Bergen, Norway Cruise Port
Bergen is a compact, historic city located on the west coast of Norway, sheltered by a series of islands from the often turbulent North Sea. This prime location made it a perfect trading port. Through the German trading network of the Hanseatic League, Bergen was one of Europe’s leading commercial hubs for nearly 400 years. Trading activity centered around the iconic wooden houses of the Bryggen district, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. After numerous changes and fires, it’s still a stunning and vibrant city today!
At the heart of Bergen is the harbor, surrounded by Bryggen, the fish market, and the Tourist Information office. From here, nearly everything of interest is walkable. Whether you’re soaking in the city’s rich history, exploring the museums, or simply wandering the streets, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Bergen!
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Must-See Museums and Attractions
While there are excursions outside the city, like trips to the Hardangerfjord or the home of composer Edvard Grieg at Troldhaugen, most visitors choose to explore Bergen itself. The city is full of art and history museums, but the two main attractions are the Bryggens Museum (which showcases archaeological finds from the Bryggen site, dating back even before the German traders) and the Hanseatic Museum, which tells the story of the Hanseatic League, one of history’s most powerful merchant groups.
Pro tip: If you're planning to visit the Hanseatic Museum, be sure to book your tour online ahead of time.
Another top destination is Mount Fløyen, which offers spectacular views of the city. You can easily reach the top via the popular Fløibanen Funicular, a fun and scenic ride up the mountain.
Getting Around Bergen
Bergen has two main cruise berth areas, both located near the central tourist district.
Skolten is the northern berth and only a 10-minute walk to Bryggen, the fish market, and the Tourist Information office. Directly across from Skolten is a park complex housing the Bergenhus Fortress and King Hakon’s Hall. HOHO buses and tour buses pick up passengers just outside here. Also nearby is an old fish-storage building, now housing bike and Segway rentals.
Jekteviken is the second berth, located about a 25-minute walk south of Bryggen. It’s an industrial area with little to see at the dock itself, but there’s a free Mobility Bus that shuttles passengers with limited mobility to the town center. If you’re walking, be prepared for a 20-25 minute walk to the Tourist Information office. You can follow the street signs or use Google Maps to make it easier.
Public transportation like buses, trams, or ferries are available for farther distances, but to truly experience Bergen, walking is your best bet. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of the cobblestone streets and occasional inclines. And, since the weather can be unpredictable, packing rain gear is essential.
A Perfect Urban Hike
We took the approach of getting lost, which led to some wonderful discoveries. Bergen is a city made for walking, with its charming streets, colorful buildings, and hidden surprises. It’s the perfect urban hike—whether you're walking to Mount Fløyen or just meandering through the city center.
While most people take the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen, we decided to be a bit different and hike up part of the way. Let’s just say it was a bit more challenging than we expected! (Maybe there’s a reason why no one else was doing it). However, we felt we’d earned a tasty treat afterward, so we made our way to Trekroneren, a popular hotdog stand. We had reindeer hot dogs with all the fixings, which were absolutely delicious. Be warned though, the sea birds here are aggressive and will try to steal your food at any opportunity!
What Makes Bergen Special
Bergen is a city that invites you to wander. The streets are full of art, both official and street-level, and there’s always something new to see. If we return, we’d definitely revisit the museums, many of which were closed during our visit. But mostly, we’d just enjoy the city’s relaxed charm, perhaps with another hot dog in hand, and of course, a raincoat!
If you’ve been to Bergen or have questions about the city, feel free to reach out. And remember—getting lost in Bergen isn’t just fun—it’s the best way to discover its hidden gems.
