Bergen recommendations
Bergen is one of those cities that feels like it’s been pulled straight from a fairytale. With colourful wooden houses, cobbled laneways, and misty mountain backdrops, it’s hard not to fall for its charm. I lived in Bergen for a little while and wanted to share some of my favourite ways to explore the city—mostly on foot, with a few scenic detours and cosy corners thrown in.
Wander the Streets
The best way to begin your time in Bergen is to simply wander. The streets and alleyways are lined with beautiful old houses in every pastel shade, each one more photogenic than the last. Getting lost here is part of the magic.
Hikes
If you’re up for a bit of movement, there are two mountain walks I’d highly recommend:
Fløyen is the popular choice, with a funicular ride if you’re feeling cruisy and a well-marked path if you’re up for the walk. At the top, you’ll find sweeping views of the city and fjords below.
Ulriken is one of my favourites—a bit more challenging but so worth it. If you have time and energy, you can actually walk along the mountain ridge from Ulriken and end at Fløyen. It’s an epic hike and one of the best ways to experience the wildness that sits just above the city.
Food & Treats
We didn’t eat out much, but there are a few gems worth noting
The fish markets by the harbour are great for trying local seafood (or just wandering through for the atmosphere).
There’s also a really good bakery near the Fløyen gondola—perfect for a post-hike pastry and coffee.
Cold Dips & Saunas
For those who like a bit of cold therapy (or just want to feel extremely Norwegian), there’s a sauna and lake dip experience in town. I believe the one I did is still running, but there are quite a few now—definitely worth looking into if you’re up for a hot-cold-hot cycle.
Day Trips & Scenic Spots
Flåm makes a gorgeous day trip. The journey there is almost as stunning as the destination, and if you can, go up to the Stegastein viewpoint—it’s a glass platform jutting out over the fjord and absolutely breathtaking.
Nordnesparken is a lovely park near the city centre where you can stroll along the water, chill on the grass, or dip your toes in if it’s warm enough.
Troldhaugen is magical, especially if you can catch someone playing piano there. It’s the former home of composer Edvard Grieg, and the whole area has a peaceful, artsy energy to it.
Local Hidden Gems
I used to live near Fantoft, and tucked away in the forest is a beautiful stave church—dark wood, steep roofs, and seriously atmospheric.
Gamlehaugen Castle is another peaceful spot to walk around. You can’t always go inside, but the grounds and lake are dreamy.
