Navigating Bergen in a day might sound tough, but don’t worry! From Mount Fløyen’s stunning panoramic views to Bryggen’s historic charm, I’ve curated the perfect itinerary to get the most out of one day in Bergen. Starting at a cozy bakery, moving on to scenic mountain spots, tasting fresh seafood at the lively fish market, and strolling Bryggen’s streets – each step is carefully planned. You’ll also discover additional insider tips on navigating the city, the perfect place to stay, and the essential information to know before you visit Bergen. Ready for this one day in Bergen adventure? Let’s dive in!
This guest post was written by Kate from Remote Lifestyle Guide.
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The Ultimate One Day in Bergen Itinerary
Morning in Bergen
You’ll start your day at Godt Brød Fløyen, a cozy bakery just outside of downtown where you can savor freshly made pastries and coffee. This is a great spot to fuel up for the day. Right outside Godt Brød is the Fløibanen Funicular. You will board the cable car that will take you to to the top of Mount Fløyen. The view from up there is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll see a panoramic view of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. Spend some time strolling around the Mount Fløyen trails and the mountain-top gift shop!
Once you’re back down the mountain, you’ll explore the famous Bergen Fish Market. It’s not just your average marketplace; it’s an experience filled with the freshest seafood, local fruits and vegetables, and a lively local atmosphere. Open all year round, the fish market has been an important part of the city since the 1200s. Take some time sampling food from the vendors before heading to lunch!
Lunch in Bergen
By this time, I imagine you’ve worked up an appetite. Bergen offers a range of restaurants from local to traditional Norwegian options. Here are a few choices you can’t go wrong with:
- Bryggeloftet & Stuene: Located in Bryggn, try traditional Norwegian cuisine. Known as Bergen’s oldest restaurant after 100 years of serving the community
delicious food. This is a must-try if you want to truly experience the local culture. - Trekroneren: If you’re looking for something quick, you have to try Trekroneren. At this local favorite, where you can try the famous reindeer sausage topped with mustard, lingonberry jam, & fried onions. Sounds strange but it’s delicious!
- Olivia Zachariasbryggen: If Norwegian cuisine isn’t what you’re craving, try Olivia. Located at the end of the fish market, this cozy Italian restaurant has beautiful views of the water and Bryggen.
Afternoon in Bergen
No visit to Bergen would be complete without a stroll through the iconic Bryggen harbor district. Stroll along the old buildings and stop in for a drink at Sjøboden, find some souvenirs at Schjøtt på Bryggen, grab a coffee for an afternoon pick me up and a delicious treat at Baker Brun.
If you have time after roaming Bryggen before dinner, check out Julemarked Byparken or the Bergenhus Festningsmuseum. Julemarked Byparken is a park located just a 10-minute walk from Bryggen with a beautiful gazebo. The Bergenhus Festningsmuseum, also a short stroll from Bryggen, is a museum located within the old fortress built in the 1500s that was once used to protect the city continuously through WWII. This is a great stop if you’re a history buff! Entry is free. As your afternoon wraps up, head back to your accommodations to freshen up for dinner.
Dinner in Bergen
After an already great day, next, you’ll head to Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant. The ambiance is cozy, the seafood is exceptional, and it truly encapsulates the essence of Bergen. This market-style restaurant offers a modern vibe, featuring a sleek glass exterior and a unique architectural structure. I recommend making a reservation because this place is popular among both locals and tourists. Don’t miss out on the fish soup – it’s a must-try!
Evening in Bergen
It’s been a long day exploring and I bet you’re tired, but with only one day in Bergen, I have one more must-do activity you can’t miss when you visit Bergen. You will end your day at Heit Sauna, located just outside the city center at Marineholmen. Enjoy a true Scandinavian experience in the sauna and then jump into the chilly fjord waters to return to the warmth of the wood-burning sauna. Make sure to book an appointment ahead of time!
Getting around Bergen
Navigating Bergen is very easy and there’s an option that suits every traveler’s needs. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best mode of transportation during your stay.
Renting a Car
If you’re coming from the U.S. and planning to drive around Bergen as part of a Southern Norway road trip, you’re lucky. American driver’s licenses are valid for car rentals up to three months, so there’s no need for an international permit for short stays. You picked up a rental car right at the Bergen airport, which was very convenient. However, given Bergen’s compact and pedestrian-friendly layout, I don’t recommend renting a car unless you are planning to take day trips from Bergen.
