How to Spend 4 Days in Bergen, Norway
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If you’re wondering whether 4 days in Bergen, Norway, is enough time, let me tell you, it is!
This city quickly topped my list of favorite places I’ve visited. It has the most amazing landscapes I’ve seen and a quaint town to wander through.
Within just two days, I was Googling how to move there as one does when they visit a new country.
In this 4-day Bergen itinerary, I’m excited to share with you the experiences that make Bergen so special.
From the incredible views from Mount Fløyen to wandering through the historical streets of Bryggen, I hope you love it as much as I did.
Let’s put together the perfect itinerary for your upcoming 4 day so you’ll know just what to do in Bergen, Norway!
4 Day Bergen Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning:
The first morning you’re in Bergen, you’ll start your day with some fresh pasterires and coffee at Godt Brød.
A local and tourist favorite, this bakery has been serving Bergen since 1995 and now has several locations across Norway.
I recommend going to the location by the Fløibanen Funicular because that’s where we’re headed next.
After breakfast, you’ll ride the Fløibanen Funicular up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city.
This was hands down my favorite view of the city when I visited.
I did this on day one a was a great way to kickoff the trip. It made me so excited for the week to come.
You also have the option to hike Mount Fløyen. This is a 2 mile round trip hike. Grab a coffee at the top and enjoy the views before heading back down.
If you still have time to kill before lunch, spend time wandering the old alleyways of Bryggen.
Bryggen is the popular wharf in Bergen which today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The wharf was essential to trade in the 14th-16th century and was rebuilt several times after devastating fires.
Today it’s home to several shops and restaurants.
I loved wandering through the different buildings learning about the history and popping into different shops.
I also ate at Madame Felle a few times which has a great patio that overlooks the water.
Afternoon:
Up next, you’ll grab a quick lunch at Trekroneren. You can’t stop in Bergen and not have the famous reindeer sausage topped with crispy onions, lingonberry jam, and mustard.
I was skeptical at first but it turned out to be so delicious!
For the rest of the afternoon, you’ll continue to explore the city of Bergen
First, visit the Bergen Fish Market. This market was established in Bergen in the 1200s and has been there ever since. Take some time wandering through vendor’s stalls and try some fresh seafood and produce.
Once you’re done at the fish market, you’ll walk just 7 min to the city park to see the Musikkpaviljongen and various other sculptures as you stroll around.
Return to your accommodations to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Evening:
Enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner at Bryggeloftet & Stuene, known for it’s traditional dishes like fish soup and reindeer.
This restaurant has been open for over 100 years and it run by the same family – talk about tradition!
Day 2:
Morning & Afternoon:
Start early with breakfast at your hotel, and then you’ll head out on a full-day tour featuring a fjord cruise and a ride on the scenic Flåm Railway.
This will be a long day, so make sure you fuel up on lots of coffee!
Taking a fjord cruise was the highlight of my trip. I’ve watch all the YouTube videos looked at all the pictures of Norway’s famous landscape and seeing the fjords was truly a dream come true.
I can’t wait for you to see them too!
You’ll begin at the Strandkaien Terminal where you’ll board a bus and kick off the day with Tvinde Waterfall and Stalheim Viewpoint.
You’ll then set sail on a 2-hour fjord cruise down the narrow Naeröyfjord.
Your final stop will be Flam, where you’ll board the Flam railway, that’s said to be the most beautiful train ride in the world, back toward Bergen.
Evening:
After a very long day, you’re probably ready to wind down with a good meal, and Fjellskål Seafood Restaurant is just the spot.
This restaurant is located right by the port where your tour ends, it’s perfect for that “I need food now” moment.
We loved this place so much during our visit to Bergen that we ended up eating here twice!
Fjellskål prides itself on using the freshest seafood straight from the Bergen Fish Market.
Their fish soup is a must-try. And if you’re anything like me, a fan of the free bread served at restaurants before your meal, this was the best. Enjoy!
Day 3:
Morning:
On your third day, kick off your morning with a hike up to Mount Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains.
If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry—you can also take the Ulriken Cable Car to the summit.
Either way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Bergen from above.
This is a little way out of the city so you can get there by the Ulriken Express buses that run during May-September.
They depart every 30 minutes from Torgallmenningen 1A (located in the Bergen city center.
If you have a rental car or opt for a taxi, it’s about a 12-minute car ride.
Afternoon:
After reaching the summit of Mount Ulriken, treat yourself to lunch at Skyskraperen Restaurant, sitting at the highest viewing point in Bergen. Which of course offers the most stunning views you’ll have in Bergen while dining.
This unique restaurant offers a seasonal menu with traditional dishes made with local produce that changes throughout the year.
