The top things to do in Bergen

If you only see one thing in Bergen, make it Bryggen.

This UNESCO-listed waterfront district is the oldest part of the city and one of its most photographed. Its colourful wooden buildings, tightly packed and leaning slightly, are a reminder of Bergen’s past as a centre of Hanseatic trade.

Bryggen has burned and been rebuilt many times - the last major fire was in 1955. But the historic feel remains. Today, you’ll find small shops, artist studios, restaurants and galleries tucked inside the narrow alleys. It’s a place to wander, take your time and take in the details.

For the best views of Bergen, head up Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen, a funicular railway that climbs more than 300 metres in about six minutes.

At the top, you’ll get the full 360-degree view of Bergen city, across the sea to colourful ships in the harbour and mountains beyond. At the top, there’s a café, restaurant and plenty of space to walk. Families will appreciate the playground near the station.

If you have time and energy, Fløyen is also the starting point for several short hikes. Trails are well-marked, and most are manageable for visitors of all ages.

If Mount Fløyen isn’t tall enough for you, check out Mount Ulriken, the highest of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. It is roughly 820 feet taller than Fløyen and far more rugged. The top of Ulriken can be reached by a cable car that grants supreme views.

To save time, many visitors take on one or the other when visiting Bergen. But if you're voracious for vistas, it's easy enough to fit both into your itinerary.

Bergen’s fish market has been a hub of local life for centuries. Today, it still plays that role - part working market, part tourist attraction, and part open-air food court. It is one of the most visited markets in Norway.

Located in the heart of the city, it sells everything from flowers to fruits to whale meat. And of course, many stalls serve ready-to-eat seafood, from fish soup to grilled salmon and king crab.

Yes, the fish market can be pricey. But the atmosphere makes it worthwhile.

The Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum offers land-destined visitors on fjord cruises a glimpse at the life of Edvard Grieg, the world-famous Norwegian pianist who’s widely considered one of the leading Romantic-era composers.

Troldhaugen, which means “troll house” in Norwegian, consists of the Grieg museum, Grieg’s villa where he wrote his music, and both his and his wife’s grave sites. You can even listen to a recital of the composer’s tunes by a live a pianist.

If you have any interest in church history, architecture or the decorative arts, Mariakirken (St Mary’s Church) is a necessary stop in Bergen. Nestled close to the water, just a stone's throw from Bryggen, it is the oldest building in the city and has burnt down and been rebuilt several times. It recently underwent an extensive restoration process.

Dating from the 12th century, it is a great example of the Romanesque church architectural style. There are several historic pieces inside, from a delicately carved altar cabinet to statues of each of the apostles standing in their own niche.

If time allows, the Flåm Railway should be at the top of your Bergen itinerary. This epic train ride between the villages of Flåm and Myrdal is considered one of the most scenic in the world, passing waterfalls, valleys and steep cliffs. Tourists flock from Norway and beyond to experience the wonders of this spectacular railway - and they are rarely disappointed.

As Myrdal is also a station on the Bergen Line, it's easy to connect a trip on the Flåm Railway with onward trains running between Bergen and Oslo.