The Best Spots in Bergen, According to Our Guides

Bergen is a city that reveals itself slowly — through sea mist drifting across Bryggen, quiet mountain trails above the harbour, and tucked-away cafés where locals linger long after the rain begins. To help visitors experience the city beyond the postcards, we asked our tour guides to vote for the places they return to again and again. From iconic viewpoints to hidden neighbourhood favourites, this collection brings together the best spots in Bergen according to the people who know the city best.

Løvstien

Magda’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“Literally at my doorstep, there is a trail called Løvstien. It can be adjusted, but at times I like a solid 10 km walk. It’s not too steep, just a nice woodsy path with a wooden bridge mounted to the rocks. Either I walk there listening to a podcast, admiring the views, or in spring, it’s wonderful to listen to the singing birds. There is a working farm along the trail where they keep hens, pigs, sheep and fjording – sturdy little horses. Workout and relaxation 2 in 1.”

Picnic by Skansedammen

Maria’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“Sitting by the water in the sun, watching the birds, smelling people grilling and looking over the city always puts me in a good mood.”

Natural History Museum & Museum Garden

Heidi’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“The Natural History Museum is one of my favourite places in Bergen. The beautifully restored museum combines fascinating exhibitions with stunning architecture, and the surrounding museum garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. It’s the perfect place to slow down for an hour and enjoy a quieter side of Bergen.”

Our guide Andrea also loves the museum garden:

“The museum garden behind the Natural History Museum – it’s just so pretty! I can just sit on a bench and enjoy a moment of peace or (what I most often do) take pictures of the nature around me and close-ups of the many interesting flowers and plants.”

Honourable Mentions:

USF Verftet

USF Verftet is where I often go to meet friends for a drink or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Located right by the waterfront, it combines culture, concerts, art and one of Bergen’s best outdoor seating areas. On a sunny afternoon, there are few places I’d rather be.

Nygårdsparken

Andrea’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“I love to stroll and take pictures here, an old park made in English landscape style, peaceful, with old trees, ponds, flowers and rhododendrons, the favourite picnic place of the locals, just a 10-minute walk from the heart of town. “

Our guide Caterina also loves Nygårdsparken:

“Nygårdsparken – away from the touristic side of Bergen, this charming park is well worth a visit for the architecture of the surrounding buildings and for the colours of its flowers and trees, especially in summer and autumn. Bergen’s version of Central Park 😄”

Heit Bergen Sauna, Marineholmen

Caterina’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“One of my favourite things to do in Norway is a sauna with a dip in the fjord. This is one of the best spots in the city, as from here you can also enjoy a nice view of Mount Ulriken.”

Honourable Mentions:

Skredderdalen – one of my favourite local hikes, this path goes through the woods and alongside a waterfall. Once on top, it’s easy to reach Fløyen and sometimes enjoy a well-deserved utepils (outdoor beer).

Gågaten (Strandgaten)

Serena’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“I have been living on and off in the ” Republic” for 7 years now, and there is one street in Bergen that will always be my favourite: Gågaten. From food to minigolf, from massages to tattoos, whatever you need, you will find it there. Even yarn.

Honourable Mentions:

Gamle Bergen – Every time my parents visit, they want to take a little trip to Gamle Bergen because they have fallen in love with it. I do love that museum too, and I’m afraid it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves at times.
KODE 2 & 3 – For a few years, when I moved to Bergen, I actually missed sitting in a museum. It’s the weirdest hobby in the world, I know, but I used to do that in art school when we had to make report cards on specific paintings. When I moved to Bergen, I had the chance to do the same thing, every now and then at Kode 2 or 3. I would pick a specific piece, and I would stare at it, draw it or paint part of it on the spot. Kode 2 and 3 are my special places. When I need a moment to chill, I sit there in the exhibition and get lost in the art.

Bergen's Mountains

Paulina’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“You will often find me on one of the mountain peaks surrounding Bergen. They are one of the main reasons I moved here after all. The mountains offer stunning views throughout the year, and my personal favourites are Ulriken and Løvstakken.”

Fjellveien

Emma’s Favourite Spot in Bergen

“I love hiking and pushing myself up mountains like Fløyen and Løvstakken, but sometimes I want the feel of hiking without breaking a sweat. That’s why I love Fjellveien – it’s forested, it’s scenic, and it’s (mostly) flat. There’s a ton of history along the way, from old mountain farms to charming wooden houses, and the views from the trail are some of the best in Bergen.”

Honourable Mentions:

Bryggen – Of course, it’s the most touristy spot in Bergen. But Bryggen is the first spot I visited when I came to Bergen for the first time in 2011, and now it’s where our company’s office is – the cosiest spot in Bergen.
Fjellsiden – During COVID, I went for a 2 hour walk in the city every day, with the goal of just ‘getting lost’ in a place I’d never been before. Fjellsiden became one of my favourite daily walking spots, and I never took the same path twice. It’s a labyrinth of charming wooden houses and outstanding views to the city.