Take your time to enjoy the views and the food. Then, after a satisfying meal, start heading back down to the city.
Evening:
You’ll probably still have some time before dinner when you get back so next, unwind from your day with a relaxing visit to Heit Bergen Sauna.
It’s the perfect way to ease your muscles after a hike and have a truly Scandinavian experience by plunging into icy cold waters—refreshing!
I stayed at the Moxy Bergen and the sauna was located just a short 3-minute walk away which helped with the chilly walk back!
For dinner, you have a few options depending on what you’re in the mood for.
If you prefer staying close to the sauna, check out Jaja or Arti Danmarksplass. We ate at both twice during our visit!
Arti Danmarksplass has some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had if you’re looking to mix it up. Jaja as popular street food from all around the world.
Alternatively, if you feel like heading back into the city center for something a bit more upscale, make a reservation at Restaurant 1877. This spot offers an elevated Norwegian dining experience.
Day 4
Morning:
On your last day in Bergen, I intentionally kept the itinerary light, making sure you had plenty of free time to revisit your favorite places before you leave.
Start your day at the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, a 5-minute walk from Bryggen.
I really enjoyed visiting this museum! I learned more about Bergen’s history during WWII and other historical events, such as the many, many fires that have affected Bryggen.
We spent about one hour inside, it’s pretty quick to get through. Entry is free!
After exploring the fortress, you’ll head to Fantoft Stave Church by car or light rail, which is just outside the city center.
We had a car, but the light rail is just as convenient and drops you off close to the church.
This church was originally built in 1150 and reconstructed after a fire in 1992.
Known for it’s unique, viking style architecture, this is one of 28 stave churches in Norway remaining.
Afternoon:
For lunch, I recommend revisiting your favorite restaurant that you’ve eaten at so far!
The rest of the afternoon is yours to revisit your favorite places or go to any place you have on your list that we haven’t gotten to yet.
Evening:
End your 4-day trip to Bergen with dinner at Bryggeriet Restaurant, next to the Bergen Fish Market in Zachariasbryggen.
Known for its delicious food, at this spot you’ll also have views of the water and the Bergen city center, making it a setting for your last evening.
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 packing 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
Is Bergen Worth Visiting?
Absolutley! Bergen is worth visiting if you love the outdoors. For me, visiting Bergen was an incredible experience.
Walking through Bryggen’s historic streets, taking fjord cruises, and trying some of the best local dishes really made my trip worthwhile.
It’s of course the perfect place to go if you want to see the fjords. It’s the starting point to some of Norway’s most popular fjords.
There are some amazing day trips to take from Bergen as well.
So, if you’re asking me, Bergen is definitely worth a visit—it offers a lot more than just beautiful views and should be on your radar for an upcoming trip.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bergen?
Deciding when to visit Bergen really depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip!
Depending on what your looking for, you could visit year round.
It’s an outdoorsy place so the summer and early fall months are great but if you are a skiier our want to come for Christmas, Norway is the spot.
I visited in September and it was ideal—the weather was mild enough for hiking and the autumn leaves were just starting to show their colors.
Generally, Bergen’s warmest months are from May through September, with temperatures averaging between 11ºC (51ºF) and 17ºC (62ºF). The colder months, from October to April, see temperatures that can drop to as low as -0.8ºC (17.6ºF) and rise up to around 9ºC (48ºF).
Is 4 days enough time to visit Bergen?
Absolutely! Four days in Bergen is definitely enough time to visit Bergen. I stayed for eight days, and several of those days we left Bergen to take day trips.
If you’re focusing just on the city itself, four days will allow you plenty of time to explore.
Bergen isn’t large, so this amount of time lets you visit all the popular spots without feeling rushed and leaves room to revisit any favorite spots.
Tips for Visiting Bergen
Get the Bergen Card
The Bergen Card is is a must for visitors! It’ll give you free or discounted admission to many of the city’s museums and attractions, and unlimited use of public transportation.
Pack for the Weather
Bergen is known for its rainy weather, so make sure to come prepared. I somehow got very lucky and it only rained one day but rained all day on the day it did! Bring a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. Our hotel had umbrellas to checkout in the lobby – check with your hotel to see if they offer something similar.
Don’t Rent a Car
If you aren’t planning on venturing outside of Bergen, I don’t recommend renting a car. We really didn’t use our except for the one day we drove to Voss. Bergen is very walkable.
Wrapping Up
Wrapping up our 4-day Bergen itinerary, I hope you’re as excited about your Bergen trip as I was during mine!
Bergen is a city that’s for those who love the outdoors and those drawn to history and food. So, if you’re deciding whether to visit, I’d say Bergen is definitely worth your time and 4 days is plenty of time.
Get ready to make some unforgettable memories in this amazing Norwegian city!
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