1 Day in Bergen: Perfect 24-hour Itinerary You Can Steal! 

We planned the perfect way to spend 1 day in Bergen, which brings you to the iconic views and attractions as well as some sneaky hidden gems. Steal our 24-hour Bergen itinerary for an incredible time in this charming city!

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, and it is drop-dead gorgeous. 

With a historic wharf on the waterfront, hidden cobblestone streets that look like they’ve been plucked from a storybook, and forested mountains surrounding the town, it is hard not to fall in love.

In fact, we had really high expectations for Bergen, yet still came away saying, “We could live here!” 

Psst! Read more about our personal experience in Bergen.

We put a lot of time into researching how we’d spend our short amount of time in the city, and we think we came up with the perfect 1-day Bergen itinerary that you can steal! 

We’re also sharing a few things we wished we had known, hidden gems most tourists miss, and a super popular restaurant that we personally don’t think lives up to the hype (and where to eat instead!).

After reading this article, you should have a really solid plan for how to spend one day in Bergen. This itinerary will bring you to the top sights as well as some hidden gems most tourists miss. We’ve even included more ideas of things to do in case you have more than one day in Bergen (lucky you!).

Despite Bergen’s reputation as being a rainy city, we ended up having the most perfect weather and the best time. 

We hope our research and tips help you make the most of your one day in Bergen!

Ready? Okay, let’s jump right in…

Bergen Travel Guide

We’ve including some more info on planning your trip to Bergen. Jump to the following sections, or just keep scrolling to see it all!

• Bergen itinerary overview
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
• Bergen itinerary map
• How long do you need?
• Where to stay
• Things to know before you go
• Our personal experience
• How to get there
• Where to eat

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1-day Bergen itinerary overview

This itinerary is set up so that you arrive in the afternoon on day 1 and leave in the afternoon on day 2, giving you a full 24 hours in Bergen.

That said, you can adjust the schedule to fit the time that you have there.

Day 1 (arrive midday)

1. Fantoft Stave Church
2. Lunch
3. Walking route
4. Harbor view
5. Fish Market
6. Brunost ice cream
7. Bryggen
8. Dinner
9. Rooftop bar
10. Nightlife

Day 2 (depart midday)

1. Coffee & cakes
2. Bergenhus Fortress
3. Mount Fløyen funicular
4. Reindeer sausage for lunch
5. Hot chocolate
6. Bergen Cathedral cannonball

Bergen itinerary map

Click on the map above to go to the interactive Google Maps version and have this 1-day Bergen itinerary at your fingertips.

Day 1 (midday)

Depending on how far away you’re coming from, you may need to get an early start this morning in order to make it to Bergen at a reasonable time. 

Getting there: We’d encourage you to try to arrive by lunchtime because there are so many great options in town. Backwards-plan your route (giving yourself buffer time, especially if you need to take a ferry), so you know exactly what time you need to leave.

Insider Tips: 

• Read our tips on how to get to Bergen because we have some specific notes on timing. 
• We recommend having a plan for where you’ll park in Bergen, as parking in this city can be a little tricky. We have some tips as well as a public lot linked here.
• If you’re traveling in a campervan, read our recommendation on where to camp. 

1. Check out the Fantoft Stave Church (optional)

As you’re getting close to Bergen, you can stop at the Fantoft Stave Church if you’d like*. This beautiful church was built in the traditional wooden style of medieval Western Europe. 

*This is only if you’re taking a southern approach to the city.

Unless you have a trained eye, you likely wouldn’t be able to tell that this is actually a replica. The original Fantoft Stave Church was burned to the ground in 1992 by a member of Norway’s black metal scene. You can learn more about the history of the church and the arson incident here. 

What you see today is an exact replica of the original stave church, which took 6 years to complete.

There are a few caveats about visiting Fantoft Stave Church:

1. The parking lot is very small and the path leading up to the church is short but quite steep.
2. The entry fee is NOK 80 ($7.50) for adults and NOK 40 ($3.75) for children, which may or may not be worth it to you.
3. There is a fence around the church (for understandable security reasons), making it hard to really photograph from the outside without paying the entry fee.

Essential info:

• Entry fee: NOK 80 ($7.50) for adults, NOK 40 ($3.75) for children
• Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Google Maps location

2. Have lunch in Bergen

Once you arrive in the city and find parking (either near your accommodation or at a public lot*), it’s time for lunch, and Bergen has quite a few great options (as well as some over-hyped duds).

