After spending a dreamy 4 days in Bergen this summer, I am here to share with you the PERFECT Bergen itinerary. Jam-packed with adventures, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time!
Known as Norway’s “Gateway to the fjords,” Bergen is one of the most picturesque and all-around coolest cities to travel to in Europe. The city is surrounded by seven mountains and features an epic combination of vibrant city life and breathtaking natural scenery. You’ll never want to leave!
Whether you’re travelling to Bergan as a standalone trip or adding it to a larger Norway itinerary, these 4 days in Bergen will combine all the best attractions in and around the city. You will discover historic buildings, seaside fish markets, towering fjords, and unreal mountain hiking. In addition to the city’s top attractions, you’ll also visit hidden gems and some of the natural scenery that is day trip distance from Bergen. This is truly the PERFECT 4 day Bergen itinerary. Happy reading!
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About Bergen, Norway
Bergen is located on the West coast of Norway situated between seven mountains. Despite being the second largest city in Norway, Bergen is home to just under 300,000 people. The city combines all the best characteristics that come with a large city with the added charm of a smaller coastal town.
While Oslo stands as the capital of Norway, Bergen attracts nature lovers and culture buffs from far and wide. Bergen is also known as a UNESCO world heritage city. The city packs a big punch with both amazing things to do and an excellent public transport system to take you to them.
In Bergen, you’ll find adorable city streets with colourful houses tiering upwards into the surrounding mountains. There are also lots of waterfront streets to wander and unique Norwegian culture throughout it all.
Are 4 Days in Bergen Enough Time?
While 2 – 3 days is often recommended, 4 days in Bergen is the perfect amount of time to truly see the city and explore the surrounding landscape. With 4 days, you’ll have enough time to dive into the city’s sights, enjoy some world-class hiking, witness the grandeur of Norway’s fjords, and take a day trip to nearby attractions that are best accessed from Bergen. All while not having to feel rushed.
When to Visit Bergen, Norway
The best time to visit Bergen, Norway is between May and September. April and October are the shoulder season. Travelling to Bergen in the peak season will provide the best overall weather and amount of daylight, as daylight becomes very limited during Norway’s winter months. It will also feature better temperatures to explore the city. Bergen is also known as one of the rainiest cities in Europe. Unfortunately, the high rates of precipitation cannot be avoided at any point in the year. Bring a raincoat and accept that it is part of the city’s charm.
The Perfect 4 Days in Bergen: A Complete Itinerary
Day 1: Bergen Sightseeing & Best-Kept Secret Attraction
Your first day in Bergen is going to be all about the sights! There is some amazing sightseeing to be done in Bergen, starting with the city’s most photographed attraction.
Bryggen & the Hanseatic Wharf
Start your first day in Bergen with the most popular landmark in the city. Bryggen is the historic waterfront part of town where the very first buildings in Bergen were originally constructed. Nowadays, the area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a row of colourful wooden houses constructed in 1702. The houses feature traditional Norwegian-style designs and face directly out to the water.
Wander up and down the street admiring the traditional architecture, explore through the narrow back alleys between the buildings, and even head across the harbour to grab photos with a mountainous backdrop.
The Hanseatic Museum
After exploring Bryggen from the outside, step into the past at the Hanseatic museum. Located inside one of the beautiful old buildings in Bryggen, the Hanseatic museum is an excellent spot to learn more about the city’s history.
At one point in time, Bryggen was heavily trafficked by a group of merchants called the Hanseatic league who used Bergen as a hub for their trading activities. Their contribution to the city was so profound that at one point Bergen was known as one of the biggest trading hubs in Northern Europe. Today the merchants are long gone, but you can still learn a lot about them and how they are tied to Bergen’s past at the Hanseatic museum.
Cost: Entrance to the Hanseatic museum is 120 NOK (or about 12 euros)
Roam Bergen’s Wonderful Streets
A huge part of Bergen’s charm comes from the adorable streets you’ll find winding through the city. From cobblestone walkways and brightly coloured buildings to wide-open squares with water displays, Bergen offers so many picturesque spots to discover. Take some time to simply explore and wander these fascinating streets.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Bergen’s Fish Market
After exploring Bergen in the morning, take a lunch break at the city’s famed fish market. A great spot for grabbing fresh seafood, the Bergen fish market also happens to be a spectacle in itself. For hundreds of years, the Bergen fish market has served as a major epicentre for the city’s economy and social scene. You’ll find a long market street lined with food stalls selling numerous dining options. There are booths with already prepared food for purchase, including sandwiches, fresh fish, crab legs, and even lobster!
