Home » Destinations » Europe » Norway » Bergen » Bergen Itinerary: 1 Day
- Last Updated on April 10, 2024
Bergen is the westernmost big city in Norway. It was a mighty sea trading port in its 13th century heyday, and now is the second most important city for tourism in the country. It is a great jumping off point for the Norway In A Nutshell tour (see below). The tourist center of Bergen is small – one day is plenty of time to see everything. This Bergen itinerary takes you from one end of town to the other – walk between the stops in the order listed and you won’t miss anything.
Table of Contents - Bergen Itinerary
STAR RATING KEY:
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Bergen Itinerary
1 Day In Bergen
Bergenhus Fortress
This imposing building is the only one of its kind in Bergen. Unlike some other medieval cities in Europe, this city wasn’t built to keep outsiders out. It has no walls or ramparts. Bergen was originally a sea-trading village, whose economy required welcoming many foreigners, and this structure was its only fortification. To learn more about the history of Bergen and this fortress, opt for a guided tour of the interior. If you’re not in the mood for a history lesson, at least wander around the courtyards before you move on to the next stop.
Cost and Hours: 160 NOK per person. May 21st-Sept 11 guided tours at 10:00am daily. For tours information, click here.
Address: 5003 Bergen, Norway
Website: www.forsvarsbygg.no
Bryggen
Bryggen is the old historic quarter of Bergen, made up of narrow lanes alongside wooden buildings housing a variety of little souvenir shops. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most important attraction on this itinerary, offering a rare opportunity to see traditional Norwegian architecture as it once existed. There are no specific buildings you must enter here – just roam around this small area, strolling up and down each lane until you’ve soaked it all in.
This walking tour of Bergen includes a very informative stop at Bryggen where you’ll learn about its historical significance.
This is a good time to stop for lunch at the recommended Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant before continuing to the next stop.
Address: Bryggen, Norway
Floibanen Funicular
This funicular whisks you to the top of Mount Floyen in less than five minutes and rewards you with a panoramic view of the entire city of Bergen. Don’t worry about the long line, it moves quickly (you can also buy your tickets online in advance to save time). It is not crucial to get a good seat on the funicular, as the most stunning views appear when you reach the terrace at the top. After you have enjoyed the terrace, you can either take the return trip on the funicular or walk down. We decided to take the funicular because of the unpredictable weather (it was bright and sunny when we went up, but pouring rain on our way down).
Cost and Hours: 150 NOK per adult round trip. Open Monday-Friday 7:30am-11:00pm, Saturday-Sunday 8:00am-11:00pm (opens at 9:00am Saturday-Sunday April-Oct).
Address: Vetrlidsallmenningen 23A, 5014 Bergen, Norway
Website: floyen.no
Fish Market
This fish market isn’t necessarily a place to stay and linger, but it serves as a picturesque route back to the harbor. Study the offerings. Everything from crab to whale sells here. There are also a lot of ready-to-eat traditional open-face seafood sandwiches if you haven’t had lunch yet. Once you’re done at the market, walk around the harbor as long as you want, making sure to enjoy the view of Bryggen from across the water. After this, head toward the National Theater.
Cost and Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm, Friday to Saturday 9:00am – 10:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm.
Address: Torget, 5013 Bergen, Norway
Website: en.visitbergen.com
Ole Bulls Plass
Old Bulls Plass is a pretty boulevard at the edge of historic Bergen. Start at the National Theater and admire the stunning architecture from the outside. Walk southwest to pass through one of Bergen’s main squares, Torgallmeningen. Keep going until you reach a small lake. Stroll all the way around the lake to savor the full experience.
From here, you can decide if you want to keep exploring or head to dinner. There are plenty of places to get a bite in this area, or you can walk 8 minutes back to the harbor for an incredible view of Bryggen with your meal at Bryggeriet Restaurant.
Address: Start at National Theater at Engen 1, 5803 Bergen. End at Lille Lungegardsvannet at Kaigaten 4, 5016 Bergen.
Day Trips from Bergen
Norway In A Nutshell
Norway in a Nutshell is the name given to the popular route across southern Norway through the Sognefjord. This adventure provides an introduction to Norway’s majestic landscape, involving transport via a series of trains, a bus, and a boat. This excursion is usually taken as a one-way journey between Oslo and Bergen, but also makes a great day trip from Bergen. The boat is the main attraction, but the trains also offer spectacular views. Click here for our detailed guide to this journey.
Practical Info For Your Trip To Bergen
Getting Around Bergen
Tourist Bergen is tiny – everything is reachable by foot. There is no need for a car here.
What to Wear in Bergen
Bergen is known for rain, which comes and goes in spurts of a few minutes. When we were there, it would be sunny and hot one minute, followed by the sky pouring rain and hail on us sixty seconds later. Weather changes in an instant, and you must be prepared for this unpredictability year round. That means an excellent quality raincoat with hood, waterproof pants, waterproof shoes, and a sturdy umbrella.
Where To Eat in Bergen
Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant
The traditional Norwegian food served here is of excellent quality, as is the service. Make sure you eat upstairs for a picturesque view of the harbor (go straight upstairs when you walk in, and the upstairs hostess will seat you).
Address: Bryggen 11, 5003 Bergen
Phone: +47 55 30 20 70
Website: www.bryggeloftet.no
Bryggeriet Restaurant
This small microbrewery has the best view in town, fresh beer, and quality food. This is a great place to stop for dinner or a drink to enjoy gazing at historic Bryggen across the harbor.
Address: Torget 2, 5014 Bergen
Phone: +47 40 20 56 95
Website: bryggeriet.biz
All rights reserved © Travel Cheat Sheet. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc) is strictly prohibited.
Share This Post!
