2 DAYS IN BERGEN ITINERARY: HOW TO SPEND 48 HOURS IN NORWAY’S FJORD CAPITAL!

LOOKING TO PLAN A SHORT BUT MIGHTY BERGEN ITINERARY?

After spending a long weekend in Bergen celebrating Jordie’s birthday, we’ve put together this easy-to-follow 2 day Bergen itinerary to help you make the most of a short trip.

Dubbed “Gateway to the fjords”, Bergen is a colourful coastal city in southwest Norway that completely stole our hearts.

With just 2 days in Bergen, you will need to be a little more selective, but have no fear! This itinerary covers the absolute “must do” highlights, from Bryggen and the Fløibanen funicular to a full-day fjord cruise.

Below, you’ll find exactly how to spend 2 days in Bergen, including the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay and practical tips to help you plan your trip. Let’s go!!

Planning your trip to Bergen?
Start here:

Skyscanner ↗ to find the best flights to Bergen Flesland Airport (BGO).
Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay in Bergen.
Psst! Try Charmante – Skostredet Hôtel for a quirky, quintessential Bergen stay!

🎟️ Viator ↗ to book unforgettable tours, from fjord cruises to guided walks.
🛡️ Staysure ↗ for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).

2 DAYS IN BERGEN NORWAY ITINERARY:

ARRIVAL
On Day 1, arrive into Bergen Flesland Airport (BGO) either the evening before or early this morning to maximise your time.

From the airport, take the Bergen Light Railway into the city centre. It’s quick, affordable and by far the easiest option!

💡 Read our full Bergen Airport to the city centre ↗ guide.

The Bergen Light Railway is, from our personal experience, by far the most convenient and cost effective way to get from Bergen airport to Bergen city centre! — The Bergen Light Railway, taking you from Bergen airport straight into the city. *Photo by Jordie.*

WHERE TO STAY IN BERGEN
Ideally base yourself near Bryggen / Vågen Harbour. It puts you in easy walking distance from all the main sights, best restaurants and fjord tour departure points, making a big difference when you only have a short time in the city!

Our top 3 picks:
Clarion Hotel Admiral ↗ (right on the water. their deluxe / superior deluxe rooms have Bryggen views!)

Charmante – Skostredet Hôtel ↗ (6 mins from Bryggen, quintessentially quirky rooms for a unique stay!)

Skostredet Hôtel ↗ – (8 mins from Bryggen, new 5* design hotel with spa, minimalistic decor & breakfast included).

DAY 1: BRYGGEN, OLD TOWN BERGEN & FLØIBANEN

MORNING
Today is all about seeing Bergen’s highlights, all within walking distance from one another.

Start your trip in the historic Bryggen district, one of the most iconic areas in Bergen, set along the Vågen harbour.

You’ll instantly recognise the colourful wooden buildings lining the waterfront, each one home to small independent shops selling traditional and handmade Norwegian gifts.

The first red building you’ll spot, Julehuset, is actually a year-round Christmas shop and is well worth a quick look. Can guarantee you’ll come out with at least 2 baubles!!

bergen cover photo — Bergen’s famous row of buildings at the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf!

Make sure you don’t just stick to the front. Wander through the narrow, slightly crooked wooden passageways between the buildings. This is where Bryggen really opens up, with hidden workshops, artist studios and tucked-away stores.

Many of these don’t even show on Google Maps, so take your time exploring. We stumbled across a retro flea market and a small pottery studio just by chance.

Bryggen itself is fairly compact, so you’ll only need around an hour to explore properly.

One of the most popular areas in Bergen to visit is the historic Bryggen district, and must be added top of your Bergen itinerary! — Take time to wander down the wooden walkways between the Bryggen facades. *Photo by Jordie.*

💡 For the best photo spot, walk across the harbour and look back at Bryggen from the opposite side, around here.

💡 You might notice the buildings lean slightly. Even after multiple fires, including the Great Fire of 1702, they were rebuilt on the original 12th-century foundations.

