Bergen

The heart of Bergen is Torgallmenningen, the city's central square, which runs from Ole Bulls plass to Fisketorget on the harbor, facing Bryggen. From here, the rest of Bergen spreads up the sides of the seven mountains that surround it, with some sights concentrated near the university and others near a small lake called Lille Lungegårdsvann. Fløyen, the mountain to the east of the harbor, is the most accessible for day-trippers. Before you begin your walking tour, you can take the funicular (cable car) up to the mountaintop for a particularly fabulous overview of the city.

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  • 1. Bryggen

    Bryggen

    A trip to this merchant city is incomplete without visiting the historic Hanseatic harborside, Bryggen. A row of mostly reconstructed 14th-century wooden buildings that face the harbor makes this one of the most charming walkways in Europe, especially on a sunny day. Several fires, the latest in 1955, destroyed some of the original structures, but you'd never know it now. Today the old houses hold boutiques and restaurants, and wandering through the wooden alleys here will be a highlight of your trip. Bryggen has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

    Bryggen, Bergen, Vestland, 5003, Norway
  • 2. Edvard Grieg Museum

    Paradis

    Built in 1885, Troldhaugen was the home of Norway's most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. He composed many of his best-known works in a garden cottage by the lakeshore. In 1867, he married his cousin Nina, a Danish soprano, and they lived in the white clapboard house with green gingerbread trim for 22 years. A salon and gathering place for many Scandinavian artists then, it now houses mementos—a piano, paintings, prints—of the composer's life. The interior has been kept as it was during Grieg's time here. Concerts are held both at Troldhaugen and at the very modern Troldsalen next door.

    Troldhaugsveien 65, Bergen, Vestland, 5232, Norway
    55–92–29–92

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 110, Closed mid-Dec.–mid-Jan.
  • 3. Fisketorget

    Bryggen

    In a strikingly modern building on the waterfront, and on the open market square by the harbor, the busy fish market is one of Bergen's most popular attractions. Turn-of-the-20th-century photographs of this pungent square show fishermen in Wellington boots and raincoats and women in long aprons. Now the fishmongers wear bright-orange rubber overalls as they look over the day's catch. You'll want to come at lunchtime, when you can enjoy the catch of the day while watching the boats in the harbor. Try a classic Bergen lunch of shrimp or salmon on a baguette with mayonnaise and cucumber. Fruits, vegetables, and flowers are also on offer, as are handicrafts. 

    Torget 5, Bergen, Vestland, 5014, Norway
    55–55–20–00-tourist information
  • 4. Fløibanen

    Bryggen

    A magnificent view of Bergen and its suburbs can be taken in from the top of Mt. Fløyen, the most accessible of the city's seven mountains. The eight-minute ride on the funicular takes you to the top, 320 meters (1,050 feet) above the sea. A car departs at least every half hour. On the top is a restaurant and café, a shop, and a playground. Stroll along the path that goes back to downtown or explore the mountains that lead to Ulriken, the highest of the mountains surrounding Bergen.

    Vetrlidsalmenningen 21, Bergen, Vestland, 5014, Norway
    55–33–68–00

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 65 each way
  • 5. Gamle Bergen Museum

    This open-air museum transports you to the 19th century, when Bergen consisted mostly of wooden houses. Streets and narrow alleys are lined with more than 50 buildings, including a baker, dentist, photographer, and jeweler. Local artists often hold exhibitions here. The grounds and park are open free of charge year-round.

    Nyhavnsveien 4, Bergen, Vestland, 5042, Norway
    55–30–80–30

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 140, Closed Sept.–mid-May (outdoors areas available yr-round)
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  • 6. KODE, kunstmuseene i Bergen

    Sentrum | Museum/Gallery

    An important Bergen institution and one of the largest museums for art, crafts, design, and music in Scandinavia, KODE is housed in several buildings along Lake Lille Lungeårdsvann. The collection includes the work of such Norwegian artists as Edvard Munch, J. C. Dahl, and Nicolai Astrup.

