2 Days in Bergen: The Ultimate Itinerary for Norway's artistic city

Ah, beautiful Bergen! The stunning Gateway to the Fjords. This picturesque city, nestled on the southwestern coast of Norway, is a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage which offers to visitors a unique blend of history, art and outdoor escapades. You may be surprised to learn that this city was so important in Medieval times, it was actually the Norwegian capital for two centuries!

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As you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, you'll be transported back in time to the days of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance that once dominated the region. The colourful wooden buildings, dating back to the 14th century, now house charming shops, galleries, and café, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is both nostalgic and inviting. Beyond its historical charm, Bergen is also a gateway to some of Norway's most breathtaking natural wonders. From the top of Mount Fløyen, accessible by a funicular railway, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjords.

Whether you're exploring the city's cultural treasures or embarking on an outdoor adventure, Bergen is sure to captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in Norway. So pack your camera, waterproofs and walking boots, and let’s go!

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Know Before You Go

Getting there

Arrival is a breeze with various options available. You can fly into Bergen Airport, with a large selection of direct flights from various locations. Alternatively, you can travel via ferry or cruise ship, or by train from Oslo or Flåm. There is also an express bus from Stavanger.

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Public Transportation

A Bergen City Card is a must-have for visitors. It provides numerous benefits, including discounts not only on transportation but also for various attractions and restaurants. The card grants you access to the Fløibanen Funicular, which offers breath-taking city views, and permits you free entry to top museums and galleries such as the Bergen Maritime Museum. Available in 24-hour and 48-hour options, this card is flexible for all manner of itineraries.

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Weather

The climate of Bergen is mostly chilly with rainy winters and cool summers. Definitely pack waterproof gear! There’s also a lot of wind, so dressing warmly in layers is advisable too. In case the weather becomes too harsh, there are plenty of indoor options like museums and galleries to enjoy. Despite the rain, however, Bergen is beautiful in any weather and offers stunning views of the fjords even on cloudy days.

Winters are cold, cloudy and rainy. On the mildest days, the temperature can reach 8-10°C. During the colder periods, when it may snow, temperatures can drop below freezing.

Summers are mild, with fairly frequent rains. The sun is not seen very often however the days are very long. When it's not raining, there are pleasant days, with highs around 20°C.

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Money

The currency used across Norway is the Norwegian kroner (NOK). 10 NOK is currently around 1 Euro or 1 US Dollar, so it’s a pretty easy conversion rate to remember! It can be quite an expensive country however, so make sure you have access to plenty of money and keep in mind that bank opening hours here may be different to those of your home country. Also be advised that although Norway is in Europe, the Euro is not legal tender and can therefore not be accepted as payment in most places.

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Day 1: North Central

For your first day in Bergen, we’ve really got some treats in store up ahead! We’ll start by admiring the architecture of iconic landmarks such as Bergenhus Fortress, before diving head-first into history at two of Bergen’s unmissable museums. We’ll then embark on a thrilling adventure up the mountainside, where views of the city are guaranteed to take your breath away. Next up, we’ll stop for a bite and take in the lively atmosphere of the city’s famous fish market, before ending our day with a well-needed rest at the tranquil waters of Nordnes Sjøbad.

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A great way to take in some of these sights and more is with this 2 Hour Segway Tour! Glide effortlessly through the city of Bergen, viewing the city's most important attractions with a helpful local guide at your side to keep you informed.

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Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Fortress is one of the oldest and best-preserved stone fortifications in Norway. Located at the entrance of Bergen harbour, the fortress dates back to the 13th century and has played a significant role in the history of the city; it has been used as a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a prison!

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Haakon's Hall is a stone hall located inside the fortress. Constructed during the reign of King Håkon Håkonsson, in medieval times it was the largest building of the royal palace in Bergen. Today, it’s the largest secular medieval building in Norway and the likely inspiration for similar great halls that were built on the royal estates in Oslo and Avaldsnes.

Rosenkrantz Tower is another structure within the fortification. It was named after Erik Rosenkrantz, the governor of Bergenhus Fortress from 1560 to 1568.

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Bryggens Museum

This popular tourist attraction is located in Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been a busy part of the city since the Middle Ages. The museum showcases the history and archaeology of Bergen, with a focus on the Hanseatic period. It displays artefacts such as medieval ceramics, tools, and other objects that provide insights into the city's past. The museum also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors.