💡 Bryggen has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

🗺️ Have more time? 3 days in Bergen itinerary ↗
🗺️ Want the full experience? 4 days in Bergen itinerary ↗

🇳🇴 See all our Norway travel guides ↗

LATE MORNING / MIDDAY
From Bryggen, continue exploring Bergen’s charming streets.

Two of the most scenic are Knøsesmauet and Østre Murallmenningen, both just a short walk from each other and lined with beautiful wooden houses.

2-days-in-bergen-itinerary — Quaint residential street of Knøsesmauet. *Photo by Jordie.*

FJÅK CHOCOLATE SHOP
Time for a sweet pick-me-up! Head to Fjåk Chocolate Shop, a tiny cosy café that quickly became our favourite in Bergen. We went there twice!!

The interiors are beautifully Scandinavian, but the real highlight is the hot chocolate. There are loads of flavours to choose from, from classic milk chocolate to salted caramel, fruity dark chocolate, chilli or nutty blends and even a super creamy white chocolate, aptly named “silky and milky”!

Definitely don’t skip the marshmallow!

💡 The street Fjåk sits on, Skostredet, is packed with quirky bars and restaurants. One that really caught our eye was Brasserie Cherie.

A visit to the delicious Fjak Chocolate Shop is a must do on anyone's Bergen itinerary that has a sweet tooth! Choose from exotic hot chocolate flavours plus a range of delicious sweet treats! — Exterior of Fjåk Chocolate Shop in Bergen. *Photo by Jordie.*

AFTERNOON
Just a 5 minute walk from Fjåk is one of the best things to do in Bergen, taking the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen.

The journey takes just 6 minutes and is one of the most popular experiences in Norway for a reason.

FLØYEN VIEWPOINT
At the top, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views like THIS across Bergen, the harbour and surrounding mountains:

The Fløibanen funicular railway up to Fløyen mountain is one of the best things to do on your Bergen itinerary! — The wonderful panoramic view of Bergen city at dusk from the Fløyen viewpoint. *Photo by Jordie.*

💡 The Fløibanen runs every 10 to 15 minutes. Operating hours are typically 7:30am–11pm on weekdays and 9:30am–11pm on weekends.

💡 You can buy tickets at the station, but we recommend booking online in advance. Tickets are valid all day and you’ll receive a QR code to scan at the entrance.

OTHER THINGS TO DO WHEN UP AT FLØYEN

CAFÉ
Just behind the main viewpoint you’ll find a small café, perfect for warming up in winter or taking a break. There’s also free public toilets just behind the café.

FLØYEN GOATS
Yes, actual goats. A small herd of very friendly cashmere goats roam the area and are often found near the park or grazing nearby.

WALKS FROM FLØYEN
If you fancy a walk, there are a few easy trails starting from the top. One of the most popular is the 10 minute walk to Lake Skomakerdiket, a peaceful spot just beyond the main area. This is where we spotted the goats during our visit.

UNIQUE CABINS TO SEE
Hidden in the woodland are two unusual cabins worth finding.

The Beehive is a suspended wooden pod, while Tubakuba is a modern architectural cabin tucked slightly deeper into the forest.

You can’t go inside as they’re private accommodation, but they’re fun to spot and Tubakuba in particular has incredible views from the front.

When you're at the top of Fløyen mountain, be sure to take a look at the intriguing Beehive structure! — The Beehive cabin at Mount Fløyen, a 2 minute walk from the viewpoint. *Photo by Jordie.*

Venture into the woods just behind the Mount Fløyen viewpoint to see the Tubakuba structure, a mountain cabin you can rent out and stay in! — The Tubakuba cabin, just a few minute walk away from the Beehive. *Photo by Liam.*

LATE AFTERNOON
Pre-book a session (around 4-6pm) at the Heit Sauna, one of Bergen’s most unique sauna experiences!

Set on a floating pier in the harbour, you can relax in a warm sauna while looking out over the water and surrounding skyline.