    Rasmus Meyers allé 3, 7, and 9, Bergen, Hordaland, 5015, Norway
    -55–56–80–00

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 100, Closed Mon. Sept.–mid-May
  • 7. Akvariet i Bergen

    Nordnes

    Focusing on fish found in the North Sea, the Bergen Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. It has 60 tanks filled with dozens of species from massive salmon to sinewy eels (which tend to wrap around each other), and two outdoor pools that are the home of playful seals, otters, and penguins. There is also a section displaying alligators from different parts of the world. Kids can hold starfish and other creatures in the touch tanks, or watch as trainers feed their charges.

    Nordnesbakken 4, Bergen, Vestland, 5005, Norway
    55–55–71–71

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 315
  • 8. Bergen Domkirke

    Bryggen

    The cathedral’s long, turbulent history has shaped the eclectic architecture of the current structure. The Gothic-style choir and the lower towers are the oldest, dating from the 13th century. Note the cannonball lodged in the tower wall—it dates from a battle between English and Dutch ships in Bergen harbor in 1665. One of the nicest ways to enjoy the cathedral is attending one of the frequent organ concerts held here.

    Domkirke gt., Bergen, Vestland, 5003, Norway
    55–59–32–73
  • 9. Bergenhus Festning

    Bryggen

    The major buildings at the medieval Bergenhus are Håkonshallen (Håkon's Hall) and Rosenkrantztårnet (Rosenkrantz Tower). Both are open to visitors. Håkonshallen is a royal ceremonial hall erected during the reign of Håkon Håkonsson in the mid-1200s; it sometimes closes for public holidays or special events. It was badly damaged by the explosion of a German ammunition ship in 1944, but was restored by 1961. Erected in the 1560s by the governor of Bergenhus, Erik Rosenkrantz, Rosenkrantztårnet served as a combined residence and fortified tower.

    Bergenhus, Bergen, Vestland, 5020, Norway
    55–30–80–30

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 100, Rosenkrantztårnet closed Mon.--Sat. mid-Sept.–mid-May
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  • 10. Bryggens Museum

    Bryggen

    This museum contains archaeological finds from the Middle Ages. An exhibit on Bergen circa 1300 shows the town at the zenith of its importance, and has reconstructed living quarters as well as artifacts such as old tools and shoes. Back then, Bergen was the largest town in Norway, a cosmopolitan trading center and the national capital.

    Dreggsallmenningen 3, Bergen, Vestland, 5003, Norway
    55–30–80–30

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 100
  • 11. Det Hanseatiske Museum og Schøtstuene

    Bryggen

    One of the best-preserved buildings in Bergen, the Hanseatic Museum was the 16th-century office and home of an affluent German merchant. The apprentices lived upstairs, in boxed-in beds with windows cut into the wall. Although claustrophobic, the snug rooms had the benefit of being relatively warm—a blessing in the unheated building. In summer, there are daily guided tours in Norwegian, German, French, and English.

    Finnegården 1A, Bergen, Vestland, 5003, Norway
    53–00–61–10

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 160
  • 12. Fantoft Stavkirke

    Paradis

    During the Middle Ages, when European cathedrals were built in stone, Norway used wood to create unique stave churches. These cultural symbols stand out for their dragon heads, carved doorways, and walls of staves (vertical planks). Though as many as 750 stave churches may have once existed, only 30 remain standing. The original stave church here, built in Fortun in Sogn in 1150 and moved to Fantoft in 1883, burned down in 1992. Since then, the church has been reconstructed to resemble the original structure. Take the light rail to the town of Paradis and walk up Birkelundsbakken to the parking lot on the left-hand side and follow the trail to get to the church

    Fantoftvn. 38, Bergen, Vestland, 5072, Norway
    55–28–07–10

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 55, Closed mid-Sept.–mid-May
  • 13. Grieghallen

    Sentrum

    Home of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and stage for the Bergen International Festival, this music hall is a conspicuous slab of glass and concrete that's used throughout the year for cultural events. The acoustics are marvelous. Built in 1978, the hall was named for the city's famous son, composer Edvard Grieg (1843–1907).