Discover Bergen’s Best-Kept Secret Atop the Clarion Collection Tower
In the afternoon, head to the Clarion Collection hotel for the best-kept secret attraction in Bergen. The Clarion Collection hotel is one of the finest, and consequentially most expensive, accommodation options in the city. Located right next to Bryggen, you’ll recognize the hotel from its large tower standing tall beside the colourful buildings.
The hidden gem to discover at this hotel? You can actually climb to the top of their tower for some of the best views in the entire city. You do not actually need to be a guest at the hotel to access the top of their tower. All you need to do is ask. Many of the guests don’t even realize that it is accessible.
When visiting the hotel, I simply walked in and asked the front desk if I could go up to the top of their tower. They said of course and even made me a key card so I could access the elevators. I stood atop the tower with one of the best views of the city completely to myself. It was a truly special moment.
View the Stone Architecture at the Bergenhus Fortress
Not far from the Clarion Collection Hotel, you’ll find one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses. Known as the Bergenhus Fortress, the fortifications were only needed once in history to protect dutch refugees from an impending British attack. Nowadays, the fortress is used as a place of work for military and civilian residents. The complex has a free museum to explore, along with beautiful grounds where tourists are welcome to wander and admire the picturesque stone buildings.
A Free Evening for Any Museum Attractions You Might Be Interested in
Bergen is also home to numerous museums and other cultural venues that are great to learn more about the city. Spend the rest of your evening checking out any of the ones that peak your interest. Some of these include:
- The Bergen Maritime Museum & Norwegian Fisheries Museum – Fishing has been placed at the centre of Norwegian cuisine and trade for centuries. Spend the evening exploring traditional sea houses and old trading boats, while learning about the importance that shipping had in Bergen’s past.
- Troldhaugen & The Edvard Grieg Museum – If you are a music and culture fan, then take a look at the old home and museum dedicated to Norway’s late world-famous composer, Edvard Grieg.
- Old Bergen Museum – Immerse yourself directly into Bergen’s past at this open-air museum. Featuring more than 40 old wooden houses, traditional shops, a bakery, and more, the Old Bergen Museum sets the stage to show visitors what it was once like to live in the old days. During the summer they even have live actors to immerse you even more in the experience.
- KODE Art Museum – Check out some contemporary art by world-famous artists at the KODE.
- VilVite Science Museum – The perfect rainy day activity, the VilVite is Bergen’s science museum. Focusing on topics such as climate change, the environment, and the human body, the VilVite features interactive exhibits that let visitors experiment and even test out theories.
Day 2: Experience Bergen’s Amazing Hiking
On your second day in beautiful Bergen, lace up your hiking boots and experience some of the best hiking Norway has to offer. With so many mountains surrounding the city, some of the best hiking in Norway can be done right in Bergen.
Two of the city’s mountains in particular offer excellent accessible hiking for tourists. These are Mount Floyen and Mount Ulriken. In fact, there is even a hiking trail that connects the two mountains so you can get the best of both. The best hiking options in Bergen are as follows:
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Hike to the Top of Mount Fløyen
Mount Floyen is the slightly more popular of the two mountains, simply because of its proximity to the city centre. The mountaintop offers the most popular viewpoint overlooking the city. There are also numerous hiking trails, a troll forest, playgrounds for kids, and even cafes to grab a snack. There is also a beautifully green hike to the top that offers different levels of views along the way. If hiking is not really your thing, Mount Floyen also has a funicular that takes you to and from the top of the mountain.
The hike to the top of Mount Floyen takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace. This includes stops to take breaks and enjoy the view. The trail includes a moderate steady incline to the top with an easy well-marked footpath to follow. The first leg of the trail twists through an old neighbourhood in Bergen, providing excellent insight into the local life.
You can find the starting point for the hike to the left of the funicular, following the path winding up the hill behind the station. You can hike back down the mountain after enjoying the views from the top or splurge on a funicular ride down.
Cost: The hike to the top of Mount Floyen is completely free! The funicular costs 160 NOK round trip or 85 NOK one way from April 1 to September 30. In the off-season, the prices change to 120 NOK return or 65 NOK one way. If you have the Bergen Card, you’ll get 50% off return tickets throughout the entire year.
Book a Hiking Tour on Mount Floyen – If you are travelling solo and/or want the assurance of hiking with a knowledgeable guide, this hiking tour is the perfect solution. The tour includes 3.5 – 4 hours of hiking and the guide adds the special touch of sharing insights into Norwegian history, habits, and customs. Plus I love this booking site because it’s a small company that offers the best customer service options if you need to cancel or change your booking!
Hike Up Almost 1000 Steps to the Top of Mount Ulriken
The hike to the top of Ulriken is just as beautiful as Mount Floyen but offers a completely unique experience. For one, Ulriken is the highest of Bergen’s 7 mountains providing the highest vantage point for overlooking the city. Secondly, the hike takes you up 908 steps with exposed views along the way.
