Why go?
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a maritime marvel. Colourful architecture, a forested mountain backdrop, a charming waterfront, a fortress, a funicular, a cable car and a pile of museums all await, plus it’s very easy to explore. Most cruise ships visiting the Norwegian fjords call here – and with good reason.
Cruise port location
The main cruise terminal is just 10 minutes’ walk from the main harbour and start of the city centre. Most ships dock here, though the largest vessels go the Dokken quay, about 20 minutes’ walk into town or a short shuttle ride. Up to four ships can visit at any one time, plus it is a turnaround port for Hurtigruten services.
Can I walk to any places of interest?
Many of Bergen’s key attractions are within mostly-level walking distance of the cruise dock. The Unesco-listed Bryggen wharf of colourful wooden merchants’ buildings, the Bergenhus medieval fortress, the Fish Market, the pedestrianised city centre and the lower station of the funicular are all within easy reach.
Getting around
A few places of interest – such as the Fantoft Stave Church, Edvard Greig’s Troldhaugen museum and the open-air Old Bergen Museum – involve a ride by light railway, bus or taxi, all very efficient. Ask at the tourist office by the Fish Market for timetables and advice. A hop-on hop-off bus runs from the main cruise terminal. Otherwise, your own feet will be ideal.
What to see and do
Bergen is notoriously rainy, so its fine array of museums can be a blessing. If it’s not wet, stick to the outdoor sights in and around the city (see below – best done independently) or take an excursion into the countryside or a small-boat fjord cruise.
What can I do in four hours or less?
Be off your ship as soon as it arrives and go straight to the Fløibanen funicular station (return fare about £9), because queues can build up. At the top, admire the views across the city, bays and islands, then either return the same way or walk down through the park and narrow lanes.
Stroll around the city centre to see old cobbled alleyways, modern precincts and the large Lungegårdsvannet lake.
On the way back, soak up the atmosphere of the Fish Market, stop to photograph the wonderful Bryggen wharf you passed earlier and wander around the Bergenhus fort (free entry to the grounds).
An alternative is to ascend the mountain Ulriken by cable car. A bus (included in the £16.50 fare) takes you there from the Fish Market. Vistas from the 2,120ft (643m) summit are even better than from the funicular.
If it’s raining, you’re spoilt for choice with museums. Each has an entry charge so it may be worth buying a Bergen Card (see below); also, if you visit one museum, you usually get half-price entry to another.
Top picks are Håkon’s Hall, the 13th-century royal residence (£7.50); the expansive KODE art complex with words by Munch and Picasso (£11); and the Hanseatic Museum depicting 18th-century life (a pricey £15).
Bergen also has a very good aquarium (£20), which has fish-feeding sessions and crocodiles.
What can I do in eight hours or less?
Although you could easily spend a full day exploring Bergen – there are good country walks from the top of the funicular, for example – a few excursions are well worth considering.
Half-day trips give to the chance to see the city sights too; a combined stave church/Grieg museum tour is offered by most cruise lines. Royal Caribbean has a cruise on a sailing boat; MSC Cruises and Cunard are among those listing a fast RIB boat ride; Viking has a fishing trip on a traditional vessel.
If you wish to take the cable car on an organised tour, your cruise line will often throw in a snack and a quick look at Bergen’s highlights.
For a longer day out, a coach drive to the spectacular Hardangerfjord region is recommended and featured by most ships. A stop at the 150ft Steindal waterfall is usually made. Mountain farms are another popular destination for Norway excursions – in this case, on the shore of Jordal Lake. Expect a chat with the owners and samples of local fruit and cheese.
Costa Cruises and NCL offer a full-day railway adventure, taking the train to Myrdal and then the steep line down to Flåm.
Eat and drink
Bergen has a number of inviting cafes and restaurants with terraces and as well as excellent seafood and lamb, you can also find pizza and tapas. Prices can be eye-watering, especially for alcohol. The Fish Market sells takeaway prawn and smoked salmon baguettes – and whale burgers.
Don’t leave the island without…
Quality jumpers made from the wool of mountain-reared sheep are highly prized, though expensive; they can be bought in the main shopping malls. Otherwise, little trolls make amusing gifts.
Need to know
Flight time
Bergen is two hours from London by air and is served by several airlines.
Safety
It is one of Europe’s safest cities, with even pickpocketing very rare.
Language
English is widely spoken.
Climate
Carry a light raincoat as the weather can change quickly even in the main cruise season from May to September. Late spring tends to be drier than early autumn.
Closures
Most shops close on Sundays and early on Saturdays.
Save money
The Bergen Card (£24; en.visitbergen.com) gives free or discounted admission to many museums and attractions, plus free bus travel.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbHLnp6rmaCde6S7ja6iaKyilsOmuI6cqa6ho5rAcLzOq6tmn6Wesaa%2Fjpucq5%2BVo3qkvtSiqp5loKS%2FtXnGrqCdnV8%3D