Holidays in Bergen

• Starts 4 kilometres from Bergen centre
• Approx. 3 hours of walking
• Approx. 7.3 Kilometres
• If you start in Gravdal you'll pass the Kvarven Fortress which dates back to 1899

There are numerous trails up to Mount Lyderhorn including one that starts in Gravdal. To get to Gravdal you can take the bus direct to Lyderhornsveien, alternatively, you can change buses and go to Gravdal bus stop which is nearer the starting point (please double check bus routes in Bergen as they are subject to change and local schedules can vary). On the route you’ll pass by forests and even past former military installations, once you’re at the top you’ll have amazing 360 degree views towards the city and you’ll see the other six mountains that surround Bergen.

• Ability: Easy/moderate (depending on whether you decide to walk up or down the mountain, or both!)
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours
• A great route that's fairly central and you can tailor to your ability

There are plenty of options when it comes to walking Mount Fløyen so you can tailor the route to your ability. There's a funicular that goes to the top of the mountain so many choose to buy tickets and catch the funicular up and then walk back down to the city which is around 3.5 kilometres, all downhill with some lovely views along the way. If you're wanting to push yourself though you can walk up the mountain. It's quite challenging, with a constant uphill climb and some parts are quite steep - the views across the city when you reach the top though are well worth it. At the top of Mount Fløyen there's plenty happening with a couple of cafes and restaurants and a few other walking trails if you're looking to walk a bit further.

• Starting point is 2 kilometres from Bergen centre
• Ascent/descent: Approx. 477 metres
• Ability: Moderate
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours of walking

Situated 477 metres above sea level, Mount Lovstakken is the highest mountain on the west of Bergen city. There are a number of trails you can take to get to the top, one route starts at Lovstakkveien 51 which is around 10 minutes by bus from central Bergen (please double check bus routes in Bergen as they are subject to change and local schedules can vary). Follow the walking trail and once at the top you can enjoy fantastic panoramas of the local area – be sure to try and spot the other six mountains surrounding Bergen.

For those multi-coloured houses on the shores that Bergen is so well known for, head to Bryggen Wharf. This is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site due to its importance in the Hanseatic League’s trading empire that lasted for centuries. The buildings you see today have been rebuilt over the years but were built using the same methods they would have used hundreds of years ago. Today, you’ll find a few small businesses and shops in this area that generally promote local traditions and crafts.

The city of Bergen has plenty of gallery's, museums, and cultural experiences on offer and if you purchase the Bergen card then several of these can be accessed at a discounted rate. Whether you want to see masterpieces by Munch or some maritime history there’s something to suit everyone.

If art and music are of interest, then KODE is an organisation with several museums and composer’s homes under its umbrella. They all have different artists and composers works on display so do your research before you go, especially as temporary exhibitions are often changing but it’s a great introduction to some of Norway’s art history.

For those with a taste for contemporary art, you may want to visit the Bergen Kunsthall – there’s often several temporary exhibitions you can visit and the museums setting is lovely – right in front of the Lille Lungegardsvannet lake.

The Gamle Museum is fantastic fun for all. It’s an open-air museum set on a little street in Bergens old town. It shows what the original architecture was like and there are actors passing through the street in traditional dress. It’s an immersive experience to give a glimpse into what life was like back in the 1800s.

The Bergen Maritime Museum has a fascinating display showing Norway’s history with the sea over past centuries, with models of ships and boats as well as historic communication devices available to view. And if this floats your boat (pun intended), then why not head to the Bergenhus Fortress, it’s one of the oldest forts in Norway and has it’s own museum.

The Bergen Tekniske Museum will appeal to anyone with an interest in transportation and communication. Or, head to the Science Centre VilVite it’s great for children and adults with lots of interesting displays showcasing science and technology.

There’s plenty of ways to get out and see the beautiful Fjords of Norway but being based in Bergen means you can reach the Fjords by water or land. The Hardangerfjord is the second largest in Norway and has incredible scenery, it takes a while to get there but it’s well worth a visit and there’s plenty of day trips on offer. Or, journey to the Sognefjord via the Flam railway, get amazing views of the valley before taking to the waters of the fjord by boat and take in those dramatic views. See our excursions below for more details.

Head to one of the most active towns in Norway, Voss. For a day full of adventure, hop on one of the early trains and journey for around 1 hour 15 minutes before arriving in this charming Norwegian town. Once in Voss you can make the most of your day, explore the hiking routes, dine in some of the local restaurants, journey on the Voss cable car to get great views or, relax in the town centre and watch the world go by. After a wonderful day in Voss, you can head back on the train to Bergen (make sure you plan your journey in advance).

Make sure you checkout our excursions below for plenty of fun days out.

