Best Places to Visit in Bergen, Norway: Travel Guide for Indian Travellers
Bergen is one of the most picturesque and culturally vibrant cities in Norway. The city is located along the stunning Byfjorden coast and is surrounded by seven majestic mountains. The best places to visit in Bergen are a unique blend of iconic fjord cruises, the colourful UNESCO heritage streets and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you wish to ride the Floibanen funicular, explore Bryggen's colourful wooden alleys or have a fjord cruise, this Bergen travel guide for Indian tourists covers everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
Key Takeaways
- Budget Range: Plan Rs. 1,35,000–2,85,000 per person for 5–7 days, including round-trip flights from India (Rs. 60,000–1,00,000), accommodation, meals, local transport and fjord excursions.
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for fjord cruises, hiking, and warm weather; December–March for snow-covered landscapes and Christmas markets.
- Visa Requirements: Apply for a Schengen tourist visa 3–4 months in advance via VFS Global. Processing takes 15–30 working days; the total visa cost is approximately Rs. 9,000.
- Ideal Duration: Spend 3–4 days exploring Bergen's cultural landmarks and fjord cruises; extend to 5–7 days to include day trips to Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, or the Norway in a Nutshell scenic route.
- Indian-Friendly: Vegetarian food is widely available at restaurants, multiple Indian restaurants are in Bergen, and English is spoken fluently throughout the city.
Read more: Norway trip guide
Top Places to Visit in Bergen, Norway
Top Cultural and Historical Attractions in Bergen
1. Bryggen Wharf – UNESCO World Heritage Icon of Bergen
Bryggen is one of the best places to visit in Bergen. This iconic landmark is famous for its series of colourful wooden buildings, lined along the harbour.
- Location: Vagen Harbour
- Entry Fee: Free to explore
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening
- Best For: Culture lovers, photographers
2. Bergenhus Fortress – Norway’s Best-Preserved Medieval Landmark
Bergenhus Fortress is one of the oldest and best-preserved military base in Norway. This protected fortress offers a glimpse into medieval Norwegian history.
- Location: Bergenhus
- Entry Fee: Free outdoor areas
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Best For: History lovers, families
3. St. Mary’s Church (Mariakirken) – Oldest Church in Bergen
The St. Mary's Church is the oldest building in Bergen. This Romanesque church provides an insight into Bergen’s historical and cultural significance.
- Location: Near Bryggen
- Entry Fee: Rs. 530–620 (€6–€7)
- Best Time to Visit: Daytime
- Best For: Cultural travellers, architecture lovers
Read more: Places to stay in Norway
Best Nature & Outdoor Experiences in Bergen
1. Mount Floyen & Floibanen Funicular – Best Viewpoint in Bergen
The Floibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Floyen ranks among the best things to do in Bergen. The ride provides stunning views of Bergen city, fjords and the surrounding mountains.
- Location: Vetrlidsallmenningen 11
- Cost: Rs. 1,240–1,330 (€14–€15) round trip
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset or mornings
- Best For: Families, nature lovers, photographers
2. Fjord Cruises to Sognefjord & Hardangerfjord – Must-Do Bergen Experience
Bergen is the gateway to the most spectacular fjords in Norway. The Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord Cruise passes through stunning landscapes of mountain views and dramatic waterfalls. The Bergen fjord cruises offer a serene escape into the pristine wilderness of Norway and present an opportunity to enjoy the most breathtaking landscape in Norway.
- Location: Bergen Harbour
- Cost: Rs. 7,100–13,400 (€80–€150)
- Best Time: May–September
- Best For: Nature lovers, first-time visitors, couples
Unique Nordic Experiences to Try in Bergen
Floating Fjord Sauna – Signature Scandinavian Wellness Activity
The Fjord Sauna Experience offers a unique and refreshing wellness ritual. Visitors can enjoy a steaming hot sauna session in a floating cabin in one of the most stunning fjord landscapes in the world.
- Location: Bergen harbour
- Cost: Rs. 1,250–1,960 (€14–€22)
- Best Time: Winter evenings for an authentic experience, summer for scenic views
- Best For: Wellness lovers, unique cultural experiences
Final Thoughts – Plan the Perfect Bergen Itinerary
Bergen is a unique combination of scenic landscapes and cultural heritage that makes it one of the must-visit destinations in Europe. From the vibrant Bryggen Wharf to the stunning fjord cruises and majestic views from Mount Floyen, the best places to visit in Bergen promise memorable experiences for every traveller. Plan your Bergen itinerary with Pickyourtrail’s all-customisable Norway Tour Packages or Bergen Tour Packages. Our travel professionals will guide you to create your personalised itinerary and help you with visa documentation to ensure your Bergen adventure runs smoothly from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bergen
What is the total cost of a Bergen trip from India?
A 5-day Bergen trip costs Rs. 1,35,000–2,85,000 per person, depending on travel style. Budget travellers should plan with Rs. 1,35,000–1,75,000, mid-range travellers should budget Rs. 2,00,000–2,40,000, while luxury experiences require Rs. 2,75,000+. Book flights 3-4 months in advance and consider shoulder season (May, September) for significant savings without sacrificing experience quality.
When is the best time to visit Bergen for good weather?
June and September offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds and reasonable prices for Indian travellers visiting Bergen. June provides 18-19 hours of daylight with temperatures of 12°C–18°C, perfect for fjord cruises and hiking without July-August peak crowds. September brings autumn colours, fewer tourists, and 20-30% lower accommodation costs while maintaining temperatures of 10°C–16°C with acceptable rainfall. Avoid July-August if you dislike crowds, though these months guarantee the warmest weather. December attracts visitors seeking Christmas markets and winter fjords.
Can Indian vegetarian travellers find food in Bergen?
Yes, Bergen offers multiple vegetarian and vegan dining options beyond Indian restaurants. Three authentic Indian restaurants, namely Arti Indisk Restaurant, Indian Tandoori and Nirvana Restaurant, serve vegetarian menus including paneer dishes, dal, thalis and biryanis. Mainstream Norwegian restaurants increasingly feature clearly marked vegetarian options, particularly at modern Nordic establishments like Lysverket and organic cafes like Bien Basar. However, traditional Norwegian cuisine focuses heavily on seafood and meat, so advance research and restaurant selection matter for strict vegetarians.
Is Bergen safe for solo female travellers from India?
Bergen ranks among the safest cities in Europe with extremely low crime rates, well-lit streets, and reliable public transport, making it excellent for solo female Indian travellers. Norwegian culture values gender equality, so solo women face minimal harassment compared to many destinations. Bergen's efficient emergency services (dial 112) respond quickly if needed. Public transport operates safely until midnight with security cameras. Most hotels, restaurants, and attractions employ English-speaking staff who assist solo travellers.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Bergen?
Bergen rarely offers Northern Lights viewing due to its southern location and frequent cloud cover. If Northern Lights viewing is essential to your Norway trip, allocate 3-4 nights in Tromso (2-hour flight from Bergen) during December-March for reliable sightings. Tromso offers specialised aurora tours with expert guides who track weather and solar forecasts. Alternatively, visit Bergen for fjords and city experiences, then consider Iceland or Finnish Lapland for Northern Lights on separate trips.
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