You can choose between a shared session or a private booking, but either way, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day exploring.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even take a dip in the icy fjord between sauna sessions. Apparently, 99% of people do… (I’ll let you decide if you’re one of them 😅)

Afterwards, head back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.

💡 To get to HEIT Sauna from the city, take the Bergen Light Railway from Byparken to Florida (just 4 stops), then it’s a 5 minute walk to the pier.

HEIT Sauna provides one of the most unique sauna experiences to add to your Bergen itinerary, with their 2 saunas located out on a floating pier with epic city views! — © All photograph copyrights reserved and gifted for use by HEIT Sauna.

DAY 2: NÆRØYFJORDEN CRUISE, FLÅM & STEGASTEIN VIEWPOINT

FULL DAY TOUR
Day 2 is all about experiencing Norway’s famous fjords, and this Nærøyfjorden to Flåm fjord cruise & Stegastein viewpoint tour from Bergen is easily the one we’d recommend.

It’s a full 11-hour day, but if you’re only choosing one fjord tour, this is the one that gives you the most impressive scenery and overall experience. Highlights include:

TVINDEFOSSEN WATERFALL
Your first stop is Tvinnefossen, a powerful waterfall that’s well worth the quick stop. When we visited in November, it was completely frozen which made it feel even more unique!

NÆRØYFJORDEN CRUISE
This is the main highlight.

You’ll board a modern catamaran and spend around 2 hours cruising through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and some of the most dramatic landscapes we’ve ever seen.

The jaw-dropping scale of the fjordlands along the Nærøyfjorden to Flåm from Bergen fjord cruise. Photograph taken by Jordie. — The jaw-dropping scale of the fjordlands along the Nærøyfjorden to Flåm fjord cruise. Can you spot the tiny white building? *Photo by Jordie.*

Shortly after leaving Gudvangen, keep an eye out for Undredal, a tiny colourful village tucked along the fjord that looks like something straight out of a postcard!

The postcard-perfect village of Undredal, that you pass on the Gudvangen to Flåm cruise. Photograph taken by Jordie. — The postcard-perfect village of Undredal, that you pass on the Gudvangen to Flåm cruise. *Photo taken by Jordie.*

A picture of us on the Flåm cruise of Nærøyfjorden, one of the best things we did during our Bergen itinerary! — Ready to go! Us on the Flåm cruise of Nærøyfjorden.

FLÅM VILLAGE
You’ll stop briefly in Flåm, giving you time to stretch your legs, grab a drink or simply take in the scenery before continuing.

STEGASTEIN VIEWPOINT
The final stop, and a real highlight. It’s an elevated viewpoint looks out over the fjord from above, offering a completely different perspective to what you’ve seen from the water.

When we visited, the soft evening light added a purple tone across the landscape, which made it feel even more special.

Book this Nærøyfjorden to Flåm fjord cruise & Stegastein viewpoint tour ↗

One of the most jaw dropping views we saw on our whole Bergen itinerary, and this entire full day Bergen Fjord cruise, was the views from the Stegastein viewpoint at sunset! Photograph taken by Jordie. — One of the most jaw dropping views we saw on our whole Bergen itinerary from this Stegastein viewpoint! *Photo taken by Jordie.*

💡 It’s a long day with a fair amount of driving, but there are regular stops for toilets, snacks and viewpoints which break it up well.

💡 Want more detail before booking? Read our full tour review here ↗

Jordie at one of the most jaw dropping views we saw on our whole Bergen itinerary was the views from the Stegastein viewpoint at sunset! Photograph taken by Liam. — Jordie at Stegastein viewpoint. *Photo by Liam.*

One of the most jaw dropping views we saw on our whole Bergen itinerary was the views from the Stegastein viewpoint at sunset! Photograph taken by Jordie. — Looking out from Stegastein viewpoint.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN BERGEN

• Bergen Segway City Tour (highly rated, and memorable!)

• Guided small group kayaking tour around Bergen.

