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1-day Bergen Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors

The beguiling city of Bergen is known as the doorway to the Norwegian fjords. Surrounded by age-old fjords and seven mountains, it could easily take the crown as Norway’s most charming city. I spent a day exploring Bergen as part of my Norway in a Nutshell itinerary and was quickly smitten. This was followed by instant regret.  Boy oh boy, I could easily have spent two more days there! But as it stands, I only have so much vacation days. This 1-day Bergen Itinerary captures the best of what this magical city has to offer. 

Interesting Facts about Bergen

Before diving into the 1-day Bergen Itinerary, here are some interesting facts about this historic coastal city:

  • After Oslo, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, with a population of around 280,000 people. Despite being relatively small, it’s a major cultural and economic hub, particularly for shipping, seafood, and tourism.
  • Because of its unique location, it is the rainiest city in Norway and one of the top five wettest cities in Europe with an average of 239 rainy days in a year. So make sure that you come armed with your umbrella!
  • Due to its artistic atmosphere, rich history, and diverse festivals, Bergen is often referred to as Norway’s “cultural capital.” The city is home to several art galleries, museums, and theaters, making it a vibrant center for culture and creativity.
man standing in front of buildings

Planning Your Bergen Trip: Things to Know Before You Go

How to get to Bergen

Aside from taking one of the 61 direct flights to Bergen, you can also reach the city by ferry or cruise, by taking a train from Oslo or Flåm, or by taking an express bus service from Stavanger. If you prefer to go by rental car, your drive into Bergen will be rewarded with views of stunning fjords and the majestic North Sea.

If you choose to fly to Bergen like I did, you will arrive at Bergen International Airport (aka Bergen Flesland Airport or Bergen Luftvahn) (IATA: BGO). Bergen Airport boasts a sleek and contemporary design that is proudly Scandinavian. It’s approximately 20 km (12,5 miles) from the iconic Bryggen port in the central area of the city (Bergen Sentrum). To get to the city center, you have the following options:

By Light Rail (Bergen Bybanen)

The cheapest option for traveling between the Bergen airport and the city center. The city’s tram/light rail offers a picturesque journey through the suburbs before arriving at Bryggen. The station is conveniently located just outside the airport terminal. Just descend the flight of stairs or take the elevator once you exit the arrivals area.

  • Take Line 1 which runs till midnight. You can see the Light Rail time schedule here.
  • Ticket: You may purchase the ticket onsite using a vending machine or use the Skyss billet app. When booking with the app, choose Bergen luftvahn (Zone A) in the From field and Bryggen (Zone A) in the To field. A ticket costs 47 NOK. 
  • Duration: 45-55 minutes
  • Note: The light rail journey is free with a Bergen Card (more on this later).

By Express Airport Bus (Flybussen)

This is the faster but pricier option. There are two express bus trips per hour. The last bus departs at 11:30pm. You can check the Flybussen Express schedules.

  • Ticket: A ticket costs 169 NOK. You may purchase in advance at the Flybussen website. The starting station you should choose is “Bergen Lufthavn Flesland” and ending station is “Bryggen”.
  • Duration: 35 minutes

By Taxi

There are designated taxi stands at the airport. Be aware though that this is the priciest option to get out of the airport. If you’re wondering, Uber is not available in Bergen.

  • Ticket: 400-500 NOK; the fare increases by 50% after midnight so expect to pay 700-800 NOK if you arrive in the wee hours
  • Duration: 20-25 minutes
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How to get around Bergen with the Bergen Card

Consider getting a Bergen Card to gain free entry or discounted admission to some museums, attractions, and tours. You can also travel around Bergen for free with busses operated by Skyss and with the light rail in the city centre and Vestland county. You may purchase the physical card at various selling points including the airport, the Bergen Tourist Information (located at Strandkaien 3, near the Fish Market) or from selected hotels. Alternatively, you have the option to purchase a Bergen Card digital version online. A 24-hour pass costs 380 NOK for adults and 100 NOK for kids.

