Planning a trip to Bergen, Norway and want a totally doable itinerary? Keep scrolling to check out my 3-day Bergen itinerary from my trip to Norway!
This 3 days in Bergen itinerary was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
As soon as I booked my August 2025 trip to the Lofoten Islands with Into the Wild Adventures, I knew I wanted to head to Norway a few days earlier to acclimate myself.
A few of my friends suggested Bergen as a good place to start, so that’s where I headed with my aunt for our first trip to Norway in late July.
I’m SO glad we did it! Let me break down exactly what we did in my Bergen 3-day itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival & Evening Exploration
Getting to Norway from Seattle required a layover in Amsterdam and we finally arrived in Bergen around 5 p.m.
Train from Airport to City Center
Thanks to the Visit Bergen Instagram account and a Hallmark Christmas movie, I knew to just take the train into the city center right from the airport. It was really, really easy to use.
There was a ticket station and we bought tickets at the kiosk (they were cheap), but no one else did. No one checked our tickets either.
The train ride took about 45 minutes and we got to see a bit of the Bergen suburbs. All the scenery was really pretty and the train itself was super clean.
Hotel & Evening Stroll
Once we got to the city center, it was an easy walk to the Thon Hotel Bergen Bristol. I’ll tell you more about the hotel later.
I know it’s super important to try to move around and stay awake after international flights (especially ones with huge time changes). So we dropped our bags in our rooms and headed out to find food and explore the area.
The first place we headed was to some sort of amusement park near the pond that had some food stalls. It was fun to do a quick walk through that area.
We also ended up walking to the famous Bryggen Wharf and checked out a bunch of gift shops. I should mention that we had a mission to get Norwegian wool sweaters to wear for a photo shoot later in the trip.
After a bit of shopping, we ended up grabbing pizza at Porto13 Pizzeria & Bar near the Wharf and then headed to bed around 9:30 p.m.
Day 2: Bergen Highlights & Fløibanen Funicular
Our hotel came with free breakfast and it was quite the spread! They had all the English Breakfast stuff (like baked beans, mushrooms, eggs, etc) as well as pastries, yogurt, meats, cheeses, and coffee/tea/juice options.
After breakfast, we headed across the street to Market House to get “fancy coffee.” I swear to you it was basically a Starbucks but with different branding. I got a chai latte and my aunt got a mocha. We drank them upstairs and people watched.
Morning Walk & Shopping
At this point, it was about 8 a.m. and the shops were still closed, so we walked over to Bryggen and got a bunch of photos without any people in them. The streets were really quiet and it was quite lovely.
We walked around the fish market, but I personally found in underwhelming (it’s no Pike Place Market). But it was cool that they also had international food options there.
At around 9 a.m., stores started to open up so we popped into a few. The yarn stores were really cool because they had tons of different types of yarn plus finished creations of handmade sweaters.
Fløibanen Funicular
Earlier in the morning, I got a message from a friend of mine that she was in Bergen and was heading to the Fløibanen Funicular at around 10 a.m. My aunt and I decided to head over there around 9:30 a.m. to check it out first. Get tickets here.
I think the Fløibanen Funicular is the most popular attraction in Bergen, and for good reason! The ride it self was short but fun. It reminded me a lot of the one in Paris. Even if you don’t get the coveted front row seats, you still get a cool view of Bergen.
We met up with my friend to snap a selfie and chat and then spent about an hour exploring the stuff up there. Of course, the views were insane but there’s also a cute troll forest (much smaller than I expected), a bunch of playgrounds, and some walking trails.
Someone recommended that we see the goats, so we headed over there but just saw one goat and he looked so sad. I didn’t take a photo because I actually felt pretty awful looking at him.
More Shopping & Lunch
Then, we headed back down the Funicular and did more shopping. My aunt and I ended up buying matching pink wool sweaters that were lightweight. We figured we liked them enough to wear on the trip, but we’d still keep our eyes out for something more unique for our photo shoot.
At this point, it was 11:30 a.m. and the line for the Funicular went all the way down the street. We were SO glad that we went earlier!
Since we bought some stuff, we decided to drop our bags at the hotel and have lunch there.
The hotel restaurant is called Egon Restaurant and they actually have another location near Bryggen. They have a great selection of items and they have an English menu, so it was easy for us to find stuff to eat. I had the open face shrimp sandwich and it was super tasty!
Train to Dale
After lunch, we took the train to Dale with the mission to visit the Dale of Norway outlet to get sweaters. Dale of Norway is a super famous wool sweater brand and we hoped to get a deal since the sweaters run $250-$350+ each.
The train ride took about 40 minutes and it wasn’t nearly as scenic as I hoped. We spent most of the time going through tunnels so we just got quick flashes of scenery.
It’s really easy to walk to the Dale of Norway outlet from the train station. It was about a 10 minute walk.
