Located in Norway, Bergen is a charming coastal town with its unique, relaxed Scandinavian vibe. Considered the second-largest city in Norway, it is surrounded by fjords and seven mountains. Its harbor is lined with colorful commercial buildings. Here are the top 6 things to see in Bergen:
1 – Bryggen Harbour
Also known as “Bryggen Wharf,” the harbor is one of the oldest ports in Northern Europe. The beautiful port is full of colorful wooden buildings, where you can find local shops selling crafted jewelry, souvenirs, and bars.
These wooden buildings were originally built centuries ago. Though destroyed by fire a few times, they’ve been rebuilt and are now a UNESCO site. It is the most photographed spot in Bergen, and visitors spend quite a bit of time here.
Walking around the Bryggen Wharf area and its buildings will be one of the most enjoyable parts of your trip. When you visit, we recommend walking behind and exploring the alleys next to, in between, and behind the buildings. You have to wander through them, look up, and marvel at their closeness.
There are plenty of charming shops and galleries throughout. The fish market is also nearby—try some of the freshest fish in town.
2-Mount Fløyen and the Fløibanen Funicular
Mount Fløyen and the Fløibanen funicular are a must-see in the beautiful town of Bergen. The ferry is operated by professional and polite staff, as is common throughout Norway. This ride offers an amazing view from the top, and there are plenty of things to do as well.
Once at the top, make sure to explore the woodland sculpture trail, rent a bike, visit the famous goats, and stop by the café, restaurant, and gift shop. There’s something for everyone.
The funicular can get very busy when it arrives. The front seat offers a spectacular view during the ride. Each ferry has a passenger limit, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance to skip the line at the ticket booth.
The funicular takes about 4 minutes to reach the top. Alternatively, you can hike up—there’s a trail that takes about 40–60 minutes, depending on your pace.
The funicular railway is paid for, tickets can be bought online on website floyen.no.
3-Bergenhus Fortress
The main castle was originally built by King Håkon Håkonsson as a royal residence and banquet hall. The Rosenkrantz Tower was once the residence of Norway’s most famous king, Magnus the Lawmender, in the 13th century. The grounds are open to the public, but there’s a fee to access the Rosenkrantz Tower and Håkon’s Hall with the art exhibits.
In the Middle Ages, this was the royal court of Norway and the political center of the country. The fortress is a historical relic, and some of its buildings are still used by the Norwegian military. Cannons still point out from the fortress toward the city of Bergen.
Visiting interior parts like King Håkon’s Hall can be fascinating if you arrange a guided tour. The guide will share historical details and stories about the kings who lived in the Bergenhus Fortress at that time—there’s so much to learn and hear.
You can also walk around the fortress walls, see various buildings from different eras, and admire the statues. Some locals even walk their dogs here in the mornings—it’s great for people- and dog-watching.
4-Troldhaugen – Edvard Grieg Museum
Once the residence of the great composer Edvard Grieg and his wife from 1885 to 1907, the house has since been turned into a museum about the musician’s life and works. Inside, there’s an exhibition hall, a shop, and a cafeteria.
In the house, you’ll find paintings, artworks, artifacts, information about his life, and of course, his beautiful piano. The museum itself is small, but it offers a deep look into his legacy.
If you love classical music, this is a perfect stop. There is an entrance fee. During the summer, a 30-minute lunchtime concert is held daily in the concert hall—it’s a must-see.
A small cabin nearby is where Grieg composed some of his music. The setting is beautiful, with scenic views, and the graves of Edvard and Nina Grieg are located just beside their home.
5-Fantoft Stave Church
A spectacular black stave church originally built in 1190, it was later relocated to Fantoft in 1883. This beautiful church is located in Bergen, in the borough of Fana. It’s not easily accessible on foot from the city center, so it’s best to travel there by car.
In 1992, the church was completely destroyed by arson, an act linked to a member of the Norwegian black metal music scene. It was believed to be an anti-Christian act against Viking-era temples.
After the fire, the temple was reconstructed to match the original architecture as closely as possible. It wasn’t an easy task for the carpenters and builders, as stave churches haven’t been built in Norway for centuries.
The church is open for visits Monday to Sunday, for a fee. The exterior of the wooden church is coated in black tar, and 400-year-old pine was used in its reconstruction.
6-Bergen Aquarium
A popular attraction since 1960, the Bergen Aquarium is located a short distance from the city center. One great thing about the aquarium is that it offers both indoor and outdoor activities, plus a large playground on the roof—a great space for children while parents relax.
There’s an entrance fee. The aquarium houses over 400 species including sea lions, penguins, snakes, crocodiles, and more. There are around 60 tanks, and a shark tunnel that offers a fantastic underwater experience—it’s something you shouldn’t miss while in Bergen.
There’s a lot to do here: you can watch shows, attend feedings, and explore exhibits featuring seals and other marine animals. It’s full of educational content, making it a great stop for families with kids.
In Summary:
Bergen is a great place, there is so much culture and a sense of old scandinavian old times look, It is something truly unique when coming to norway, the city is surrounded well by local and friendly people.