Bergen awaits with a rugged backdrop, colourful architecture, cobbled alleyways and a long history of maritime trading. Pack a lot into your day with this Bergen cruise port guide. This is a 3-part series on my Norwegian fjords cruise adventure. Check out the other two posts in the series: Cruising the Norwegian Fjords and New to Cruising Tips.
Not many cruise ships visiting the Norwegian fjords skip Bergen, Norway’s second city known as the “gateway to the fjords”. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is an enchanting mix of culture and urban life in harmony with nature.
Uncover the delights of two contrasting ports on a cruise through the Norwegian fjords. CLICK HERE to read more.
Travellers to this part of Norway potentially have two images in their minds. The first is that of a notoriously rainy city – Bergen is after all a place that experiences 275 average days of rain per year. A good-natured local may tell you, though, that there’s no bad weather; there’s only bad clothing. So, whatever you do, pack practical clothing for your time in Bergen. The second is that of the iconic Bryggen Wharf area with its UNESCO-listed World Heritage cluster of colourful wooden merchants’ buildings.
Bergen Cruise Port Guide
Here are three unmissable highlights for one day in Bergen. Fortunately, all are within easy walking distance of the main cruise port.
1. Enjoy views of Bergen from Mount Fløyen
Head to the Fløibanen funicular station which is about 12 minutes’ walk from the main cruise terminal. On the way, allow a little bit of time to admire Bryggen, but do not be distracted yet. The goal is to get to the station before long queues build up. Take the funicular train to the summit of Mount Fløyen, one of the seven mountains which surround Bergen, for a 360-degree introduction. Ascending some 320m above sea level in up to eight minutes, the views of the city, harbour, ocean and fjords are spectacular. On days with rain or fog, views may be limited – but a moody overcast adds an extra layer of drama to the city, wouldn’t you agree?
At the top, there are a number of walking routes, as well as a small shop and rest points available. Wander the nearby forest for a mischievous encounter with trolls carved into the many trees. Get the return ride back or skip it altogether and walk down the narrow mountain lane at your own pace.
WoW Tip: Book your tickets online at www.floyen.no or via the Fløibanen app to save yourself some time on the day.
2. Soak in the atmosphere at Bryggen
Back in the city, absorb the bustle of Bryggen on a stroll through intriguing alleyways filled with independent stores, restaurants and cosy coffee shops. Bergen’s strong shipping and trading tradition is palpable in Bryggen wharf, the harbour-side area where the city’s first buildings were built.
The wharf was one of the overseas offices of the Hanseatic League, a group which dominated maritime trade in Northern and Central Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. The colourful wooden structures are possibly Norway’s most photographed buildings. Today, the historic harbour is a melting pot of activities for locals and tourists alike.
Flavour stop: Duck into Baker Brun in Bryggen for a sweet treat (or an escape from the rain, who knows?).
3. Have a meal at the Fish Market
Surely it’s time for a meal now after all your exertions. Head to Bergen’s atmospheric Fish Market, situated next to the tourist office, for a sensory delight of sights, sounds and smells in abundance. Browse stalls with various fishes displayed on beds of ice. Marvel at large seawater tanks containing live lobster, king crab and many other seafood species. Sample a traditional Norwegian fish cake or perhaps sit down to a hearty pan-to-plate meal freshly prepared for you. Most stalls have no paper menus, choosing instead to plate the various meal options in what one stall owner jocularly called “3D menus”. At least it shows you exactly what you are getting for your money.
“3D menus” at the Fish Market 
A salmon burger at the Fish Market
WoW Tip: Speaking of money, Norway is pricier than your average European city, and a meal at the fish market can be more eye-watering than expected. So, be prepared.
How’s that for a day in Norway’s charming west coast with this Bergen cruise port guide? Planning to visit Bergen, or already been? Share your thoughts and impressions with us in the comments below.
Got questions about taking your first cruise? Check out this New to Cruising post for some tips and advice. Until the next WoW!
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Thanks for bringing back some brilliant memories from a Baltic cruise which I took last year. I particularly like that you have listed things to do as a walk from the ship, rather than a series of costly coach excursions. Can I also make a shout out for the Hanseatic Museum next to the Fish Market – a great place to learn about the all powerful Hanseatic league that you mentioned.
I’m so pleased to hear that. I wanted to make it especially helpful for cruise passengers with a short time to spare in port. Thanks for reading, and for that shoutout. Definitely one to check out next time I’m in town.
Can you please tell me if the funicular tickets that is purchased online beforehand are a timed ticket for entry. Thanks.
Hi Nadine, the tickets you purchase are valid for the date you’ve chosen, but there aren’t timed entries. So, you just turn up on your date and get the next available funicular. Hope this helps 🙂
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[…] cruise adventure. Check out the other two posts in the series: Cruising the Norwegian Fjords and Bergen Cruise Port Guide. In this post, I answer questions from the WoW community on taking my first cruise. There are also […]