Break from the Norm in Bergen, Norway: 5 Surprising Ways to Spend the Day

Situated amidst seven mountains and the North Sea, Bergen, Norway is known for its picturesque setting. Called the Gateway to the Norway fjords, the city sits on Norway’s west coast.

The scenery is spectacular, but often visitors view its beauty between raindrops. That’s because Bergen sees an average of 230 days of precipitation a year. That doesn’t dampen the spirit of Bergen locals, however, and it shouldn’t you either. The Norwegians have a saying, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Bergen, Norway has a compact city center making it a great Norwegian stop if you are short on time. You can see and do a lot in one or two days before heading out to Norway’s fjord region.

Bergen’s international airport makes it very accessible and the city is part of the Norway in a Nutshell tour adding to its popularity.

While Bergen is known for its historical Hanseatic wharf and famous fish market, here are five reasons to break from the norm and experience Bergen a little differently.

1. Break from historic Bryggen for a peaceful panorama.

Bryggen is a group of colorful, wooden warehouses and storefronts that once was home to the old historical wharf – part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. The iconic harbor district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – beautiful, colorful, and a must-see. Many people flock to this area of town so be prepared for a crazy number of tourists and unfortunately a tacky feel.

On our visit we were caught off-guard at the sight of a Ferris wheel in the midst of an abundance of souvenir shops and way too many tourists. It was a bit disappointing for me and A LOT disappointing for Ryan. It wasn’t until we walked to the other side of the bay and viewed it peacefully away from the chaos that we truly began to see the beauty of it all. I quickly grabbed my camera to capture the smile across Ryan’s face as he sat on the ground admiring beautiful Bryggen from afar. This is how we want to remember Bryggen.

2. Break from seaside views and opt for sensational vistas.

Nestled in between the mountains and the sea, Bergen, Norway’s seaside strolls are spectacular. But for dramatic panoramic views overlooking the city, board the Floibanen funicular right in the city center. This takes you up to Mount Floyan, one of the Seven Mountains surrounding the city.  Atop Mount Floyan gaze blissfully down at the city and the sea below as you head out on a mountain hike. There are both short and long hiking trails on the mountain. One 5-hour hike takes you over to Mt. Ulriken, while another short hike leads to a mountaintop lake. There’s also a hiking trail leading back down to the city – about an hour walk. Whichever you choose, there is no shortage of picturesque vista views.

3. Break from museums for a “koselig” experience.

There are a number of museums in Bergen’s city center ranging in topics from art and architecture to Bergen’s maritime history and even leprosy! These can all be very educational and interesting. But to be honest, a lot of the draw of Bergen is just wandering around taking in the scenery. Don’t feel guilty if you only hit one museum – or none at all. Stroll off the beaten path, down side streets and explore. Then grab a seat at an outdoor pub or café. Cozy up with a blanket and a drink soaking in your surroundings. The warm red blankets provided for customers to use is one of my favorite Norwegian experiences. Norwegians put a big emphasis on being “koselig,” (koosh-lee) roughly translated means cozy, content and comfortable – connecting with nature and the company of others. What more could you ask for?

4. Break from the famed fish market.

Bergen’s famous fish market can be a treat for the seafood lover. However, along with fresh fish, the fish market includes lots of souvenirs, postcards and exorbitant prices. This area was too overpriced and touristy for us. Bergen has no shortage of delectable dining options, so keep on walking and enjoy freshly caught fish cooked up in delicious dishes from a quainter venue.

5. Break from the often-rainy outdoors.

Bergen’s outdoor patios are cozy and the scenery is sensational, but head indoors for some Norwegian fun, too, especially if it’s raining. We visited a unique, rustic bar called Sjoboden that ended up being a highlight of our evening. The live music coming through its doorway drew us in. That’ll get us every time! Technically Sjoboden is part of Bryggen, which I said is too touristy, but with its quirky Viking ship bar, enormous selection of beers, awesome ambiance and talented singers providing live music (one singer alternated songs in Norwegian and English) I had to put it on this list. If visiting Bergen, you’ll want to check it out.

Breaking from the norm to experience a destination the way YOU want to see it is perfectly acceptable – even if it means skipping some popular activities.

How do you break from the norm in your travels? Leave a comment below and then check out our helpful article, “Norway in a Nutshell: 9 Tips to Know Before You Go.”

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