My aunt and I tried on tons and tons of sweaters. We started with the discounted items, but nothing really screamed “buy me”. So we headed over to the full-priced section of the store and of course that’s where we found sweaters we loved.
We chatted with the sales team and they told us that locals like the more neutral colors (like beige, black, and brown) while tourists love the bright colors. We bought bright green and pink sweaters with no intention of looking like locals!
Dale of Norway advertised a museum on-site but it ended up being a pretty small display of items. We checked it out around 3 p.m. but then we had to kill time until the train left at 4 p.m. We hit up the grocery store for drinks and walked around but couldn’t find anything to do/see so we sat at the train station.
Dinner & Walking
We got back to Bergen around 5 p.m. and took a rest at the hotel until 6 p.m. It was nice to lay down and read for a bit. I also booked a fjords tour for the next day and researched some local restaurants.
After our rest, we walked around Bergen some more, had dinner at the hotel (with the intention of having an early night), but then we walked over to the mall to check it out.
We were back in our rooms by 8:30 p.m. and were pretty wiped.
Day 3: Boat Trip and Photo Shoot
I met my aunt for a leisurely hotel breakfast at 7 a.m. Then we walked around town window shopping and grabbed coffee.
The Original Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
At 9:30 a.m. we headed over to the meeting spot for the boat ride. We stood it a long line to board the boat and ended up departing 10 minutes early.
The boat ride was 3 hours long and it took us under the longest suspension bridge in Norway (the Hardanger Bridge), past a bunch of islands, next to fishing villages, and we even saw a waterfall (which was just a trickle because of the lack of rain).
I really appreciated how they had both indoor and outdoor seating. They also offered food/drinks for purchase.
I thought this was a great way to spend a few hours to see outside of the city. Check the latest rates and availability.
After the boat ride, we shopped some more (big surprise) and had a pizza lunch at Da Stefano.
At around 3 p.m., we headed back to the hotel to rest and get ready for our photo shoot. I didn’t bring any hair tools with me so it took me a long time to figure out what to do.
Bergen Photo Shoot
So, normally I book Flytographer photo shoots everywhere I travel. But, they didn’t have one in Bergen. After a bunch of research, I booked one with Localgrapher (totally different company).
We had a one-hour photo shoot at 5 p.m. and that was the perfect amount of time.
Our photographer Monica was super friendly and she took us to some quiet streets to get cute photos. I’m used to getting a lot of direction from photographers but she didn’t pose us or anything. So, I ended up having to do a lot of that work to try to get some fun, candid shots.
She also didn’t offer to hold anything so a lot of my photos show my phone in my pocket. I know it’s my responsibility, but I had to have my phone to coordinate with her at the meeting point, but had no where to hide it for the photos.
I found out later in the shoot that she’s pretty new and I think we were her second clients, which explained a lot.
That being said, I was really impressed when I saw the final photos!
I also wanted to note that my aunt and I wore wool sweaters even though it was like 80 degrees out! That was the look we wanted and we were committed!
It was just funny to see shirtless guys on boats and ladies in short sundresses while we were all bundled up. But, it was totally worth it!
Dinner at Pincho Nation
After our photo shoot, we were hungry so we headed back to the hotel to grab our wallets and ended up at Pincho Nation. This is a circus-themed restaurant with a few locations and they offer tapas.
The really annoying part about eating here was that I had to download an app…and it didn’t work correctly. And they KNOW it doesn’t work but they still make people use it. Basically, if you don’t have a Norwegian phone number, it won’t let you put your order through. A staff member has to come and give you a Norwegian number. It’s super lame.
But, I thought the food was pretty tasty! They gave us a box of popcorn as soon as we were seated. And the drinks were fun, cute, and delicious!
Since we had an early flight in the morning, we were back in the room by 8 p.m.
Thon Hotel Bergen Bristol
When I researched where to stay in Bergen, I knew I wanted somewhere that was centrally located and easy to get to the top attractions as well as the train.
Thon Hotel Bergen Bristol came right up and it looked like a great fit for my aunt and myself. Check the latest rates and availability.
I have to admit that I was caught of guard by how…colorful the hallways were. But I loved the room decor, cute lobby, great breakfast spread (that was included), and that it had a hotel restaurant (Egon).
We had a crazy early flight after our stay and the hotel not only arranged a taxi to pick us up at 4:45 a.m. but they also gave us a complimentary sack breakfast! I’d highly recommend this hotel for your stay in Bergen. Check rates here.
Practical Tips for Short Stays
Getting Around Like a Local
Skip the expensive taxi from the airport – you’ve got two great budget-friendly options.
We actually took the train from Bergen Airport to the city center, which was quick, affordable, and dropped us right downtown.
The Flybussen airport shuttle is another solid choice if you prefer door-to-door service.
