Is Bergen worth visiting? What to do, see and where to stay

South Wales Argus

5 days ago

A bright, optimistic and yellow-lettered question that, without you even knowing it yet, will shape your entire city break.
Directly on the mountainside, it reads: 'Bergen?'.
I learned later that this short but sweet question is a permanent art installation by the Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson.
Bergen? art installation outside the airport (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Can you guess what it means? Now, the answer will become clear to you very soon, but I'll keep you curious a while longer.
Meanwhile, here are 7 very obvious reasons that you need to book a trip to Bergen for 2026 (but believe me, it was hard to whittle these down).
Why you should visit Bergen
1. Convenient
When it comes to city breaks, we Brits look for convenience, and Bergen ticks all of those boxes.
You can fly to Bergen in under two hours from the UK, making it ideal for a weekend jaunt.
It couldn't be a better time to explore Norway either, as Jet2.com launches its biggest ever Bergen programme.
The popular airline flies to Bergen from seven UK airports, so it's handy to get to from wherever you are in the country, including Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle International, and London Stansted airports.
From next year, you'll also be able to fly to Bergen from three new airports (Belfast International, East Midlands and Liverpool John Lennon).
Jet2 is similarly expanding its programmes to the Norwegian city from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and London Stansted.
If you want to learn more, check prices and even book your next city break to Bergen (which I couldn't recommend more), visit the Jet2 website.
2. Eco-friendly
I was completely taken with how green Bergen was as a destination. Considered as one of the most sustainable cities in the world (Global Destination Sustainability Index), it's actually the largest place in the Nordics that holds a Sustainable Destination certificate.
The city champions sustainability across the board, from its cruise to recycling industries.
Unbelievably, 80% of car sales in Norway were electric vehicles (2023). Frankly, they're putting the UK to shame with only 4.6% o of our roughly 34 million cars being fully electric.
Bergen is an inspiring place to be, but its passion for sustainability doesn't just benefit the locals.
Tourists can enjoy free use of the Light Rail and buses as well as discounts at attractions, activities and accommodation which can be reached by walking or via public transport.
You can pick up a Bergen card online, tourist information office or at selected hotels, hostels and campsites too.
I didn't use it myself on my trip, but if I were going again – even for just 24 hours (you can pick up a pass for 48, 72, 96 hours too) – I would definitely be picking up a card for the convenience and the savings.
You get free or discounted entry to over 30 museums and attractions, including the Fløibanen funicular, Bergen Science Centre VilVite and Bergen Aquarium.
A 48-hour adult pass will cost you 504 NOK (£39.51), meanwhile, a child's pass will set you back 106 NOK (£11.97). If you get the digital version, you can activate it whenever you want, so it's ideal for saving money on those sightseeing days.
In my days there, I found Bergen to be an incredibly walkable and compact city, although it wasn't my favourite way to get around, but more on that later.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen is postcard-perfect (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
3. History
Speaking of museums and attractions, Bergen is overflowing with history to uncover. When you think of this Nordic city, you might picture its iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen.
It's the ideal Instagram pic or a classic backdrop on your postcard to home, but it's so much more than that. This colourful harbour spot has something for everyone. History buffs will be able to get a glimpse into Bergen's trading past as they explore the incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture. If you're more into shopping, you can spend hours browsing for the perfect souvenir in one of its many shops. If you're peckish, I couldn't recommend a visit to Baker Brun more. Their staff were incredibly friendly and the pastries were delicious!
The composer Edvard Grieg's home has been turned into a museum, exhibition and concert hall (Image: Newsquest)
But beyond the city centre, I'd recommend a trip to Troldhaugen – the home turned museum of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and his wife, Nina. If you haven't heard of Grieg, don't worry – neither had I before my visit.
However, it's more than likely that you have heard at least one of his songs if you have been to one of the UK's most popular theme parks, Alton Towers. I was a little embarrassed that the only way I knew Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" was because of the adverts for a British roller coaster resort. However, a guided tour around his home, the exhibition centre and his garden composing hut set me straight.
