I usually plan my trips down to the last detail, but my weekend getaway to Bergen was a rare impulse. The cheap flight caught my eye, and a quick Google search sealed the deal. The photos of Bryggen’s colourful wooden houses, set against green hills and the harbour, looked too beautiful to pass up.In just three packed days, I fell in love with Norway, the dramatic landscapes, the friendly people, and their deep love for the outdoors. Since then, I’ve returned three more times and already have my fifth trip booked. In this post, I’m sharing my 3 days in Bergen itinerary, a perfect introduction to Norway that will help you experience the country’s beauty for yourself.
Where is Bergen and How to Get There
Bergen is located on the west coast of Norway. Thanks to its position among the famous Norwegian fjords, it is often called the “Gateway to Norway’s Fjords.”
Although it is Norway’s second largest city, Bergen feels fairly small with just under 300,000 inhabitants. It is easy to reach by direct flights from many European cities, so you will most likely avoid a layover in Oslo.
If you do not have a direct connection, you can fly to Oslo and take the train to Bergen. The journey takes about 7 hours and is often named one of Europe’s most beautiful train rides. Because of the length, I recommend it only if you plan to spend more time in Norway. For a weekend getaway, flying directly to Bergen gives you more time to explore the city and its surroundings.
Once you land, getting to the city centre is simple. The cheapest option, and the one I chose, is the Light Rail. It takes about 45 minutes from the airport to the centre and costs under five euros. Tickets can be bought from the machines on the platform. A faster but more expensive option is the airport bus, which costs around three times more but gets you there in about 30 minutes. For more detailed information, visit the official guide.
Best Time To Visit
Norway has a cool climate, so the best time to visit is during spring and summer if you want to explore the outdoors. Even in summer, temperatures rarely go above twenty degrees, but don’t let that stop you. As Norwegians like to say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in Europe. To improve your chances of sunshine, it is best to visit in May or June, which are usually the driest months. When I visited in early May, we were lucky with two days of sunshine. On our last day, we experienced the real Bergen weather. Although I preferred the clear skies for hiking, the low clouds hanging over the fjords created a beautiful, mystical atmosphere that I loved almost as much.
Where To Stay
If you are spending only a few days in Bergen, I recommend choosing a hotel in the city centre. The nice thing about Bergen is that the centre is very walkable, so if you stay nearby, you will not need to use public transport.
Which hotel to pick will depend on your budget. During my stay, I chose the Comfort Hotel Bergen for its excellent location and great value for money. The rooms were simple but comfortable, and the real highlight was the breakfast. It offered a wide variety of tasty options, a perfect way to start a long day of exploring the city and its surroundings.
A Taste of Norway: 3 Days in Bergen
If you have only 3 days in Bergen, this itinerary will give you a true taste of what Norway has to offer. You will explore the historic city centre, hike in the nearby mountains with stunning fjord views, and experience the fjords up close on a scenic cruise.
Day 1: Explore Bergen
To make the most of your first day, take a morning flight so you can spend the afternoon exploring Bergen. Once you arrive and drop off your bags at the hotel, head straight to Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed historic harbor famous for its colorful wooden buildings. In this area, you will find plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
While you are there, stop by the Fish Market by the water. If you want something different from seafood, try Trekroneren, a popular hot dog stand known for serving some of the best hot dogs in Bergen, including reindeer hot dogs.
As you continue walking along the harbor, you will reach Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortifications. Admission is free, so it is worth a short stop.
Bryggen itself is quite compact, so you will likely have time to explore more of the city. I recommend visiting Sandviken, a district northeast of the city centre. It is full of narrow, charming streets, wooden houses, and terraced views overlooking the harbour and fjords. The climb up the streets takes a little effort, but it is worth it for the views and to see a quieter, less popular with tourists side of Bergen.
You will have plenty of options for dinner, but for authentic local food, head to Pingvinen. This cosy gastropub serves traditional Norwegian dishes and beer. It is more affordable than the restaurants along the harbour and offers a genuine local dining experience.
Day 2: Hike Ulriken to Fløyen Trail
No trip to Norway is complete without a hike. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, all easily reached by public transport, so you do not need a car. One of the most popular hikes is Vidden, which takes you from Mount Ulriken, the tallest of the seven mountains, to Mount Fløyen, known for the Fløibanen funicular. The 15-kilometer trail offers stunning views of the fjords and can be hiked between May and October.
There are two ways to get to the start the hike at the top of Mount Ulriken. If you prefer to hike up, take bus number 12 to Montana. Several trails lead to the top, with the shortest and steepest following the Sherpa stairs, which takes about an hour.
Alternatively, you can take the cable car. To reach the bottom station, take Light Rail line 2 from Kaigaten to Haukeland, then walk 10 to 15 minutes. A one-way cable car ticket costs around 22 euros.
At the top station, you can stop at the café for a snack or drink. This is also the last opportunity for restrooms before Mount Fløyen. Since it is a fairly long hike, bring water and snacks, and make sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
Once you reach Mount Fløyen, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bergen and take a break at Fløistuen Café. From there, it is either a short walk back down to the city centre or you can take the funicular.
The hike is fairly challenging, and if you do it early in the season, like I did, you may come across patches of snow. It is absolutely worth it. The views are breathtaking, and along the way you will pass several small lakes. I highly recommend this hike if you visit Bergen for a few days. Just make sure to check the weather before heading out.
Day 3: Fjord Cruise
On your last day, it is time to experience the fjords up close. A great way to do this is by joining a fjord cruise. Cruises depart from the central harbour, so if your hotel is in the city centre, it is just a short walk to the departure point.
A typical cruise lasts three to four hours, traveling from Bergen through the narrow Mostraumen straits, passing charming villages and waterfalls. The boats are modern and spacious. For the best views, head to the sun deck, and when it gets cold, you can go inside to warm up.
I took the cruise with Rødne Fjord Cruise, the first company to offer tourist fjord cruises on this route. They have two departures per day. The first is at 10 am is ideal if you need to catch a flight later.
After the cruise, on your way to the airport, you can stop for lunch at The Hagelin Sisters. This well-known fish food store in Bergen serves fish soup, fish cakes, fish burgers, and other local specialties. It is an affordable lunch option with a long tradition and a perfect way to end your trip.
Final Thoughts
Bergen is a fantastic base for a short getaway to Norway because of its location in the centre of the fjords. Even if you do not have time for a longer holiday, 3 days in Bergen are enough to explore one of the country’s most historic cities, try local cuisine, hike with stunning fjord views, and admire the fjords up close on a cruise. It is the perfect introduction to Norway and will make you want to come back as soon as you leave.