Bergen

Day 1: Harbour heritage and first mountain views

Ease into Bergen at sea level before rising above it all. Start among wooden warehouses and narrow alleys, then orient yourself with the classic city panorama from the nearest peak. Expect shifting light, possible showers, and moody skies that often make the views even better.

• Morning: Stroll Bryggen’s alleyways and the Vågen waterfront before the crowds arrive; detour to Bergenhus Fortress ramparts for historic harbour views. If it’s pouring, dip into Bryggens Museum or the Hanseatic assembly rooms at Schøtstuene.
• Midday: Ride the Fløibanen or hike up via Fløysvingene (45–60 minutes; steady, family-friendly) to Mount Fløyen. Wander past the main platform to the forest paths and Skomakerdiket lake for quieter perspectives; pack a light matpakke and a waterproof layer.
• Afternoon: Follow Fjellveien, the scenic contour path, for an easy, ever-changing panorama over the city; loop down via Skansen for terracotta-roof views. If the rain clears, this is prime rainbow-spotting territory—check live webcams before committing.
• Evening: Walk the Nordnes peninsula to the park at the tip for golden-hour light over the Byfjord and passing ships. In summer, linger late; in winter, go early and bring microspikes if pavements are icy.

Day 2: Ulriken heights and the Vidden plateau (weather-flexible)

Today is about big horizons. On a clear day, head high for a 360-degree sweep over fjords and mountains; in cloud or wind, blend shorter summit time with culture down in town.

• Morning: Take the Ulriken Express bus and ride the Ulriksbanen to the summit; check the live cam and wind forecast first. Do a short ridge loop for multiple vantage points and grab a coffee at the summit restaurant; add layers—temperatures can feel 5–10°C cooler up here.
• Midday: If conditions and fitness allow, start the Vidden traverse to Fløyen (4–6 hours, 13–15 km; exposed): follow cairns, bring waterproofs, snacks, and the UT.no app. If weather is poor, descend and visit the KODE art museums or explore Bergenhus’ grounds and nearby cafés.
• Afternoon: Finish the Vidden hike at Fløyen and descend by funicular or foot with late-afternoon city light. Bad-weather plan: head to Gamlehaugen’s lakeside park for a calmer, pastoral view, or take a short ferry across the Byfjord for the “from-the-water” city amphitheatre angle.
• Evening: Celebrate with local seafood by the harbour, or book dinner atop Ulriken for a night-sky panorama (reserve in advance). In shoulder seasons, sunset can coincide with dinner—carry a head torch if returning by trail.

Day 3: Local favourites, steps and sea horizons

Mix an earned view with relaxed coastal time. Start steep for bragging rights, then slow the pace on the water and finish with a west-facing sunset if legs allow.

• Morning: Tackle Stoltzekleiven’s ~900 sherpa-built steps to Sandviksfjellet (20–45 minutes up; up-only route—descend via alternative paths). Views north over Sandviken, the bridge to Askøy and shipping lanes feel close and lively; in winter, bring microspikes.
• Midday: Traverse to Brushytten for a cinnamon bun and onward to Fløyen, or descend to the Norwegian Fisheries Museum area in Sandviken for a harbourfront lunch. Summer adds the open-air Gamle Bergen Museum as a charming, scenic detour.
• Afternoon: Take a quick ferry across the Byfjord (e.g., to Kleppestø) for the classic “Bergen from the water” perspective; the sailings are frequent and scenic in all seasons. Alternatively, wander Lille Lungegårdsvannet and Marken for low-effort city views and photo stops.
• Evening: For a final, wild-feeling panorama, hike Lyderhorn (1–1.5 hours up) for sunsets over the islands and the open sea; bring a windproof and a head torch outside summer. Prefer something gentler? Walk Damsgårdsfjellet’s lower trails for dusk light back toward the city centre.

Tips across the three days:

• Go anyway: the most dramatic light often arrives right after a shower. Dress in layers, carry a waterproof, and wear shoes with grip.
• Use the UT.no app for trail maps, difficulty grades and recent condition reports.
• If time is tight, pair mechanical ascents (funicular/cable car) with downhill walks to stretch the views without overexertion.

By Air

• Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO) is 18 km south of the city centre.
• Light rail (Bybanen Line 1): airport to Byparken/Bystasjonen in about 45 minutes, every 5–10 minutes most of the day.
• Airport bus (Flybussen): 20–25 minutes to central stops (Fish Market/Bryggen/Bus Station), frequency varies by time of day.
• Taxis take around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
• Frequent domestic flights from Oslo (about 55 minutes), Stavanger, Trondheim, Tromsø; direct international routes to several European hubs (e.g., Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Frankfurt – seasonal variations).

By Train

• Bergen Station (Bergen stasjon) is in the city centre, beside the main bus station; Bybanen stops at Bystasjonen/Byparken.
• Oslo–Bergen (Bergensbanen, operated by Vy): 6.5–7.5 hours, several daily departures plus an overnight option; very scenic. Connections at Myrdal to the Flåm Railway if needed.
• Regular regional trains to/from Voss.

By Coach/Bus

• Bergen Bus Station (Bergen busstasjon) is the main hub, next to the railway station and Bybanen.
• Kystbussen (Nor-Way): Bergen–Haugesund–Stavanger in about 4.5–5.5 hours (includes ferry crossings).
• Express coaches connect to the Sognefjord region (e.g., Førde, Sogndal), Hardanger (e.g., Odda), and further north (with changes) to Ålesund and Trondheim. Frequencies and times vary by season.

By Car

• From Oslo: E16 via Voss and Lærdal Tunnel, around 7–8 hours (approx. 470 km). Alternative scenic route via Rv7/Hardangervidda and the Hardanger Bridge (can be affected by winter weather).
• From Stavanger: E39 north with ferry crossings, typically 4.5–5.5 hours.
• From Ålesund: E39 south (multiple ferries), roughly 8–10 hours.
• Expect tolls (bompenger) entering the city. Central parking is limited; use large garages such as Bygarasjen or Klostergarasjen.

By Sea

• Coastal express ships (Hurtigruten and Havila) depart daily northbound from the city’s cruise/ferry terminals, connecting to Ålesund, Trondheim, Tromsø and Kirkenes; southbound services return to Bergen.
• High-speed express boats operate to parts of the Sognefjord and coastal districts (limited luggage capacity; seasonal schedules).
• Bergen is a major cruise port with frequent calls in peak season.