2 Days in Bergen: A Weekend Guide to Norway’s Fjord Capital

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Bergen?

Don’t have time to read the whole article? We've got you covered! Here are the top rated tours you can book right away that will let you experience Bergen and more. 

1. Bergen: Mostraumen Fjord Cruise (Excellent Value)
2. Nærøyfjorden, Flåm And Stegastein (#1 Best Seller) 
3. Bergen Walking Tour with a Local (Highly Rated)

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Top Hotels to Stay in Bergen

1. City Hostel Bergen (Budget)
2. Ole Bull Hotel & Apartments (Mid-range)
3. Det Hanseatiske Hotel (High-end)

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Want a hassle-free arrival from the airport? Book this private Bergen transfer that will take you to the city center in no time. 

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Is Bergen Worth Visiting?

Yes, Bergen is absolutely worth visiting! Whether you have a day or two in Bergen, a stop in the city is a must because of its stunning natural beauty, historical architecture, and exciting outdoor activities. It is a charming city with plenty of things to do and restaurants to enjoy.

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Follow our comprehensive Bergen travel guide and make the most out of your visit in one of the most beautiful cities in Norway! 

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Day 1: Bergen Itinerary 

On the first day of the Bergen itinerary, we recommend staying in the city center and exploring some of Bergen's cultural gems. The majority of the attractions for your first day in Bergen are within walking distance and accessible. 

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You can easily visit everything on your own, but for a better experience, you might want to consider booking a local guide who will take you through some of Bergen's hidden gems and explain the city's history.

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1. Wander Around Bryggen’s Charming Streets

Begin your day by visiting Bryggen, a UNESCO World heritage Site and one of Bergen's most popular things to do.

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Most hotels include breakfast, so leave early after breakfast. Otherwise, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in and around Bryggen.

Godt Brød Fløyen, located on Vetrlidsallmenningen Street, is one of the most highly-rated breakfast places in Bryggen. It’s open at 7am and well-known for its delicious sandwiches and cinnamon buns. 

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After breakfast, walk around the neighborhood and discover the colorful wooden buildings. Explore the narrow alleyways with wooden panels and cobblestone streets.

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You can also opt for guided tours with a local to make the most of your time in Bryggen. Here are the best tours to learn about the history of Bryggen.

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2. Visit St Mary’s Church

After breakfast, walk along Ovregaten street towards St. Mary's Church and view the oldest building in Bergen. This church has impressive architecture and is a must-visit when in Bergen. 

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If you have the chance, visit inside and marvel at its beautiful interior with its painted ceiling, hand-crafted railing, and unique stone walls. It is one of the best free things to do in Bergen!

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3. Explore the Historic Bergenhus Fortress

The Bergenhus Fortress is one of the best landmarks to visit in Bergen. In addition, the fortress is one of Norway's oldest and best preserved. From the high stone walls to the buildings built in the 13th century, it offers a glimpse into Norway's fascinating history. 

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Apart from that, the fortress offers an amazing view of Bergen and the harbor. You can walk around the fortress grounds for free, but you'll have to pay a fee to get into the buildings. However, admission to The King Håkon's Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower is free with a Bergen card.

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4. Try Daily Pot for Lunch

After exploring the fortress, you can head back to Bryggen and walk around the harbor to find a place to eat. Otherwise, head out for lunch at Daily Pot, located on Vaskerelven Street. This is one of Bergen's most highly rated restaurants, and we couldn't agree more. 

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We visited for a quick bite and had a flavorful bowl of soup where you could pick your desired toppings, such as vegetables or nuts. They also serve a variety of fresh and healthy bowls with big portions and at reasonable prices. 

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5. See St. John's Church Up Close

Just within walking distance of Daily Pot, you will find St. John's Church standing tall, also known as Johanneskirken. This is a beautiful church with a red brick exterior and pointed arches. 

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There are many stairs to get there, but it is worth climbing as you'll get a closer look at the stained glass windows. We didn't get a chance to see the wooden interior of the church as it was closed, but the views you'll get outside overlooking the city were spectacular.

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6. Take the Fløibanen to Mount Floyen

In the afternoon, take the Fløibanen to the top of Mount Fløyen for a scenic ride. From the top, you can get panoramic views of Bergen, the fjords, and the surrounding mountains. 

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If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike to the top instead of taking the Fløibanen funicular railway. Mount Floyen in Bergen provides numerous hiking opportunities, with many marked trails to follow.

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7. Dive Into Bergen's Seafood Scene

For dinner, head to the famous Bergen fish market and sample local seafood delicacies. You will find many stalls selling a wide variety of fresh seafood. Other local foods to try include whale meat and reindeer burgers. The market also has a festive atmosphere with street performers, especially during the busy summer season.

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Day 2: Bergen Itinerary

For your second day in Bergen, discover why it’s called the fjord capital of Norway as you explore the surrounding fjords through tours. 

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If you’re looking for other things to do other than the fjord, you can also consider day trips out of Bergen such as visiting the Fantoft Stave Church or hiking in one of the seven mountains that surrounds the city.

