Are you searing for a two days in Bergen itinerary? You’re in the right place!
With towering fjord cliffs on either side, the maritime city of Bergen is known for its brightly coloured wooden houses and the scent of seafood in the air.
The second largest city in Norway, Bergen’s cobblestone streets are immediately enticing; and once you’ve explored them, there are plenty of museums, mountains, restaurants and neighbouring fjords to explore.
While there are a lot of things to do in Bergen, you can easily see the highlights in a two-day Bergen itinerary.
I recently visited the city, and have put together my full itinerary, recommended by the tourist board, to help you plan your trip!
I was a guest of Widerøe Airlines and visit Bergen. All opinions are my own. This blog post may contain affiliate links.
How to plan your two days in Bergen itinerary
The beautiful city of Bergen has a few stand-out attractions, connected by weaving narrow alleyways dotted by independent cafes. Here’s exactly what will be on your two day Bergen itinerary.
- Nordnes Sjøbad, a complex with a heated swimming pool, sauna and fjord
- Mount Fløyen, a mountain from which you can take a funicular to the top
- Museums like Bryggen Museum and Bergen Maritime Musem
- Restaurants like Fish Me
- Bars such as Frescohallen and Bergen Magic Ice Bar
- The KODE art museums
- A fjord cruise to Alesund
- A food and cultural tour with Bergen Basecamp
Where to stay in Bergen
We stayed in the Scandic Torget Hotel.
A modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Bergen,. this accommodation features contemporary guest rooms with comfortable furnishings and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
You’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, where you can try Norway’s brown cheese, avocado and delectable pastries.
Scandic Torget’s central location makes it an ideal choice for exploring Bergen’s historic landmarks, museums, and cultural attractions.
Bergen itinerary day one
Day one in Bergen includes swimming in the fjords (even in winter!), summiting up the Fløibanen and exploring museums.
Take a dip in Nordnes Sjøbad
Make a splash on your first day at Nordnes Sjøbad, a complex with a heated pool, sauna and area for fjord swimming.
With beautiful views over the surrounding water, it’s the perfect spot to plan the day ahead!
The complex is open year-round, and although the fjords are chilly if you’re in Bergen in winter, it’s a bracing way to start the morning (and is frequented by locals throughout the year!).
When you can warm up in the heated pool or sauna, the frigid fjord winters seem a lot more enticing!
Take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen
Get a distinctly unique view of the maritime city of Bergen by taking the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen.
The Fløibanen funicular takes riders up 421 meters above sea level and out onto the mountain’s summit, with panoramic views of the fjord and towering mountains lined across the landscape.
Only taking eight minutes, the funicular climbs to the summit of the mountain, where there’s a viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular panorama.
At the top of the mountain, you can also take a walk through the mythical Troll Forest and take the hiking trail to Lake Skomakerdiket.
If you want to enjoy more of the nature around the city, you can walk back down to Bergen rather than on another funicular ride – it’s around a 30 minute hike to reach the bottom.
Visit the Bryggen Museum and the Bergen Maritime Musem
Once you’re back in town, head to Bergen’s museums! Two of its best ones are Bryggen Museum and Bergen Maritime Museum.
In Bryggen Museum, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the city’s historic Bryggen wharf. The museum features exhibits on the Hanseatic League and the daily life of the people who lived and worked in the area.
Bergen Maritime Museum showcases the city’s rich maritime history through exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, fishing, and seafaring.
The museum features collections of model ships, navigational instruments, and historic artifacts from Bergen’s seafaring past.
Dinner at Fish Me
Dine on delectable seafood at Fish Me, which is located in Bergen’s famous fresh seafood market.
With the waters of the fjords lapping at the foundations of the restaurant, you can take in amazing views of a darkening wharf as you sip on fresh wine and dine on mouthwatering dishes like an incredible fish soup and catch of the day with potatoes and vegetables.
If you don’t eat fish, there are vegetarian food options – enjoy fresh plant-based sushi or a sumptuous vegetarian burger!
Drinks at Frescohallen
For an after-dinner tipple, head to Frescohallen, a newly-opened bar famous for its artistic murals.
These are painted on the walls and depict the story of the city’s past, focusing on its maritime history and how the fish industry has helped Bergen – and all of Norway – prosper.
Bergen itinerary day two
On day number two, engross in Bergen’s art scene, take a cruise onto the fjords, and eat more food – it’s a city of gastronomy after all!