With seven mountains surrounding the city you're not short on great views and walking trails. If you're looking to see those panoramic city views without too much exertion though, then hop on the funicular and head for Mount Fløyen. You can purchase tickets at the station at the bottom not far from central Bergen and you're up there in less than 10 minutes. At the top you'll find a viewing area that looks down on the city below, it's the perfect picture spot. You'll also find a small number of cafes, restaurants and walking trails to try out if you're up to it. You can catch the funicular back down, or there's a 3.5 kilometre path you can follow that takes you back down into the city - it's downhill all the way, with some steeper parts but you get to see lovely views peaking through the trees as you descend.

See the world’s second longest fjord, the Sognefjord, in all its beauty! Sognefjord in a Nutshell lets you experience everything from high mountain peaks to the water's edge. Travel in comfort through pristine nature on an unforgettable fjord ferry cruise and hop on the Flåm railway for an incredibly picturesque journey through Norwegian landscapes.

You'll have the option to start the tour with the scenic Flam railway journey from Bergen to Flåm (via Myrdal) and then hop on the ferry for the second part of the trip through the Sognefjord and back to Bergen. Alternatively, start your day on the ferry and head along the Sognefjord to Flåm, where you can get the train back to Bergen (via Myrdal).

Departs: Daily

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Starting with a scenic bus journey to Vik where you’ll cross the Vikafjell passage through stunning landscapes and you may even glimpse some summer snow! On the way back down you’ll stop at the Storesvingen viewpoint with magnificent views of Vik and the Sognefjord.

In Vik you’ll experience a historical guided tour of the Hopperstad Stave Church, one of Norway's best-preserved stave churches, and from there continue by boat to the stunning Fjærlandsfjord on to Fjærland. From Fjærland you’ll join a guided tour to the fascinating Norwegian Glacier Museum and then onto the Bøyabreen glacier. On returning to Fjærland, you'll then head to Vik on a boat, where the tour continues onto the spectacular Tvindefossen waterfall, where you’ll learn about the myths and historical significance of the waterfall, before heading back to Bergen on a bus.

Departs: Daily

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Only have one day and want to get from Bergen and around the fjords quickly? A fjord cruise to Mostraumen outside Bergen is a great way to experience mighty waterfalls, steep mountainsides, and narrow fjords, all in just three and a half hours. The cruise takes you past the Mostraumen straits, a scenic and narrow fjord channel; at 600 meters long and only 50 meters wide and surrounded by steep mountains these straits are a really unique natural landscape to see.

Departs: Daily

Image: View of Bergen

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

This sailboat tour begins with some sightseeing around Vågen where you'll get fantastic views of the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, and the inner parts of the City Fjord. The boat then crosses the City Fjord and heads to Sandviken and Old Bergen where you’ll learn about the historic settlements on the Bergen fjords. From there you'll continue on to Nordnes and take a trip around the Puddefjord and Laksevåg before heading back to Vågen. This is a fantastic excursion if you want to learn more about Bergen, its history as a trading and shipping city, its fortifications, Old Bergen, and the shipyards.

Departs: Daily

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Delve into Bergen’s unique and interesting history stretching back almost a millennium. This two-hour long walking tour will take you around the medieval fortress of Bergenhus where you can admire Haakon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz tower from the outside. Heading to the UNESCO-protected Bryggen Wharf, you'll learn all about local life dating back to the Middle Ages, with the help of a knowledgeable and friendly guide. The city of Bergen has a rich history and its past is both dramatic and fascinating.

Departs: Daily

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

This is a great hike for those wanting to escape the city and enjoy the peaceful nature surrounding Bergen. You’ll meet in the centre of Bergen (exact location will be confirmed) where you’ll have a short intro and briefing before heading up to the top of Mount Floyen on the funicular (the funicular cost is not included in the tour and you will need to pay for the ticket locally). Once at the top of Mount Floyen you’ll be guided on a hike, passing by views of Bergen and less-popular trails. The local guide will take you on a three – four hour walk while providing information on the local culture, habitats and history. After a great walk in the mountains above Bergen you’ll finish the walk in the town centre of Bergen.
Ensure you have suitable equipment and clothing for hiking including appropriate, sturdy shoes for walking - there may not be anywhere on route to buy food or drink so it’s recommended you take some with you.

Departs: Tuesdays and Fridays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Your journey will begin with a 40 – 55 minutes’ drive to get to the start of the hike. The guide decides the route taking into account the groups walking ability and the weather forecast but all routes have fantastic views, fjord scenery and take you off the beaten track, so you enjoy more peaceful trails. With a local guide guiding you, you’ll also get to hear about the Norwegian culture and local habitats. You’ll be hiking for around 3 – 5 hours, on uneven and rugged terrain, you’ll be ascending and descending so some experience of mountain hiking is necessary.
For hiking you need to ensure you have shoes that are suitable for hiking in wet/rough terrain. (If you don’t have suitable walking shoes then the guide can refuse to let you participate in the walk). You will also need to take your own packed lunch and plenty of water and appropriate clothing for changing weather.

The image is an example of walks around Bergen and not necessarily the route you will take.

Departs: Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.