Here is what we’d suggest:

• Daily pot: This cute cafe serves up healthy veggie-packed bowls and soups, which is honestly kind of hard to find in Norway. With meat and vegetarian options, this is a great budget-friendly option for lunch in Bergen!
• Klee Kaffe: This cozy restaurant features a rotating menu with elevated dishes as well as cakes and coffee. It is a little off the beaten path and feels like a hidden gem in a city full of touristy restaurants. They are open for both lunch and dinner and have jazz music on some nights.  
• The Hagelin Sisters: Lacking the atmosphere of the other two suggestions on this list, this cafeteria-style spot is known for fish dishes and is a good pick if you’re looking for a fast, no-frills lunch. Popular items are their fish stew and a variety of fish cakes ranging from NOK 20-45 each ($1.85-$4.20). You can grab lunch here, or do what we did and just get a couple of fish cakes to go in order to sample this regional dish on the go.

*Read our note about parking in Bergen. 

3. Walk around the pretty streets on the Nordnes Peninsula

This section of Bergen is often overlooked by visitors, and therefore is the perfect place to get away from crowds while you discover some of Bergen’s prettiest streets.

Here’s the walking route we suggest. It covers roughly 1.8 miles (3 km) one-way, and without stopping should take 45 minutes. 

We recommend blocking out 1 to 1.5 hours for this walk with stops along the way.

Following this route, here are some of the highlights:

1. Knøsesmauet: This picturesque street was one of our personal favorites.
2. Cort Piil-smauet: This historic street is one of the oldest in Bergen and is said to date back to the Middle Ages. There’s a nice square at the top of the hill.
3. Ytre Markeveien: Pretty and quiet residential street.
4. Nordnesparken: This park at the tip of the peninsula is a good final destination before returning to town. Be sure to check out this totem pole  that was donated as a gift by the city of Seattle.
5. Strandgaten: As you loop your way back to the heart of town, walk along this cute street, lined with boutiques and cafes, where locals like to hang out. 
6. Bryggen Harbour view: Make your way to the final stop on this route, which will give you an iconic view (more info below).

4. Get the iconic Bryggen Harbor view

The classic photo of Bergen is of the colorful row houses known as Bryggen. 

This historic harbor district was a trading port as early as the 12th century, making Bergen one of the oldest port cities in Northern Europe. These wooden buildings have experienced a number of fires in the centuries since, but today it is well-preserved and is even on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

To get the best view of Bryggen, head to this spot where you can get a stunning view across the harbor. 

Good to know: I will warn you that most images you see of Bergen from this spot were taken using a zoom lens, so it may be a bit further away than you’d imagine. But it’s nothing that a telephoto lens (or 3X on your iPhone!) can’t fix.

Insider tip: You’ll likely pass by this spot at least a couple of times during your time in Bergen, and we’d encourage you to stop more than once to experience it at different times of the day. It is arguably the most beautiful at golden hour or even twilight (though more difficult to photograph unless you have the right equipment).

5. Explore the Bergen Fish Market

I’ll give it to you straight, this was pretty underwhelming in our opinion. If you’ve ever been to a fish market in Asia, this really pales in comparison (sorry, just being honest!). 

However, the Bergen Fish Market is one of the top attractions in Bergen, is located at the center of town, and takes 5 minutes to walk through, so you should definitely stop by at least just to see it.

You’ll find a collection of restaurants and souvenir booths covered with red awnings lining a pedestrian path. 

Fair warning: We’ve heard the restaurants here leave a bit to be desired, especially for the price (and there are better options elsewhere in town). So our advice is to wander through and take a few pictures on your way to the next stop…

6. Try brunost ice cream

At the end of the fish market, you’ll find a small grouping of stands selling food and ice cream. 

Vafleriet is a great spot to grab an ice cream (and/or waffle) if your heart desires.

While there are a variety of flavors, we recommend choosing ones that are unique to Norway, like brunost (brown cheese) or cloudberry. Both were great!

7. Wander the historic Bryggen Wharf

You’ve already seen Bryggen from across the harbor, but now’s the time to get into this historic wharf and explore. 

Once you’re at the colorful row houses, follow one of the narrow passageways that lead into what used to be a trading center. It is like walking through a living museum. 

We loved wandering around and imagining what this area would look like hundreds of years ago. Some of the buildings are turned into contemporary boutiques, selling souvenirs and art. Others are cafes or small pubs.

8. Enjoy dinner (be sure to make reservations!)

Bergen is one of the places in Norway where you will want to make dinner reservations.

Here’s why: There are tons of options to choose from, but some are better than others. The thing is, no matter where you choose, you’ll be spending a decent amount of money (eating out in Norway isn’t cheap, after all!), so we recommend putting some thought into where you want to dine. Then, make reservations so you’re not disappointed or eating at an ungodly hour.

