Bergen is located on the west coast of Norway on a peninsula of Bergenshalvøyen. Some people have never heard of Bergen and others may never get a chance to visit. However, if you are among the lucky wanderlust tribe and you find yourself in Norway’s second largest city, here are 5 things to do.
1. Hike
The city center and northern neighborhoods are located on Byfjorden, “the city fjord”, and the city is surrounded by mountains; Bergen is known as the city of seven mountains. You don’t want to be stuck indoors, so get out and explore the landscape! For starters there are guided walks at Mount Fløyen with amazing views of Bergen.
2. Go by boat
Most people get to Bergen via ferry, but to really see and take everything in, try going out on a boat tour. Norway is the land of fjords and Bergen is equally breath-taking.
Did you know: Trading started in Bergen around the 1020s. According to tradition, the city was founded in 1070 by king Olav Kyrre; its name was Bjørgvin, “the green meadow among the mountains”. It served as Norway’s capital in the 13th century, and from the end of the 13th century.
3. Eat (Gluten Free & Paleo)
I wouldn’t do justice to the food blogger community if I didn’t mention the ample dining opportunities in Bergen. Top of my list is Sala Bar & Grill. The wait staff is friendly and the folks in the kitchen know a thing or two about creating a harmonizing ensemble of flavors. Like all good travelers, when you stop in for a bite to eat, strike up a conversation with the people next to you and see where they are from and what they have seen locally – so you don’t miss out on something wonderful in a strange land. People love to share stories about the places they have found.
4. Visit the culture & history
Like all cities and towns that have existed long long ago in lands far far away, Bergen is full of history, culture, and amazing people. From churches to museums, there are hours of learning and soaking up local history to be had. Here is a short list of the must-see places to visit:
- Hardanger Museum
- KODE Art Museums of Bergen
- Bergen Fortress – “One of the most important monuments of the Renaissance.”
- VilVite – Bergen Science Center
5. Drink
Coffee – The Norwegian Fisheries Museum
Wait for it… a 
museum with great coffee. Win! This museum was founded in the 1800 to share the knowledge of Norway and it’s fishing history and coastal culture.
Whiskey – The Tasting Room – I can only condone tasting alcoholic beverages by responsible adults whose children are safely being taken care of by the grandparents or another 
responsible adult. If that is the case, then be prepared to be awed by all the drinks at The Tasting Room.
Have you been to Bergen? What was your favorite thing to see or do there?
4 thoughts on “Are you traveling to Bergen Norway? 5 Things to do.”
My parents grew up in Bergen and i spent almost every summer in Norway when I was a child. I now take my kids every 2-3 years and the aquarium is a Justin plus Ulriken, the fish market and just walking around Bryggen. Ulriken is awesome also as well as Floibanen.
Scandinavia seems so family focused. I think being able to take your kids back to where your parents grew up is a wonderful thing. Norway is one of my favorite places and I look forward to being able to share it with my son.
We visited the Domkirke and were able to touch the font where my grandmother was baptized in the 1800s. Very moving!
That’s so awesome. Having family history like that, plus being about to share it amazing. Thank you for your comment!