Norway

2-day itinerary in Bergen

By Norwegian standards, Bergen is a large urban center, while preserving all the charm and atmosphere typical of small towns. Its inhabitants are patriots and are proud of the vigor and richness of their history, in addition to their cultural traditions. Many are delighted to be able to share tips on the best local attractions, as well as recommendations on cafeterias and restaurants.

Around 10% of the population is made up of students, which adds a youthful vibe and gives the city a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the many options of museums, art galleries, cultural events and gastronomic attractions, the city has unique scenic qualities. The sea and mountains contribute to making Bergen a lively and vibrant place.

Founded more than 900 years ago, Bergen has its roots in the remote times of the Viking Age. As one of the main Hanseatic League warehouses, Bergen was a thriving commercial center between Norway and the rest of Europe for several centuries. Bryggen, (“The Hanseatic Wharf”) is the most important remaining historical complex from this period and today houses many of the restaurants, bars, craft shops and historic museums.

Bergen is known for the famous seven mountains that surround the central area of ​​the city, the Hanseatic Wharf, the fish market and one of the biggest cultural events in the country, the Bergen International Festival, which takes place every year in the city .

( Source )

How to get and move:

• The main landing place is Bergen Flesland Airport, which is about 17 kilometers from the city center.
• The airport bus offers several departments to the city center and covers the journey in about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Bergen is a regional hub for the road transport network.
• Many express buses, originating in various parts of Norway, offer lines to Bergen.
• The train journey between Bergen and Oslo was recognized by many as the most beautiful train journey in the world.
• The train to Oslo has several daily departments and the journey, which crosses the mountains, takes approximately 7-8 hours.
• The company Fjord Line operates ferries from Hirtshals, Denmark.
• Fast and modern boats cross the coast and enter the fjords.
• Bergen is the final anchorage of the Hurtigruten ship, The Norwegian Coastal Voyage, and the ship embarks every night on its 11-day journey heading north.

( Source )

Check out the official city guide by accessing the link .

Let’s go to our 2-day itinerary.

1º dia: Forde até Bergen

1st day: Go to Bergen

In this section our road trip through beautiful Norway came to an end. We woke up early and headed towards the second largest city in this country, Bergen.

We had to leave our warrior car at the rental store, and from Forde until then we would have to face, more or less, 3 hours of road.

We covered our last kilometers and arrived in the city of Bergen around noon.

We left our bags at the hostel and went to deliver the car. At this moment, the itineraries on foot of this trip began.

By Norwegian standards, Bergen is a large urban center, while preserving all the charm and atmosphere typical of small towns.

Around 10% of the population of Bergen is made up of students, which adds to the youthful vibe and gives the city a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the many options of museums, art galleries, cultural events and gastronomic attractions, the city has unique scenic qualities. The sea and mountains contribute to making Bergen a lively and vibrant place.

Founded more than 900 years ago, Bergen has its roots in the remote times of the Viking Age. As one of the main Hanseatic League warehouses, Bergen was a thriving commercial center between Norway and the rest of Europe for several centuries.

Bergen is known for the famous seven mountains that surround the central area of ​​the city, the Hanseatic Wharf, the fish market and one of the biggest cultural events in the country, the Bergen International Festival, which takes place every year in the city .

( Source )

On this first day we went through the center, visiting Lille Lungegårdsvann (the main lake in the city center) and its surrounding attractions. In this square are some art museums.

We follow Torgallmenningen , a wide street of shops, towards the city’s port area.

As we arrived on a Saturday, this street was full of people, with several recreation events and a lot of music.

A few minutes walk and we were already in the Fish Market (Fisketorget) and the port.

In this perimeter we find the tourist office.  There you can get maps, guides and book tours. It was obviously a strategic stop for me!

We continued walking and a few more steps we were in one of the most famous and photographed spots in Bergen: Bryggen . This place known as “The Hanseatic Wharf” is the most important remaining historical complex from this period, and today it houses many of the restaurants, bars, craft shops and historic museums. Bryggen has been a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1979.

We stayed in that perimeter running and knowing everything.

We also passed Haakon’s Hall , a royal ceremonial hall from the 13th century, the Hanseatic Museum , St. Mary’s Church , the Bergenhus Fortress Museum and the entire downtown circuit around the port.

Almost at dusk we returned to the hostel, rested a little and gathered the energy for the night to go out again for a snack or dinner.

We ended our day with a pad thai, at a Thai restaurant on the edge of the port.

2nd day: Exploring Bergen and Night Train to Oslo

For the second day of Bergen we booked a walking tour and visit to the upper part of the city.

In the morning we go again to the lake region, Lille Lungegårdsvann , some more photos and continue to Johanneskirken (St. John’s Church), from there we leave for the Bergen Aquarium area . A little “lost” by the city and we walked through neighborhoods that were not in the plans.

When we arrived at the base of the mountain, that is, in the city again, the day was closing. The light going down and the sky getting that beautiful orange.

It was time to go back to the hostel and try to get some rest so that we could take our night train to Oslo, the last stop in Norway.

And that is exactly what we did.

We stayed at the hostel’s reception, since we had already checked out  at 12pm, waiting until the time to go to the train station.

At around 10 pm we went to catch the train ( Bergen Station ) and follow our route.

When we arrived at the base of the mountain, that is, in the city again, the day was closing. The light going down and the sky getting that beautiful orange.

It was time to go back to the hostel and try to get some rest so that we could take our night train to Oslo, the last stop in Norway.

And that is exactly what we did.

We stayed at the hostel’s reception, since we had already checked out  at 12pm, waiting until the time to go to the train station.

At around 10 pm we went to catch the train ( Bergen Station ) and follow our route.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk3Dr67ulVY

At this point, we end the adventure on the roads and cities in the interior of Norway.

Check also the other posts about our routes in Norway:

>  2-day itinerary in Stavanger and Pulpit Rock

>  2-day tour in Oslo

>  2-day itinerary in Odda and Trolltunga

> Complete itinerary in Norway – Road Trip from Stavanger to Bergen