Bergen : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Bergen

Bergen is overflowing with treasures to explore, combining spectacular nature and authentic Nordic culture. Here are the must-see attractions to discover during your visit:

Bryggen: the old port listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its colorful wooden houses.
The Fish Market: a lively place to taste local specialties.
The Fløibanen Funicular: to go up to the top of Mount Fløyen and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the fjords.
Mount Ulriken: the highest peak in Bergen, accessible by cable car or on foot.
The Hanseatic Museum: to dive into the merchant history of the city.
The Bergen Aquarium: ideal for families, with a beautiful marine diversity.
The Nordnes District: charming, peaceful, with its narrow streets and typical wooden houses.

The surrounding fjords: such as Sognefjord or Hardangerfjord, perfect for a boat excursion.

The old port of Bryggen

The Fløibanen Funicular

Mount Ulriken

Activities

Ready to experience Bergen differently? From boat trips across the fjords to guided hikes on the peaks, cultural strolls through historic alleyways and unusual experiences, the city is packed with activities that turn every visit into a true Nordic adventure.

When to go to Bergen

The best time to visit Bergen is from May to September, when the days are long, the temperatures pleasant (between 13 and 20°C) and the surrounding nature at its best. It's also the ideal season to explore the fjords, hike the surrounding mountains or stroll along Bryggen harbor in the warm sunshine. But beware: this is the high tourist season, so prices for accommodation and activities can rise. For a good compromise between mild weather, reasonable crowds and a more accessible budget, May and September are ideal. Autumn and winter, although colder and wetter, reveal a completely different charm: hushed ambience, quiet museums, warm Christmas markets and sometimes even a few snowflakes to decorate the city rooftops. Whatever the season, bring a raincoat... Bergen remains Norway's rain capital!

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Bergen is a fairly expensive destination to visit. For two people, a hotel room costs between 170 and 500 euros, depending on the season and level of comfort. In an inexpensive restaurant, count between 17 and 30 euros for a meal. A dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant costs between 67 and 129 euros on average. A beer (33 cl) costs between 4.5 and 11 euros, and a bottle of water between 1.7 and 4.3 euros. Public transport fares range from 3.5 to 4.2 euros, and cab fares are around 2 euros per kilometer. Entrance fees for attractions and activities vary considerably. At the lower end of the scale, you can find simple museums to visit for €17, and at the higher end, you can book a fjord cruise for €200. On average, you can expect to pay between €122 and €603 per person per day. Bergen isn't the cheapest destination, but when you compare the expense with the scenery and atmosphere, you'll be glad you spent the money to visit.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

170€500€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

17€30€50€

Local beer (33cl)

4.5€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

67€129€200€

Bottle of water

1.7€5€

Public transport single ticket

3.5€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

2€

Visits and activities

17€200€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 122.00€ to 603.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

You might want to start your day in Bergen at the famous Bryggen quay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The breathtaking view of colorful wooden houses, craft stores and cafés will immediately give you a sense of the city's historic soul. You can then visit the fish market and perhaps have a breakfast of local salmon or shrimp on this quay.

Then take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. You'll have a panoramic view of the city, the fjords and the surrounding mountains. The view of the mountains and fjords from the city is simply spectacular! Take a short hike or simply breathe in the fresh Norwegian air.

Afterwards, return to town for lunch in a traditional restaurant and visit the Hansetic Museum to learn more about trade in the region.

In the afternoon, you can either take a cruise through the fjords, or take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Ulriken. If you love nature, this is an excursion not to be missed.

Finally, after dining in a local specialty restaurant, you can take a stroll through the quiet lanes of the city center. Bergen has it all, as it's situated between sea and mountains, and offers culture, nature and relaxation.

Practical information about Bergen

To prepare for your trip to Bergen: first of all, remember that this is one of the wettest cities in Europe, so a windbreaker and waterproof outdoor clothing are necessary, even in summer. Electrical outlets are of the C and F type as in France, and the currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK). Almost all establishments accept credit cards, and you can even use one for small amounts, so you won't need to withdraw much cash, if any at all. The airport (Flesland) is about 18 km from the city, but you can take the Bybanen streetcar, which is a quick and inexpensive way to get there (about 45 minutes). Once you're there, the best way to explore the historic center is on foot, while local buses and the Fløibanen funicular are great for getting to the surrounding hills and fjords. Norwegians speak very good English, which makes things easier. Don't forget to download a local weather app, as the weather can change very quickly. If you're planning to visit several museums, consider the Bergen Card, which gives you access to several sites and public transport.

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