Once you’re in Bergen, honestly, your feet are going to be your main mode of transport. The city center is super compact, and you can walk between most major attractions in 10-15 minutes.
For longer distances or if you’re feeling lazy after a day of exploring, the local buses are reliable, and the Bergen Card gives you free rides.
Timing is Everything
Here’s a local secret: hit Bryggen early in the morning or late afternoon for the best photos and fewer crowds.
For the Fløibanen funicular, timing is crucial. We arrived at 9:30 a.m. and walked right on, with barely any wait.
But when we passed by later that morning and throughout the afternoon, the lines were absolutely insane! I’m pretty sure it was because of all the cruise ship passengers hitting the same attractions at peak times.
So if you see those massive ships in the harbor, either go super early or wait until later in the evening.
The fish market is most lively in the morning when the catch is freshest, but if you’re not a morning person, don’t stress – it stays active throughout the day.
Weather Reality Check
I cannot stress this enough – pack layers and a proper rain jacket, not just a flimsy windbreaker. Bergen’s weather has a personality of its own, and you might experience all four seasons in a single day.
We actually got super lucky – it didn’t rain at all during our three days, but every local we talked to kept telling us how unusual that was!
I’m so glad I came prepared, though, with my Vessi waterproof sneakers, rain pants, and a good rain jacket, because Bergen’s reputation for rain is well-earned. Waterproof shoes are definitely a game-changer.
Even if you get lucky like we did, don’t let your guard down – pack for rain anyway.
And honestly, don’t let the possibility of rain discourage you; I’ve heard from other travelers that some of their favorite Bergen moments happened during those misty, atmospheric drizzles that make the colorful buildings pop even more.
First-Timer Insider Knowledge
Download a translation app. While most Norwegians speak excellent English, it’s helpful for reading menus and signs. I ended up using Google Translate more than I expected.
Also, restaurants typically open for dinner around 5 PM, which is earlier than many European cities, so plan accordingly.
And here’s something I wish someone had told me: Norwegian social culture is pretty reserved, so don’t take the initial quietness personally. Locals warm up once you start chatting, and they’re incredibly helpful with directions and recommendations.
Bergen, Norway FAQs
What’s the weather like in Bergen during summer?
Bergen is known for being one of Europe’s rainiest cities, so even in summer, you should pack waterproof clothing and layers. It didn’t rain while we were there, and all the locals kept commenting how unusual that was.
Summer temperatures typically range from 15-20°C (59-68°F), and while you’ll get beautiful long days with up to 19 hours of daylight, rain showers are common.
The key is being prepared with a good rain jacket and embracing the moody, atmospheric weather that makes Bergen so photogenic.
How many days do you need in Bergen?
Three days is actually perfect for Bergen as a first stop in Norway. This gives you enough time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen wharf, take the funicular up Mount Fløyen, visit the fish market, and take a day trip to see the nearby fjords or waterfalls.
It’s an ideal introduction to Norwegian culture and scenery without feeling rushed.
Is Bergen expensive, and how can I save money?
Yes, Bergen (like most of Norway) is quite expensive, especially for food and drinks. I was in sticker shock most of the time.
To save money, consider staying in hostels or guesthouses, shopping for groceries at Rema 1000 or Kiwi supermarkets, and taking advantage of free activities like hiking the surrounding mountains.
Many museums offer discounts with that Bergen Card I talked about earlier, which also includes free public transportation. Just be sure to check that you’ll actually be taking advantage of all the perks.
What are the must-see attractions in Bergen?
Bergen is a lot smaller than I expected, so there are just a few main attractions. The colorful wooden buildings of Bryggen are iconic and perfect for photos, while the Fløibanen funicular offers stunning city views from Mount Fløyen.
The fish market (while super touristy) is great for trying local seafood, and you shouldn’t miss a stroll through the charming old town.
Depending on the weather, you might consider hiking to Mount Ulriken or doing a fjord excursion to Hardangerfjord or Sognefjord, which makes for an unforgettable day trip.
How do I get around Bergen, and do I need a car?
Bergen’s city center is very walkable, and you definitely don’t need a car for exploring the main attractions. The city has good public transportation, including buses and trains. We didn’t rent a car at all.
For fjord day trips, you can join organized tours or use public transportation like the scenic Bergen Railway. Parking is limited and expensive in the city center, so I’d avoid it if you can.
Visiting Bergen in 3 Days Wrap-Up
I’m seriously SO GLAD that we kicked off our Norway adventure with a few days in Bergen. The city is super cute, has just enough activities to be interesting but not overwhelming, and the whole place is walkable.
Looking for more Norway blog posts? Check out my 7-day Lofoten Islands itinerary, Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Norway’s Lofoten Islands: Essential Tips, When to Visit, and Must-See Highlights, and Norway Packing Tips: What to Bring for Hiking, Sightseeing, and Cozy Cabin Stays!
