11 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway (By Land or Sea)
Whether you are sailing into the spectacular harbor at the Bergen cruise port with only a few hours to spare, or you are flying in to spend a few days exploring by land, Bergen is a destination that captures your heart the moment you arrive. Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” Norway’s second-largest city feels remarkably like a charming, walkable small town.
Planning your perfect Bergen itinerary comes down to one main factor: time. Cruise passengers usually have a tight 6-to-8-hour window, while land-based visitors have the luxury of full-day adventures. Fortunately, the city center is incredibly compact, making it easy to maximize your trip.
If you want to see our entire Bergen adventure, including exactly what our journey looked like, check out the full vlog below!
(If you just want the quick hit-list, you can also watch my dedicated “Things to Do in Bergen” breakdown right here:)
If you are wondering how to spend your time in this breathtaking Norwegian hub, here are the 11 best things to do, eat, and see in Bergen, Norway.
1. Explore Bryggen in Old Bergen (And Go Troll Shopping)
You cannot visit Bergen without exploring its historic heart. Start your day wandering through Bryggen, the iconic row of colorful, leaning wooden merchant houses that line the harbor.
Duck into the narrow alleyways between the buildings. What used to be the center of the Hanseatic league’s trading empire hundreds of years ago is now a maze of cozy cafes, local artisan studios, and boutique shops. Grab a coffee and embrace the Norwegian concept of koselig (coziness). This UNESCO World Heritage site is also the absolute best place for troll shopping. Trolls are deeply woven into Norse mythology, and you’ll find intricately carved wooden trolls of all shapes and sizes hiding in these shops—making for the perfect quirky souvenir.
2. Taste Authentic Norwegian Brown Cheese at Kaf Kafe
While you are cafe-hopping in Old Bergen, you absolutely must try Brown Cheese (Brunost). If you want the quintessential experience, head to Kaf Kafe Bryggen, a cozy little coffee shop tucked right into a 300-year-old wooden building in the alleyways of the wharf. They serve it exactly as it should be eaten: shaved thin over a fresh, warm heart-shaped waffle with a dollop of jam or sour cream.
If you have never had it, it will completely surprise you. This Norwegian staple is technically a caramelized whey cheese, giving it a sweet, fudge-like flavor with a distinct hint of caramel. It doesn’t taste like cheddar or swiss; it almost tastes like a dessert!
If you are staying overnight in Bergen rather than just passing through on a cruise, keep an eye out for it in the morning. Brown cheese is an absolute staple at almost every in-town hotel breakfast buffet. You’ll usually find a whole block of it sitting next to a traditional cheese slicer, ready to be layered onto fresh bread before a day of exploring.
3. Grab a Reindeer Sausage at Trekroneren
If you only eat one quick street food meal in Bergen, make it a hot dog from Trekroneren. This legendary, tiny food stand is located just a block away from the harbor and has been serving locals since 1948.
Do not order a standard hot dog—you are here for the reindeer sausage. It is richly flavored, slightly smoky, and deeply traditional. The absolute best way to order it is topped with crispy fried onions, a drizzle of mustard, and a sweet, tart strip of lingonberry jam. It’s cheap (by Norwegian standards), incredibly delicious, and perfect to eat on the go if you are rushing back to your cruise ship.
4. Ride the Fløibanen Funicular (Wait for the Front Row!)
Bergen is famous for the seven mountains that frame the city, and getting to the top of Mount Fløyen is a mandatory addition to any Bergen itinerary. The entrance to the Fløibanen Funicular is conveniently located right in the city center, making it highly accessible for cruise passengers.
In just 6 to 8 minutes, this glass-roofed railway pulls you up the steep incline.
- Pro-Tip: Don’t just rush onto the first available car. Take a breath, step aside, and wait to have the front row for the next ride up. The sweeping, unobstructed view of the city opening up below you as you climb the mountain is entirely worth the extra five-minute wait!
Want to see exactly what that front-row view looks like? Click here to check out my quick video of our ride down the mountain
5. Take the Ulriken Cable Car for Panoramic Views
If you want to go even higher than Mount Fløyen, head to Mount Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains. The Ulriken Cable Car sweeps you up to 643 meters above sea level. Because it requires a short bus ride from the city center to reach the base, it takes a bit more time than the Fløibanen, so cruisers should watch the clock closely. However, it rewards you with wilder, more rugged alpine terrain, incredible hiking trails, and a fantastic mountaintop restaurant.
