Framed by seven mountains and the sea, Bergen is a compact coastal city where historic streets, colourful harbourfront buildings and easy access to nature come together.
Things to do in Bergen
Explore Historic Bryggen
Our team members visit Bergen multiple times a year. It’s a quick trip from Swedish Lapland so it’s a place we see often, through all seasons, meaning we know it better than most.
No visit to Bergen is complete without time in Bryggen, the city’s iconic Hanseatic wharf and UNESCO World Heritage site. Its colourful wooden buildings are among Bergen’s most recognisable sights, with shops, restaurants and museums tucked into the historic waterfront area.
Wandering through Bryggen is one of the best things to do in Bergen if you want to experience the city’s history while remaining right at the heart of modern Bergen.
Take in the Views from Mount Fløyen
For panoramic views across Bergen, head to Mount Fløyen. You can reach the summit on the Fløibanen funicular or take one of the hiking trails to the top.
Once there, you’ll find scenic outlooks and family-friendly activities, making this a rewarding choice whether you want an active morning or simply a memorable view over Bergen and its surrounding landscape.
Discover Bergen’s Maritime Side
Bergen’s relationship with the sea is woven into everyday life. At the Fish Market, set beside the harbour, you can browse fresh seafood, produce and local specialities while experiencing the city’s maritime culture.
Boat trips, ferries and cruises offer another perspective, connecting Bergen with nearby islands and providing a way to experience the fjords and natural scenery along Norway’s coast.
@ Norways Best
Spend More Time Outdoors
Bergen is also a natural base for active days, with hiking, fishing, sailing and whale watching among the outdoor activities available around the city.
Whether you prefer travelling on foot or taking to the water, Bergen makes it easy to balance sightseeing with time surrounded by nature.
@ Bergen Aquarium - Visit Bergen
Step into Bergen’s History and Culture
History lovers can explore Bergenhus Fortress, one of the city’s oldest and most significant landmarks. The fortress area includes historic buildings, gardens and museums, including Rosenkrantz Tower and Haakon’s Hall.
For another side of Bergen’s cultural story, visit Troldhaugen, the former home of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Set on the shores of Nordåsvannet lake, the museum offers an insight into his life and work in peaceful surroundings.
Travelling with children? Bergen Aquarium is home to penguins, seals, fish and other marine life, making it a good option for families and marine enthusiasts.
Cornelius Restaurant
Eat Your Way Around Bergen
Food is another highlight of a Bergen holiday. Start with fresh seafood and local delicacies at the Fish Market, or settle in for contemporary Nordic dining at Lysverket.
Bryggeloftet & Stuene serves traditional Norwegian cuisine in the Bryggen area, while Enhjørningen combines fresh seafood and classic Norwegian dishes with harbour views.
For something relaxed, Pingvinen offers Norwegian comfort food in a cosy pub atmosphere. Colonialen Litteraturhuset is another option for breakfast, lunch or dinner, alongside coffee and pastries.
When booking with us, we also share a list of restaurant suggestions which include Michelin starred, vegetarian, asian and other highly recommended restaurants that the team all have first hand experience with.
@ Bergen Guide Service
Getting Around Bergen
Bergen is compact and pedestrian-friendly, so walking is a great way to explore its central sights. Cycling is another eco-friendly option, while buses, trams, the Bybanen light rail and the funicular make travelling around the city straightforward. If you prefer, we are able to arrange private transfers.
@ Hotel Bergen Bors
Plan Your Bergen Holiday with Off the Map Travel
From UNESCO-listed architecture and mountain views to seafood, music and fjord adventures, Bergen offers plenty to fill a short break or a longer Norway itinerary.
Discover Bergen with Off the Map Travel and start planning a trip built around the experiences that interest you most.
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
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
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
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
Arctic Retreat was simply magical. Graham and his team were superb. Their entire focus was on ensuring we had an outstanding experience. The accommodation, setting and food were all excellent. The team, experienced professionals, each brought their own personal touch and local nuance. It was faultless. The dog sledging trip directly from Arctic Retreat was also superb. We would return to Arctic Retreat in a heartbeat.
George
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
Russell Snook
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
We really enjoyed our Norwegian adventure despite the -22 days! Unfortunately no real experience of viewing the Lights but we did capture a couple of images on our last night – too much cloud otherwise so lots of snow. We really enjoyed the husky lodge – not at all what we had tentatively imagined. Thanks for your assistance, maybe next time we will see the Lights in all their glory.
Andrew
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
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
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