Bergen is a harbor town, so this is a great place to get fish and seafood. Don’t worry – if that’s not your thing, there are certainly other options. 

Here is a list of dinner recommendations:

• Bryggen Tracteursted: Tucked away in the historic Bryggen area, we stumbled across this restaurant and wished we would have dined here. On a nice evening, the outdoor seating area looks lovely, yet the cozy historic building would be a nice setting as well. With traditional Norwegian dishes and great presentation, this hidden gem makes a great dinner choice.  
• The Unicorn Fish Restaurant: Located on the second floor of one of the historic Bryggen row houses, this small eatery features antique furnishings and a menu highlighting seafood dishes. The brown cheese ice cream is not to be missed!
• The Dining Hook: This intimate restaurant is a splurge-worthy meal. With a small seasonal menu featuring 3 starters, 3 mains, and 3 desserts, you can order a la carte or do the tasting menu (with the option to add a wine or non-alcoholic pairing). Presentation and flavor are said to be fantastic.
• Dr. Wiesener: For a hidden gem, this restaurant was recommended to us by our Airbnb host as a good place to get authentic dishes surrounded by locals. Here’s what he said: “My favorite food is served only Thursdays and is called Raspeballer. It’s potato dumplings with sausages, bacon, and mashed kohlrabi. You order at the bar, so don’t wait for a waiter at the table. (Unfortunately they don’t serves this dish in the summer at this restaurant.)”
  • Fun fact: Raspeballer is a traditional dish from Bergen and is served at a handful of local restaurants (not just Dr. Wiesener) only on Thursdays.

Popular restaurant we can’t personally recommend:

• AS Bryggestuen – Bryggeloftet: This is arguably the most famous restaurant in Bergen. It is also the oldest restaurant in the city and could be a good option, depending on what you’re looking for. That said, we personally dined here (after seeing it on just about every blog about Bergen) and can’t fully recommend it.
  • Food: 6/10 – We ordered two different seafood dishes, both of which were just okay. The seafood and fish in each were overcooked, and didn’t feel memorable or special or really even that fresh. It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t all that good.
  • Service: 7/10 – Servers were kind and accommodating being that we were traveling with a toddler; that said, the food took a while to come out and service was a little slow (not a huge deal to us).
  • Atmosphere: 5/10 – The decor is cool and the building is historic; however, midway through our meal, the otherwise pretty quiet area we were seated in became a zoo as a huge amount of cruise ship passengers were seated by us. It really put a damper on the atmosphere and experience. 
  • Value: 6/10 – Our total bill came to NOK 1,242 ($115), which is kind of average for a sit down dinner in Norway. That was for two entrees (we shared our food with our toddler), one gin & tonic, and an apple juice. I imagine we would have spent a similar amount anywhere else in Bergen for a comparable meal, but nothing about this meal was all that memorable. 

Long story short: We don’t think this is a bad choice per se (and many people rave about it, so we clearly have the unpopular opinion here!), but we do feel that it is a little overhyped and that there are better options for dinner in Bergen.

9. Have cocktails on a rooftop

Note: You can move this around in your itinerary to be before dinner if you’ll be eating later, or keep it after dinner.

Enjoy a cocktail with a view at 360º Xhibition, a rooftop bar with sweeping vistas of the city and a pretty extensive cocktail menu.

With tropical-ish vibes, a bunch of different seating areas (both indoor & outdoor), and lots of locals, we felt like we discovered a gem!

We got there relatively early, so it wasn’t at all crowded, and we loved that the sun cast a golden glow over Bergen as we sipped our drinks. 

There were only a couple of non-alcoholic options, which I would have loved to see more of (I was pregnant). But the actual cocktail list has a good variety.

Tip on timing: If possible, time this for that golden hour glow! If you’re doing a later dinner, stop here first. And vice versa, if you’re eating early, come for post-dinner drinks.

Traveling with kids? I emailed the property ahead of time since we were traveling in Norway with a toddler and they told us yes, you can bring children. That said, our daughter was the only child while we were there, and I probably would recommend going somewhat early in the evening to get a good spot.

Essential info:

• Open: Wednesday – Saturday
• Hours: 3 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. (W,T)  / 1:30 a.m. (F, S)
• Google Maps location

10. Experience Bergen’s nightlife scene

If you’re up for a drink (or two!), there are plenty of bars around town to choose from. 

Be spontaneous and pop into any pub that strikes your fancy. Or check out one of the places from our list of recommendations below.

