How to Spend 2 Days in Bergen, Norway
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Excited for your upcoming trip to Bergen? As someone who’s navigated this beautiful city, I’m here to help you prepare and ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
With its famous landscapes, deep history, and lively local culture, you will have an unforgettable experience in Bergen.
When I first landed at Bergen Airport Flesland and stepped off the plane, I knew I had an incredible week ahead.
In this blog, I’ll share my essential travel tips to spend two days in Bergen so you can make the most of your short time there.
Let’s make sure your Bergen 2-day itinerary is packed with all the right experiences to make your visit to Bergen worth while and memorable.
Get ready to explore Bergen like a local, with all the insider tips you need at your fingertips!
Itinerary: 2 Days in Bergen, Norway
Day 1 Morning
Breakfast in Bergen
You’ll begin your two-day Bergen adventure with breakfast at Godt Brød.
This bakery, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, has been a favorite among locals and visitors since 1995.
You can pick from a variety of freshly baked goods right in downtown Bergen. Don’t forget to grab some coffee before our next activity.
Make sure to go to this Godt Brød location – it’s right outside the Fløibanen funicular entrance which is where we are headed next.
Visit Mount Fløyen
After breakfast, head to the Fløibanen funicular. When I arrived at the entrance, I made my way through the tunnel leading to the funicular.
I sat at the front—or I guess it was the back!—and watched as Bergen ascended into the distance, as we reached the top of Mount Fløyen.
I did this on my first day, and it truly offers the most amazing view of the city.
At the top, I spent some time walking the trails, which are perfect for an easy stroll.
I even encountered some friendly goats at the top!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Walking Tour with Funicular
✨ Tour Bryggen
✨ Funicular Tickets Included
✨ Personal Experience
Stroll Through Bergen Fish Market
Once you make it back down the mountain, you’ll make your way to the famous Bergen Fish Market.
I ventured through the market several times during my stay; it’s an experience you really can’t miss when walking through the city center.
Even though I’m not a big seafood fan, making my way through the lively market was definitely a highlight.
I even tried some whale sausage—it was surprisingly really good!
Day 1 Afternoon
Lunch in Bergen
After the fish market, you’ll head to the Bryggeriet restaurant for a relaxing lunch with a view.
This restaurant is located at Zachariasbryggen which hosts several dining and entertainment venues.
This spot overlooks the water and the Bergen city center – the best view!
Explore Historic Bryggen
Once you’re done with lunch, take some time to wander around Bryggen.
This historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most iconic spot in Bergen.
If you want to truly appreciate its significance, consider taking a guided audio tour that delves into the history, the devastating fires, and the architectural uniqueness of Bryggen.
As you walk through the narrow wooden alleys, you’ll find several small shops.
I walked through Bryggen several times. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch or shop around. I picked up a souvenir here.
Visit the Bergen Maritime Museum
Before heading to dinner, visit the Bergen Maritime Museum.
The museum provides a look into Norway’s maritime history, which is crucial for understanding Bergen’s development as a significant port city.
Some exhibits focus on the ancient Viking ships to modern maritime technologies.
This is one of Bergen’s oldest museums and is great if you are interested in learning some history!
Day 1 Evening
Dinner at Bryggeloftet
For dinner, you’ll dine at Bryggeloftet, one of the oldest restaurants in Bergen that has been managed by the same family for over 100 years.
At Bryggeloftet, order a traditional Norwegian dish, perhaps one of their signature dishes like fish soup or reindeer.
It’s a popular spot, so make sure to book your table in advance to secure a spot at this historic restaurant.
Heit Bergen Sauna
After your meal, head back to your accommodations to grab your swimsuit. Why you ask?
You are going to make your way to Heit Bergen Sauna. You can’t visit Scandinavia without visiting a sauna and plunging into icy cold waters.
It’s so refreshing (I promise!) and a perfect way to end the day in Norway’s fjords.
Fortunately for us, we were staying at the Moxy Bergen Hotel, just a two-minute walk from the sauna, which helped on the chilly walk back.
Day 2 Morning
Take a Fjord Cruise
Start your second day in Bergen with a quick breakfast. If your hotel offers breakfast, I recommend eating there to save time and get an early start.
I’ll give you a couple of options for a fjord trip from Bergen depending on how much time you’d like to spend on the cruise.
I took the full-day cruise to Flåm, and it was hands-down my favorite part of the trip and it didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything back in Bergen. It’s a great way to see surrounding towns while you’re there for a short time.
Here are a couple of options:
- Half-Day Fjord Cruise from Bergen: Perfect if you want to spend a few hours seeing the fjords but have other plans for the afternoon. You’ll sail down Osterfjord and the Mostraumen strait on this 4-hour cruise.
- Full-Day Fjord Cruise from Bergen to Flåm: An immersive 12-hour experience that takes you down Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway all the way to the charming village of Flåm.
Whichever cruise you decide on, you’re in for a fantastic day! If you choose the half-day cruise, let’s move on to afternoon plans. If you choose the full-day cruise, you can skip to the evening plans.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fjord Cruise from Bergen to Flam
✨ Scenic views from Bergen to Flam
✨ Free time in Flam
✨ Round-trip
Day 2 Afternoon
Try Reindeer Sausage
Now that you’re back from your cruise, you’ve probably worked up and appetite! You’re going to head to Trekroneren.
