6 Best Day Trips from Bergen, Norway [2025]

Norway is often known for the midnight sun and the breathtaking northern lights, and it never ceases to amaze with its unique landscapes. It truly was some of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen.

Also known for the Vikings and trolls, it’s a country that seemingly came out of a fairy tale.

Just off the west coast is the city of Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city surrounded by seven hills, offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and history.

The winding streets and restaurants in Bergen add to the city’s charm, serving a variety of Norwegian culinary delights.

However, your journey doesn’t have to stop in Bergen.

There are several Bergen day trips just around the corner where you can experience even more of Norway’s beauty.

Best Day Trips from Bergen

1. Lavik, Norway

Distance from Bergen to Lavik: 2 hr

Lavik is a small village 2 hours away from Bergen. If you love to hike, this place is for you. Surrounding the village, is 40 hiking trails you can choose from. This is a great way to experience Norway’s beautiful landscape on foot.

Things to do in Lavik:

• Go canoeing on Lake Sørestrand
• Hike one of Lavik’s 40 trails
• Visit the local church

Where to eat in Lavik:

• Lavik Fjord Hotell
• Lavik Kro

2. Vik, Norway

Distance from Bergen to Vik: 3 hr 30 min

Vik is home to one of the historic Stave churches dating back to the Middle Ages designed to intertwine Viking culture and emerging Christianity in Norway.

In Vik, you can see beautiful landscapes and there’s plenty to do away from the crowds in Bergen.

Things to do in Vik:

• Guided Fjord and Glacier Tours
• Cheese Taste and Tour to Vik and Fjærland
• Visit the Hopperstad Stave Church

Where to eat in Vik:

• Strondin Pub Vík
• Berg Restaurant
• Smidjan Brugghus

Things to do in Aurland:

• Stegastein Lookout
• Visit the Aurland Shoe Factory
• Visit the Sauna

Where to eat in Aurland:

• Hotel Aurlandsfjord Restaurant
• Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri

4. Flam, Norway

Distance from Bergan to Flam: 2hr 39min

While in Norway, we took a cruise down the Sognefjord and Flam was our final stop. Surrounded by beautiful views, Flam is nestled along the Aurlandfjord waters.

It is best known for the Flam Railway, a train ride about 20 kilometers long that took about 20 years to complete and is known for its master engineering.

In Flam, you can also ride Scandanavia’s longest zipline as well as stop in at several of their restaurants.

Things to do in Flam:

• Flam Railway Tickets
• Visit a Viking Village
• Scandania’s Longest Zipline

Where to eat in Flam:

• Flam Bakery
• Flamsbryyga Hotel
• Ægir Brewpub

Where to eat in Voss:

• Vangen Cafe
• Vossevangen Grill- & Steakhouse
• Flor’n Restaurant Store Ringheim

6. Hardangerfjord

Distance from Bergen to Hardangerfjord: 1hr 36min

A day trip from Bergen to Hardangerfjord is a must-do. Hardangerfjord is the 3rd longest fjord in the world.

The best way to see the most of the fjord and its villages is to take a sightseeing cruise from Bergen to Hardangerfjord. However, this will not allow you to see the most famous waterfall in the world, Vøringfossen, or hike to the famous rock formation, Trolltunga.

Trolltunga is one of Hardangerfjords’ most iconic attractions. It sits about 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet. The hike itself is about a 7-10 hour roundtrip hike.

Things to do in Hardangerfjord:

• See the Vøringsfossen Waterfall
• Hike Trolltunga
• Take a cruise from Bergren to Hargangerfjord

Preparing for Your Bergen Day Trips

Now that you know which day trips you are going to take, let’s get ready to go!

Transportation Options

1. Renting a car in Bergen

In Norway, if you have a license issued by the United States you can rent a car for up to 3 months without needing to get an international driver’s license.

For the duration of our trip, we had a car that we rented at the Bergen airport.

Because we were in Bergen most of the time, we could have saved money and only rented a car when we took day trips as Bergen is extremely walkable.

To compare prices and get the best price on a car, you can use the AutoEurope price comparison tool that will show you rates from all popular car rental companies.

If you are an American, driving in Norway is pretty much the same as driving in the States and you will be familiar with the road signage.

Some things you’ll notice that are different are:

• most of the cars are electric
• The roads are a bit more narrow, but cars are smaller
• There usually isn’t a center line
• Lots of roundabouts

As one who likes to go at their own pace, I loved taking our day trips from Bergen by car.

However, there is public transportation, cruises or trains readily available to you if you’d like to take your day trips from Bergen without a car!

2. Take a fjord cruise from Bergen

One of the days we were in Norway, we took a day trip to Flam on a fjord cruise that took us through Sognefjord which is the longest fjord in the country. It stopped at 11 different villages along the way.

If you are looking to get some amazing views of the fjords, I highly recommend taking the From Bergen: Flam Full-Day Cruise to Sognefjord done by Wow A Tour.

If you want a shorter fjord cruise, there are several fjord day trips from Bergen to choose from that are different durations to fit your schedule.

It is a great way to see several places in a day and get up close views of Norway’s beautiful landscape without much work on your part!

This cruise has food and drinks on board and allows for time to explore Flam.

3. Day Trips from Bergen by Train: Norway in a Nutshell

The Norway in a Nutshell tour is a famous tour that takes travelers on a trip through iconic parts of Norway. This is perfect if you are looking for day trips from bergen by train.

The trip also includes taking a ride on the Flam Railway, known as the most beautiful train ride in the world.

This train trip passes through UNESCO World Heritage sites. These areas are designated by the United Nations for their natural beauty and cultural significance.

If you do Norway in a Nutshell, you will be traveling by railway, bus, and boat so you truly would see Norway from all perspectives. Depending on the route you choose, you are able to go all the way to Oslo.

What to Pack on a Day Trip from Bergen:

• Comfortable shoes: Whether you’re exploring the city or hiking, comfy shoes are a must.
  
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially if you’re planning on hiking or doing other physical activities.
  
• Snacks: Although there are plenty of restaurants around, it’s always a good idea to carry some extra snacks.
  
• Camera or smartphone: Obviously!
  
• Portable Chargers: Consider getting a portable charger if you’ll be out all day.
  
• Small backpack: To comfortably carry the things listed here and other belongings.
  
• Umbrella: It’s always a good idea to have one on hand – Norway can be rainy!
  
• Local currency: While most places in Norway accept credit cards, having some Norwegian Krone (NOK) on hand can be useful for small purchases or places that might not accept cards. (Tip: If you plan on using your credit card, make sure it’s a travel rewards credit card that has no foreign exchange fees)
  
• Map or guidebook: While you will most likely have no issues using your smartphone, a physical map can be handy in case you run into weak cell reception.

See Norway’s breathtaking landscapes

As you travel through Norway, you’ll quickly understand why its landscapes have inspired legend and folklore.

Whether you are traveling by car, train, or boat every turn presents a new unique view of the country.

Wrapping Up: Why Bergen is the Perfect Starting Point for Day Trips

Bergen serves as the gateway to some of Norway’s most iconic sights. It allows for easy access to both natural wonders and the small waterside villages, making it the perfect starting point for Bergen day trips.

Whether by car, train, or boat, the day trips that begin in Bergen promise memories that last a lifetime.

What to read next:

• Best 8 Restaurants in Bergen, Norway
• Ultimate Guide to the Airports in Bergen
• 7 Best Fjord Day Trips from Bergen

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