With direct access into the heart of the fjords in Norway, Bergen is an ideal base for a scenic Norwegian city break or the perfect springboard into the wider fjord lands and mountains.
Luxury Holidays in Bergen
A word from our travel specialist
Bergen is a city that oozes charm, no matter the weather, and with its famously frequent rainfall, that’s saying something! Known as the City of Seven Mountains (Syv Fjell), Bergen is nestled between dramatic peaks and the sea, its cobbled streets and colourful wooden houses creating a storybook atmosphere.
It’s also the perfect gateway to Norway’s majestic fjords. Yes, it’s wet, but that only adds to the atmosphere! Bring a raincoat and a sense of adventure, and this charming city won’t fail to disappoint.
Lucy
Nordic Experience Specialist
Inspiration for Holidays in Bergen
An Adventure Beneath the Aurora: Norway's Fjords, Cities and Arctic Wilderness
Luxury Norway adventure featuring Oslo, Bergen, fjords, husky sledding and unforgettable Northern Lights experiences.
Grand Rail Journey Through Denmark and Norway
A refined no fly Scandinavian rail journey through Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen and Aurland with fjords, culture and Nordic wellness.
Scandinavian Capitals and Norwegian Fjords Escape
A stylish Nordic journey through Stockholm, Copenhagen and Fjord Norway with canal cruises, Viking heritage and scenic rail travel.
Norway Fjords and Arctic Adventure: Oslo to Lyngen Alps Escape
Explore Norway from Oslo to the Lyngen Alps with fjords, food tours, rafting, kayaking and scenic rail journeys in one seamless trip.
Luxury Norway Fjords Journey from Oslo to Bergen
Luxury Norway journey from Oslo to Bergen featuring fjord kayaking, glacier views, historic hotels and authentic cultural experiences.
Bergen, Designed Around You
Cradled between seven mountains and facing the fjords, Bergen is where wild nature and Norwegian charm meet. This coastal city is steeped in maritime heritage with it’s picturesque Bryggen, perfect for people watching with a chilled beer, Bergen is a great city for those seeking both exploration, calm and great seafood restaurants. Your bespoke Bergen itinerary can be as laid-back or as active as you wish. Our Nordic Experience Curators are here to make every detail seamless.
Whether you’re here for a day before a wider fjord adventure, take a visit to the famous fish market or want to linger longer in luxury, Bergen will surprise and soothe in equal measure.
Where to Stay: Handpicked for You
Fretheim Hotel, Flåm
Historic fjord hotel in Flåm offering Norwegian heritage, spectacular scenery and unforgettable fjord experiences.
Solstrand Hotel & Spa
Boutique Spa Hotel Outside of Bergen, mountains, waterfalls and fjord views
Bestebakken Hotel
BesteBakken, where every stay is a journey into the heart of Norway's natural and cultural beauty
Hotel Charmante, Bergen
A Parisian Dream in the Heart of Bergen.
Bergen Børs Hotel
Right in the heart of Bergen, with impressive painted vaulted ceilings
Hotel Norge by Scandic, Bergen
An iconic and modern hotel, where traditions meet international luxuryThe Guidebook
Explore Bergen, Norway
Bergen is Norway’s picturesque second city, a vibrant coastal hub framed by mountains and fjords and steeped in Hanseatic history. Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is as charming as it is scenic — from its colourful wooden wharf to its cobbled alleyways and bustling food scene.
It’s a year-round destination with something for everyone: fjord cruises, mountain hikes, street art, seafood markets, and easy-going Norwegian culture.
Getting There
Bergen is very well connected both internationally and domestically. Bergen Flesland Airport has direct flights from cities across Europe including London, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen, with frequent short-haul flights from Oslo (under an hour). From the airport, you can reach the city centre in around 30 minutes by light rail, airport bus, or taxi.
Alternatively, arrive by sea on the Hurtigruten coastal ferry or take the famously scenic Bergen Railway from Oslo — often ranked as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Charming Historic Centre
Start your Bergen experience in the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf — a row of colourful wooden buildings that once belonged to Hanseatic merchants and now house artisan shops, art galleries, and cafés. Wander through the backstreets and explore Rosenkrantz Tower, St. Mary’s Church, and the many viewpoints dotted throughout the old town.
