48 hours in Bergen
Art, culinary delights and beautiful fjords.
Whether you’re here for the local culinary culture, art scene or the city’s dramatic landscape, Bergen is a perfect weekend getaway destination all year round. Explore Bergen’s natural beauty, bustling harbor areas and historic, winding alleys—let us be your guide for 48 hours in this enchanting city on the west coast of Norway.
FRIDAY
Check In
Start your stay in Bergen by checking in to one of the city’s hotels. We love the luxurious Opus XVI in the heart of Bergen, within walking distance of many of the most popular attractions like the Fløibanen and the iconic fish market.
If you prefer a relaxing environment close to nature, the small family-run Hardanger Fjord Lodge is a fantastic option, just outside Bergen. Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by a beautiful environment with a variety of activities on offer whatever the season. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the fjord, pamper yourself in the sauna, go for walks in the mountains or just relax on lazy days in front of the fire. The restaurant is also a must for true foodies.
Walks along Bryggen
Take a walk along Bryggen, one of Bergen’s most famous landmarks with its picturesque setting and colorful little houses. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen is one of the best-preserved Nordic medieval port towns—once a trading post between Norway and the rest of Europe. Stroll around the medieval settings, surrounded by fjords and beautiful architecture, and finish with a visit to the nearby fish market at Fisketorget to sample local delicacies and seafood.
Pizza and natural wines
Round off the day with a visit to the trendy pizza place Hoggorm and enjoy delicious food and beverages at a reasonable price in a hip, youthful atmosphere. The menu offers oysters and a variety of red and white pizzas in exciting flavor combinations, as well as a wide range of natural wines. The restaurant is intimate and as they don’t take bookings, it’s first come, first served!
SATURDAY
Bergen’s creative heart
Explore Skostredet, known as the creative and cultural heart of Bergen, for plenty of unique shopping finds and great food. From cozy cafés and restaurants to art galleries and second-hand shops, the charming cobblestone streets around Skostredet are a testament to Bergen’s rich history and culture. Several artists have their galleries here, so it’s also the perfect opportunity to discover local art.
Art and culture
Continue your Saturday in the world of art by visiting Kode—a collection of several different museums, all centrally located in Bergen, and considered one of the largest collections of art, design, craft and music in Scandinavia. Here you’ll find a unique combination of contemporary works and historical objects such as paintings, instruments, sculptures, concerts and much more from major Norwegian artists and composers. One ticket is valid for all exhibitions and activities, so make sure you leave plenty of time because there’s a lot to discover!
Culinary experiences on the water
One of Bergen’s most endearing features is its proximity to water, and there are several attractions to explore on its surrounding islands. Be sure to enjoy the local fish during your stay—and the very best place to do so is the award-winning Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant. Located on the small island of Holmen, about a 25-minute boat ride from Bergen, the restaurant offers an unforgettable lunch or dinner. The boat ride alone is an experience in itself, and once you arrive, you’ll dine with a spectacular waterfront view. The menu features only fresh fish caught daily and Norwegian delicacies such as lobster, crab and other seafood caught by the restaurant’s own fishers.
Another adventure on water is a trip to the popular Feddie Distillery on the island of Fedje. The distillery has been around since 2018 and is just a short boat ride from Bergen. You can book a guided tour of the distillery, where you can sample and learn all about both whiskey and other spirits such as gin and aquavit, or simply stroll around the open landscape and breathe in the Norwegian sea breeze that caresses the island.
SUNDAY
Premium coffee
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet is probably Bergen’s oldest, smallest and best café, having won the award for best coffee two years in a row. During the summer season, the café’s outdoor terrace is the perfect place for people-watching, or buying a tasty pastry and taking a stroll along Bergen’s picturesque cobbled streets.
Discover the mountains from above
Fløibanen
The mythical Fløibanen is a cable car that extends to the top of the Fløyen mountain and gives you a magical view of the city. Located just a short walk from the city center, next to Bryggen and Fisketorget, the cable car takes you to the top, offering a panoramic view of Bergen on the way up. A ride on the Fløibanen is a day trip enjoyed by the whole family—in the colder months, Mount Fløyen is perfect for winter sports in the snowy landscape, while in the summer there are several hiking trails to discover. Round it off with a coffee or lunch at a local restaurant and soak in the views of the beautiful city.
ADDRESSES
Opus XVI
Vågsallmenningen 16, 5014 Bergen, Norway
Hardanger Fjord Lodge
Sunndalsvegen 631, 5476 Mauranger, Norway
Hoggorm
Nygårdsgaten 29, 5015 Bergen, Norway
Kode
Permanenten, Nordahl Bruns gate 9
Lysverket, Rasmus Meyers allé 9
Rasmus Meyer, Rasmus Meyers allé 7
Stenersen, Rasmus Meyers allé 3
Troldhaugen, Troldhaugvegen 65
Lysøen, Ole Bull Museum Lysøen
Siljustøl, Siljustølveien 50
Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant
Katlavika 14, 5177 Bjørøyhamn, Norway
Feddie Ocean Distillery
Muren 1, 5947 Fedje, Norway
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet
Nedre Fjellsmauet 2, 5018 Bergen, Norway
Fløibanen
Vetrlidsallmenningen 23A, 5014 Bergen, Norway
Text by Peggy Hansson