How to activate your Bergen Card: Upon ordering online, you will receive an email with a link to your digital Bergen card. To start using it, just click on the activation button on your digital card and a countdown timer will appear. You can check how long it is valid for at any time even if you’re offline.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Bergen offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style, making it easy to find the perfect place to complement your 1-day Bergen Itinerary. Whether you’re looking for luxurious stays with stunning fjord views, cozy mid-range hotels with convenient locations, or budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on comfort, this charming city has something for everyone.

two beds in a hotel room in Bergen, Norway

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen

For this trip, I chose to stay overnight at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen, thanks to its unbeatable location right in the heart of the Bryggen area, near the waterfront. The hotel offers stunning views, and its proximity to numerous shops and restaurants made exploring the city incredibly convenient. To top it off, their fantastic breakfast buffet spread was the perfect way to start each day.

two beds in a hotel room in Bergen, Norway

Clarion Hotel Bergen (formerly First Hotel Marin) 

Ideally located in the heart of Bergen, this hotel is nestled in the historic Bryggen area, the city’s old Hanseatic harbor. It’s just a short walk from the Fish Market and only 0.6 miles from the train and bus stations, making it a convenient base for exploring. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, as well as access to the on-site gym and sauna for a relaxing stay.

king bed in a hotel room in Bergen, Norway

Bergen Harbour Hotel

Bergen Harbour Hotel is a charming boutique hotel ideally located between Bryggen and the Fish Market. Surrounded by a lively array of restaurants, cafés, shops, and bars, it offers the perfect base for exploring the vibrant heart of Bergen. A delicious full breakfast is included in the rates, adding excellent value to your stay.

queen bed in a hotel room in Bergen, Norway

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen is a contemporary redbrick hotel that boasts a prime location in the heart of the city. Just a 3-minute walk from the historic Bryggen Wharf with its iconic medieval boathouses and the Fløibanen funicular, it offers an ideal base for exploring Bergen’s top attractions.

Where to Eat in Bergen

Bergen is a food lover’s paradise with countless dining options to explore. While I’ve listed the places I have personal tried and that I’d happily recommend, one of the joys of visiting Bergen is discovering new culinary spots on your own. Take a leisurely stroll through the city, and if a restaurant or café piques your interest, don’t hesitate to try it! Unsure? A quick look at Google reviews can help you make a decision. 

seafood plate

Bergen’s Fish Market (Fisketorget I Bergen)

A must-visit for seafood lovers, Bergen’s Fish Market offers a wide variety of seafood, including king crabs, tuna, shrimps and even whale meat. Many stalls offer ready-to-eat dishes and also has a flexible “paluto” concept, similar to the Philippines, where you can choose your seafood and have it cooked to your liking. I opted for a seafood plate, and it was incredibly tasty! Definitely didn’t disappoint! Be forewarned: some of the selections here are ridiculously overpriced. 

fried goat cheese on a plate

Pinocchio Mat og Vinbar

A top-rated gem in Bergen, this restaurant offers simple, fresh, yet refined dishes that delight the palate. Highlights include creamy hummus, fried goat cheese, deviled eggs, and gourmet toasts. Don’t miss the crab and rice croquettes or the duck confit paired with a luscious orange marmalade on sourdough toast. For seafood lovers, the octopus with Marquez sausage, legumes, dried tomato vinaigrette, and fresh shoots is an absolute standout. 

pumpkin soup and hummus plate

Løvetann Café & Bistro

One of the best spots for breakfast in Bergen, this café is a haven for fresh, healthy, and flavorful meals. The menu is predominantly vegetarian and vegan, featuring options like falafel, hummus, poke bowls, vegetarian pasta, and indulgent vegan desserts. Don’t miss their signature Hand of Fatima, a platter of homemade falafel served with three varieties of their signature hummus, or their perfectly cooked omelette, both are standout dishes. Their desserts, like the cheesecake and apple pie, are equally delightful.

One Day in Bergen

Must Visit Attractions in Bergen for First Time Visitors

Here’s a quick rundown of the must-see attractions you can include in your 1-day Bergen Itinerary.