Edvard Grieg lived in the house for 20 years (Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
It's very reasonably priced at NOK 175.00 ( £12.54) for an adult ticket, and children under 16 go free. If you visit in the summer, they host daily concerts, which you can buy tickets for separately on their website.
If I had to choose another historic highlight for me on this trip, it would have to be the Fantoft Stave church. This striking church was unlike anything I had ever seen. I was taken aback by the beautiful wooden medieval architecture, which became more important still when I learned that only 28 Stave churches still exist in Norway today. There used to be over 1500 in the country, but over the years, they have tragically disappeared. This church, located just 6km from Bergen city centre, was originally built in Fortun in Sogn in 1170.
Fantoft Stave church celebrates elements of Norse religion and Christianity within its architecture (Image: Newsquest)
Over the years, there have been many changes to the building before it was moved to Fantoft in the late 19th century. In June 1992, the church made headline news after it was set on fire and burned to the ground. Lucky for us, a quick decision was made to rebuild it. Re-opening in 1997, visitors and locals alike were able to visit and take in the architecture and celebrate the beautiful blend of Christianity and the Old Norse religion.
Take a trip up Mount Ulriken on the Ulriksbanen (Image: Newsquest)
4. The views
Coined as the city of the 7 mountains, Bergen is not short on incredible views. Lucky for us tourists, we don't need to go far – or hike very high – to find them either.
After arriving at Bergen airport in the early morning, we were quickly whisked off to the city's highest mountain, Mount Ulriken. As a Scot, I'm no stranger to a hike or two, but I was relieved to see that a shiny yellow cable car was taking us to the top of the steep 643m high mountain. Riding the gondola is an experience in itself. The short but smooth trip lets you take in the most spectacular vista of the city and sea, mountains and fjords. Once you reach the top, you can take a few selfies before indulging yourself with a truly unforgettable dining experience at the Skyskraperen restaurant (but more on that later).
The view from the top of Mount Ulriken at the Skyskraperen restaurant was breathtaking (Image: Newsquest)
If you don't want to leave the comforts and convenience of the city centre, you simply must take the trip up Mount Fløyen. Norwegians really do put the fun in funicular (sorry). The 6-minute trip treats you to breathtaking views of the city below and the surrounding fjords and mountains.
The Fløibanen funicular is a 6-minute journey with incredible views (Image: Newsquest)
At the top, you can enjoy a bite to eat at the Fløirestaurant or the exclusive eatery Schou. If you prefer a smaller snack before heading out to explore, it's worth visiting the Fløistuen shop and café. There's plenty to entertain you at the top, including various beautiful walking and cycling routes (you can rent bikes up there), Lake Skomakerdiket (where you can canoe), a large playground and even a Troll forest!
I went on a tour around Bergen's city centre on two wheels (Image: Newsquest)
5. Adventurous activities
If you love a sense of adventure from a city break, you won't be disappointed with the offering in Bergen.
I have never ridden a bike abroad, and now it's something I want to do in every city I go to. A tour with Bergen Bike Rent on our first evening completely converted me to the charms of seeing a city on two wheels. Our fantastic guide showed us the sights of the bustling city centre from the Cathedral to the fish market. We went through picturesque alleys and across the pretty city square. I'm not a confident cyclist, but our knowledgeable guide showed us the ropes of riding an electric bike and reassured us throughout. We did the Bergen Downtown route, but there are also two others you can do – a dark blue route designed for the more active amongst us and a new route through the largest bike and pedestrian tunnel in the world. I can't wait to go back because I'm simply desperate to try it.
Special thanks to Bergen Bike Rent for the guided tour (Image: Newsquest)
Beyond biking, Bergen and the west of Norway boast access to amazing activities like kayaking and rafting, golf courses, zip lines, glacier tours and more. You can find out more and book your next adventure via the Visit Bergen website.