Visit the KODE museums
Bergen doesn’t just do tasty food… it excels in arty culture too!
Locals and tourists alike flock to KODE, a group of four museums and galleries located throughout the city.
KODE 1 boasts works from Bergen’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch, as well as other Norwegian and international artists.
KODE 2 showcases contemporary art and design, KODE 3 houses a collection of fine and decorative arts from the 14th century to the present day.
Finally, KODE 4 houses European Modernist works and the landscape painter Nikoli Astrup.
You could easily spend a morning hopping around these museums or just soak in the artistry of one single gallery.
Do 3.5 hour fjord cruise
Once you’ve explored Bergen on land, take to the water!
The Norwegian fjords have the most impressive scenery in Northern Europe, and it’s arguable that the fjords are the biggest attraction in town.
If you’re visiting in the rainiest months of the year (we were in Bergen in February and the weather was a little cloudy, to say the least!), I’d recommend trying to schedule your boat ride for the clearest time.
There are a few fjord tour options, but this trip is perfect for a short stint out of the city.
It visits the Alversund Strait, passing by Bryggen Hanseatic wharf and then traversing into the narrow Alversund channel where you can take in the dramatic cliffs and islands from the boat’s vantage point.
Explore the town on a food and cultural tour
Creamy Norwegian brown cheese sandwiched between crisp waffles, fresh fishcakes made from potato flour and rich and creamy soup…Bergen has so much to tantalise your tastebuds!
Bergen Basecamp offers walking tours around the city centre, where you’re invited to try some Norwegian street food and learn about its history.
You’ll walk through cobbled streets lined with Bergen’s traditional buildings, hearing stories about the foundations of the city along the way.
Head up Mount Ulriken and dine at Skyscraper Restaurant
Finish your two days in Bergen by taking a cable car up to the top of another of Bergen’s mountains!
Sitting 643 metres (2,110 ft) above sea level, Mount Ulriken boasts show-stopping views over the city. However, due to the sometimes less-than-kind weather in Bergen, the view can sometimes be limited.
However, it’s still worth visiting for Skyskraperen Restaurant, Bergen’s highest restaurant that serves the finest Norwegian cuisine.
Dine on fresh seafood, succulent Norwegian meats and richly-tasting vegetables prepared with an artistic flair.
As a vegetarian, I didn’t sample any of the fish or meat dishes, but the way that the vegetables were prepared, with creams, soups and sauces, didn’t make me feel like I was missing out on anything!
Back in town, have a drink at Magic Ice Bar
Finish your night by donning a poncho and stepping into ice at Bergen’s Magic Ice Bar.
Sitting at a chilly -5°C, this ice bar is home to sculptures and light displays. Your welcome drink is a white wine with berry cordial, and cocktails are available for 99 NOK.
How to get to Bergen
Bergen International Airport connects to destinations around the world. If you’re flying from the UK, Widerøe connects Norway’s second city with London and Aberdeen, using Bergen as a base before flying to cities all over the country.
Widerøe’s planes are in a 2×2 formation, perfect if you’re travelling as a couple. The airline has free entertainment, which you can access on your smartphone, along with free tea and coffee served on any flights longer than 40 minutes.
We used Widerøe to travel to fjord and Arctic Norway, but we did encounter some cancellations in Tromso. However, this seems typical due to the unreliable weather in the north; generally, flights like Bergen seem to be unaffected.
Bergen Train Station also has links to Oslo and Myrdal, which connects to the iconic Flam Railway, which is renowned as one of the world’s most scenic trains.
How to get around Bergen
Thanks to Bergen’s compactness, you can easily explore it on foot.
But if you don’t want to walk across town, the city has an efficient bus system that covers most areas, including the airport.
Taxis are also readily available, but cab rides can be expensive!
Tips for visiting Bergen
Pack your wet weather gear
There are many reasons why Bergen should be a bucket list destination, but its weather isn’t one of them!
It’s been dubbed as the rainiest city in Europe, so be sure to pack your wet weather gear, whether you’re visiting Bergen in winter or summer (you can actually rent umbrellas from hotel lobbies!).
Don’t forget a rain jacket and waterproof boots to stop your feet from getting wet in any puddles!
Visit the fjords around Bergen
You can certainly see a lot of Bergen on a weekend trip, but to absorb the countryside’s stunning views, head out of the Norwegian city to the beautiful fjords around Flåm, including Sognefjord.
