Top 12 Things to Do in Bergen
From experiencing life as a 13th-century merchant to witnessing one of the largest collections of works by Edvard Munch, there’s plenty of history and culture to see in this gateway to the fjords.
Set on Norway’s southwestern coast between the country’s largest fjords, Bergen is a sight to behold, with quaint villages dotted among hillsides and a UNESCO-designated wharf surrounded by seven lush mountains, two of which can be summited by cable car. It’s worth spending a few days in this captivating destination before or after joining WT on its spectacular Hiking in Norway’s Fjord Country journey. Here’s what to do, see, and eat.
1. Summit Bergen’s Highest Peak of Mount Ulriken
For sweeping views of the surrounding fjords, islands, and three-plateau Folgefonna glacier, hike to the tallest of Bergen’s famed Seven Mountains. The challenging trail from the town of Montana to 2,110-foot Mount Ulriken is three miles out-and-back, but you can also take the cable car up and spend your energy hiking the Vidden Trail between Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen for even better views.
2. Uncover Fascinating WWII History at the Theta Museum
This hidden museum—and Norway’s tiniest—is a reconstruction of the headquarters of a secret World War II resistance group, whose intel helped with destruction of a German battleship before they were discovered by the Nazis in 1942. The one-room exhibition space in Bryggen tells the story of the group’s courage through war memorabilia and a helpful docent, but please be aware they have limited opening hours.
3. Savor a Destination-Worthy Meal at Cornelius Seafood Restaurant
A meal at Cornelius Seafood Restaurant is only one part of an enthralling dining experience that begins with a scenic boat ride from the historic Bryggen Wharf. Once you reach the restaurant’s small island among the fjord, enjoy fresh scallops, urchins, oysters, wild salmon, and other catches of the day.
4. Stroll the Cobbled Alleys of Nordnes and Sandviken
Stroll through Bergen’s charming neighborhoods, where quaint cobbled streets—sometimes only as wide as a modern sidewalk—wind past traditional wooden houses. These quiet residential areas offer an authentic glimpse into everyday life within a beautifully preserved historic setting. It’s a chance to admire the architecture, soak in the atmosphere, and drop in at a cozy café or local shop.
5. Learn About Bergen’s Trade and Medieval History
In the 13th century, Hanseatic merchants from Germany turned Bergen into one of Northern Europe’s most important trading hubs—a status that lasted for centuries and can still be felt today at the engaging Hanseatic Museum. Across town, the excellent Bryggens Museum goes back further in time, housing thousands of archaeological finds and artifacts that bring life to the medieval people of Bergen.
6. Catch a Performance at Composer Edvard Grieg’s Former Home
One of the leading Romantic-era composers and Norway’s most celebrated figures, Edvard Grieg created many of his most renowned pieces at his home just outside of Bergen, Troldhaugen, now a living museum. Tour Grieg’s preserved villa, listen to live performances of his composition, and take in the spectacular gardens surrounding Nordås Lake.
7. Explore a Huge Collection of Works by Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch, Nikolai Astrup, and Harriet Backer are just a few of the famed Norwegian artists whose works feature in the KODE Art Museums of Bergen. Discover the third-largest collection of Munch at the Rasmus Meyer Museum. Enjoy a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant at Lysverket (see #8), and take in a fascinating crafts and design collection at Permanenten.
8. Experience a True Taste of New Nordic Cuisine
In one of the KODE Art Museums is the Michelin-starred restaurant Lysverket. The sleek eatery is the brainchild of Christopher Haatuft, who cut his teeth at New York’s Per Se and Blue Hill at Stone Barns before returning home to open his own fine dining joint. Enjoy a 10-course tasting menus featuring highlights like layers of carpaccio of tuna, shrimp, and pork-head terrine topped with caviar.
9. Stroll Through a Living Museum of Historic Life
The open-air Gamle Bergen Museum showcases what authentic life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. Wander along cobblestone streets, meet lords and servants of the time (or actors in historical costumes), and visit preserved wooden houses, including those housing merchant families.
10. Shop for Your Own Scandi Style Look
If you want to find minimalist pieces that capture ultimate Scandi style, head to the shopping districts of Torgallmenningen and Strandgaten. In Torgallmenningen, venture off the main thoroughfares to explore side streets filled with stores from local designers and craftspeople. In Strandgaten, be sure to check out WT’s Norway Trip Specialist’s favorite shop for Nordic designwares, HEIM Bryggen.
11. Explore Magical Bryggen Wharf at Night
The colorful, asymmetrical wooden houses dating to the Hanseatic era are Bergen’s most postcard-worthy sight. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen Wharf is especially enchanting at night when its warm lights reflect on the water against the dark silhouette of the surrounding mountains. Walk through the uneven alleyways between the leaning buildings to imagine a time when the walls stood straighter and the only light was a flame.
12. Take in the Glory of Norway’s Oldest Fortification
Once the royal, episcopal, and military seat of power and now one of the country’s best-preserved fortifications, Bergenhus Fortress is a must-stop historic sight. Learn about medieval life, climb up onto the roof of Rosenkrantz Tower for views of the harbor, and feel the majesty of Håkon’s Hall, the grandest royal residence in the 13th century.
Pair your time in Bergen with an exciting exploration of the spectacular fjords that flank the city—Sognefjord, Norway’s largest, and ethereal Hardangerfjord—on WT’s Hiking in Norway’s Fjord Country itinerary, which combines epic hikes with a taste of traditional life through village and farm visits.
March 12, 2025
January 22, 2025