1 Day in Bergen: Perfect 24-hour Itinerary You Can Steal! 

We planned the perfect way to spend 1 day in Bergen, which brings you to the iconic views and attractions as well as some sneaky hidden gems. Steal our 24-hour Bergen itinerary for an incredible time in this charming city!

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, and it is drop-dead gorgeous. 

With a historic wharf on the waterfront, hidden cobblestone streets that look like they’ve been plucked from a storybook, and forested mountains surrounding the town, it is hard not to fall in love.

In fact, we had really high expectations for Bergen, yet still came away saying, “We could live here!” 

We put a lot of time into researching how we’d spend our short amount of time in the city, and we think we came up with the perfect 1-day Bergen itinerary that you can steal! 

After reading this article, you should have a really solid plan for how to spend one day in Bergen. This itinerary will bring you to the top sights as well as some hidden gems most tourists miss. We’ve even included more ideas of things to do in case you have more than one day in Bergen (lucky you!).

We hope our research and tips help you make the most of your one day in Bergen!

Ready? Okay, let’s jump right in…

Bergen Itinerary Guide

We’ve including some more info on planning your trip to Bergen. Jump to the following sections, or just keep scrolling to see it all!

• Bergen itinerary overview
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
• Bergen itinerary map
• Bergen travel guide
• How long do you need?
• More things to do

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Our experience in Bergen

We lucked out and had amazing sunny weather while in Bergen, that coupled with all the nature and the adorable Airbnb we stayed in (info below!) and we were pretty head-over-heels for this Norwegian city.

See our experience come alive by watching our highlights below…

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A post shared by Katie & Ben | PNW Adventure Travel Family (@twowanderingsoles)

1-day Bergen itinerary overview

This itinerary is set up so that you arrive in the afternoon on day 1 and leave in the afternoon on day 2, giving you a full 24 hours in Bergen.

That said, you can adjust the schedule to fit the time that you have there.

Day 1 (midday)

Depending on how far away you’re coming from, you may need to get an early start this morning in order to make it to Bergen at a reasonable time. 

Getting there: We’d encourage you to try to arrive by lunchtime because there are so many great options in town. Backwards-plan your route (giving yourself buffer time, especially if you need to take a ferry), so you know exactly what time you need to leave.

Insider Tips: 

• Read our tips on how to get to Bergen because we have some specific notes on timing. 
• We recommend having a plan for where you’ll park in Bergen, as parking in this city can be a little tricky. We have some tips as well as a public lot linked here.
• If you’re traveling in a campervan, read our recommendation on where to camp. 

1. Check out the Fantoft Stave Church (optional)

As you’re getting close to Bergen, you can stop at the Fantoft Stave Church if you’d like*. This beautiful church was built in the traditional wooden style of medieval Western Europe. 

*This is only if you’re taking a southern approach to the city.

Unless you have a trained eye, you likely wouldn’t be able to tell that this is actually a replica. The original Fantoft Stave Church was burned to the ground in 1992 by a member of Norway’s black metal scene. You can learn more about the history of the church and the arson incident here. 

What you see today is an exact replica of the original stave church, which took 6 years to complete.

There are a few caveats about visiting Fantoft Stave Church:

1. The parking lot is very small and the path leading up to the church is short but quite steep.
2. The entry fee is NOK 80 ($7.50) for adults and NOK 40 ($3.75) for children, which may or may not be worth it to you.
3. There is a fence around the church (for understandable security reasons), making it hard to really photograph from the outside without paying the entry fee.

Essential info:

• Entry fee: NOK 80 ($7.50) for adults, NOK 40 ($3.75) for children
• Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Google Maps location

2. Have lunch in Bergen

Once you arrive in the city and find parking (either near your accommodation or at a public lot*), it’s time for lunch, and Bergen has quite a few great options (as well as some over-hyped duds).

