have guessed that the building dates back to Viking times. Located in Bergen’s city centre, it is seen as THE unusual building to visit. Its history is somewhat turbulent, since it was destroyed in the 1800s. Just inside the entrance, you can see a Tjora à Sola stone hanging: it is said that the famous stones served as the first religious meeting places. Don’t forget to immortalise this with your camera!