• Apollon Platebar: with 46 beers on tap and a huge collection of vinyl records, this eclectic spot is a local favorite
• Art Themis: chic bar with cocktails, beer, and great pizza as well as live music
• Folk & Røvere: cozy pub with a good selection of beers at reasonable prices (for downtown Bergen)
• Baklommen bar: nestled in the historic wharf area, this pub is oozing with atmosphere
• HEM: vintage vibes and lots of locals, this bar also serves pizza
• No Stress Bergen: this cocktail bar puts a spin on the classics in a cozy atmosphere. Tip: Get there early and try to get a seat where you can play Mario Kart 64 
• Pergola Mat & Vinbar AS: hidden neighborhood wine bar with pizza

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Day 2

Today, you can get an early start to squeeze more in, or take it a bit slower and have a relaxed morning. 

If you’re following this itinerary, you’ll be leaving in the early afternoon, so keep this in mind in terms of timing. 

11. Start your morning with coffee & cakes 

There are so many cute coffee shops in Bergen, you should have no problem finding one to pop into. 

But if you want a destination in mind, these are two centrally-located coffee shops that come highly recommended:

• Det Lille Kaffekompaniet: This is the oldest coffee shop in Bergen, and they are known for having excellent carrot cake (as if you need an excuse to have cake for breakfast!).
• Kaf Kafe Bryggen: This cozy coffee shop is nestled in the historic Bryggen wharf area and serves classic Norwegian sweets like waffles (try them topped with brunost) and cinnamon buns. It also gives you the opportunity to wander the wharf in the early hours of the day. 

Dine in or take your coffee to go as you walk to the next stop…

12. Visit the Bergenhus Fortress

Make your way over to the Bergenhus Fortress, which is one of the oldest surviving fortresses in Norway. 

It is free to enter the fortress grounds, but some of the buildings (like the Rosenkrantz Tower and The King Håkon’s Hall have an entrance fee.

There is a free museum with exhibits focused on the city and the fortress’s role in WWII. 

Good to know: There’s free tea and coffee at the museum!

• Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. (museums and other buildings on site have their own hours)
• Google Maps location

Insider Tip: If you’re into history, you can add a little detour to see the nearby St. Mary’s Church, which is the oldest surviving building in Bergen.

Want a more relaxed morning? You can skip some or all of the above recommendations and have a slow morning at your accommodation. We personally did this because our Airbnb was so lovely, and we just enjoyed coffee with a view from there. Then begin your day at this next stop…

13. Ride the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen

One of the very best things to do in Bergen is to take the funicular to the top of Fløyen, a mountain that looms over the east edge of town.

You can either hike to the top (free workout, yay!), or take the easy way up (like we did) and ride the funicular.

Once you’re at the top of Mount Fløyen, you’ll have a spectacular view overlooking Bergen. But the fun doesn’t end there…

In fact, there are a ton of things to do at the top of Fløyen and you could spend a good chunk of a day exploring.

Things to do at Mount Fløyen

• Explore the hiking trails 
• Pet the resident goats 
• If you’re traveling with kids, you must go to this playground (pictured above), which is hidden in the forest and quite possibly the coolest playground I’ve seen in my entire life!
• Eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes at Mount Fløyen
• Get waffles at the cutest Nordic cafe on the edge of Skomakerstuen lake. (Only open Saturday and Sunday as well as public holidays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) There’s another hut a bit further called Brushytten that serves similar items.

Tip for visiting: Come early to avoid crowds. We got up there around 10 a.m. and it wasn’t too busy, but by noon, it was very crowded. It was also a beautiful, sunny day, so that probably added to the popularity!

Essential info:

• Hours (that the funicular runs):
  • Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – midnight
  • Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – midnight
• Round trip ticket price: 
  • Adults: NOK 180 ($17)
  • Children: NOK 85 ($8)
• See all opening hours (including each restaurant and the ticket booth) here.
• Google Maps location (this is the location of the funicular railway station you can take to the top)

14. Try a reindeer sausage for lunch

The Trekroneren stand is a Bergen icon. But this is one of those super-popular, need-to-wait-in-line places that is worth the hype.

They have a large menu of sausages, but the one they are most famous for is the reindeer sausage. Served with mustard, lingonberry jam, and crispy onions, I highly recommend you stick with this one and get it with all the toppings.

I’m not even a hot dog person and I loved this!

Similar to how hot dogs are a big deal in Iceland, they are pretty popular in Norway. And much better than what you’d typically find in North America. (That’s not an opinion, it’s a fact!)

For comparison’s sake, we have tried the famous hot dog in Reykjavik, and while it would be better to have a true side-by-side comparison to see which we prefer, Ben and I both agree that we think the Bergen sausage wins!

