3 DAYS IN BERGEN NORWAY ITINERARY: IDEAL FIRST TIMERS TRAVEL GUIDE!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE BERGEN ITINERARY?

After spending a long weekend in Bergen celebrating Jordie’s birthday, we’ve put together this easy-to-follow 3 day Bergen itinerary to help you plan your trip.

Known as the gateway to the fjords, this colourful coastal city in southwest Norway completely stole our hearts!

It’s often labelled one of the rainiest cities in Europe, but we were lucky with mostly dry weather. Tbh, even if it hadn’t been, it wouldn’t have taken away from the experience.

While we visited in mid-November, this itinerary works year-round. Below, you’ll find all the best things to do in Bergen in 3 days, plus where to eat, where to stay and practical tips to help you make the most of 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).

3 DAYS IN BERGEN NORWAY ITINERARY:

On Day 1, arrive into Bergen Flesland Airport (BGO), either the evening before or early that morning to make the most of your time.

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

💡 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! — Bergen Light Railway, the best way to get from the airport to 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, MUSEUMS & FLØIBANEN FUNICULAR

MORNING
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 really cute!

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.

A lot of these places 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 of the Bryggen buildings, 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.

EARLY AFTERNOON
After exploring Bryggen, you can dive a little deeper into Bergen’s history with one of the nearby museums.

Here are three worth considering:

1. Hanseatic Museum (located here)
Right on the wharf, this is the most convenient option. It focuses on the German Hanseatic merchants who lived and traded in Bergen for over 400 years.

2. Bryggen Museum (located here)
Just behind Bryggen, opposite the Radisson Blu. This underground museum showcases artefacts from Bergen dating back to the 1100s to 1600s and gives a really good insight into medieval life.

3. Old Bergen Museum (located here)
A more immersive, open-air museum where you can walk through a recreated 19th-century Bergen with historic wooden buildings and costumed actors.

It’s about a 7-minute bus ride from the centre and is only open during spring and summer.

🗺️ Short on time? 2 days in Bergen itinerary ↗
🗺️ Want more time to explore? 4 days in Bergen itinerary ↗

🇳🇴 See all our Norway travel guides ↗

LATE AFTERNOON / EVENING
One of the best things to do in Bergen is take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen.

The journey takes just 6 minutes from the city centre and is one of the most popular things to do in Norway for a reason.

The entrance (located here) is just a short 5-minute walk from Bryggen, so it’s easy to slot into your first day.

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

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

We recommend timing your visit about an hour before sunset so you can experience the full shift from daylight to golden hour and then into the city lights at night, which was easily our favourite. Take a look:

OTHER THINGS TO DO WHEN UP AT FLØYEN

CAFÉ AND PARK AREA
Just behind the main viewpoint, you’ll find a café, gift shop and small park. It’s a great place to warm up in winter, and there are benches and extra scenic points dotted around to sit and enjoy the views.

3-days-in-bergen-itinerary — Just outside the Fløyen café. *Photo by Jordie.*

FLØYEN GOATS
Yes, really! 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 short 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 surrounding woodland are two unusual cabins worth seeking out.

The Beehive is a suspended wooden pod that looks exactly like its name suggests, 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 find 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.*

💡 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.

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 hands down the one we’d recommend.

It’s a full 11-hour day, but if you only have time for one fjord trip, this is the one to prioritise. 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 special.

NÆRØYFJORDEN CRUISE
This is the main event! You’ll board a modern state-of-the-art catamaran and cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord for around 2 hours: surrounded by steep cliffs, waterfalls and some of the most dramatic scenery 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 just take in the views before continuing the journey.

STEGASTEIN VIEWPOINT
The final stop, and easily one of the most memorable. This elevated viewpoint looks out over the fjord from above, offering a completely different perspective to the cruise.

When we visited, the soft evening light added a subtle purple tone across the landscape which made it 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 along the way for toilets, snacks and viewpoints which break it up nicely.

💡 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.

EVENING
You’ll be dropped back near the harbour, close to the Fish Market opposite Bryggen.

If you’re ready for dinner, head straight to Fish Me at the back of the market. We had some of the freshest fish and chips here and would happily go back again.

One of the best places to eat on your Bergen itinerary has to be the Fish Me restaurant, located at the back of Bergen's infamous fish market on the wharf. We had the best fish and chips we've ever eaten there! — One of the best places to eat on your Bergen itinerary has to be the Fish Me restaurant, at the back of Bergen’s infamous fish market.

DAY 3: NORDNES PENINSULA, KODE MUSEUM & HEIT SAUNA

MORNING
We stayed at Comfort Hotel Bergen, located on the Nordnes peninsula just across from Bryggen. One morning, we headed out with no real plan and ended up wandering into the charming residential area of Nordnes.

It’s noticeably quieter here, with rows of traditional wooden houses, narrow streets and hardly anyone around. The perfect place to see Bergen’s more local, laid-back side.

NORDNES PARK
At the very tip of the peninsula, you’ll find Nordnesparken, a peaceful coastal park with lovely views out over the water.

While seeing the Northern Lights in Bergen is rare, this is actually one of the better spots in the city to try, thanks to its lower light pollution and north-facing position.

AFTERNOON
From Nordnes, make your way back towards the city centre. The walk takes around 15 to 20 minutes, stopping at scenic streets Knøsesmauet and Østre Murallmenningen en route.

KODE PERMANENTEN MUSEUM
Next, head to the KODE Permanenten Museum to see whichever exhibition is on during your visit.

When we visited in November, we saw “Pepperkakebyen”, the world’s largest gingerbread city. It was genuinely incredible… and smelt even better 🤤

This annual Bergen tradition sees locals and schools create an entire miniature version of the city using real gingerbread. The level of detail was honestly insane:

If you're visiting Bergen between November and December, you must add visiting the Pepperkakebyen exhibition at the KODE Permenanten museum - aka the World's biggest gingerbread city - on your Bergen itinerary! This is a perfect thing to do to get you fully into the Christmas spirit! — Some of the insane gingerbread creations in the Pepperkakebyen exhibition at KOBE Permanenten museum, Bergen. *Photo by Jordie.*

FJÅK CHOCOLATE SHOP
After basking in that glorious gingerbread, let’s satisfy your sugar cravings! Make a beeline for Fjåk Chocolate Shop.

This cosy little café quickly became our favourite in Bergen.

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

Oh, and don’t skip the big 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.*

LATE AFTERNOON
To round off your 3 days in Bergen, pre-book a session at the Heit Sauna, one of Bergen’s most unique experiences.

Set on a floating pier in the harbour, you can sit back 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 few days 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 😅🥶)

💡 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.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN BERGEN

• Bergen Segway City Tour (highly rated!)

• 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 area puts you right in the centre of everything, with easy access to the main sights, restaurants and early morning fjord tours, which makes a big difference when planning your days.

It’s also one of the most convenient locations for a short trip, especially if you’re following a 3 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 3 DAY BERGEN ITINERARY

In conclusion, this 3 day Bergen itinerary gives you a perfect snapshot of everything this beautiful city has to offer, without feeling rushed.

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

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 famous landscapes.

We hope you have the most amazing time exploring Bergen. If you follow this itinerary, get in touch with us. 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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