How to Spend 3 Days in Bergen

With three days in Bergen, you have plenty of time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, see the historic sights, journey into the surrounding countryside, and even visit a fjord or two. Here are a few ideas.

Day 1: Explore the City

Spend your first morning in Bergen getting your bearings and doing some sightseeing. A small-group walking or Segway tour is a good way to discover attractions such as Vagen harbor and the UNESCO-listed Bryggen quarter. To customize the itinerary and explore at your own pace, opt for a private tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

In the afternoon, head to Bergen’s fish market, in business since the 13th century. Besides vendors selling produce in the outdoor market, you’ll find some restaurants indoors. After dinner, stick around the harbor and pop into a bar for a glass of Norwegian beer or aquavit.

Day 2: Get Active

Start your day with a kayak tour around the island of Herdla, around 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Bergen. Paddle among reefs and islands as your guide shares information about the area’s history and wildlife. Most tours include a picnic lunch and round-trip transport from the city.

In the afternoon, check out more of Bergen using your Bergen Card, which offers free or discounted admission to attractions such as the Bergen Maritime Museum, as well as complimentary public transit and discounts at select restaurants. After dinner, zip through the streets of Bergen on a Segway. Small-group tours usually take travelers around the wharf, then up to the peak of Mount Floyen for a nighttime view of the city.

Day 3: Head for the Fjords

Bergen’s easy access to nature means visitors are never far from some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Get out of the city and experience the majesty of Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s prettiest fjords, on a small-group or private tour from Bergen. Tours typically include a visit to the Hardangervidda Nature Centre and stop at Voringsfossen, one of Norway’s biggest waterfalls.

Another option: travel to the fjordside village of Flam by boat or train. The Flam Railway takes you from Aurlandsfjord up to the mountains of Myrdal, and has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. A boat cruise takes you through Sognefjord, one of the longest and deepest fjords in the country, stopping at coastal villages along the way.