Top Five Mistakes Tourists Make in Bergen (and How to Avoid Them!)
Learn how to best prepare for your visit to our city.
Maria Casado
November 14, 2025
Bergen is a gem — think about fjords, colorful wooden houses, and a maritime vibe you won’t find anywhere else. Most visitors fall head over heels for its charm… but a few simple missteps can turn your dream trip into a soggy, rushed, or frustrating experience. No worries — here are the top five mistakes tourists make in Bergen, with tips to help you squeeze the most out of your time in Norway’s coastal capital. From staying dry in sudden rain showers to choosing the fjord cruise that’s right for you, consider this your friendly guide to exploring Bergen like a local (or at least like a pro).
In Bergen, rain showers can occur year-round, even in summer, and the sky can shift from bright sunshine to heavy downpour in minutes. Locals have a saying: “ikke dårlig vær bare dårlig klær” or “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing”. So here are some useful tips:
Bergen averages over 250 days of rain per year, making it the rainiest city in Europe. Don’t worry — once you dress for it, rain just becomes part of the adventure.
Bryggen is gorgeous. Those colourful wooden buildings right by the harbour are super Instagram-worthy, so of course you will end up there. The only trap? Staying only there. Bergen has so much more to explore than souvenir shops and waterfront selfies.
Wander a little further and you will find cosy wooden neighbourhoods, tiny alleyways, and that mix of old trading-town charm and modern streets that makes Bergen feel like a fairy-tale city with city-vibes. Love culture? Pop into KODE or the Schøtstuene Museum to get a taste of Bergen’s art scene and trading history.
More into views and nature? Jump on the Fløibanen or Ulriken cable car for epic panoramas and easy trails. Locals do this all the time, trust us. Extra time to spare? Head to Troldhaugen, the beautiful home of composer Edvard Grieg, or visit Fantoft Stave Church. Both are short trips and totally worth it.
KODE’s Rasmus Meyer Collection holds the third-largest collection of paintings by Edvard Munch. Yes, the artist behind The Scream.
Bergen is called the gateway to the fjords, so it is super tempting to book the first cruise you see. Just remember: not all fjord trips look the same, and expectations sometimes get mixed up.
Those dramatic postcard views with huge cliffs and deep glacial valleys? You usually find those further inland, not right outside the city. Bergen’s coastal fjord cruises are still beautiful though. They are perfect if you only have a few hours and want a taste of the scenery without spending a whole day on the water.
If you are dreaming of the really wow-factor fjords, think Hardangerfjord or Sognefjord. These day trips take longer but deliver the full “Norway fairy-tale” moment. You can even hop on public ferries from Strandkaiterminalen if you like doing things the local way.
The Nærøyfjord, part of the Sognefjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its incredible untouched landscape and dramatic nature. Definitely one for the bucket list.
Bergen has amazing food, although during summer, weekends, and festivals, restaurants book up fast. If you already have a spot on your wishlist, do yourself a favour and reserve ahead. Hungry and wandering around is not fun, especially in the rain.
Here we eat earlier than in other countries, so places get busy around 18:00-19:00. Arriving late without a booking can mean “sorry, full tonight.”
Feeling spontaneous or want something quick? Skip the busiest harbour streets and try smaller cafés and bistros a few blocks away. Or keep it super simple: grab a pizza slice at 7-Eleven or Narvesen, try a famous Bergen hotdog at Trekroneren, or fuel up on a pastry and coffee to go. Fast, easy, delicious.
Some chefs say Bergensk fiskesuppe (Bergen’s version of fish soup) is one of Norway’s most iconic fish soups, so do not leave without a bowl.
Some visitors either hike without preparation or avoid Bergen’s mountains altogether. Bergen is the city of the seven mountains and exploring the mountains is a quintessential Bergen activity and a beloved pastime for locals.
Not into hiking? No stress. Hop on the Ulriken cable car or the Fløibanen funicular and glide straight to the top. Think of them as Bergen’s VIP elevators to the best rooftop views in town.
Love a good hike? You are in the right place.
Bergen’s mountains are your playground. Check the routes on apps like UT or AllTrails so you know what you are getting into. Bring water, good shoes, and layers, because the weather likes to surprise people here. Extra socks are always a win.
Fun little tip: Norwegian Kvikk Lunsj chocolate bars have mountain safety rules
The Fløibanen funicular switched to its brand-new 5th-generation cars in April 2022. Since then, it has travelled the equivalent of more than two laps around the planet.
By keeping these five common slip-ups in mind, you’ll set yourself up for a far smoother and more rewarding visit. Dress for the weather, look beyond the waterfront, choose your fjord trip wisely, plan your meals when it counts, and don’t miss out on the mountains — it’s all about avoiding the traps that catch most first-timers. With a little know-how, Bergen becomes easier to navigate, richer to explore, and far more memorable from the moment you arrive. Enjoy every rainy, scenic, flavour-packed bit of it.
Want more local tips? Be sure to join us on a walking tour of Bergen! Click the button below to view our tours.
Learn how to best prepare for your visit to our city.
Here is our guide to getting out and exploring Bergen with public transport.
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