Stroll around Bryggen

If there’s one place that is undeniably Bergen, this is it. This iconic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed wharf is the oldest and most colorful section of Bergen. It’s a complex of brightly colored wooden houses that stand as a reminder of Bergen’s importance as a former Hanseatic trading town. Many fires have ravaged these timber houses over the last few centuries but some 62 buildings remain standing today. Some were repurposed into shops and restaurants while retaining their unique architecture. This is obviously the most touristic part of the city but a stroll around Bryggen is simply irresistible.

tourists walking in Bryggen, a must visit in any 1-day Bergen Itinerary
tourists walking tour through this historic wharf area of Bergen

Take the Fløibanen funicular up Mt. Fløyen

Whizz up Mt. Fløyen in five to eight minutes by taking the Fløibanenfunicular from the city center. The top of Mt. Fløyen is one of Bergen’s most famous viewpoints overlooking the city and its surrounding peaks. You will find a restaurant and a small playground at the top. Oh, and there’s a big troll statue right on the edge of the playground.

Additionally, there are extensive walking trails if you are up for a hike. A particularly curious one is the Troll Forest trail (Trollskogen), a family-friendly hiking trail adorned with wooden sculptures of trolls and other mythical creatures. It takes 30-45 minutes to walk down the Troll Forrest trail back to the city center.

Trivia: Did you know that you can walk from Mt. Fløyen to another mountain called Mt. Ulriken? This popular hike among the Bergenserne (the Bergen citizens) is called Vidden. You can walk in either direction, but a lot of people prefer to start the Vidden trail at Mt. Ulriken and finish at Mt. Fløyen. The well-marked hike takes approximately five hours to complete.

  • Opening Hours: 7:30am – 11pm. There’s a departure every 30 mins.
  • Ticket:
    • return ticket costs 130 NOK for adults and 65 NOK for children with ages between 4-15
    • one-way ticket costs 70 NOK for adults and 35 NOK for children with ages between 4-15
    • For Bergen card holders: return ticket costs 60 NOK. The Bergen Card offers a discount only on return tickets and must be purchased onsite or at the Tourist Information.
  • Tip: Worried that you’ll get disappointing views at the top of Mt Fløyen on a cloudy day? Check out the view from the top by accessing Fløyen’s webcam.
overlooking Bergen from the top of Mt. Floyen
view at the top of Mt. Fløyen

Visit St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken)

This unassuming Romanesque-style church is the oldest existing building in Bergen presumed to be built between 1130 and 1170. The church has been in continuous use since the early medieval period. This is a minor attraction in Bergen but still worth a visit if you’re on your way to Bergen’s Fortress complex. Be aware that the church has no toilet facilities for visitors.

  • Ticket: Entrance fee is 95 NOK for adults, 75 NOK for groups and seniors, and free for children under the age of 13. It’s also free with the Bergen Card. When I visited though, I didn’t see anyone charging for tickets.

Climb the Rosenkrantz Tower (Rosenkrantztårnet)

Considered as Norway’s most important Renaissance structure, this 13th century tower was the former residence of Magnus the Lawmender, the King of Norway from 1238-1280. It is located within the Bergen Fortress complex (Bergenhus Festning) together with King Håkon’s Hall.You can navigate from the tower’s basement dungeon to the cannon loft through low doorways and steep staircases. Check out King Magnus’s bedroom and the tower’s small chapel.

  • Ticket: Entrance fee is 150 NOK for adults, 75 NOK for students, and free for children under the age of 17. It’s not covered by the Bergen Card.
man standing in front of King Hakon's Hall, must-include in your 1-day Bergen Itinerary
King Håkon’s Hall (Håkonshallen)

Wander inside King Håkon’s Hall (Håkonshallen)

This massive three-storey royal residence and banquet hall was constructed in the 13th century during the reign of King Håkon Håkonsson. Several Norwegian monarchs were crowned here in its nearly 700 years of existence. Today, Håkonshallen is a national cultural monument, used for Royal occasions and other important national events. It’s a reminder of Bergen’s political importance as Norway’s then-capital. Sadly, the hall was closed when I visited so I just gawked at it from outside.

