Norsemen – A Day in Bergen

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We end the Norsemen tour in the enchanting town of Bergen. Bergen offers a charming mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Our ‘Day in Bergen’ blog is designed to offer you suggestions for staying on for a few days at the end of the tour.

Morning

Start your morning with a traditional Norwegian breakfast at a local café, enjoying open-faced sandwiches (smørbrød), cheeses, smoked salmon, and freshly brewed coffee.

Local's Tip: Our favourite breakfast hangout is the Kaffemisjonen Cafe, which is a 7-minute walk from our final hotel in Bergen, Thon Hotel Bergen. It is a great place for coffee connoisseurs, and we particularly rate their range of filter coffee options. Accompany your coffee with a range of stuffed croissants, or indulge in their amazing cinnamon buns.

You can then begin your exploration by visiting Bryggen, the iconic Hanseatic wharf and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the colourful wooden buildings dating back to the 14th century, now housing shops, galleries, and museums showcasing Bergen’s maritime heritage.

Explore the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene to learn about Bergen’s Hanseatic past, merchant life, and trade history in the region. Admire artefacts, reconstructed interiors, and views of Bryggen from historical buildings.

Cross the Vågen harbour on the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen, surrounding fjords, and coastal landscapes. Enjoy hiking trails, a zipline adventure, or simply relax at the mountain’s café while taking in the scenery.

Descend back to Bryggen and explore Bergenhus Fortress, a medieval fortress with historic buildings, museums, and the iconic Rosenkrantz Tower. Visit Haakon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower for insights into Bergen’s royal and military history.

Lunch

For lunch, savour traditional Norwegian cuisine at a waterfront restaurant or seafood market. Sample dishes like fish soup, Bergen fish cakes, or fresh seafood platters showcasing local catches from the North Sea.

Local's Tip: If you have had your fill of traditional Norwegian cuisine and are looking for an alternative, we are happy to recommend the Siam Ratree Thai Restaurant for lunch or dinner. This place is not great on the frills, but from our experience, it certainly gets it right with the quality of the food it serves, which is tasty and authentic. We tried the Tom Yun soup and Pad Thai and were not disappointed. If you are keen to eat there in the evening, it would be best to book in advance. Pop your head in to book, as it is just 2 minutes around the corner from your hotel.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the KODE Art Museums of Bergen, which comprises several buildings showcasing Norwegian and international art collections. Explore paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.

Take a leisurely walk along Bryggen’s waterfront and explore nearby attractions such as the Fish Market (Fisketorget), known for its seafood stalls, local delicacies, and bustling atmosphere. Browse for souvenirs, crafts, and regional specialities.

Embark on a fjord cruise or boat tour from Bergen harbour to explore nearby fjords such as the Hardangerfjord or Osterfjord. Enjoy scenic views of waterfalls, cliffs, and picturesque villages nestled along the fjord shores.

Evening

Return to Bergen for a delightful evening at a cosy restaurant or brewery, enjoying Norwegian beers, aquavit, and gourmet Nordic cuisine. Indulge in dishes like reindeer stew, grilled salmon, or cloudberries with cream for dessert.

End your day with a stroll along Bryggen’s illuminated alleys, admiring the historic buildings bathed in soft light. Bergen’s blend of history, art, culinary delights, and fjord landscapes ensures a memorable day in Norway’s picturesque coastal city.

We look forward to seeing you on the Norsemen Tour. For more information, contact us.