When you get to the stand, order a reindeer sausage and ask for it to be topped with lingonberry jam, mustard, and crispy onions.
I stopped here for lunch one day and the sausages are so good! There are many to choose from. They are also quite large, so it should fill you up until dinner.
Visit the Bergenhus Fortress Museum
After you’re done with lunch, you’ll visit the Bergenhus Fortress Museum. Entry is free and the museum is open from 11 am to 5 pm.
When I went, it was really cool to learn about Bergen’s military role during WWII and other significant historical events, such as the devastating fires in Bryggen.
It was officially opened by Gunnar Sønsteby on April 9, 2006, 66 years after the German attack on Norway in 1940, and is staffed by pensioners from the Armed Forces and museum industry.
Visit the Fantoft Stave Church
Alternatively, for your afternoon activity you could venture a bit out of the city to see one of the famous Stave Churches.
Visiting is Fantoft Stave Church is included in the Bergen Card benefits, so you’ll get free admission if you get the card.
Located just 6 km from the city center, you can easily drive or take the light rail to this iconic Norwegian cultural landmark.
How to Get to Bergen
Once you’ve landed at Bergen Airport Flesland, make your way to baggage claim. When I landed in Bergen, customs was handled right as we got off the plane. It was seriously the fastest I’ve ever gotten out of an airport when landing in a new country.
Once you make it to the exit, you have a few options for getting to Bergen:
Car Rentals at Bergen Airport
During my trip, we rented a car in Bergen, which was incredibly convenient for day trips outside of Bergen, However, since Bergen is quite walkable, so if you aren’t planning to leave Bergen, you really don’t need a car.
U.S. travelers can drive in Norway for up to three months with a U.S. driver’s license—no need for an international license.
Driving here is straightforward, similar to the U.S., with well-signposted roads. A few things to note:
- Many cars are electric.
- Roads tend to be narrower and cars smaller.
- You’ll encounter many roundabouts, but no center lines on smaller roads.
Public Transport:
Take the Aiport Bus to Bergen:
The Bergen Airport Bus, Flybussen, offers a direct, 20-minute ride to downtown.
Take the Light Rail to Bergen: The most affordable option with a stop right outside the airport terminal. You can buy a ticket on the Skyss Ticket app.
Taking the Train from Oslo to Bergen
If you are traveling from Oslo to Bergen, you have to opt for taking the train over flying. Why?
Because it will be one of the most beautiful train rides you ever take. The ride is about 7-8 hours through the beautiful Norwegian landscape.
Book your train ticket:
Take the Ferry to Bergen from Denmark
If you are traveling from Denmark to Bergen, you have the option of taking a ferry.
You’ll book your ferry trip on the Hirtshals to Bergen ferry via Fjord Line. The ferry will travel with your car if you have one.
Booking Your Ferry Ticket: To book your trip, visit the Fjord Line website and select the Hirtshals to Bergen route.
Arriving in Bergen: The ferry from Hirtshals docks at the Bergen Port, which is located near the city center. This makes it easy to access Bergen’s main attractions and accommodations.
How to Get Around Bergen
Navigating Bergen is easy thanks to its compact size and efficient public transport.
- Walking: Most of Bergen’s main attractions are within walking distance, especially around the city center. You can use public transportation but if you are able, you probably don’t need to.
- Public Transport: You will have the option to use the public buses, Bergen light rail or call a taxi to cover longer distances or when the weather is rainy.
- Bergen Card: Make sure to get the Bergen Card! It offers free or discounted access to most museums and attractions, and includes unlimited free use of public transportation.
Planning Your Trip to Bergen? Important Travel Information
- Emergency Numbers: dial 112 for police, 110 for fire, and 113 for medical
- Embassy Contact: The U.S. Embassy is located in Oslo. Phone: (+47) 21 30 85 40, Address: Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo, Norway
- Language: The official language is Norwegian, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, so communication is generally not an issue.
- Currency: The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the currency used here. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash on hand is always a good idea.
- Weather Prep: Bergen is known for its rainy weather, so pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella.
- Airport Transfer: Arrange a transfer from Bergen Airport to the city center.
- Car Rental: Rent a car directly from Bergen Airport through Discover Cars.
- Bergen Card: Highly recommended for visitors, the Bergen Card offers free or discounted admission to most museums and attractions, as well as free public transportation.
- eSim: Get an eSim that you can download onto your phone, using the Airalo app instead of stopping in the airport or paying for international data
Wrapping Up
As we wrap up our guide to spending two unforgettable days in Bergen, Norway, I hope you feel prepped with useful tips and are so excited for your visit to Bergen.
Remember to book your activities in advance, like your dinner at Bryggeloftet or the fjord cruise, to make sure you are ready for your visit.
I can’t wait for you to experience the beauty and thrill of Bergen, just as I did.
If you’re looking to explore more of what Norway has to offer, consider reading my guide on day trips from Bergen next or Fjord Day Trips from Bergen—it’s packed with tips to help you discover even more of this stunning country.
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