• 5 course meal at Bergen’s infamous Cornelius Seafood restaurant. Get picked up by boat from the harbour and taken 20 minutes to a private island where the restaurant resides. Perfect for those who love fancy food!

WHERE TO STAY IN BERGEN CENTRE

When deciding where to stay in Bergen, we highly recommend basing yourself near Vågen Harbour.

This central location puts you within easy walking distance of the main sights, restaurants and fjord tour departures, which makes a big difference when you only have a short time in the city.

It’s one of the most convenient areas to stay, especially if you’re following a 2 day Bergen itinerary like this one.

Below are our top picks:

FOR BRYGGEN VIEWS:

© All photography copyrights reserved by Clarion Hotel Admiral.

CLARION HOTEL ADMIRAL
Directly on the Harbour. Superior deluxe or deluxe rooms have epic views overlooking Bryggen harbour.

Book your stay at Clarion Hotel Admiral ↗

INNER CITY
(EASY WALKING DISTANCE TO BRYGGEN)

© All photography copyrights reserved by Charmante – Skostredet Hôtel.

CHARMANTE – SKOSTREDER HÔTEL
Boutique hotel with quintessential charm / quirky decor. 6 minute walk from Bryggen.

Book your stay at Charmante – Skostredet Hôtel ↗

© All photography copyrights reserved by Skostredet Hotel.

SKOSTREDER HÔTEL
New 5* design hotel in the heart of the city, close to all the best cafes and shops. Minimalistic decor & amazing breakfast included.

Book your stay at Skostredet Hôtel ↗

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BERGEN
(AT REASONABLE PRICES)

🍲 The Daily Pot

A tiny, wholesome soup spot in the centre of Bergen. Everything is made fresh daily, super tasty and great value. Perfect if you want something light but still filling.

🐟 Fish Me Restaurant

Located at the back of Bergen Fish Market, with cosy indoor seating and harbour views. We had the freshest fish and chips here, easily one of our favourite meals in Bergen. The sushi also looked incredible.

🇮🇹 Olivia’s Italian Restaurant

Just around the corner on the harbour front, this Italian restaurant has a slightly more upscale feel with beautiful interiors and water views. The food was excellent, pasta for Liam and a handmade pizza for me, both 10/10!

BERGEN PACKING LIST

FOR WARMER MONTHS:

Loose comfortable clothing.
Light jacket or fleece.
Swimsuit for the Nordnes Seawater pool / HEIT Sauna.
A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight) for the Nordnes Seawater pool or HEIT Sauna.
A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after the Nordnes Seawater pool or HEIT Sauna.
Comfortable lightweight walking shoes.
Refillable water bottle .
Powered battery pack for your smart phone.

FOR WINTER MONTHS / RAINY WEATHER:

A thick waterproof coat / thick coat with additional rain poncho.
Multiple layers of loose clothing and thermal accessories, including a few thick jumpers and thermal leggings, socks, gloves, bobble hats, snood, scarf (if weather is cold).
An umbrella – this is Bergen (one of Europe’s rainiest cities) after all!
Comfortable lightweight walking boots with good grip underneath in case of snow or ice. Failing that, invest in some good removable snow spikes to add to the bottom of your walking boots.

WRAPPING UP: YOUR 2 DAY BERGEN ITINERARY

In conclusion, this 2 days in Bergen itinerary shows you that even with limited time, you can still experience the very best of this beautiful city.

From Bryggen’s wonky wooden walkways and the views from Mount Fløyen, to sailing through the dramatic fjords and unwinding in the Heit sauna, Bergen really does pack a lot into just 48 hours.

If you only have time for one fjord experience, we highly recommend the Nærøyfjorden to Flåm fjord cruise and Stegastein viewpoint full day tour. It’s easily one of the most memorable things you can do from Bergen and gives you a true taste of Norway’s incredible landscapes.

We hope you have the most amazing time exploring Bergen. If you follow this itinerary, we’d genuinely love to hear what your favourite part was!

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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