Head west, and you’ll find Bergen set snugly between the ocean, mountains and two of Norway’s biggest fjords. This is a city that feels more like a small town, thanks to a welcoming and walkable centre of fish markets, galleries, restaurants and parks. It’s also one of the oldest port cities in Northern Europe – and with the UNESCO-listed Bryggen harbour to prove it. On our Bergen summer holidays, adventure is always in view. A funicular and cable car whisk walkers into the mountains and boats voyage into the fjords. Plus, there’s the train station – the gateway to some of the Europe’s most scenic train journeys.
Bryggen and beyond
You don’t have to go far for interesting explorations in Bergen. Start in the city centre, delving into the wooden streets of Bryggen – remnants of one of Europe’s oldest wharfs – and then up (and up) into the cobbled streets and squares behind. The waterfront and 13th-century fish market are made for walking too, while the park comes with a fountain and a frame of art galleries and bars. If that sounds like a lot to fit into one day, don’t worry; the sun doesn’t set till 10.30pm in midsummer.
Into the fjords
Bergen hunkers down between Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord – two of the biggest fjords in Norway. Cruises push off from the harbour, including electric boats that smooth peacefully through the deep waters. Head to the Mostraumen straits on an easy half-day tour of sky-high waterfalls and berry-red fjordside villages. Or, you can head to Sognefjord for a whistlestop tour via Flam and experience the incredible scenery. Footpaths line the fjords too, weaving from waterfalls to villages to mighty mountain viewpoints. See our excursions for more details of these tours.
Take your pick of seven mountains
There’s some debate over which mountains are included in Bergen’s “city of the seven mountains” nickname. But one thing is for sure: Floyen and Ulriken are two of the favourites. A funicular has been carrying folk from the city centre to Mount Floyen for over 100 years. Jump aboard for an easy ride to the park, lake, café and a network of well-marked mountain paths. Or you can go for the heady heights of Ulriken – reached by cable car or, if you’re feeling daring, 1,300 stone-cut stairs. Your reward? Some of the best views and walks in Bergen, as well as a sunset-facing café terrace.
The Bergen Line and Flam Railway
Bergen train station marks the starting point of the Bergen Line. This is one of most scenic train journeys in Europe, chugging across the mountain plateaus and fjord-striped national parks between Bergen and Oslo. The whole thing takes 6.5 hours – but you can disembark after two hours at the mountain station of Myrdal and hop onto the famous Flam Railway. Cycling and hiking paths (and a zipline!) also lead from Myrdal to Flam, passing waterfalls, forests and a rushing river en route.
Why book a summer holiday in Bergen with Inghams?
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Bergen include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Norway's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
