How many days in Bergen? 3 days of Bryggen, Mount Fløyen and the fjords
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
Bergen, Norway's second city, is the 'gateway to the fjords', surrounded by seven mountains and the sea. Its old Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, with rows of wooden warehouses, is a UNESCO site. Three days covers Bryggen and the harbour, a ride up Mount Fløyen, the art museums and Edvard Grieg's home, and a full day on the famous Norway in a Nutshell route through the Nærøyfjord and down the Flåm Railway. Bring a raincoat: Bergen is one of Europe's rainiest cities.
Short answer
Two days covers Bryggen, Fløyen and one fjord trip. The third adds Ulriken, the museums and Troldhaugen.
The 3-day plan, day by day
Day 1: Bryggen and Mount Fløyen
Morning. Walk through Bryggen, the narrow wooden alleys of the old German merchants' wharf, and visit the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene assembly rooms, and the Bryggens Museum, built over medieval ruins. See Bergenhus Fortress and Håkon's Hall (13th century).
Afternoon. Ride the Fløibanen funicular (about NOK 100-140 return) up Mount Fløyen (320 m) for the view over the city and fjord. Walk the forest trails and lakes, or hike down.
Evening. Eat seafood at the Fish Market (Fisketorget) by the harbour, or in a restaurant in Bryggen.
The Fish Market is expensive; for better value, eat fish soup in a café nearby.
Day 2: Norway in a Nutshell
Morning. Take the Norway in a Nutshell route (about NOK 2,000-2,800, book ahead; a full day): train from Bergen to Voss, bus down the steep Stalheimskleiva road to Gudvangen.
Afternoon. Cruise the Nærøyfjord (UNESCO), one of the narrowest fjords in the world, and the Aurlandsfjord to Flåm. Then ride the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana), one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railways, up to Myrdal, passing the Kjosfossen waterfall.
Evening. Take the Oslo-Bergen train from Myrdal back to Bergen (about 2 hours).
You can do the route in either direction, or stop overnight in Flåm or Undredal for a slower trip.
Day 3: Ulriken, KODE and Troldhaugen
Morning. Take the Ulriken 643 cable car to the highest of Bergen's mountains (643 m), or hike the Vidden trail between Ulriken and Fløyen (about 5-6 hours, for fit hikers in good weather).
Afternoon. Visit the KODE art museums by the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake, with works by Edvard Munch and Norwegian painters, or Troldhaugen, the villa of the composer Edvard Grieg, with a concert hall where lunchtime recitals are held in summer.
Evening. Have a final dinner of Norwegian food, or take a shorter fjord cruise from Bergen to the Mostraumen strait (about 3 hours).
Check the weather forecast before planning mountain walks; fog can hide the views completely.
Only have 2 days?
With 2 days, do Days 1 and 2.
Got extra days?
With more time, visit the Hardangerfjord (orchards, waterfalls and the Trolltunga hike), the Sognefjord, or Geiranger and the Ålesund Art Nouveau town further north.
Where to stay in Bergen
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostels near the centre | Cheapest option in an expensive city. | NOK 700-1,200 |
| Mid-range | Bryggen / the harbour | Walk to the funicular, Fish Market and ferries. | NOK 1,500-2,600 |
| Mid-range | Near the railway station | Convenient for Norway in a Nutshell. | NOK 1,300-2,300 |
| Comfort | Historic waterfront hotels | Hotels in old warehouses with harbour views. | NOK 2,500-4,500 |
Getting around
The centre is walkable; the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) connects the airport (Flesland) with the city centre in about 45 minutes. The Skyss app sells tickets. Trains go to Oslo (about 7 hours), and ferries and express boats along the fjords.
What to eat in Bergen
Try fiskesuppe (Bergen fish soup with cream), klippfisk (salted dried cod), raspeballer (potato dumplings, often on Thursdays), smoked salmon, prawns and skillingsbolle (a large cinnamon bun). Norway is expensive: a café lunch costs NOK 200-300; a restaurant dinner NOK 400-700.
Best time to visit
May to September is best, with long days (nearly 19 hours of daylight in June) and all fjord routes running. It rains on about 200 days a year, more in autumn and winter. The Bergen International Festival is in late May and June.
Month-by-month weather for Bergen →
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | NOK 450 | NOK 1,000 | NOK 2,000 |
| Food & drink | NOK 400 | NOK 700 | NOK 1,300 |
| Sights & tours (averaged) | NOK 200 | NOK 800 | NOK 1,500 |
| Local transport | NOK 50 | NOK 100 | NOK 300 |
| Total per person, per day | about NOK 1,100 | about NOK 2,600 | about NOK 5,100 |
Approximate 2026 prices in Norwegian kroner. Alcohol is very expensive and sold in supermarkets only up to a certain strength; stronger drinks are sold at Vinmonopolet shops.
Before you go
Common questions
What is Norway in a Nutshell?
A combined ticket for trains, a bus and a fjord boat linking Bergen, Voss, Gudvangen, Flåm and Myrdal, covering the Nærøyfjord and the Flåm Railway in one day. You can also book each part separately.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes in summer: the Flåm Railway and fjord boats sell out. Book the whole route online weeks ahead.
Is Bergen always rainy?
Often: it rains on about 200 days a year. Bring waterproof clothes; the rain usually comes and goes, and the light after the rain is beautiful.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Bergen?
Rarely: Bergen is too far south and too cloudy. Go north to Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands for a better chance.
Is Bergen good for families?
Yes: the funicular with trails and playgrounds on Fløyen, the Bergen Aquarium, the VilVite science centre and boat trips.
Is Bergen expensive?
Yes, like all of Norway. Save money with supermarket picnics, hostels and the Bergen Card for transport and museums.
Should I hike Trolltunga from Bergen?
It is a 10-12 hour hike from Skjeggedal, about 3 hours' drive from Bergen. Stay overnight in Odda and go only in good weather between June and September.
How do I get from Oslo to Bergen?
The Bergen Railway takes about 7 hours over the Hardangervidda plateau, one of Europe's most scenic train rides. Flights take 50 minutes.
Is the Bergen Card worth it?
It includes the light rail and buses, free or discounted museums and discounts on Fløibanen; it pays off if you visit several museums.
Do cruise ships make Bergen crowded?
Yes, on some summer days Bryggen and Fløyen are very busy. Visit Fløyen early in the morning or in the evening.
Can I visit Bergen as a cruise stop?
Yes: ships dock within walking distance of Bryggen. In one day you can see Bryggen, ride the Fløibanen and visit the Fish Market, but a fjord trip like Norway in a Nutshell needs a full day and is risky on a cruise schedule.
Where can I see the best fjord close to Bergen?
The Osterfjord and Mostraumen cruise (about 3 hours) leaves from the city centre. For the classic narrow fjord scenery, the Nærøyfjord on the Norway in a Nutshell route is the most spectacular.
How this guide was made
Written by hand, without AI, from experience planning Norway trips. Prices are approximate for 2026; confirm on the official Visit Bergen, Fjord Tours (Norway in a Nutshell), Vy and Fløibanen websites before booking.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan may earn a commission; the price you pay is the same. How we make money.