  • Ticket: Entrance fee is 120 NOK for adults, 60 NOK for students, and free for children under the age of 17. Free with the Bergen Card

Check out the art at the Kode: Art Museums and Composer Homes

This is a complex of buildings holding rotating exhibits, contemporary art installations, cafés and a bookshop, spread out along the edge of the city park (Byparken). 

The Stenersen building hosts an exhibition of priceless art from Norwegian art collector Rolf Stenersen. The collection includes works by Edvard Munch and Picasso. 

The Neo-Renaissance Permanenten building (also known as Kode 1 building) presents temporary exhibitions and a collection on craft and design

The Rasmus Meyer building holds the art collection of Bergen businessman Rasmus Meyer over two floors. Meyer has amassed an impressive collection of celebrated Norwegian artists including Munch, JC Dahl, and Harriet Backer. 

The Art Deco Lysverket building houses the fancy Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name. It also features rotating exhibitions.

  • Ticket: 175 NOK. This gives you admission to all Kode buildings. It’s free for children under the age of 18. Free with the Bergen Card
man standing in front of the Kode Art Museums in Bergen

Bergen Kunsthall

As luck would have it, the Kode buildings were closed when I visited so boo-hoo for me. Since I was hankering for some art, I gravitated towards the nearby Bergen Kunsthall.

Bergen Kunsthall hosts contemporary art installations by Norwegian and international artists. It’s a small empty space that can easily adapt to various art forms. It also has a bookshop and a nice café/bar called Landmark. During my visit, there were a few conceptual art pieces and an exhibition called Earthworks. I wandered around for about 10 minutes since it’s free with the Bergen Card.

  • Ticket: Entrance fee is 50 NOK for adults, 25 NOK for seniors/students. Free with the Bergen Card

Seriously, I had a delightful day in Bergen and wished I had more time. I knew that I missed on a couple of key places but I also wanted to explore the city at my own leisurely pace. For those who are curious to know some of the other attractions and activities that you can include in your 1-day Bergen Itinerary, read on.

Cruise Mostraumen Strait

Embark on a three-hour fjord tour taking you up the 27-kilometer long Osterfjorden to Modalen through the picturesque Mostraumen strait. The boat passes under the majestic Nordhordland Bridge and speeds past raging waterfalls and the scenic villages of Hamre and Mo. The cruise is operated by Rødne tour and takes 150 passengers per trip. This is sort of the “baby” fjord cruise for day trippers and a nice introduction if you’re planning on taking the Nærøyfjord cruise in Flam as part of Norway in a Nutshell.

  • Starting Point: The cruise leaves from Zachariasbryggen quay, right in the centre of Bergen, next to the fish market
  • Ticket: 840 NOK for adults; 20% discount with Bergen Card. (You may pre-book online through Get Your Guide and use the promocode: bergencard to get the discount.)

Go museum-hopping

As one of Norway’s premiere cultural hubs, Bergen is home to several museums including the Bergen University Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Bryggens Museum. All of these can be accessed for free with the Bergen Card.

Check out Fantoft Stave Church

A beautiful stave church curiously embellished with stylized dragon heads. This unique design is a result of the conflict between conventional Norse mythology and the emerging Christianization of Norway when the church was originally constructed in 1170. The church was burned to the ground in 1992 and was painstakingly reconstructed for five years. The church is closed in winter.

  • Ticket: Entrance fee is 85 NOK for adults, 60 NOK for students, and 45 NOK for children. Free with the Bergen Card
wooden church outside of Bergen, an optional stop in your 1-day Bergen Itinerary
view of the Fantoft Stave Church (Fantoft Stavkirke) from the outside

Take the Ulriken cable car (Ulriken643)

This cable car transports you to the top of the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains. The trip gives incredible views of nature 643 meters above sea level. At the top, there’s a restaurant and café. This is also the starting point of the Vidden trail. You may check out the view from the top by accessing the Ulriken webcam.