Get a Bergen city card
The Bergen Card is a tourist pass that provides visitors with free or discounted access to a range of attractions, museums, and activities in Bergen, Norway.
The card can be purchased for 24, 48, or 72 hours and includes free bus and light rail transportation within the city. Additionally, it offers discounts on restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
Places to visit from Bergen
If your two days in Bergen is part of a wider tour around Norway, here are some of the other best places to visit in Norway!
Flåm
One of the Norwegian fjords’ most picturesque villages, Flåm surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes.
It’s in prime position in Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway.
It’s a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling (we went snowshoeing there!), but one of the village’s main attractions is the Flåm Railway, a scenic train ride that takes passengers through spectacular landscapes and past cascading waterfalls.
The beautiful town of Flåm isn’t far from Bergen (accessible by public transport or as part of a road trip around Norway), which makes it the ideal side trip!
Tromsø
Far inside the Arctic Circle, Tromsø encompasses beautiful landscapes, snowy and dramatic mountains and a warm culture. It’s a popular destination for northern lights, skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.
Don’t miss taking a cable car up Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of the city and visiting the Polar Museum, which explores the history of Arctic exploration, along with the contemporary Arctic Cathedral and the mythical Troll Museum.
Fjaerland
Welcome to Norway’s book capital! Fjaerland is a small village, close to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to the largest glacier in continental Europe.
Stay at the Fjaerland Fjordstove Hotel, taking in amazing views across the fjord, or take a kayaking trip with Fjaerland Guiding (they have floating saunas too!).
Fjaerland is also known for being a unique book town, with several secondhand bookstores scattered throughout the village.
We visited Fjaerland from Bergen, taking a small propeller plane with Wideroe to Sogndal. From here, you can take a bus into Sogndal city and then connect to another bus to Fjaerland.
Trondheim
A historic city located in central Norway, Trondheim is known for its medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural surroundings.
The city’s most famous landmark is the Nidaros Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that is considered one of the most important religious sites in Scandinavia.
Trondheim is also a gateway to the nearby fjords and mountains, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.
Oslo
Visit Oslo, the capital city of Norway, to enjoy top attractions like Akershus Fortress and the Royal Palace, which is open to the public in the summer months.
Soak in Norwegian history by taking in the Viking Ship Museum, which houses the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, or enjoy art at the Munch Museum, which features an extensive collection of works by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.
There’s so much to see in Norway’s capital city!
Bergen itinerary FAQs
Is 2 days in Bergen enough?
Two days in Bergen is enough time to see the city’s main attractions, such as the colorful Bryggen Wharf and the funicular to Mount Fløyen. Visitors can also explore the city’s museums, sample the local seafood, and take a boat tour through the fjords. However, those with more time may want to venture further into Norway’s stunning scenery.
Is Bergen a walkable city?
Bergen is a very walkable city, with many of its main attractions located within a compact area. Visitors can easily explore the colorful streets of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, wander through the city’s parks and gardens, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords on foot.
What is the best month to visit Bergen Norway?
The best month to visit Bergen, Norway is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is mild and the city is bustling with activities and events. The days are long and the weather is more predictable. However, if you’re in Europe in winter, there’s still a certain charm to Bergen at this time!
Is Bergen worth going to?
Yes, Bergen is definitely worth visiting. It’s a charming coastal city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, stunning scenery, and delicious local cuisine. Visitors can explore the colorful buildings of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, take a funicular to Mount Fløyen, and enjoy the city’s vibrant music and arts scene.
Why is Bergen so popular?
Bergen is a must-add to your Europe itinerary for its unique and colorful architecture, its location at the heart of Norway’s stunning fjord landscape, and its rich cultural and historical heritage. It’s also a popular destination for its lively music and arts scene, delicious local cuisine, and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
Can you see the northern lights in Bergen?
It’s unusual to see the northern lights in Bergen, due to its southern position when compared to other locations in Norway – and the fact that in the city centre there’s light pollution. However, it’s far north enough to make it possible to witness the phenomenon in Bergen during periods of strong solar activity and clear skies.
Are you ready to visit Bergen?
With picturesque fjord scenery and charming wooden houses, Bergen is one of the most incredible cities in Northern Europe. Whether you want to take in its gorgeous hikes up mountains, explore the narrow passages of Bryggen or walk past the wooden buildings with a warm hot chocolate in hand, there’s so much to soak in on this two day itinerary in Bergen.