Bergen
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At a glance
- Country
- Norway
- Region
- Vestland
- Population
- 290,000
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Bergen Flesland (BGO)
- Coordinates
- 60.39°N, 5.32°E
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Overview
Bergen is Norway's second city, built around a harbour and hemmed in by seven mountains. The colourful wooden warehouses of Bryggen recall its centuries as a Hanseatic trading port.
It is famously rainy, so pack a waterproof and embrace it. Between showers, the light on the harbour is beautiful, and the city is the classic starting point for exploring the western fjords.
Things to see
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bryggen
A row of leaning wooden merchants' houses on the harbour, with narrow passages full of workshops.
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Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mount Fløyen
The Fløibanen funicular climbs from the centre to forest trails and a sweeping view of the city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 2.5 Bergenhus Fortress
One of Norway's oldest fortifications, with the medieval Haakon's Hall at its heart.
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Photo: Forbes Johnston, CC BY 2.0 KODE
Art museums around the city lake, with works by Munch and Norwegian painters.
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Photo: Andreas Sandberg, CC BY-SA 3.0 Troldhaugen
The composer Edvard Grieg's lakeside home, with summer concerts in a small hall.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: trolvag, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hike Ulriken
Take the cable car or walk to the highest of the city's mountains, then hike the ridge back towards Fløyen.
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Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fjord cruise
Short boat trips head out into the narrow fjords and waterfalls near the city.
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Photo: Karen, CC BY 2.0 Day trip on the Flåm Railway
Combine train, boat and bus on a long but memorable day through the fjords and mountains.
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Photo: The Library of Congress, No restrictions Fish market
Browse seafood stalls by the harbour and try fish soup or shrimp sandwiches.
Where to stay
Bryggen and the harbour
Central and picturesque, steps from most sights and restaurants.
Hotels in Bryggen and the harbourNordnes
A quiet peninsula of wooden houses, a short walk from the centre.
Hotels in NordnesSandviken
Residential and slightly cheaper, with charming old streets north of Bryggen.
Hotels in Sandviken
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable, and the Bybanen light rail runs south towards the airport. Buses cover the suburbs.
The Bybanen light rail runs from the airport to the centre in about 45 minutes, while the airport bus is a little quicker. Trains from Oslo take around seven hours.
When to go
May to September has the longest days and the best chance of dry weather for hiking and fjord trips. It rains at any time of year, and winter is mild but dark.
Plan your trip to Bergen
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.