6. Delicious places to eat
When I used to think of Norway, I simply pictured the snow-dusted landscapes, jaw-dropping fjords, Norse Gods and Viking hats. Truthfully, I had never considered Norway as a foodie destination, but how wrong I was! I didn't have a bad meal when I was there, but there were a few standout meals that I have to mention.
Norwegian pastries are the perfect snack to enjoy as you mooch about the city (Image: Newsquest)
Snacks and pastries
As I teased earlier, I couldn't recommend a visit to Baker Brun. Their service was incredible, especially with a group of hungry journalists with lots and lots of questions. No traveller's day is complete for me without a taste of a traditional pastry and a mooch about a city centre. Bergen's answer was a delicious Skillingsboulle, which scored very highly with the entire group.
The menu at Skyskraperen is seasonal and beautifully made. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Lunch
I'm not about to forget lunch at the Skyskraperen restaurant in a hurry. Lunch at the top of Mount Ulriken was our welcome meal, and what a welcome it was. Between the spectacular view and the delicious seasonal menu, I was completely speechless. Whilst we enjoyed the 3-course menu of modern Norwegian dishes, the restaurant caters for both hikers and visitors from the cable car. The food was divine, but I must recommend treating yourself to a glass bottle of Alde cider. We raved about it the entire time we were in Norway, and we all bought ourselves a bottle at Duty Free to take home. All in all, you simply can't go to Bergen without experiencing this wonderful restaurant for yourself.
You've got to pick up a bottle of Alde (Image: Newsquest)
Dinner
When it comes to dinner, I couldn't recommend a visit to Bryggen Tracteusted more.
Located in one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden buildings in the UNESCO site, everything about it feels warm and welcoming, from the staff to the traditional Bergen recipes.
Take a look inside Bryggen Tracteusted (Image: Newsquest)
We ate here on our last night, and it was a very fond farewell feast indeed.
7. Gateway to the Fjords
I can't write a story about a trip to Norway without mentioning its beautiful Fjords.
A bucket list experience for many, Bergen is the ideal gateway to the West of Norway and some truly breathtaking scenery.
Simply hop on the train at Bergen station and enjoy the delights of one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
You're going to want to get a window seat for the journey to Flåm through Myrdal (trust me).
Snow-dusted mountains and stunning waterfalls can be seen throughout the journey (Image: Newsquest)
From snow-dusted mountains almost all year round to traditional colourful wooden houses decorating the mountainside, my jaw dropped and my nose was pressed to the window for almost the entire time (which must have been a sight for the other passengers, I'm sure).
Travellers can enjoy a 5-minute photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall (Image: Newsquest)
A highlight of the journey – before you even get to the Fjord village of Flåm - has to be the 5-minute photo stop at the truly stunning Kjosfossen waterfall. The picture above speaks for itself.
This memorable train journey connects you to the beauty of the UNESCO Nærøyfjord. This electric cruise from Flam to Gudvangen is probably the most peaceful two hours I've spent in a long time. The 20km Fjord gives nature lovers plenty of time to try and spot some seals and porpoises from the deck.
Spot seals and porpoises from the deck of the Nærøyfjord cruise (Image: Newsquest)
The route has plenty of points of interest, including one of the smallest churches in Scandinavia – Underdal church – which fits only 40 people. The cruise showcases the very best of Norway in a neat nutshell and is an absolute must for your trip.
Recommended reading
There you have it, 7 reasons why you absolutely need to make Bergen your next city break. As Europe's rainiest city, you might not get guaranteed sunshine, but you can be assured that you'll experience culture, history, beautiful views, delicious places to eat and wonderful people to show you the way. Special thanks to all of our guides and our new Norwegian friends, Linn and Stein, for welcoming us with open arms.
Other cities will give you your bog-standard welcome sign, but not Bergen. This delightful, curious and vibrant city gives you an invitation as soon as you step off the plane. But it's more than an invite; that question mark is a challenge. You've arrived in Bergen, what will you do now?