The trail starts inside a wooded area but consists mostly of a set of stone stairs that takes you all the way to the top. If hiking one or both ways is not really your jam, don’t worry you can still enjoy the views from the top with the Ulriken cable car. The cable car takes about 5 minutes to reach the top. There are restaurants and patios overlooking the mountain views, along with a bit of hiking around the station.
Access to the start of Ulriken is not within walking distance from the city centre. However, it is extremely easy to access using the city’s advanced public transportation.
Cost: The cable car costs 195 NOK one way or 350 NOK for the return trip.
The Vidden Hike – Bergen’s Best Hike
If you are up for a longer day hike, then I strongly recommend completing the Vidden hike. The Vidden hike brings you from the top of Mount Floyen to the top of Mount Ulriken. This hike is one of the best things to do in Bergen and can be walked in either direction. You’ll understand its popularity once you are up amongst the mountains and sparkling blue lakes.
The Vidden hike is 15 km in total and takes about 5 – 6 hours to complete. There is an option to add to the hike, by including the hikes up/down Mount Floyen and Ulriken. I personally recommend extending the hike to include the trail to the top of Mount Floyen and down the steps of Ulriken. There is also the option to take the funicular and cable car one of the ways if you don’t want to complete the entire hike.
With hiking up to Mount Floyen and down Ulriken, the total hiking time took me about 7 – 8 hours. The hike to Ulriken finishes outside of the city center, so you will need to catch a bus back to Bergen’s main bus station afterward.
The Vidden hike can be done between May – October, with the off-season presenting challenges of snow and not enough daylight. If you are completing the entire hike including Mount Floyen and Ulriken, then it is best to get an early start. It will be a long day so make sure you account for the amount of sunlight based on the time of year you are there.
Day 3: Take a Cruise Through Bergen’s Fjords
On your third day of exploring Bergen, it is time to get to know some of the region’s famed Norwegian fjords. The best way to do so in a day is by taking a fjord cruise from Bergen.
Norway’s fjords are by far the top natural attractions to witness while travelling in Scandinavia. And there is no better place in Norway to do so than Bergen. After all, the city gets its nickname “gateway to the fjords” for a reason. Bergen is situated a short boat ride away from the two largest fjords in Western Norway; the Sognefjord, and the Hardangerfjord.
Your fjord cruise will begin in the city’s harbour near Bryggen. Leaving Bergen, you will journey along the coastline, gaining new perspectives of the city and its surrounding villages. You’ll pass small occupied islands, adorable towns in the most unlikely of places, and even some fantastic waterfalls. Eventually, you will find yourself right out amongst the fjords, passing through narrow channels with towering fjords on either side.
There are numerous fjord cruise options to choose from, taking you to different locations amongst the fjords and with varying lengths of time. You can do a half-day or a full-day cruise. They can include a simple boat trip or you can add in activities like biking and hiking.
Cost: Fjord cruises from Bergen start at about 790 NOK for a half-day cruise. They can get quite expensive with more activities/destinations added on.
Fjord Cruise Tour Options in Bergen:
- Cruise Along Mostraumen Fjord and its Waterfalls from Bergen – This is the same tour that I participated in on my trip to Bergen and LOVED. We cruised past adorable waterside villages and farm properties, toured under massive towering fjords, and got up close to a beautiful waterfall. The tour lasts 4 hours and the captain will slow down at the best spots for pictures.
- Cider Tasting and Boat Tour to Balestrand – If you are looking for more of a full-day excursion to explore the fjords from Bergen and want to combine it with a one-of-a-kind cider tasting, then this is the one for you. This incredible tour provides delicious local lunch, a stop at a rare medieval stave church, and of course, visits to some of Norway’s most beautiful natural areas.
- Guided Fjord and Bøyabreen Glacier Boat Tour – Another full day tour option that takes you some of the stunning fjords that surround Bergen. You’ll experience impressive glaciers, towering fjords, villages steeped with Norwegian charm, glacial museums, an incredible waterfall, and so much more.
Explore Another Hidden Gem at Bergen’s Magic Ice Bar
If you opt for a half-day fjord cruise as I did, then a fantastic activity to do in the evening is to visit Bergen’s ice bar. Magic Ice Bar Bergen is exactly as it sounds, a bar completely constructed with tons of ice. There are beautiful ice sculptures and art created by famous Norwegian artists spread throughout the bar and trendy music playing. The bar is illuminated by bright pink, blue, and green lights, and the drinks are served in ice glasses. Even the benches and tables are made of ice!
The temperature inside the ice bar sits at about -5 degrees Celcius. You will be given a warm fur-lined poncho and gloves when you arrive to keep you warm inside.