Book the Cable Car Here [Bergen: Round-Trip Ulriken Cable Car Ticket]
6. Explore the Bergen Fish Market (Try Whale, Reindeer, and Elk)
Located right in the center of the harbor, the Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget) has been a meeting place for merchants and fishermen since the 1200s. Today, it features both an indoor food hall and lively outdoor stalls.
Beyond the incredible fresh salmon and massive king crab legs, this is your chance to try some of Norway’s more exotic game meats. Walk along the outdoor stalls and look for vendors offering samples and prepared dishes where you can try whale, reindeer, and elk. It is a fantastic, quick culinary adventure that easily fits into a tight cruise schedule, allowing you to taste the wilder side of the Norwegian diet.
7. Walk the Grounds of the Bergen Fortress (Bergenhus Festning)
Just a short walk from Bryggen, out toward the cruise terminal, you’ll find the Bergen Fortress. As one of the oldest and best-preserved stone fortifications in Norway, it dates back to the 1200s when Bergen was the capital of the country. It is completely free to walk the beautiful, expansive grounds. You can view the impressive exterior of Haakon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower. It makes for an easy, rewarding, and historically rich stop for cruisers stretching their legs on the way back to the ship.
8. Eat at Pingvinen Restaurant (Traditional & Reasonably Priced)
Norway is notoriously expensive, which makes finding a high-value, reasonably priced sit-down meal a massive win. Enter Pingvinen (The Penguin).
This beloved local gastropub feels like you have stepped right into a Norwegian grandmother’s dining room. It is the absolute best place in the city to try traditional, rustic Norwegian comfort food without breaking the bank. Expect hearty, filling portions of fish au gratin (macaroni and fish baked in a creamy sauce), traditional meatballs in brown gravy, and rich meat stews. They also boast an excellent selection of local Norwegian craft beers to wash it all down.
9. Take a “BIG” Full-Day Fjord Excursion (Land Guests Only)
If you are staying in Bergen for a few days by land, you have the freedom to take on the massive, full-day Bergen excursions. The most famous is the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, or dedicated 10-to-12-hour day trips to the sprawling Sognefjord or Hardangerfjord.
These epic journeys involve complex combinations of scenic trains (like the famous Flåm Railway), buses, and ferries. They are unforgettable, but absolutely not recommended for cruise passengers. The high risk of travel delays—a late train or a missed ferry connection—can easily cause you to miss your ship’s strict “all aboard” time. Leave the big excursions to the land-based tourists!
Book the BIG Excursions Here: If you have the time and want to see the massive fjords, these are the top-rated full-day tours I recommend booking in advance:
10. Book a Local Bergen Fjord Excursion (Perfect for Cruisers)
So, how do cruise passengers see the fjords safely? Opt for a localized Bergen Fjord Excursion.
These boat tours typically last a very manageable 3 to 4 hours and depart directly from the inner harbor (Vågen), just steps from the Fish Market. They take you through the stunning Osterfjord and the narrow, dramatic Mostraumen strait. You get to experience crashing waterfalls, steep cliffs, and deep icy waters, all while safely making it back to town with plenty of time to spare before your ship departs.
Book the Local Fjord Excursion Here: Don’t risk missing out (or missing your ship). You can book the exact 3-hour harbor cruise right here:
11. Where We Stayed: Scandic Torget Bergen
If you are extending your stay by land, location is everything. We stayed at the Scandic Torget Bergen, and it was the perfect home base for exploring the city.
The location is truly incredible—it sits quite literally on the edge of the harbor. Step out the front doors, and you are immediately at the Fish Market, with Bryggen and the Fløibanen Funicular just a short walk away. Beyond the unbeatable convenience, the hotel is famous for its massive, award-winning breakfast buffet.
You can eat fresh baked goods, smoked salmon, and (of course) plenty of brown cheese, all while looking right out over the city fjord and the bustling market below. It is the perfect way to start your day before hiking the seven mountains!
Book your stay here:[ check out current rates and availability]
Ready to Plan Your Norwegian Adventure?
Planning a trip to the fjords—or trying to maximize your limited time in port on a European cruise—can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. If you are looking to build the perfect itinerary that balances high-value, mid-range travel experiences without the stress, I would love to help!
[Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 travel consultation with me] , and let’s start mapping out your next unforgettable trip.
Safe travels, and see you in the next Blog!