Here is what we’d suggest:

• Daily pot: This cute cafe serves up healthy veggie-packed bowls and soups, which is honestly kind of hard to find in Norway. With meat and vegetarian options, this is a great budget-friendly option for lunch in Bergen!
• Klee Kaffe: This cozy restaurant features a rotating menu with elevated dishes as well as cakes and coffee. It is a little off the beaten path and feels like a hidden gem in a city full of touristy restaurants. They are open for both lunch and dinner and have jazz music on some nights.  
• The Hagelin Sisters: Lacking the atmosphere of the other two suggestions on this list, this cafeteria-style spot is known for fish dishes and is a good pick if you’re looking for a fast, no-frills lunch. Popular items are their fish stew and a variety of fish cakes ranging from NOK 20-45 each ($1.85-$4.20). You can grab lunch here, or do what we did and just get a couple of fish cakes to go in order to sample this regional dish on the go.

*Read our note about parking in Bergen. 

3. Walk around the pretty streets on the Nordnes Peninsula

This section of Bergen is often overlooked by visitors, and therefore is the perfect place to get away from crowds while you discover some of Bergen’s prettiest streets.

Here’s the walking route we suggest. It covers roughly 1.8 miles (3 km) one-way, and without stopping should take 45 minutes. 

We recommend blocking out 1 to 1.5 hours for this walk with stops along the way.

Following this route, here are some of the highlights:

1. Knøsesmauet: This picturesque street was one of our personal favorites.
2. Cort Piil-smauet: This historic street is one of the oldest in Bergen and is said to date back to the Middle Ages. There’s a nice square at the top of the hill.
3. Ytre Markeveien: Pretty and quiet residential street.
4. Nordnesparken: This park at the tip of the peninsula is a good final destination before returning to town. Be sure to check out this totem pole  that was donated as a gift by the city of Seattle.
5. Strandgaten: As you loop your way back to the heart of town, walk along this cute street, lined with boutiques and cafes, where locals like to hang out. 
6. Bryggen Harbour view: Make your way to the final stop on this route, which will give you an iconic view (more info below).

4. Get the iconic Bryggen Harbor view

The classic photo of Bergen is of the colorful row houses known as Bryggen. 

This historic harbor district was a trading port as early as the 12th century, making Bergen one of the oldest port cities in Northern Europe. These wooden buildings have experienced a number of fires in the centuries since, but today it is well-preserved and is even on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

To get the best view of Bryggen, head to this spot where you can get a stunning view across the harbor. 

Good to know: I will warn you that most images you see of Bergen from this spot were taken using a zoom lens, so it may be a bit further away than you’d imagine. But it’s nothing that a telephoto lens (or 3X on your iPhone!) can’t fix.

Insider tip: You’ll likely pass by this spot at least a couple of times during your time in Bergen, and we’d encourage you to stop more than once to experience it at different times of the day. It is arguably the most beautiful at golden hour or even twilight (though more difficult to photograph unless you have the right equipment).

5. Explore the Bergen Fish Market

I’ll give it to you straight, this was pretty underwhelming in our opinion. If you’ve ever been to a fish market in Asia, this really pales in comparison (sorry, just being honest!). 

However, the Bergen Fish Market is one of the top attractions in Bergen, is located at the center of town, and takes 5 minutes to walk through, so you should definitely stop by at least just to see it.

You’ll find a collection of restaurants and souvenir booths covered with red awnings lining a pedestrian path. 

Fair warning: We’ve heard the restaurants here leave a bit to be desired, especially for the price (and there are better options elsewhere in town). So our advice is to wander through and take a few pictures on your way to the next stop…

6. Try brunost ice cream

At the end of the fish market, you’ll find a small grouping of stands selling food and ice cream. 

Vafleriet is a great spot to grab an ice cream (and/or waffle) if your heart desires.

While there are a variety of flavors, we recommend choosing ones that are unique to Norway, like brunost (brown cheese) or cloudberry. Both were great!

7. Wander the historic Bryggen Wharf

You’ve already seen Bryggen from across the harbor, but now’s the time to get into this historic wharf and explore. 

Once you’re at the colorful row houses, follow one of the narrow passageways that lead into what used to be a trading center. It is like walking through a living museum. 

