Bergen – Norway's fjord capital

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

Bergen is located on Norway's southwest coast, and is a city with a rich history. Bryggen in Bergen was inscribed in 1979, as one of the first Norwegian places, on the list of world cultural and natural heritage. https://www.norgesverdensarv.no/bryggen-i-bergen.134755.no.html

Bergen was founded in the 11th century 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 12th and 13th centuries.
• As a member of the Hanseatic League (a medieval trading alliance), Bergen was an important trading center for Hanseatic merchants. If you want to learn more about Bergen's importance for European trade in this period, check out the beauty The Hanseatic Museum at Bryggen. 
• Bergen is located on the Pacific coast in 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 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Not for nothing is the historic harbor area known for its colorful Hanseatic wooden buildings on the waterfront. 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 of the former city.

Visit the Fish Market

In the center of Bergen is Fisketorget, a lively area for seafood sellers, restaurants and fruit and vegetable stalls. One of the most famous and oldest outdoor markets in all of Norway. Bergen's Fisketorg has existed since the 13th century, and has fresh seafood and Norwegian food, including fish soup and fish cakes.

Visit the Fløibanen

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

Visit Bergen's aquarium

The aquarium in Bergen is an exciting opportunity to explore life in the sea. One of Bergen's biggest attractions and Norway's biggest aquarium. The aquarium in Bergen 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 historical landmark that once functioned 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 wonderful and historic Fantoft stave church for a glimpse into the traditional architecture of Norway. 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 transport and accommodation options to plan the perfect trip to Bergen. Have you considered renting a motorhome in Bergen on your camping holiday in Norway? A motorhome gives you complete 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.