Bergen's historic waterfront

Visit the Museums of Bergen, Bergen

Overview

Situated on Norway's west coast, this wharf city of about 300,000 residents (one of the oldest port cities in Europe) is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords. Rich in culture and seafaring history, Bergen boasts a vast selection of cultural activities.

Check out the Bryggen area of downtown to view old wooden houses dating back to the 1700s (a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site), along with Bergen's best historical sites and museums. Then, for a rest, stop in one of the charming local restaurants, cafés, and bakeries. Finally, to polish off your historic minitour, visit Old Bergen (Gamle Bergen), a reconstruction of Bergen from the 18th century. 

Save some time for a museum or two! Favorites include the KODE art museums, which host collections from Munch, Astrup, Dahl, and Picasso; the Bergen Maritime Museum with various historic and modern boats and ships; and the fortress museum depicting the military history of Norway, with exhibitions on historical wars, WWII, and modern warfare.

For a unique experience, check out the ice sculptures at the Magic Ice Bar or take the city's light rail and walk to the reconstruction of the 12th-century Fantoft Stave Church, also called Trollhaugen or Fantoft Stavkirke. Then, when you're ready for a break or meal, enjoy some regional cuisine at one of the cafes or restaurants. Some local favorites include Altona, Pingvinen, 1887, Cornelius, bare Vestland, Dugg frisk, Spisekroken, Lysverket, and Skyskaperen (on the top of Mt. Ulriken).

Discover more things to do in Bergen and other interesting cultural and historical experiences in Norway.

Itineraries with Visit the Museums of Bergen

Explore Bergen, Fjords & Waterfalls - 6 Days

This scenic six-day itinerary highlights some of Norway's most picturesque summer destinations. Settle into the historic port city of Bergen and use it as your base to explore the surrounding mountains and fjords. After discovering the city's colorful waterfront and character-filled cobbled streets, you'll set off into the countryside—climbing mountainsides on a steam train, sailing through the spectacular Sognefjord, and visiting the waterfront towns of Balestrand, Flåm, and Fjærland.

Fjords and Islands Adventure: Oslo, Aurland, Bergen, Vesterålen, Lofoten, & More - 14 Days

Take in some of Norway's most impressive natural landscapes on this two-week adventure through the country's western fjords and northern islands. You'll start with a city tour of Oslo before you venture out into nature, riding the steep and scenic Flåm Railway. Dip back into city life in Bergen, then head to the wild Vesterålen and Lofoten islands to kayak, hike, whale-watch, and more.

Oslo, Bergen & Alta Winter Tour - 12 Days

This 12-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who prefer to skip the peak-season crowds. The adventure kicks off in Norway's up-and-coming capital where you'll explore Oslo's best neighborhoods on your own and with a local guide. From here, travel by train, ferry, and bus to get to Bergen with a peaceful two-night stay in Aurland along the way. After exploring Bergen's museums, Christmas markets,  and nearby fjords, you'll fly above the Arctic Circle to sled with huskies and hunt for the Northern Lights.