We loved wandering around and imagining what this area would look like hundreds of years ago. Some of the buildings are turned into contemporary boutiques, selling souvenirs and art. Others are cafes or small pubs.

8. Enjoy dinner (be sure to make reservations!)

Bergen is one of the places in Norway where you will want to make dinner reservations.

Here’s why: There are tons of options to choose from, but some are better than others. The thing is, no matter where you choose, you’ll be spending a decent amount of money (eating out in Norway isn’t cheap, after all!), so we recommend putting some thought into where you want to dine. Then, make reservations so you’re not disappointed or eating at an ungodly hour.

Bergen is a harbor town, so this is a great place to get fish and seafood. Don’t worry – if that’s not your thing, there are certainly other options. 

Here is a list of dinner recommendations:

• Bryggen Tracteursted: Tucked away in the historic Bryggen area, we stumbled across this restaurant and wished we would have dined here. On a nice evening, the outdoor seating area looks lovely, yet the cozy historic building would be a nice setting as well. With traditional Norwegian dishes and great presentation, this hidden gem makes a great dinner choice.  
• The Unicorn Fish Restaurant: Located on the second floor of one of the historic Bryggen row houses, this small eatery features antique furnishings and a menu highlighting seafood dishes. The brown cheese ice cream is not to be missed!
• The Dining Hook: This intimate restaurant is a splurge-worthy meal. With a small seasonal menu featuring 3 starters, 3 mains, and 3 desserts, you can order a la carte or do the tasting menu (with the option to add a wine or non-alcoholic pairing). Presentation and flavor are said to be fantastic.
• Dr. Wiesener: For a hidden gem, this restaurant was recommended to us by our Airbnb host as a good place to get authentic dishes surrounded by locals. Here’s what he said: “My favorite food is served only Thursdays and is called Raspeballer. It’s potato dumplings with sausages, bacon, and mashed kohlrabi. You order at the bar, so don’t wait for a waiter at the table. (Unfortunately they don’t serves this dish in the summer at this restaurant.)”
  • Fun fact: Raspeballer is a traditional dish from Bergen and is served at a handful of local restaurants (not just Dr. Wiesener) only on Thursdays.

Popular restaurant we can’t personally recommend:

• AS Bryggestuen – Bryggeloftet: This is arguably the most famous restaurant in Bergen. It is also the oldest restaurant in the city and could be a good option, depending on what you’re looking for. That said, we personally dined here (after seeing it on just about every blog about Bergen) and can’t fully recommend it.
  • Food: 6/10 – We ordered two different seafood dishes, both of which were just okay. The seafood and fish in each were overcooked, and didn’t feel memorable or special or really even that fresh. It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t all that good.
  • Service: 7/10 – Servers were kind and accommodating being that we were traveling with a toddler; that said, the food took a while to come out and service was a little slow (not a huge deal to us).
  • Atmosphere: 5/10 – The decor is cool and the building is historic; however, midway through our meal, the otherwise pretty quiet area we were seated in became a zoo as a huge amount of cruise ship passengers were seated by us. It really put a damper on the atmosphere and experience. 
  • Value: 6/10 – Our total bill came to NOK 1,242 ($115), which is kind of average for a sit down dinner in Norway. That was for two entrees (we shared our food with our toddler), one gin & tonic, and an apple juice. I imagine we would have spent a similar amount anywhere else in Bergen for a comparable meal, but nothing about this meal was all that memorable. 

Long story short: We don’t think this is a bad choice per se (and many people rave about it, so we clearly have the unpopular opinion here!), but we do feel that it is a little overhyped and that there are better options for dinner in Bergen.

9. Have cocktails on a rooftop

Note: You can move this around in your itinerary to be before dinner if you’ll be eating later, or keep it after dinner.

Enjoy a cocktail with a view at 360º Xhibition, a rooftop bar with sweeping vistas of the city and a pretty extensive cocktail menu.

With tropical-ish vibes, a bunch of different seating areas (both indoor & outdoor), and lots of locals, we felt like we discovered a gem!

We got there relatively early, so it wasn’t at all crowded, and we loved that the sun cast a golden glow over Bergen as we sipped our drinks. 

