Bergen – Norway’s fjord capital

Posted: November 25, 2023 
Estimated Reading time: 3 minutes 

Bergen is located on the southwest coast of Norway, and is a city with a rich history. In 1979, Bryggen in Bergen was one of the first Norwegian sites to be inscribed on the list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. https://www.norgesverdensarv.no/bryggen-i-bergen.134755.no.html

Bergen was founded in the 1000s and is considered one of the oldest major trading ports in Northern Europe.

• Bergen was founded in 1070 by King Olav III Harldsson, originally called Bjørgvin, and was the capital of Norway in the 1100s and 1200s.
• As a member of the Hanseatic League (a medieval trade alliance), Bergen was an important trading centre for Hanseatic merchants. If you want to learn more about Bergen’s importance for European trade during this period, check out the beautiful Hanseatic Museum at Bryggen.
• Bergen is located on the Pacific coast of Western Norway and is one of the rainiest cities in Europe! This is a great place to visit all year round.

Things to do in Bergen

Here you will find tips that will make your visit an unforgettable experience.

Visit Bryggen

Bryggen Brygge is Bergen’s historic heart, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not for nothing is the historic harbor area famous for its colorful Hanseatic wooden buildings on the water’s edge. Bryggen invites you to spend the day wandering the narrow streets.

Here you will find charming shops, great cafes and museums. The old wooden city structures you see at Bryggen are the last remaining buildings in the former town.

Visit the Fish Market

In the centre of Bergen is the Fish Market, a lively area for seafood vendors, restaurants and fruit and vegetable stalls. One of the most famous and oldest outdoor markets in all of Norway. Bergen’s Fish Market has been around since the 1200s, and has fresh seafood and Norwegian food, including fish soup and fish cakes.

Visit Fløibanen funicular

The funicular is one of Bergen’s most popular attractions, for good reason! For the best overview of Bergen, walk from Fløibanen to Fløyen. Within six minutes you are at the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city, fjords and surrounding islands.

Visit Bergen Aquarium

Akvariet i Bergen Bergen Aquarium is an exciting opportunity to explore marine life. One of Bergen’s biggest attractions and Norway’s largest aquarium. Bergen Aquarium has many exhibits with fish, penguins, seals, sea lions, dragons, and snakes.

Visit Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Castle dates back to the 13th century and is a historic landmark that once served as a royal residence. Bergenhus Fortress is one of Norway’s oldest stone fortresses and a great place in Bergen to explore medieval architecture and the city’s military history in the attached museum.

Visit Fantoft Stave Church

When considering what to see in Bergen, we recommend visiting the fantastic and historic Fantoft Stave Church for a glimpse into traditional Norwegian architecture. Originally built in 1170, the Fantoft Stave Church you can see today has been completely rebuilt since it was set on fire in 1992.

Discover Bergen with a motorhome!

Explore transportation and accommodation options to plan the perfect trip to Bergen. Have you considered renting a motorhome in Bergen for your camping holiday in Norway? A motorhome gives you full freedom and flexibility to explore Bergen’s beautiful nature and Norway’s fjords at your own pace. Get ready for a great trip to Bergen by checking out our selection of modern and reliable motorhomes today.