Bergen
Bergen
Bergen is a charming old city with a youthful spirit. As you fly into Bergen, you’ll see the stunning cliffs rising out of the sea and the fjord surrounded by majestic mountains. In the Middle Ages, Bergen was the largest city in Scandinavia and it wasn’t until the 1830s that Oslo’s population overtook that of Bergen. However, Bergen retains its status as an important port city. The dramatic scenery, a lively music scene and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere make Bergen a very popular destination.Find your trip
Sea creatures can be seen in their natural setting at the Nordnes Aquarium. The aquarium has Europe’s largest collection of fish species and primitive marine creatures, together with basins for seals, penguins and sea birds.
From the fish market, you can take the cable car up to one of the seven mountain peaks and enjoy the breathtaking view! The cable car climbs 320 metres up the mountain, and you can either take an invigorating walk down or, in winter, go down by sledge.
This former sardine canning factory is now a unique cultural meeting place. It includes schools for dancers, film makers and scriptwriters, a design office and artist studios, together with stages, exhibition halls and one of the best cafés beside the sea.
The buildings that used to house the Hanseatic trading office have retained their medieval architecture, with galleries and narrow alleys, but nowadays they house artist studios and restaurants. There are guided tours in summer.
One of the largest art museums in Scandinavia with a collection that includes pioneering works by Edvard Munch and Rasmus Meyers. The museum also exhibits works from the 14th century right through to modern times.
Bergen is sourrounded by seven mountains, the highest of which, at 631 metres, is Mount Ulriken. Take the cable car up to the top, or, if you're feeling adventurous, choose one of the routes to the summit and conquer the mountain on foot or by bike.
For over 800 years, the fish market in Bergen has been a meeting place for merchants and fishermen. Here you will be able to buy the freshest fish and choose from the largest selection of seafood. The market consists of several indoor fish counters as well as restaurants.
Sea creatures can be seen in their natural setting at the Nordnes Aquarium. The aquarium has Europe’s largest collection of fish species and primitive marine creatures, together with basins for seals, penguins and sea birds.
From the fish market, you can take the cable car up to one of the seven mountain peaks and enjoy the breathtaking view! The cable car climbs 320 metres up the mountain, and you can either take an invigorating walk down or, in winter, go down by sledge.
A restaurant you’d like to take home with you! It serves typical, high quality Norwegian dishes in a picturesque building which is appealingly crooked and genuinely cosy. Try their wild Norwegian venison with blackberry sauce that is very popular with the locals.
References to the Enhjørningen (Unicorn) appear in documents from the time of the Hanseatic League. Nowadays it is a small, comfortably furnished restaurant that specialises in excellent fish and shellfish dishes. The mussel soup with curry, garlic and saffron is definitely worth trying.
If you want the opportunity to try exotic dishes such as smoked whale, Bryggeloftet is the right place to be. They really know how to serve fish and game, and it’s not inordinately expensive. In winter you can enjoy traditional stockfish.
Sky:skraper restaurant is located at the top of mount Ulriken, with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The menu offers traditional, hearty Norwegian dishes during the day and a selection of dishes with a modern twist at night. This is the perfect location to enjoy a meal after a hike or a ride in the cable car.
Daily Pot is Bergens amazing vegan restaurant, located only a 2 minute walk away from the city centre. The dishes on the menu focus on healthy, organic and locally sourced ingredients. The head chef and owner carefully selects what is on offer for the week.
This cosy, traditional Norwegian pub offers real comfort food to help you wait out the rain. The dishes are based on local ingredients like fish or lamb and locally sourced vegetables. The rustic and relaxed atmosphere has attracted tourists and locals alike for many years.
Always on the hunt for new, delicious recipes, the suppologist travels around the world to bring excellent flavours back home with him. Suppologen is Bergens soup shop that offers a large selection of creations inspired by the typical soups of different countries, all at incredibly reasonable prices.
A restaurant you’d like to take home with you! It serves typical, high quality Norwegian dishes in a picturesque building which is appealingly crooked and genuinely cosy. Try their wild Norwegian venison with blackberry sauce that is very popular with the locals.
References to the Enhjørningen (Unicorn) appear in documents from the time of the Hanseatic League. Nowadays it is a small, comfortably furnished restaurant that specialises in excellent fish and shellfish dishes. The mussel soup with curry, garlic and saffron is definitely worth trying.
