8 things to do (and eat) in charming Bergen, Norway
Before the 13th century, Bergen was the capital of Norway. Despite now being the second largest city in the country, it still retains its small town charm.
While there’s hiking trails aplenty in Bergen, and it’s the gateway to Norway’s fjords (some opt to do day-trips to the fjords), we had just come from a 6-day trip through the fjords from Ålesund (read about that adventure here), so we opted for more copious amounts of meandering and relaxing during our 2-day stay in Bergen.
With its 20 hour-long summer days, there’s plenty of time to pack in adventures. However Bergen is known as the rainiest city in Norway, so be sure to check the weather report before your trip. We were lucky and had 2 sunshine-filled days.
Read on for 8 of my favorite memories from this city.
1. Explore the cobbled streets of Bryggen
Bryggen means “the wharf” in Norwegian, and this is where the city of Bergen was originally founded in ~1070.
Bryggen was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It has many notable buildings including the 300 year old Bellgarden and the historic St Mary’s Church (dates back to 1100s)
2. Partially hike up Mount Fløyen before taking the funicular to the top for a sweeping view of the city
Mount Fløyen offers excellent views of Bergen, the peninsula, and its surrounding fjords. At the top, there are viewpoints and a restaurant as well as numerous hiking trails.
Many choose to take the funicular up and down (50 NOK single ride, 95 NOK round-trip), but you can actually also hike up partially before taking the funicular mid-way for 25 NOK. This is what we opted to do, walking for ~30 minutes and enjoying the scenery before hopping on the funicular for the rest of the way up. The funicular only stops at the mid-way point once every hour so be sure to ask for a time-table at the bottom of the mountain if this is what you decide to do.
On a clear day, for the best lighting for pictures, try going in the morning.
3. Play with the open-grazing goats on Mount Fløyen
There are 10 goats that call Mount Fløyen home and are the first in the world that use something the Norwegians call open-grazing technology. These goats are equipped with solar-powered GPS collars and allowed to freely roam anywhere they please. No fences, no borders, happy goats.
I’m scared of most animals, but tried to enjoy the experience regardless.
4. Grab a bite to eat at the Bergen Fish Market at Market Square
This lively marketplace features fresh fish (duh), flowers, fruits, and vegetables. You can purchase freshly cooked seafood and enjoy it on the waterfront while watching boats sailing in and out of the inner harbor.
There’s a stall that let’s visitors try specially prepared Norwegian salmon — cold smoked (like we’re used to in the states), hot smoked, or marinated. And then you can purchase by the kilogram. All delicious, and worth a try!
5. Visit Bergenhus Fortress to learn about the history of Bergen
The Bergenhus Fortress served as a defensive fortification at the entrance to the harbor up until the 19th century, when it then became a military administrative base.
It was first built in the 1240s, but was restored after suffering heavy damage during World War 2.
There are many trails within and around Bergenhus Fortress, perfect for strolling about.
6. Pick up fresh salmon & strawberries and have a picnic around Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake
One of my family’s favorite things to do is picnic in the park. So we absolutely could not pass up the opportunity to purchase some fresh wild-caught sushi-grade Norwegian salmon from our favorite local grocery store, Kiwi Market.
There are many options when it comes to fresh Salmon, but even the best quality (the one we picked duh) only cost 264 NOK per kg (approximately $15 per lb)
The Lille Lungegårdsvannet park is centered around a large fountain and surrounded by the Bergen public library and the Bergen Art Museum.
7. Stroll up Ole Bulls road and enjoy the beautiful public spaces and art
Ole Bulls street is lined with beautiful flowers, sculptures, and gazebos as you make your way from Lille Lungegårdsvannet to the city’s theater. Within the theater, there are displays about Old Bulls (famous Norwegian violinist) and Henrik Ibsen (famous Norwegian theater director).
Clearly, I also very much enjoyed the public art around Bergen.
8. Grab a hotdog from popular Treknorenen hotdog stand and continue exploring the cobblestone streets
This hotdog stand offers up the largest variety of hotdogs I’ve ever seen, even including Norwegian specialty Reindeer hotdogs on the menu. In the evening there are sometimes live bands playing in some of the nearby alleyways, so continue exploring 😊
Other restaurants that I was recommended, but just didn’t have a chance to taste-test because I enjoy eating fresh salmon that much:
- Bryggen Tracteursted — open faced sandwiches
- Marg & Bien — really nice dinner, yummy food supposedly!
- Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant — fish, nice view, kind of touristy
Maybe next time.
Instagram for my fellow basics ✌🏼
Thanks for reliving my adventures through Bergen with me!
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to read more of my family’s adventures through Norway below:
Travel on, friends.
