Of all the destinations on my map for my first visit to Norway, the one I was most looking forward to was Bergen. I saw so many colorful photos of what looked like a small coastal town (actually Norway’s second largest city) that I was convinced that this was reason enough to travel all the way north (about 30 hours with a flight and layover from Australia). Once here, I had just one day in Bergen to explore everything the city had to offer. From stunning views to one of the most beautiful harbours, everything you need to see and do in Bergen is right here.
Bryggen, Bergen
The historic Bryggen Harbor (translation: North of the Bay) is postcard-perfect and one of the main attractions for tourism to Norway’s coastal cities and towns. The wooden houses that now line the harbor were actually rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1702, but are thought to be similar to those used as far back as 1350, when the area was established for trading purposes.
Step behind the beautiful façade and wind your way through Bryggen’s small alleys to get a feel for what this area was like in the Middle Ages. If you get a chance to visit before it gets crowded (before 9am), it’s a great opportunity to experience what life was like centuries ago.
Here in Bryggen there are also many souvenir shops, local handicrafts and art galleries. One of my favorite stores is Jules Huset, a year-round Christmas shop located on the upper floor of the first building along the Strip. If you’re looking for cute trinkets to take home and actually use more, this is a great little shop to visit (well, not fridge magnets!!!)
Stroll through the streets behind Bryggen
One of the best pieces of advice I received that day came from a local guy who pointed me in the direction of a residential area at the back of Bryggen (away from the water). Traditional wooden houses were lined up there. All of these streets are full of charm and were a great way to spend an hour or so soaking up local life (and everyone was super friendly!)
weekend market
Arriving in town on a Sunday morning, we had the opportunity to browse the fresh local produce as we browsed through the items on sale at the Harbor Market. Seafood was the main menu, but there was also plenty of fresh berries (how delicious!) and a smoothie bar.
We visited Bergen on Celebrity Cruises’ Norwegian Fjords Cruise. This cruise runs twice a year. If you’re looking to enjoy some sunshine, the August cruises are a great option, as they take place at the end of summer.