There were only a couple of non-alcoholic options, which I would have loved to see more of (I was pregnant). But the actual cocktail list has a good variety.

Tip on timing: If possible, time this for that golden hour glow! If you’re doing a later dinner, stop here first. And vice versa, if you’re eating early, come for post-dinner drinks.

Traveling with kids? I emailed the property ahead of time since we were traveling in Norway with a toddler and they told us yes, you can bring children. That said, our daughter was the only child while we were there. I would recommend going somewhat early in the evening to get a good spot.

10. Experience Bergen’s nightlife scene

If you’re up for a drink (or two!), there are plenty of bars around town to choose from. 

Be spontaneous and pop into any pub that strikes your fancy. Or check out one of the places from our list of recommendations below.

• Apollon Platebar: with 46 beers on tap and a huge collection of vinyl records, this eclectic spot is a local favorite
• Art Themis: chic bar with cocktails, beer, and great pizza as well as live music
• Folk & Røvere: cozy pub with a good selection of beers at reasonable prices (for downtown Bergen)
• Baklommen bar: nestled in the historic wharf area, this pub is oozing with atmosphere
• HEM: vintage vibes and lots of locals, this bar also serves pizza
• No Stress Bergen: this cocktail bar puts a spin on the classics in a cozy atmosphere. Tip: Get there early and try to get a seat where you can play Mario Kart 64 
• Pergola Mat & Vinbar AS: hidden neighborhood wine bar with pizza

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Day 2

Today, you can get an early start to squeeze more in, or take it a bit slower and have a relaxed morning. 

If you’re following this itinerary, you’ll be leaving in the early afternoon, so keep this in mind in terms of timing. 

11. Start your morning with coffee & cakes 

There are so many cute coffee shops in Bergen, you should have no problem finding one to pop into. 

But if you want a destination in mind, these are two centrally-located coffee shops that come highly recommended:

• Det Lille Kaffekompaniet: This is the oldest coffee shop in Bergen, and they are known for having excellent carrot cake (as if you need an excuse to have cake for breakfast!).
• Kaf Kafe Bryggen: This cozy coffee shop is nestled in the historic Bryggen wharf area and serves classic Norwegian sweets like waffles (try them topped with brunost) and cinnamon buns. It also gives you the opportunity to wander the wharf in the early hours of the day. 

Dine in or take your coffee to go as you walk to the next stop…

12. Visit the Bergenhus Fortress

Make your way over to the Bergenhus Fortress, which is one of the oldest surviving fortresses in Norway. 

It is free to enter the fortress grounds, but some of the buildings (like the Rosenkrantz Tower and The King Håkon’s Hall have an entrance fee.

There is a free museum with exhibits focused on the city and the fortress’s role in WWII. 

Good to know: There’s free tea and coffee at the museum!

Insider Tip: If you’re into history, you can add a little detour to see the nearby St. Mary’s Church, which is the oldest surviving building in Bergen.

Want a more relaxed morning? You can skip some or all of the above recommendations and have a slow morning at your accommodation. We personally did this because our Airbnb was so lovely, and we just enjoyed coffee with a view from there. Then begin your day at this next stop…

13. Ride the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen

Fløyen is hands-down one of the best places to get panoramic views over Bergen and the surrounding fjords. The Fløibanen funicular whisks you to the top in under 10 minutes, and the ride itself is half the fun.

You can also hike to the top if you want to save money, or just want the free workout!

Once at the summit, you’ll have a spectacular view overlooking Bergen. There’s a lot of fun things you can do in the area you could spend a good chunk of a day exploring:

• Explore the hiking trails 
• Pet the resident goats 
• If you’re traveling with kids, you must go to this playground (pictured above), which is hidden in the forest and quite possibly the coolest playground I’ve seen in my entire life!
• Eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes at Mount Fløyen
• Get waffles at the cutest Nordic cafe on the edge of Skomakerstuen lake. (Only open Saturday and Sunday as well as public holidays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) There’s another hut a bit further called Brushytten that serves similar items.