  • Ticket: not covered by Bergen Card
    • return ticket costs 395 NOK for adults and 160 NOK for children
    • one-way ticket costs 230 NOK for adults and 110 NOK for children

1-day Bergen Itinerary Map: My Actual Route

As with all my travels, I like to plan my itinerary using Google Maps to visualize the distances between the attractions I want to visit. Click the arrow button below (next to the “1-Day Bergen Itinerary” label) to access the interactive Google Maps version. This map includes all the must-see spots in the city, making it easy to create your own 1-day Bergen Itinerary.

Day 1 (morning arrival)

  • Arrival at Bergen International Airport
  • Check in to Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
  • Stroll around Bryggen
  • Take the Fløibanen funicular up Mt. Fløyen
  • Lunch at Bergen’s Fish Market
  • Try Brunost Ice Cream at Hallaisen Ice Cream & Desserts
  • Visit Kode: Art Museums and Bergen Kunsthall
  • Dinner at Pinocchio Mat og Vinbar

Day 2 (morning departure)

  • St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken)
  • Rosenkrantz Tower (Rosenkrantztårnet)
  • King Håkon’s Hall (Håkonshallen)
  • Start of Norway in a Nutshell journey (train ride from Bergen Station to Voss Station)

How much did I spend on this 1-day Bergen trip?

Here is the breakdown of my one-day cost in Bergen, which you can use to plan your own 1-day Bergen Itinerary, excluding flights:

One Day in BergenAmount in NOKAmount in USDAmount in PHP
Bergen Card380 NOKUSD 33.48₱1,938.92
One night at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel670 NOKUSD 59.04₱3,418.66
Light rail to and from the airport (free with Bergen Card)0 NOKUSD 0.00₱0.00
Fløibanen funicular return ticket (discounted with Bergen Card)65 NOKUSD 5.73₱331.66
Lunch at Bergen Fish Market400 NOKUSD 35.25₱2,040.97
St. Mary’s Church (free with Bergen Card)0 NOKUSD 0.00₱0.00
Rosenkrantz Tower150 NOKUSD 13.22₱765.12
Bergen Kunsthall (free with Bergen Card)0 NOKUSD 0.00₱0.00
TOTAL1,665.00 NOKUSD 146.72₱8,495.33

Is Bergen Card worth it?

For this trip, I did get a 24-hour Bergen Card but found it to be underwhelming compared to other city cards. You get your money’s worth if you visit at least two museums and use it on public transportation to and from the airport and in the city center. I traveled at the tail end of winter in late March and found that most of the places I wanted to use it for were closed.

Moreover, you only get discounted rates on top tourist draws like the Fløibanenfunicular and the Mostraumen Cruise. The rest of the attractions on my 1-day Bergen Itinerary were either free or weren’t covered by the Bergen Card. So before you purchase, prepare a list of sites you wanted to visit and check if they are covered by the Bergen Card. Do the math and then decide if it makes sense for you to get one.

Staying connected in Bergen

Staying connected in Bergen is easy with its many free Wi-Fi hotspots. Public spaces like libraries, the railway station, and Bergen Airport offer free internet, while cultural hubs like Litteraturhuset also provide Wi-Fi for visitors. Alternatively, consider a Europe Holafly eSIM for uninterrupted internet access throughout your trip, perfect for navigating, sharing photos, or staying in touch on the go.

Pin this for future reference!

Bergen was the first stop in my three-day Norway in a Nutshell experience, which took me high up the mountains on the “most scenic train ride in the world” and down to an enthralling cruise through the world’s narrowest fjord. If you’re planning your own adventure, don’t forget to bookmark this 1-day Bergen Itinerary for an unforgettable start to your journey. Also, check out my Norway in a Nutshell post!

By Mirro Macatangay

Mirro Macatangay is a freelance travel writer with passport stamps from 49 countries. He is drawn towards travels that respect local cultures and environments. He is also a Lean Six Sigma and Human-Centered Design facilitator.