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Kids are encouraged to join in the fun, with an activity booklet available at the front desk. There’s also a drawing competition, puzzle and treasure hunt within the exhibition.

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The Hanseatic Museum and Schoetstuene

Also located in Bryggen, this museum showcases the history and culture of the medieval trading alliance, the Hanseatic League. This German guild of merchants created an overseas office consisting of several buildings. These include the main museum building and the Schoetstuene, the assembly rooms where they conducted their business. There’s also an authentic trading room, merchant's office, sleeping places and guest room.

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This riveting museum displays a number of artefacts, exhibits and interactive displays that provide insight into the daily life and trading activities of the Hanseatic merchants in Bergen.

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Mount Fløyen via Funicular

The viewpoint from the top of Mount Fløyen offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas. The mountain is easily accessible via an exhilarating funicular railway service called Fløibanen, which takes visitors to the top in style. It’s easily accessible to people with wheelchairs or strollers. Dogs are also allowed and they travel for free! Mount Fløyen is additionally home to a large population of goats, which can often be seen grazing on the slopes.

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The Fløibanen funicular is one of the best-known and most visited attractions throughout the whole of Norway. The journey will take you 320 metres above sea level and takes about 5-8 minutes. At the summit, there is a restaurant, souvenir shop, children’s playground and several hiking trails for those who want to explore the area further. We’d recommend a stop at Ulriken Café, where you can sample treats such as fjellmeny, a traditional dish from the mountain menu.

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Fish Market

The Bergen Fish Market, also known as the Fisketorget, is one of the oldest fish markets in the world- dating as far back as the 1200s! The market is situated in the heart of the city, by the historic Bryggen wharf. Here, you can find a wide variety of fresh seafood including fish, shellfish and other delicacies. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively vendors who are always eager to engage with visitors. You can watch as the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, and engross yourself in the everyday hustle and bustle of the market.

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In addition to seafood, Bergen Fish Market also offers a range of other products such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and souvenirs. There are also several restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a snack- made of course from fresh ingredients!

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Nordnes Sjøbad

This popular outdoor swimming facility is situated on the Nordnes peninsula and offers spellbinding views of the surrounding area. The facility includes a large seawater pool, heated to an inviting 30°C, diving boards, and a sandy beach area. You can also choose to wear a life vest, if you like. Note that children under 12 are welcome but keep in mind they must be accompanied by someone over 18 who can swim, and only competent swimmers should bathe in the sea alone.

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Nordnes Sjøbad is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Norwegian coastline. Not to mention the chance to add swimming in a fjord to your list of bucket-list achievements!

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Where to Stay

Budget - Magic Hotel & Apartments Kløverhuset

Magic Hotel Kløverhuset offers modern accommodation in central Bergen. The modern designer rooms include a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom equipped with a shower. Some rooms offer sea views. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. There is also a luggage storage space, a restaurant and a bar at the property.

Mid-Range - Amunds Apartment

Amunds Apartment features accommodation with free WiFi in a historic building. The property features sea views and is 2.2 km from Møhlenpris Badeplass Beach and 1.3 km from Bergen University. The apartment has family rooms. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with a dishwasher, an oven, and a toaster. At the apartment complex, each unit is fitted with a private bathroom.

Luxury - Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

This modernised hotel offers air conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, a TV and a bathroom with a shower. Some rooms also have a bathtub and seating area or desk. The North Restaurant & Social Club offers a Norwegian surf and turf menu inspired by local foods, and later opens up for late-night dancing and entertainment. Guests can stay active at the in-house fitness room, which also offers a relaxing sauna and steam bath.

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Day 2: South Central

For the second half of your stay in Bergen, let’s see if we can make it even stronger than the first! Starting with a visit to the largest church in the city, today is a day about culture, history and experiencing this wonderful part of the world in style. We’ll check out a fascinating group of art museums that are sure to provide hours of fun for the whole family, before taking a trip to see the iconic Fantoft Stave Church. 

