Bergen between harbour, art and nature

Bergen combines a historic harbour district and art collections with natural areas that stretch from the coast to the mountains. There are also opportunities for paddling, fishing and hiking. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether culture and history, activities on the water or hiking trails should set the tone. This focus can help you tailor your search for a holiday apartment in Bergen to your own itinerary.

Harbour history, art and music

Bryggen is a historic harbour district and was established as a trading centre by the 12th century. The trade of the past included stockfish and other goods; from the 1960s onwards, these activities were gradually replaced by small arts and crafts businesses. Bryggen is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Bergen is designated a World Heritage City. This brings the long trading history together with the later transformation of the businesses.

At the Bryggens Museum, the “Below Ground” exhibition offers insights into everyday life among the medieval population of Bergen and western Norway. Håkon’s Hall was built between 1247 and 1261 as a royal residence and banqueting hall. Theatre tours in Bergen bring the past to life with actors in streets, lanes and houses. These experiences offer different perspectives, from an exhibition and a historic building to a dramatic interpretation.

KODE cares for, researches and presents a 200-year-old collection of art and music to visitors. KODE also houses the world’s third-largest Edvard Munch collection. Those interested in music history can also explore the connection with Troldhaugen: the house was composer Edvard Grieg’s home for 22 years.

The fish market is also part of Bergen’s long trading tradition. It has been a meeting place for traders and fishermen since the 12th century, selling seafood, fruit and vegetables. So, alongside art and history, food and trade can also be interests in their own right on your itinerary.

Water, mountains and hiking trails

Bergen municipality’s extensive natural areas stretch from the coast to mountain areas just below 1,000 metres above sea level. The fjords and coastline offer opportunities for paddling and recreational fishing. Many lakes are suitable for canoeing and kayaking and are good places to fish. If you plan activities on the water, you can choose between the coast, fjords and lakes as distinct landscapes.

There are numerous marked trails for hiking on Fløyen. Another specific option is the hike across Vidden, which takes approximately five hours. Bear this approximate duration in mind when planning your day. As another mountain option, the Ulriken cable car takes you to the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains, at 643 metres above sea level. The zipline at Ulriken starts below the terrace in front of the restaurant and runs 300 metres towards Fløyen.

For wildlife, there is also the Bergen Aquarium, where you can see sea lions, crocodiles, fish and snakes. When planning, you can choose between hiking, water activities, wildlife and culture, rather than giving every day the same focus.

Connections and choosing where to stay

If your trip also includes the airport or Fyllingsdalen, you can consider taking the Bergen Light Rail: it runs from central Bergen to Bergen Airport and from the city centre to Fyllingsdalen. You can also take the focus of your itinerary into account when choosing your holiday apartment. Whether you plan mainly for harbour and cultural history, water activities or hiking trails gives you a practical guide for your search, without implying any particular accommodation features.

Discover more places

For further inspiration, you can also explore Bergen, Sandsli, Godvik, Laksevåg, Fyllingsdalen, Kokstad, Nesttun and Blomsterdalen.

For the broader travel overview: Hordaland.