Bergen
Bergen is an enjoyable city and a starting point for many tourists to explore the fantastic Norway Fjords but also a town with many historical sights.
Bergen is located between the two biggest fjords in Norway - the Hardangerfjord (180 km) and the Sognefjorden (203 km). Bergen is therefore called the Gateway to the Fjords. From here, you can start your cruises to discover the Norwegian Fjords.
More than 2.7 million tourists visit Bergen annually, and the town is one of the most important in the Nordic region, as evidenced by its many historical buildings and attractions.
UNESCO heritage attraction
For more than 900 years, Bergen has welcomed people from all over the world, and for centuries, it was the center of trade between Norway and Europe. Bryggen Wharf is proof of this and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.
Bryggen Wharf is one of Norway's most historically interesting places to visit, located in the harbor in Bergen. Along the beautiful scenic way, the distinctive stone and timber trading house welcomes and reminds us of Bergen's history.
See more: UNESCO attractions in Norway
The old Bergen
A visit to Old Bergen provides some answers and a breath of nostalgia. In the 19th century, Bergen was Europe’s largest wooden city, and its steep and densely built-up streets, squares, and alleyways gave the city a unique character.
The open-air museum features 55 wooden houses from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, most of which originate from the city center of Bergen. Local actors bring Old Bergen to life annually by feeding the spectacle from 150 years ago.
Outside the town, you find the home and museum of world-famous composer and pianist Edward Grieg (Troldhaugen).
Bergen sights and adventures
In Bergen, you will find locally inspired shops, exciting galleries, and great restaurants and cafes with an excellent reputation. At the end of the pier, you will find the marketplace 'Torget', well-known for the famous local fish market.
Bergen is also a great family town with all kinds of activities. Whether you want to canoe at the fjord, hike in the beautiful surroundings, discover the impressive Bergenhus Fortress,or experience Norwegian wildlife at Bergen Aquarium, Bergen will captivate you.
Visit Mount Fløyen
Before leaving Bergen, don`t forget to take the lift to Florin Ian Peak (320 meters), for a spectacular view of Bergen, the mountains, fjords, and sea.
Go there by Fløibanen, the only funicular railway in Norway, and open every day all year round. The journey takes 5–8 minutes, and when you arrive at the top, you can rent a mountain bike or join an organized hiking tour from June to August.
Fløibanen’s lower station is just 150 m from Fisketorget and Bryggen Wharf.
Take a cruise from Bergen
Bergen is also a turnaround port for the world-famous Hurtigruten coastal express.
With this coastal ferry company, "Hurtigruten", you can go on a cruise tour through the fantastic Norwegian fjords, including many highlights, and take a journey to Kirkenes.
You can also discover Norway's highlights with the tour operator Fjord Tours, which offers spectacular, popular round trips available all year round.
Some important distances
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Oslo: 463 km
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Stavanger: 210 km
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Trondheim: 660 km
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Ålesund: 420 km
Getting to Bergen
By train
Bergen is easy to get to. The Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is one of the world's most extraordinary train journeys. There are several departures daily to/from Oslo and the fjord region.
By plane
Fly directly to Bergen from Copenhagen, Stockholm, New York, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and London.
You will arrive at Bergen Airport Flesland. This airport has good domestic and international connections. It`s possible to fly to Bergen from more than 30 destinations in Europe.
The airport is 18 kilometers southwest of Bergen, and the bus stops just outside the main terminal. The bus drive to Bergen takes about 25 minutes. The bus doesn't stop before reaching the centre of Bergen at Festplassen, Fish Market and Bryggen.
They will wait outside the airport if you prefer to book a taxi.
By ferry
There are direct ferry routes from Denmark by Fjord Line, Stenaline and DFDS.