Despite its historic roots, Bergen has a youthful, creative energy — helped by its university, music scene, and collection of festivals, including the Bergen International Festival in May/June.
Mountains, Fjords & Outdoor Adventures
Surrounded by seven mountains and close to some of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, Bergen is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. The Fløibanen funicular takes you up Mount Fløyen for incredible views and easy-to-access hiking trails. Or try the Ulriken Cable Car to reach the city’s highest peak.
From the harbour, you can join fjord cruises to Hardangerfjord or Sognefjord, both offering jaw-dropping waterfalls, traditional farms, and tranquil villages. Bergen is also a jumping-off point for popular multi-day routes like Norway in a Nutshell.
Seafood & Culture
Bergen is renowned for its seafood, with the Fisketorget (Fish Market) at the heart of the action. Feast on freshly caught prawns, fish soup, or try local specialities like persetorsk (salted cod). Restaurants range from casual harbourside eateries to fine-dining spots featuring modern Nordic cuisine.
Culturally, the city is home to composer Edvard Grieg’s villa, several art museums, and a busy calendar of concerts and exhibitions.
Climate
Bergen has a mild coastal climate — thanks again to the Gulf Stream. While it’s known for its rainfall (locals say there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing!), this gives the city its lush greenery and atmospheric charm. Summers (June to August) are mild and bright, with average highs around 17–20°C, while winter tends to be cool and wet with occasional snow.
Whatever the season, Bergen is a city full of character — perfect for pairing with fjord adventures or enjoying as a stand-alone city break with nature on its doorstep.
We – the whole family – loved the whole journey!!
The accommodations, the activities and especially the great people – thank you very much for this fantastic organisation !!!
Barbara
My family and I traveled to Sweden to see The Northern Lights in March of 2023. From the planning process to every detail of the trip, I could not have been more pleased with our experience. Alex was exceptional to work with. His guidance on the time of year, where to stay, activities to do and how to get to and from everything was spot on. I have never used a tour company before but thought a trip of this kind would be easier with some help. I am so glad that I did. The entire week was seamless and completely stress-free, allowing us to truly enjoy Sweden and our time together as a family. I will be recommending Off The Map travel to friends and family and will certainly be using them myself again in the future.
Emily
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Tori
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
The ease of everything stood out to me. All we had to do was be there at the right time. The dog sledding was the highlight for my daughter and sister. We had the best time! For me, Manshausen was the highlight. We were very lucky and the only guests there for the majority of our stay. The staff was amazing and the food was so delicious. We had moose steak and it was the best meal I’ve ever had.
The cabins were comfortable and we were so lucky to have 2 clear nights where we just sat and watched the northern lights. We were able to get some awesome pictures too.
I appreciate all your time and care with planning our trip! I won’t hesitate to use Off the Map travel for our next adventure.
Kelly
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
Exceptional service throughout the entire planning and booking process – travel agencies don’t get any better than this. A brilliant, seamless experience matched by the holiday experience itself. Would recommend ‘Off the Map Travel’ to anyone considering booking for a Nordic experience ‘par excellence’.
Chris
We have loved it so much here that we have extended our stay and will come back to Bjornfjell and stay in one of their cabins until Jan 3 then we are staying in the igloo hotel the night of the 3rd. 😊We added a few excursions this week – we did the whale trip on the RIB boat (wow!), toured the igloo hotel (which is why we decided to book the last night!) and did the reindeer sleigh at Sorrisniva. You were so right, the bonfire excursion was incredible!!It has been an absolutely amazing trip!
Kristen
Hello Lucy!! Kim and I had a fantastic time in Iceland! Probably one of my top 3 trips I’ve ever taken!
It was everything we asked for and you did a wonderful job coordinating it all so beautifully!!
Thank you very much and we will contact you again when we get ready to plan our trip to Norway and Lapland!
Doreen
We did! Everything was truly wonderful! I think the Holman Husky Lodge was our favourite place. Beautiful accommodations, but best of all, wonderful people! Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, excellent food, we really enjoyed our time there. We also greatly enjoyed Bergen! Opus XVI was beautiful and we loved being able to walk to restaurants and bars and take in the sights. All of our drivers were punctual and friendly. The itinerary was full but not overfull.
Thank you so much! It was an epic trip, we are taking home wonderful memories!
Shelly