Walking
Bergen is extremely walkable. You can get from one end of the city to the other in just around 30 minutes. The city’s walkability and car-free zones make it possible to explore its main attractions on foot, without the need for additional transportation, except for airport transfers.
Public Transportation
Bergen’s public transportation system offers a quick option to get around and is very easy to use. With the Bergen Card, travelers can enjoy free access to public transport, along with discounted admission to various museums, attractions, and select restaurants. You can download the app Skyss Reise to view bus timetables.
Take a Scooter
For a quicker and more flexible mode of transportation, VOI scooters are available throughout Bergen. These electric scooters provide an easy and fun way to navigate the city. It’s ideal for short distances or when you’re looking to save time between visits to different attractions. Make sure to download the VOI app so you’ll be able to connect to the scooters!
Where to Stay for One Day in Bergen
If you are spending the night in Bergen, you have several great hotel options to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Here are three highly recommended places.
Moxy Bergen
This trendy Marriott hotel has a fitness center, beautiful outdoor waterfront terrace, bar, and restaurant. It’s about a 30-minute walk to the city center. The Moxy Bergen offers modern rooms, some with sea views, and a breakfast buffet. Located right on the water, several of the rooms have views of the harbor and Heit Sauna.
The Hanseatic Hotel
Located inside Bryggen, the Hanseatic Hotel is cozy and offers a great location just steps away from everything on your itinerary. This is a great spot to stay if you only have one day in Bergen because you’ll be able to pop in throughout the day without having to walk more than 5 minutes to get to your accommodations. Each room is unique with its own Bergen charm with beautiful views of the harbor!
Bergen Børs Hotel
Located in a building from 1862 that once served as a stock exchange, this hotel is also in the center of Bergen, only 2 minutes away from the fish market. Bare Restaurant, located inside the hotel was awarded a Michelin star in 2020 and serves up delicious modern Nordic cuisine. If you are looking for cleanliness, elegance, and thoughtful amenities provided by the lovely Norwegian hosts this is a great choice.
8 Tips for Traveling Bergen in One Day
Before you head out on your journey to Bergen, I’ll leave you with eight essential tips to make sure your trip is a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Local Currency: Credit cards are widely accepted across Norway, but I recommend keeping some Norwegian Krone (NOK) for smaller transactions or in places that may not accept cards. (Tip: Make sure to bring a travel rewards credit card without foreign exchange fees to avoid extra charges).
- Weather: Bergen is known for its rainy weather, so make sure to pack an umbrella or a waterproof jacket.
- Navigation Apps: Download local navigation apps like ‘Skyss Reise‘ for public transportation schedules and ‘VOI‘ for accessing electric scooters from your phone.
- Restaurant Reservations: There are so many delicious must-try restaurants in Bergen. Consider making reservations in advance, especially for popular spots, to make sure you won’t miss out on any food you may want to try in your short time there.
- Dress in Layers: Dressing in layers will allow you to adapt to the changing conditions of the city, especially if you plan on going up Mount Fløyen where it may be a bit chillier at higher elevation.
- Cultural Etiquette: Norwegians are known for their politeness and respect for personal space. They are generally quiet and keep to themselves. You can greet people with a friendly nod or handshake, and always say ‘takk’ (thank you) to express gratitude.
- Stay Connected: Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or make sure you have an international data plan before leaving for your trip. Staying connected will help you with maps, restaurant reviews, and any sudden changes to your plans.
- Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers. In Norway, 110 is for fire, 112 for police, and 113 for medical emergencies.
One Day in Bergen: Wrapping Up
As your day in Bergen comes to an end, you’re likely exhausted from a day packed full of exploring. From seeing the beautiful views of Mount Fløyen to the charming buildings of Bryggen, complete with Bergen’s delicious food. Your day started with yummy coffee and pastries and ended with a relaxing sauna experience. Getting around the city was easy, thanks to very pedestrian-friendly streets and those nifty scooters. All in all, you’ll feel like you’ve gotten a good sense of Bergen in just one day. I hope these tips make your visit seamless and memorable!
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