Cost: Entry to the Magic Ice Bar costs 250 NOK and includes a welcome drink.
Day 4: Take a Day Trip From Bergen on a Norway in a Nutshell Tour
On your final day in Bergen, get out and explore some of the insane natural beauty that surrounds the city. One of the best ways to do that? Taking part in a Norway in a Nutshell tour.
Norway in a nutshell tours start from the Bergen Railway station. The classic tour takes you to a total of three primary attractions.
Bergen to Gudvangen
From the Bergen train station, you will board a train to Voss, Norway. After arriving at the railway station in Voss, you will find a bus clearly marked as “Norway in a Nutshell” that will take you to your first primary stop of Gudvangen.
Gudvangen is located in a narrow portion of the Nærøyfjorden (one of the most picturesque fjords in Norway). It is a waterfront town smack dab between two towering mountains. As a result, there is some amazing hiking and kayaking to be done in the area. Gudvangen also features a Viking village where you can learn about Norway’s Vikings through entertaining displays, traditional food, and even some axe throwing and archery!
Boat Ride Through Nærøyfjorden to Flam
After enjoying some time in Gudvangen, you will board a boat to journey through the narrow Nærøyfjorden. You can find your cruise at the small harbour area in town.
Nærøyfjorden is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers views of steep mountain cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. The journey takes about 2 hours to reach your next destination, Flam.
The Flam Railway
After arriving in the adorable town of Flam, embark on the third primary attraction on the day trip, the Flam Railway. The Flam railway is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the entire world. The 20 km journey will take you from Flam, through the mountains, and into the Myrdal station. Throughout the hour-long journey, you’ll be gifted with mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape all while enjoying a comfortable vintage-style train compartment. You’ll pass impressive mountains, rushing rivers, historical landmarks, and important agricultural landscapes. There is even a 5-minute stop partway through the journey, where you can step outside to admire the Kjosfossen waterfall.
Not only is the train ride a beautiful scenic experience, but it is also an impressive engineering feat. The train was constructed between 1923 and 1940 and is one of the steepest lines with standard gauges in the world. You will pass through 20 tunnels, with 18 of them having been constructed by hand. In one of the tunnels, you will even do a complete 180-degree turn inside a mountain.
After completing the train journey, you will be dropped off at the Myrdal Station which has direct train lines running back into Bergen.
The Bergen Card
The Bergen Card is a discount pass that provides free and discounted entry to more than 30 museums and attractions in Bergen. The card comes in 24, 48, and 72-hour versions. The use of Bergen’s public buses is also included in the card, as well as the train journey to and from the Bergen airport. Some of the city’s top attractions that are included in the card are:
- Several of the city’s museums, such as the Old Bergen Museum, Bergen’s Maritime Museum, the Norwegian fisheries museum, and several more.
- Several interesting landmarks, such as the Fjell Fortress, the Rosenkrantz tower, and among many others, the Fantoft Stave Church.
- A 25% discount to Bergen’s aquarium between March and October or free entry between November and February.
- Free entry in the off-season or 50% off in peak season to the Bergen science centre
- 50% discount on return tickets for the Fløibanen funicular
The prices for the Bergen card are:
- For 24 hours: 340 NOK
- For 48 hours: 420 NOK
- For 72 hours: 500 NOK
Final Thoughts on the Perfect 4 Days in Bergen
Surrounded by a beautiful natural environment and filled with unique Norwegian buildings, Bergen is one of the coolest cities to explore in Europe. You’ll find no shortage of colourful wooden houses, world-class hiking, towering fjords, and unique culture. With this complete itinerary, you are sure to have an amazing 4 days in Bergen.
Happy adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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simply a well written, concise synopsis of travel around Bergen, not fluffy or biased, unless enjoyment of hiking is considered bias.
I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This is fantastic. On day 4 did you purchase this trip thru Norway in a Nutshell website in advance or can you go at your own pace and buy the tickets at each train, bus and ferry station that day?
Hi Susan! I did this through the Norway in a nutshell tour to make it easier/more simple for myself. However, I have heard that you can replicate the tour by booking each leg of the trains, buses and ferries independently. It does sound like you’d have to do this all in advance though (rather than day of) to ensure you get all the tickets you need. You’d save some money doing it this way, but at the cost of handling the logistics yourself so it really does depend on your priorities 🙂 Hope this helps!
Really helpful summary of the highlights of Bergen! I’m thinking of doing Norway in a Nutshell from Oslo, so this helped me decide that 3 days is perfect (because I’m already getting the 4th day from the opposite direction).
Amazing! You’re going to have a blast. I’m glad this post was helpful for you 🙂