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1. Join a Half Day Fjord Cruise

Bergen City is known as the fjord capital of Norway because it is surrounded by breathtaking fjords. On your second day, take a day trip to one of the many surrounding fjords in Bergen, including the well-known Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. You can join a half day tour in the morning and then spend the afternoon exploring more of the city.  

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Here are the most highly rated half-day fjord tours you can take in Bergen:

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2. Head to Festplassen for Lunch

Festplassen is a public square in the heart of Bergen with a small lake and a beautiful pavilion. This lovely square is ideal for a stroll after your half-day Fjord tour. If you're in Festplassen over the weekend, there are many vendors selling food and drinks. It was a Thai market during our recent visit, and they served delicious meals for a reasonable price. 

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3. Discover the KODE Art Museums

If you have the time, you can explore more of the most visited museums in Bergen. Close to St. John's Church, you will find the KODE Art Museums, which house the largest collection of Munch's works outside of Oslo. 

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There are four buildings to explore along the lake: Lysverket, Rasmus Meyer, Stenersen, and Permanenten. Admission is free if you have a Bergen card, otherwise, it costs around 15 USD per person. Find updated opening hours and information about current exhibitions at kodebergen.no.

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4. Enjoy a Leisure Walk at Bryggen 

In the afternoon, spend your time walking around Bryggen again and visiting the areas you haven’t seen yet on your first day. With its charming architecture and fascinating history, Bryggen is one of the most beautiful places in Norway and is worth visiting twice.

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Take a Full-day Fjord Excursion (Optional)

If you have the time, we recommend taking a full-day fjord cruise to fully appreciate the fjord's beauty. These tours usually include stops at picturesque villages, waterfalls, and other scenic spots along the way. It's an excellent way to experience the stunning natural landscape of the fjord region.

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Here are the most popular full day Bergen fjord tours you can book:

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How to Get to Bergen

Plane: The fastest way to reach Bergen is by plane. From the airport (BGO), you can take a taxi, bus or light rail to reach the city center. 

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Tip: For a hassle free arrival, book this private Bergen transfer that will take you to the city center in no time. 

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Bus: Alternatively, you can take an express bus to Bergen. You can buy your tickets in advance at nor-way.no.

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Train: If you’re coming from Oslo, you can also take a direct train which takes about 7 hours. There are 14 stops along the way where you can hop on depending on where you are. Book your train ticket here. 

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Where to Stay in Bergen

Bergen has a variety of accommodations that suit any traveler. During our visit, we stayed a bit far from the city as we had a car but wished we stayed closer to the center. Here are the three main areas where we recommend staying to be closer to Bergen tourist attractions: Bryggen, Sentrum, and Nordnes.

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Mid-Range

Ole Bull Hotel and Apartments

High-End

Det Hanseatiske Hotel

Best Time to Visit Bergen

You can visit Bergen all year round, but the best months to visit are from May to September. During this time, you can expect pleasant temperatures with warmer weather and a blue sky. If you travel during this time, you may even be lucky enough to experience more dry days. 

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Additionally, with more daylight during the day, you will be able to explore more of Bergen and the surrounding fjord. Remember to bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket, as Bergen is still one of Europe's rainiest cities!

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Read: Best Time to Visit Norway

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How to Get Around

Foot: Bergen is a walkable city and most of the main tourist attractions can be reached on foot, especially if you stay within the center of the city. 

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Bus and Light Rail: Bergen has reliable public transportation that takes you to many parts of the city and the surrounding areas. If you have a Bergen card, you can use the public transportation for free, including the light rail to and transportation from the airport. 

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Best Tours in Bergen

Here are our top three tours you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city of Bergen. These include half-day to full-day fjord tours that will take you to some of the most stunning landscapes you will witness in Norway. 

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Bergen Top Travel Tips 

1. Purchase a Bergen card: Not only will you take advantage of the efficient and affordable public transportation for free but you’ll also get access to many museums in Bergen. In our opinion, buying a Bergen card is worth it!
2. Check the weather and pack accordingly: Being one of the rainiest cities in Norway, make sure you have a waterproof jacket and shoes if visiting Bergen, even if you’re visiting during the summer months. 
3. Stay in the center: Make the most out of your visit by staying in the center within walking distance to the main attractions, such as Bryggen. 
4. Wear comfortable shoes: Bergen is a pedestrian-friendly city with many cobblestone streets and hills. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes so you can explore more of the city's lovely neighborhoods, parks, and attractions.
5. Book accommodations in advance: This is especially important during the summer months, when most of the accommodations in the center fill up quickly.
6. Ask your hotel where to park: There’s not much public parking accessible in the city so make sure you ask your hotel for the best parking areas to save time. 
7. Don’t buy bottled water: Save money by refilling your bottled water as Bergen’s tap water is drinkable. 

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And that’s the weekend guide to visiting the city of Bergen in Norway! 

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If you found our 2 days in Bergen itinerary helpful, we would love to hear your feedback in the comments section below.

We hope that our itinerary has helped you make the most of your time in Bergen, and we wish you an unforgettable stay!