Essential info:

• Hours: 11 a.m. (12 p.m. on Sundays) – wee hours in the morning (3:30 a.m. or 4 a.m., depending on the day)
• Google Maps location

15. Sip the best hot chocolate of your life

Fjåk is a cozy chocolate shop that’s a true gem! 

They sell individual truffles, chocolate bars, ice cream, and a small selection of baked items, but the real star here is their hot chocolate.

You can choose:

• type of chocolate: percentage of cocoa and origin of the beans
• type of milk: whole or an alternative
• strength: mild, classic, or Spanish (thicker and more intense)
• topping: whipped cream or a homemade marshmallow

We ordered one with 75% cacao, classic preparation, whole milk, homemade marshmallow, and oh my goodness, it was fantastic!

We had a few more hot chocolates in Norway after this one, but none even came close. It may have ruined all other hot chocolate for me!

Essential info:

• Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. weekends
• Google Maps location

16. Find the cannonball still in the facade of the cathedral

Just around the corner from the chocolate shop is the Bergen Cathedral, which isn’t all that interesting other than the fact that there is a cannonball still lodged in the facade which came from an English ship during a battle at the Bergen harbor.

Since you’re just a block or so away, walk over and see if you can spot it! Personally, I wouldn’t pay the NOK 40 entrance fee (which is supposedly sometimes not enforced), but the option is there if you’re into it.

17. Say goodbye to Bergen (or stay a little longer!)

This is the end of your one day in Bergen, and it’s time to say goodbye to this charming city. I know it’s hard, but the end has to come at some point, right?

If you’re lucky and have more time, continue reading the next section where we have lots more tips for things to do with more than one day in Bergen…

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How long do I need in Bergen?

Personally, we could have spent 3 full days in this city and not been bored because there is a lot to do and lots of restaurants to try. The nightlight also seems fun! 

Psst! If you have more time, see the next section for our personal bucket list of what other things we’d do if we had more time.

That said, if you – like us – have limited time on your Norway itinerary, one day in Bergen can give you a great taste of what this city has to offer.

Our recommendation for timing if you have just one day

We recommend arriving around midday and staying until the same time the following day. 

This will give you plenty of time to explore Bergen’s highlights, experience the nightlife (if you want!), and experience the city after the cruise ships have departed for the evening.

Have more time in Bergen?

If you have more than one day in Bergen (lucky you!), here are some ideas of how to fill your time.

1. Warm up in a sauna

While traveling in Norway, you’ll definitely want to partake in sauna culture at least once (if not a bunch!). Here are a couple in Bergen to check out:

• Heit Bergen Sauna: Floating saunas with both shared and private options. With 2 locations in Bergen, you can choose the one most convenient for your route.
  • Hours and cost vary depending on season, time, location, and type of sauna
  • Reservations required
  • Booking information found here
• City Sauna Bergen: Private floating saunas as well as a sauna cruise that could be a fun, unique experience (albeit a splurge). They also have a drop-in sauna which does not require reservations, though you may need to wait if it’s busy.
  • Hours and cost vary depending on season, time, location, and type of sauna
  • Reservations required for cruise and private saunas
  • Booking information found here

2. Hike (or ride!) to Ulriken

Ulriken is the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains, offering panoramic views of the city, fjords, and mountains. There are a few options to reach the peak:

1. Oppstemten, aka the Sherpa Staircase, is a steep climb up more than 1,300 stone steps that is guaranteed to get your heart thumping.
2. Korketrekkeren, aka the Corkscrew, is a loop that takes you up another route and back down the stairs. The corkscrew trail tends to be less crowded than the stairs.
3. The Ulriken Cable Car offers a relaxing and breathtaking ride to the mountaintop for NOK 395 ($36) round-trip per adult. Book your tickets here. 

3. Hike to the Stoltzekleiven viewpoint 

One of the most popular hikes in the city, this short but strenuous ascent takes about 20-35 minutes and offers sweeping vistas of Bergen and the surrounding landscape. This is a great spot to catch the sunset (check this website for sunset times on your travel dates).

From the viewpoint, you can either walk back down the steps or continue hiking to Fløyen, about 2-2.5 hours point-to-point.

Insider tip: BOD24 Sandviken is a cafe not far from the trailhead to Stoltzekleiven. It is a Bergen gem, recommended to us by our Airbnb host, and makes a great place to fuel up before your hike or to have lunch afterwards. (Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 

4. Swim in a heated saltwater pool

Perched on the edge of the fjord, Nordnes Seawater Pool is open year-round and heated to a pleasant temperature for a dip in any season. In addition to the 25-foot saltwater pool, they also have saunas and diving boards for anyone who wants to take a plunge in the fjord itself.