Tip for visiting: Come early to avoid crowds. We got up there around 10 a.m. and it wasn’t too busy, but by noon, it was very crowded. It was also a beautiful, sunny day, so that probably added to the popularity!

14. Try a reindeer sausage for lunch

The Trekroneren stand is a Bergen icon. But this is one of those super-popular, need-to-wait-in-line places that is worth the hype.

They have a large menu of sausages, but the one they are most famous for is the reindeer sausage. Served with mustard, lingonberry jam, and crispy onions, I highly recommend you stick with this one and get it with all the toppings.

I’m not even a hot dog person and I loved this!

Similar to how hot dogs are a big deal in Iceland, they are pretty popular in Norway. And much better than what you’d typically find in North America. (That’s not an opinion, it’s a fact!)

For comparison’s sake, we have tried the famous hot dog in Reykjavik, and while it would be better to have a true side-by-side comparison to see which we prefer, Ben and I both agree that we think the Bergen sausage wins!

15. Sip the best hot chocolate of your life

Fjåk is a cozy chocolate shop that’s a true gem! 

They sell individual truffles, chocolate bars, ice cream, and a small selection of baked items, but the real star here is their hot chocolate.

We ordered one with 75% cacao, classic preparation, whole milk, homemade marshmallow, and oh my goodness, it was fantastic!

We had a few more hot chocolates in Norway after this one, but none even came close. It may have ruined all other hot chocolate for me!

16. Peak at the Bergen Cathedral

Just around the corner from the chocolate shop is the Bergen Cathedral, which isn’t all that interesting other than the fact that there is a cannonball still lodged in the facade which came from an English ship during a battle at the Bergen harbor.

Since you’re just a block or so away, walk over and see if you can spot it! Personally, I wouldn’t pay the NOK 40 entrance fee (which is supposedly sometimes not enforced), but the option is there if you’re into it.

17. Say goodbye to Bergen (or stay a little longer!)

This is the end of your one day in Bergen, and it’s time to say goodbye to this charming city. I know it’s hard, but the end has to come at some point, right?

If you’re lucky and have more time, continue reading the next section where we have lots more tips for things to do with more than one day in Bergen…

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Bergen itinerary map

Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our custom Bergen, Norway Map. It’s filled with custom pins of our favorite Bergen sights, activities, restaurants and more!

First timer’s guide to Bergen

If this is your first time visiting Bergen, Norway, you’ll want to read our First Timer’s guide which is packed with helpful information like how to get around and where to find the best eats. 

Ultimate Bergen Travel Guide for First-Timer’s

How long do I need in Bergen?

Personally, we could have spent 3 full days in this city and not been bored because there is a lot to do and lots of restaurants to try. The nightlight also seems fun! 

Psst! If you have more time, see the next section for our personal bucket list of what other things we’d do if we had more time.

That said, if you – like us – have limited time on your Norway itinerary, one day in Bergen can give you a great taste of what this city has to offer.

Have more time in Bergen?

If you have more than one day in Bergen (lucky you!), here are some ideas of how to fill your time.

If you have more than 1 day in Bergen, we have a whole list of activities we recommend adding to your itinerary.

Fun Things To Do in Bergen, Norway (+ free map)

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Plan your trip to Norway

Dreaming of fjords and cozy saunas and epic mountain views? We’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect trip—from city guides to campervan tips, packing hacks, and must-do experiences! Start with our Norway homepage or read some of our favorite articles below…

• If you’re just getting started, this Bergen travel guide will help you fall in love with Norway’s most charming city.
• Have more time? This list of fun things to do in Bergen will keep you occupied. 
• Visiting the capital? This Oslo travel guide has everything you need to know.
• Only have a short stop? Follow our 2-day Oslo itinerary to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.
• Be sure to save this list of bucket list Norway hikes you’ve probably never heard of!
• Not sure what to pack? Our Norway packing guide has you covered for every season (and surprise weather!).

Don’t forget to grab our ultimate Norway packing list!

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We want to hear from you!

What do you think about this itinerary for 24 hours in Bergen? Are you planning a trip to Norway and have more questions? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to get back to you!