This past month, I had the pleasure of stopping for one day in Bergen. Onboard a Viking Ocean Cruise, one of our port stops was Bergen, Norway. With only a full day here to explore, I loved getting to see as much of the city as possible.
Bergen, Norway was so charming and though it was my first time in the country, I got a great taste of Norwegian culture. I was smitten and it has inspired me to come back and explore more. Bergen is certainly beautiful and sitting along the west coast, its iconic buildings reflect off the glassy waters.
The city is fun to explore by foot and I’d recommend having a day or two to dive into all that is here. Here’s a look at how to spend a day in Bergen, Norway.
How to Spend a Day in Bergen, Norway
Explore the UNESCO Heritage Site of Bryggen.
The series of colorful Hanseatic Heritage commercial buildings line up against the Vågen Harbor in the city. These wooden buildings are both beautiful and historical, and now are home to incredible restaurants and shops. I’d spend an hour or two here exploring in the early morning before the crowds.
Grab a coffee at Det Lille Kaffe Kompaniet.
One highlight was walking the winding roads up to this small coffee shop. It was one of the best coffees I had while in Norway throughout the cruise and loved the thoughtfulness behind the package and design.
Take the funicular to Fløyen.
The mountain that towers over Bergen is named Fløyen and has incredible views over the city. I’d head here for an epic sunset if you can.
Get lunch at Fisketorget i Bergen (Fishmarket).
Norway’s wide range of fresh seafood comes in daily to this fish market. Local oysters, fresh salmon, and crab are some of the top picks here. A few restaurants sit here and offer wonderful views over the harbor with fresh seafood.
Take a fjord cruise.
As Bergen is surrounded by some of the most incredible fjords of Norway, it would be well worth an excursion to do this. As we did one nearby already, we decided not to here but I’d highly recommend doing at least one in Norway. The fjord cruises from Bergen head to Mostraumen and I’d recommend Rodne Cruises (who we used in Stavanger) for your excursion.
Walk the historical district of Bergen.
Just below Fløyen is the historical district of the city. Wooden homes and tiny alleys make for a wonderful spot to go explore on foot and see the local culture. It’s incredibly scenic and the higher you get, the better the views are over the city.
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Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
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Xx,
Jessica