5. Have a drink beneath a stunning fresco ceiling

Located in Bergen’s historic stock exchange building, Frescohallen is a unique setting for a drink with soaring vaulted ceilings, ornate columns, and colorful frescoes.

Good to know: We haven’t heard the best things about the food here (especially for the price), so we’d stick to ordering a drink at the bar or even a coffee earlier in the day.

6. Dine on fresh seafood on an island

If you have room in your budget for a splurge, dinner at Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant promises to be unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

This prestigious seafood restaurant is located on a tiny island outside of Bergen. They offer set menus that include round-trip boat transfer from the Bryggen Wharf for upwards of NOK 1,100 ($100) per person. 

To say that these dishes are elevated would be an understatement. The chef prepares a “meteorological menu” that changes daily based on the weather and what the fishermen have caught that day. How cool is that?!

Good to know: For this experience, you will need to book in advance. The boat trip also takes about 25 minutes one-way, so be sure to factor that into your plans.

7. Go art gallery hopping

Bergen is known as a rainy city, so it’s always good to have some backup activities for those infamous drizzly days.

Located around the picturesque Lille Lungegårdsvannet in the city center, KODE Art Museums has 4 different galleries that you can visit with just one ticket. Choose the one that sounds most intriguing to you, or walk from one gallery to another for a day of art and culture.

8. Rent a kayak for free

Did you know that you can rent a kayak in Bergen totally free of charge while doing something good for the environment?!

GreenKayak is an environmental NGO with a really cool mission: 

You can rent a kayak free of charge in exchange for collecting trash you find in the water. 

It’s a win-win because: 

• You get to do an activity that is typically pretty expensive in Norway (kayaking!) for free in an iconic part of Bergen.
• Plus, you get to feel good knowing you’ve made a difference by helping clean up the environment. 

Since 2017, GreenKayak has had tens of thousands of volunteers, and together they’ve collected far more than 100 tons of trash. How cool is that?!

In our opinion, this is one of the best free things to do in Bergen!

Things to know about booking a GreenKayak

• It is expected that you share your experience on social media and use the hashtag #GreenKayak in order to spread awareness.
• It’s easiest to make a booking on GreenKayak’s free app. 
• Time slots are 1 hour 45 minutes.
• They are not open during the winter months due to cold water temperatures. The season typically starts at the beginning of May and you’re able to make bookings beginning in April.
• If you’re traveling with a small child, you may want to bring your own life jacket. We traveled in Norway with our toddler (2.5 years old at the time of the trip) and we packed her life jacket from home so we could do this experience in Oslo, as well as kayaking in another area. We were glad we did, because neither place provided life jackets that would have been suitable for a small child.
• GreenKayak has locations in Norway, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. 
• Other locations in Norway include Oslo and Ålesund.

Our experience: We rented a GreenKayak at their Oslo location and it was one of the highlights of our 2 days in Oslo! We didn’t find all that much trash, which I suppose is a good thing, but we still had fun taking the kayak out (for free!) and highly recommend this activity.

Where to stay in Bergen

There are lots of great places to stay in Bergen. We recommend staying within the city center so you can walk everywhere instead of driving. Here are our top recommendations:

Airbnb overlooking Bergen (our top pick!)

This is where we personally stayed and we can’t recommend it more! The host was very kind and the cozy space is even better than the pictures. The bed was the best we slept on in all of Norway and the property has a lovely view overlooking the city. It is also (surprisingly!) one of the more affordable properties in Bergen. 

2 things to know:

• Depending on the date, there is sometimes a 2-night minimum stay. We stayed just one night, but we noticed that it varies. You could message the host to inquire about this if you only want to stay one night.
• It is located in a quiet neighborhood overlooking Bergen, and you can walk down to the center of town in just 5 minutes. That said, walking back up is steep so be prepared for an uphill trek, or you can take the funicular to the neighborhood. If you choose to do this make sure you get on one that stops at the intermediary stations. Not all trains stop here, so you’ll accidentally end up at the top of the mountain! (It’s not well-marked, so you can ask a staff member if you’re confused.)

Loft apartment

• 1-bedroom Airbnb
• central location
• bright and airy
• no minimum stay
• stairs required

Historic house

• 2-bedroom Airbnb
• great location
• 2-night minimum
• stairs required
• highly rated

Family-friendly penthouse

• 2-bedroom Airbnb
• sleeps 6
• lake view
• no minimum stay

Luxury hotel stay

• great location
• upscale design
• Norwegian-style breakfast buffet included
• onsite restaurant
• no minimum stay

Camping near Bergen

Even though we were traveling around Norway in a campervan, we made an exception and booked an Airbnb for one night in Bergen. 