    Edvard Griegs pl. 1, Bergen, Vestland, 5015, Norway
    55–21–61–00
  • 14. KODE 1

    Sentrum

    Looking out over the pretty Byparken, this Neoclassical edifice was called the Permanenten when it first opened its doors in 1896. The centerpiece of the collection is the Sølvskatten---the Silver Treasure--a glittering display of items of gold, silver, and other precious metals created in Bergen. It also holds an eclectic collection of antiques and artworks from Europe and Asia. The Italian eatery Bien Centro is located on-site.

    Nordahl Bruns gt. 9, Bergen, Vestland, 5014, Norway
    53--00--97--04

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 150 (includes 2-day admission to all KODE museums), Closed Mon.
  • 15. KODE 2

    Bryggen

    Opening its doors in 1978, the newest of the museums in the KODE complex hosts temporary art exhibitions. The biggest draw here is the bookstore, which has an impressive collection of volumes on art, architecture, and design. Cafe Smakverket is a casual eatery that's perfect for a lunchtime repast or coffee in the afternoon.

    Rasmus Meyers allé 3, Bergen, Vestland, 5015, Norway
    53--00--97--02

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 150 (includes 2-day admission to all KODE museums), Closed Mon.
  • 16. KODE 3

    Sentrum

    If you're here to see the amazing works by Edvard Munch---the painter who gave the world The Scream---this is the museum for you. The museum is dedicated to Munch and other Norwegian artists like J.C. Dahl, Harriet Backer, Erik Werenskiold, and Gerhard Munthe. The building itself was designed by architect Ole Landmark in 1916 to house the huge collection amassed by businessman Rasmus Meyer.

    Rasmus Meyers allé 7, Bergen, Vestland, 5015, Norway
    53--00--97--03

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 150 (includes 2-day admission to all KODE museums), Closed Mon.
  • 17. KODE 4

    Sentrum

    In a building strongly resembling a huge battery---it was originally the headquarters for an electrical power company---KODE 4 lets you travel through art history with a collection ranging from the 13th century to the 20th, including works by international luminaries like Pablo Picasso and Norwegian favorites like Nikolai Astrup. KunstLab, an art museum geared toward children, is on the ground floor. Foodies will find themselves drawn to Lysverket, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in seafood.

    Rasmus Meyers allé 9, Bergen, Vestland, 5015, Norway
    53--00--97--04

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 150 (includes 2-day admission to all KODE museums), Closed Mon.
  • 18. Lepramuseet

    Sentrum

    St. George's Hospital tended to people with leprosy for more than 500 years, and this unusual museum is now a memorial to the thousands who suffered from the disease as well as a testament to Norway's contribution to leprosy research. The building is surprisingly beautiful, especially the main ward with its tiny examining rooms and the hand-carved wood of the chapel. Many Norwegian doctors have been recognized for their efforts against leprosy, particularly Armauer Hansen, who discovered the leprosy bacteria, and after whom Hansen's disease is named.

    Kong Oscars gt. 59, Bergen, Vestland, 5017, Norway
    55–30–80–37

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: NKr 120, Closed early Sept.--mid-May
  • 19. Lille Øvregaten

    Bryggen

    The name means "Little Upper Street," and this charming thoroughfare is one of the oldest in the city. Along a bumpy cobblestone lane, these 19th-century clapboard houses are a glimpse of Bergen 100 years ago.

    Lille Øvregaten, Bergen, Vestland, 5018, Norway
  • 20. Mariakirken

    Bryggen

    In continuous use since the early Middle Ages, Bergen's oldest existing building dates from around 1170. The twin-spired church's oldest treasures include the altarpiece from the end of 15th century, the incredibly ornate pulpit, and the remaining wall paintings depicting biblical scenes.

    Dreggen 15, Bergen, Vestland, 5003, Norway
    55--59--71--75

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free mid-May--mid-Sept.; NKr 75 mid-Sept.--mid-May, Closed weekends late May--mid-Sept. Closed Sat.--Mon., Wed., and Thurs. mid-Sept.--late May

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