First Time in… Bergen?

Welcome to my first timer guides! Each month I’m sharing short, succinct posts for anyone who’s headed to a destination for the very first time. This round it’s all about the gorgeous Bergen in Western Norway.

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Bergen Firsts

First Norwegian Word to Learn

Norwegians probably speak better English than all of us, so you don’t need to know any words. However, if you learn just one – takk is thank you and tusen takk is thank you very much (or literally – a thousand thank you’s).

First Piece of Packing Advice

Bergen is one of the rainiest cities out there. It may not rain all day but chances are you’ll get caught in at least one rain storm while you’re here. Pack at least one pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet and quick dry socks – the humidity means things can take forever to dry. Also – check with your hotel to see if they have umbrellas so you can save yourself the space.

First Hotel

For first timers, stay in the city center at Det Hanseatiske Hotel. It’s part of the historic Bryggen area, rooms have that coselig feel, and the breakfast spread is generous and delicious.

First Order of Business Upon Arrival

Getting to your hotel or the city center.

Bergen is small, so lucky you, transportation is easy. As soon as you enter the arrivals hall, follow signs for the Bybanen or Bergen Light Rail. Use Google Maps to figure out the closest stop for your hotel (the Bybanen will show up as 1 and if you stay in the city center, the stop will be the last one – Byparken).

Head over to one of the kiosks and purchase a ticket. There won’t be a paper ticket – use your phone, get the QR Code, and it’ll be on your phone. Then just head down the escalators and catch the light rail.

First Photo Spot

Up top from the Fløyen overlook.

Hike up or take the Fløibanen. You’ll get a panoramic view over the whole city, and it’s as beautiful as you’d think. Hiking is free while the Fløibanen costs 90 NOK each way, and you’ll want to book in advance.

First Stroll

Bryggen.

It’s the historic heart of Bergen, and if you’ve been planning a trip here, you’ve seen it photographed a million times. All the wooden buildings follow the traditional design methods and are painted in colors typical of Scandinavian architecture. It’s full of nice restaurants, galleries, and actually cute souvenir shops.

First Café

For your very first café experience? There are so many cute cafes in Bergen but for your first ever café, I’d recommend Godt Brød. There’s a location right by Byparken station that has a ton of indoor and outdoor seating. They also have another location closer to the Fløibanen entrance, which is perfect for a pre-hike treat. It’s a mini-franchise in the area!

First Restaurant

Bryggeloftet 100%.

It’s one of those cute restaurants in Bryggen and is the oldest in the city. Perfect for trying some traditional Norwegian dishes. I especially recommend the fish soup.

First Half-Day/Day Trip

A fjord cruise from the harbor right by the fish market.

The typical fjord cruise lasts around 3-4 hours and goes out to Mostraumen. Lots of gorgeous fjord scenery from cliff sides to tiny villages to waterfalls. It’s also the best view of Bryggen from afar (and where I’m certain most of those tourism photos come from).

First Relaxing Activity

A few hours at a Norwegian sauna.

Basically, you’ll get all nice and sweaty in a dry sauna and then jump into the fjord water for an icy balance. I would say for first timers, Heit Sauna is perfect. If you have experience with them, you’ll get more bang for your buck at Nordnes Sjøbad.

First Museum

Rasmus Meyer.

It’s part of the KODE Museums around what’s nicknamed Museum Lake and focuses on Norwegian art from its golden age. (The name comes from the guy who collected said art.) It’s also home to the third largest Edvard Munch collection in the world.

First Souvenir

A print of Bryggen.

Go to one of the art galleries in Bryggen and purchase a print (or the original painting if you’ve got that kind of dough!) There are so many styles to choose from.

First Not-So-Secret Gem

The neighborhood of Nordnes.

If you look on a map, Nordnes is on a little peninsula opposite Bryggen. It’s hilly and charming and every corner belongs on a postcard. I can’t remember the exact street that gets photographed all the time (featured at the top of this post) but if you plug in Løvetann Café & Bistro in Google Maps, it’s either the one right next to it or one over. You’ll know it when you see it (and others will be there photographing it too).

First Disappointment to Avoid

Bergen is in the south and far below the Arctic Circle. Any photo that shows Bryggen with northern lights overhead is lying to your face. If you come in the winter expecting an aurora borealis show, you will leave heartily disappointed. Head up north to Tromsø instead.