If you have the budget, we’d recommend doing this so that you can experience the evening in this city (since there’s no good option for camping nearby).

The alternative is to base yourself at one of the following campgrounds:

• Lone Camping AS: 27 minutes from Bergen (highest rated)
• Bratland Camping: 22 minutes from Bergen 
• Midttun Motell & camping AS: 17 minutes from Bergen (lowest rated)

Things to know about Bergen

Before you arrive in this city, there are a few things you should know about Bergen… 

1. It’s very hilly! 

Be prepared for some steep strolls, especially if you plan to explore a bit outside of the central tourist area.

2. This area is known for getting lots of rain

When we told an Oslo local about our plan to go to Bergen, she quickly told us, “It is always raining there.” 

And data backs up her claim, with September – January averaging more than 10 inches per month. Even the summer months, which see less rainfall, have a fair bit of rain and overcast days.

We personally got incredibly lucky and had perfectly clear, sunny days where the temperatures stayed in the mid-70s (24ºC) during the day. But I think that was the exception. 

I’ll cross my fingers that you have great weather in Bergen too, but don’t be too disappointed if you see rain in the forecast because that’s the norm.

Insider tip: Even if it’s warm during the day, it can cool off quite a bit in the evening, so carry a warm layer with you as you’re out and about.

3. It is a popular cruise ship stop

Like many beautiful places in Norway, Bergen is a popular stop on Norwegian cruises.

This means that some areas, like the historic Bryggen and fish market, tend to be very busy during the day. There are also some restaurants that cater to cruise passengers, making them very crowded (we’ll share our personal experience later in this article).

The good news is that there are many places outside the main touristy area that few cruise ship passengers will make it to. If you come with realistic expectations and follow our itinerary, we can assure you that the cruise ships won’t impact your travel too much.

Insider tip: Go to this website and click on your date to see if there are cruise ships scheduled to be in Bergen while you’ll be there. It should tell you the time the ship(s) will be docked as well as how many passengers to expect. You can use this site for any other towns in Norway you plan to visit. The website is not the prettiest, but it gives you the info you need!

4. Parking can be tricky

Bergen is a very walkable city, so you won’t need to drive in town to get around. That said, if you are on a Norway road trip and are driving a rental car or campervan, you will need to find parking once you get to town.

If you are spending the night, we’d recommend parking near your accommodation so that you don’t have to move your vehicle. Alternatively, there is a public parking lot that is somewhat centrally located, which could be another option.

Good to know: All the street parking we saw in Bergen was paid. We were warned that parking fees are strictly enforced, and tickets are typically NOK 700 ($65). If you are parked in an area where there is no sign indicating you can park, you may be towed at your own expense, so make sure you are in a spot where parking is allowed (there should be signs clearly marking it). You can pay at the machines on the street, or by an app (which you need a Norwegian phone number to do). 

Our personal experience: We ended up staying at our parking meter longer than we had paid for, but we were too far away to add more money to the physical machine. Thankfully, our Airbnb host kindly offered to add time for us. Learn from our mistake and try not to cut it too close with time on your parking meter so you don’t have to stress.

5. Come with a plan

While we love a good spontaneous wander, Bergen is a city you’ll want to visit with somewhat of a plan (especially if you have limited time!). 

The best restaurants in town require reservations, and there are certain spots you’ll want to be at a particular time (whether for good lighting or to avoid cruise ship crowds). 

Also, if you just have one day in Bergen (like we did), we don’t want you to miss out on some hidden gems that will be easy to miss if you just show up with no route in mind.

The good news is that this article will walk you through the perfect plan for your time in Bergen so you get the most out of your visit.

Our personal experience in Bergen

Funny story: When we lived in Chiang Mai, we rented an apartment with a wall hanging above the bed of a beautiful city… It took us a few months to figure out that city was Bergen! We vowed then that someday we would travel there. 

When planning our Norway road trip, we knew we had to include at least one day in Bergen. Instead of camping nearby and driving into the city and back out at night, we decided to splurge on a (reasonably-priced!) Airbnb. It was the day of our 11th wedding anniversary, after all!

While we were planning our trip to Norway, I can’t tell you how many people reached out saying Bergen was one of their favorite places in Norway. I even received two messages from separate people saying a family member of theirs named their child Bergen as an homage to their love for this city. 