Galleriet mostly houses large chains such as Vero Moda, Benetton and Gant, but also has a number of interesting shops such as Lene V, which sells furnishings from the Designers Guild and Cattelan, together with several shoe shops.
Second Love is one of the few second hand shops in Bergen and sells beautiful, handpicked pieces from high-end brands and designers. Every item you purchase has its own unique history. Come here to find your new favourite coat or hat or reinvent yourself completely.
A sweater from Bryggen Husflid will equip you perfectly for the cold Norwegian weather. It is located in an ancient wooden building that is listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. They have been providing handmade Norwegian knitwear for over 25 years.
At Julehuset (Christmas House) it is Christmas all year round. This is the place to go to start your preparations, or simply if you start missing the most wonderful time of the year in the middle of August. If you are lucky, you might even get to meet Santa.
Bergen Steinsenter is located in the heart of Bergen, Bryggen. Browse through a beautiful selection of stones, minerals, fossils & jewellery and find something truly unusual and unique. The different crystals make for a perfect gift or souvenir to take home with you.
The Farmers' Market in Bergen is held on Saturdays right at the harbour (check the website for specific dates). This is the place to try new foods and shop for local specialities. Producers and farmers come to the market to sell everything from meat and smoked salmon to cheese, bread and pastries.
Galleriet mostly houses large chains such as Vero Moda, Benetton and Gant, but also has a number of interesting shops such as Lene V, which sells furnishings from the Designers Guild and Cattelan, together with several shoe shops.
Second Love is one of the few second hand shops in Bergen and sells beautiful, handpicked pieces from high-end brands and designers. Every item you purchase has its own unique history. Come here to find your new favourite coat or hat or reinvent yourself completely.
Airport
Flying is definitely the best way to get to Bergen, but it’s a good idea to book well in advance. The Gaia airport bus service from Bergen Airport at Flesland runs every 15 minutes. The journey takes about half an hour, and the bus takes you to the SAS Royal Hotel Bryggen in the city centre. A single ticket costs 85 NOK. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs about NOK 250-300.
Best Time To Visit
The month of May is event season in Bergen. If you want to experience a variety of different shows, live acts, concerts and exhibitions, this will be the best month to visit. While rainfall is also lowest in May, temperatures are the most pleasant in July and August; however, these months are also the busiest.
Passport/Visa
Norway can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Cruise Port
Bergen is a popular cruise destination and can be considered the gate to the fjords of Norway. The wharf in Bryggen is listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Skolten Cruise Port (Vagen Harbor), the main cruise terminal, is located about 1km away from the Bryggen wharf area. This is where most cruise ships dock, larger ships may also dock at Dokken/Jekteviken Port, which is about 1km away from the Fish Market. The cruise schedule for the port in Bergen can be found here: www.bergenhavn.no There are free shuttle services available that will take you to Hurtigruteterminalen (speed boat terminal). From there, you can easily reach the city centre on foot. If you require special assistance or a wheelchair, a shuttle bus can take you directly to the city centre.
Public Transport
Tickets for local buses can be bought from the bus driver or at the bus station, which also has day tickets (the latter will save you money if you plan to make more than 2 journeys within 24 hours). Travelling by bus and train is an excellent way to see the varied landscape. Norges Statsbaner, NSB, runs the line between Oslo and Bergen, which reaches heights of more than three thousand feet above sea level. The largest bus operator is NOR-Way, and Lavprisekspressen/Artic Express offers low-price services from Oslo. From Bergen, you can take the Hurtigrutten ferry to Kirkenes, and there are also ferries to Hirtshals and Newcastle.
Taxi
Bergen Taxi Phone: +47 07000 Norges Taxi Phone: +47 910 08 000
Post
Bergens main post office is located in the Xhibition mall.
Pharmacy
Vitusapotek Nordstjernen in the Bergen Storsenter is open until 11pm every day and also has an emergency service.
Airport
Flying is definitely the best way to get to Bergen, but it’s a good idea to book well in advance. The Gaia airport bus service from Bergen Airport at Flesland runs every 15 minutes. The journey takes about half an hour, and the bus takes you to the SAS Royal Hotel Bryggen in the city centre. A single ticket costs 85 NOK. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs about NOK 250-300.
Best Time To Visit
The month of May is event season in Bergen. If you want to experience a variety of different shows, live acts, concerts and exhibitions, this will be the best month to visit. While rainfall is also lowest in May, temperatures are the most pleasant in July and August; however, these months are also the busiest.