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You might be thinking, Hm, another one? But trust us, this unique, world-renowned wooden structure is worth the trip, and it’s surrounded by some beautiful greenland that you can relax in and enjoy. Music lovers, we’ve included a trip to the Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum, where you can learn all about this remarkable composer and stand in the very place where he worked and took his inspirations. Finally, we will reflect on our time in Bergen with a serene cruise along the Osterfjord.

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To make getting around much easier, why not use this Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket, valid for a 24-hour period, to make the most of your visit? Create your own unique route to hit up every major hotspot without the fear of running out of time.

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St John’s Church

St John’s church (also known as Johanneskirken) was built in a cruciform design between 1891 and 1894, in the Gothic Revival style. Designed by architect Herman Backer, it seats around 1250 people, making it the largest church in Bergen. It also features Bergen's tallest church tower (61 metres!) as well as the largest church room in the city. Inside, you will find an impressive wooden ceiling, a large organ with a Gothic front, as well as Bergen's only carillon.

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With its red-brick exterior and easily visible location on Sydneshaugen, St John’s Church is an iconic landmark in the city. From the top of the steps leading up to the church, visitors are presented with a fantastic view of the city centre and the mountains to the east. The church can accommodate as many as 1250 people and is widely used for organ concerts in the summer and Christmas concerts in the run-up to Christmas.

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KODE Art Museums of Bergen

KODE Art Museums of Bergen is a group of art museums, consisting of four main buildings: KODE 1, KODE 2, KODE 3, and KODE 4. Each houses different collections and exhibitions. KODE is one of Scandinavia's largest museums for art and music and has a unique combination of galleries, composers' homes, visual art, historical objects, concerts and parklands.

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KODE 1 primarily focuses on fine art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Norwegian artists such as Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup. KODE 2 showcases contemporary art and design, while KODE 3 features decorative arts and crafts. KODE 4 is dedicated to the works of composer Edvard Grieg, with exhibits on his life and music. The museums offer a truly diverse range of art and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy.

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Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church was originally built in the 12th century and is easily recognisable due to its unique stave construction style which is characterised by vertical wooden posts. The church was reconstructed in the 19th century after it was destroyed by a fire in 1992.

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The distance from Fantoft Stave Church to Bergen city centre is approximately 7-8 km. You can take the ‘bybanen’ (local light rail line) from the city park, to get to your destination in around 20-25 minutes. The church is open for visits during the summer season, but it’s always possible to take a look from the outside during the rest of the year.

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Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and work of renowned Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. Situated on his former estate, the grounds include Grieg's former home, which has been preserved as it was during his lifetime, as well as a concert hall and exhibition spaces. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Grieg's life and music through exhibits, guided tours, and live performances.

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The concert hall, Troldsalen, was constructed particularly with chamber music in mind. Here you can listen to Edvard Grieg’s music while enjoying the scenery that once inspired him in his work- as many of his pieces were written right in this very building!

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Round-Trip Cruise to Mostraumen

Why not discover the stunning natural beauty of Norway via a scenic cruise? Venture through the majestic Osterfjord, observing the mountain landscape becomes steeper and more powerful the further into the fjord you progress. Enter the sun deck as the captain steers the boat’s bow so close to a waterfall that you can feel its refreshing spray on your face. Sit back and relax on the sun deck or inside the warm and comfortable cabin, and remember to look for eagles along the fjord's shores. 

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There’s a kiosk onboard where you can purchase some tasty locally baked treats to savour as you take in the breathtaking scenery. When ready to embark, look for the Rødne Fjord Cruise boat at Zachariasbryggen Pier.

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Where to Stay

Budget - Citybox Bergen Danmarksplass

This budget design hotel offers free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, self-service check-in and a restaurant. Rooms are simple and tastefully decorated and feature a desk, window seating and a private bathroom with a shower, hair dryer and free toiletries. Some rooms also come with an additional seating area. The hotel restaurant serves street food from around the world.

Mid-Range - AN Apartments

AN Apartments offers guests an environmentally friendly accommodation close to Møhlenpris Badeplass Beach. Among the facilities at this property are a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Units provide views of the mountain and come with a seating area, a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

Luxury - Meltzers Apartments

Featuring free WiFi, units at this stylish and cosy property contain a washing machine and a flat-screen TV. There is also a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom. It’s just 700 metres away from the city centre but is located in a lovely, quiet area.

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