So I guess you can say we had high expectations for Bergen, and even still, we left saying, “I could live here!”

Where to eat in Bergen

We’ve suggested our top picks throughout this itinerary, but if you’re looking for alternative options, this is our personal list of places we have saved.

Breakfast & coffee

• Det Lille Kaffekompaniet: oldest coffee shop in Bergen, known for having excellent carrot cake (as if you need an excuse to have cake for breakfast!)
• Kaf Kafe Bryggen: cozy coffee shop nestled in the historic Bryggen wharf area and serving classic Norwegian sweets like waffles (try them topped with brunost) and cinnamon buns
• Løvetann Café & Bistro: cute cafe for brunch or lunch; recommended dishes are the “Hand of Fatima” and Turkish eggs
• Solros cafe and Bakery: tiny little cafe with coffee and pastries
• Godt Brød Korskirken: this is a chain and you’ll find a few locations around the city. It can be a good option for a quick morning bite. Try the skolebolle here.
• Skg.Vinkafé: excellent coffee with a cool, local atmosphere, though they don’t open until at least 10 a.m. They are open into the evening on some nights and serve wine. 

Lunch

• Daily pot: cute, budget-friendly cafe with healthy veggie-packed bowls and soups (which is honestly kind of hard to find in Norway!)
• Klee Kaffe: cozy restaurant with a rotating menu of elevated dishes as well as cakes and coffee. It is a little off the beaten path and feels like a hidden gem in a city full of touristy restaurants. They are open for both lunch and dinner and have jazz music on some nights.  
• The Hagelin Sisters: cafeteria-style spot known for fish dishes; a good pick if you’re looking for a fast, no-frills lunch. Popular items are their fish stew and a variety of fish cakes ranging from NOK 20-45 each ($1.85-$4.20). You can grab lunch here, or do what we did and just get a couple of fish cakes to go in order to sample this regional dish on the go.
• Pygmalion Ecocafe & Gallery: good vegetarian options
• Dirty Vegan Bergen: popular vegan “junk food” spot featuring fast food classics like fries, burgers, and onion rings

Dinner

• Bryggen Tracteursted: Tucked away in the historic Bryggen area, we stumbled across this restaurant and wished we would have dined here. On a nice evening, the outdoor seating area looks lovely, yet the cozy historic building would be a nice setting as well. With traditional Norwegian dishes and great presentation, this hidden gem makes a great dinner choice.  
• The Unicorn Fish Restaurant: small eatery located in a historic Bryggen row house with antique furnishings and a menu highlighting seafood dishes
• The Dining Hook: intimate, splurge-worthy restaurant with a small seasonal menu featuring 3 starters, 3 mains, and 3 desserts. Order a la carte or do the tasting menu (with the option to add a wine or non-alcoholic pairing). Presentation and flavor are said to be fantastic.
• Dr. Wiesener: hidden gem recommended to us by our Airbnb host as a good place to get authentic dishes surrounded by locals
• Kafé Spesial: budget friendly spot that’s popular with locals and features pasta, pizza, and hummus
• MOON: 2024 Michelin recommended restaurant featuring a tasting menu and a surprisingly unpretentious atmosphere
• Bien Basar: Norwegian and Spanish tapas
• Sushi Roll Sandviken: excellent sushi restaurant run by a chef/owner that’s well-known in the Bergen restaurant scene, reasonable prices

How to get to Bergen

You can get to Bergen via train or self-driving (or as part of a tour). 

Our advice: Personally, we think driving in Norway is the best way to see this country!

Psst! You will likely be flying in and out of Oslo, so be sure to check out our itinerary for 2 days in Oslo!

A note on ferries

Additionally, depending on the route you take, there’s a chance you’ll need to take a ferry. Look at the timetable ahead of time so you know when the ferry departs. We accidentally missed our ferry by about 3 minutes and had to wait there for 45 more minutes until the next ferry.

Getting around in Bergen

Once you’re in Bergen, you should plan to walk everywhere because not only is the city relatively compact and walkable, but parking is tricky.

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Planning a trip to Norway?

We have lots of resources on travel in Norway and destinations around the country. Check out our Norway Travel Homepage for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Norway travel articles to help you plan your dream vacation.

• Norway Packing List: What to Wear + FREE Checklist!
• 2 Days in Oslo: Perfect 48-hour Itinerary (feat. hidden gems!)
• Best Cities to Visit in Europe
• Best Time to Visit Europe: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Be sure to download our ultimate packing list for Norway! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Norway trip. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?

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What do you think about this itinerary for 24 hours in Bergen? Are you planning a trip to Norway and have more questions? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to get back to you!