Bergen Tourist Attractions, Landmarks, Monuments and Sightseeing

(Bergen, Hordaland, Norway)

Central Bergen is located next to a number of natural landmarks and these attractions include the Seven Mountains, known in Norwegian as the 'de syv fjell', just some of the many mountains that surround the city. Within Bergen city centre itself, the main tourist attractions include the popular Aquarium (Akvariet), which is located alongside a public park featuring pleasant lawned areas and a heated open-air swimming pool.

The Bryggen area of Bergen used to be the busy Hansa dock and today contains a large number of historical buildings and landmarks, now listed as World Heritage Sites. Must-see tourist attractions include the medieval Bergenhus Fort and the Gamlehaugen Castle, while a trip on the Floibanen funicular railway also ranks highly.

Floibanen (Funicular Railway)

Address: Vetrlidsalmenning 21, Bergen, NO-5014, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 55 33 6800
For some of the very best views across Bergen, take a ride on the Floibanen funicular railway, which climbs the extremely steep slopes of Mount Floyen. At the top, visitors will find a number of notable attractions, which include well-signed hiking trails into the neighbouring forest, clearly shown on the free Gledeskartet map. There is also a pleasant walk, which connects Mount Floyen with the city centre and lasts around 40 minutes for those heading downwards, and longer for people climbing up the trail.
Open hours: May to August, daily - 07:30 to 23:00, runs at least every 30 minutes
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors and children, children four years old and under are free

Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet)

Address: Nordnesbakken 4, Bergen, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 55 55 7171
The Bergen Aquarium is known locally as the Akvariet and offers something for everyone, regardless of age. Situated at the far end of the city's Nordnes peninsula, the Aquarium features a large open-air tank, containing a mixture of both penguins and seals, fed daily each morning at 11:00. Other attractions at the Akvariet include around 70 different indoor tanks and aquariums, where you can observe large schools of herring, some rather grotesque anglerfish, and various native Norwegian aquatic creatures.
Open hours: daily, May to September - 09:00 to 20:00; October to April - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Gamlehaugen

Address: Gamlehaugveien 10, Bergen, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 55 92 5120
The Gamlehaugen is a rather beautiful landmark resembling a fairytale castle from some angles, and is the official residence when the King of Norway pays a visit to Bergen. Once the home of former Norwegian Prime Minister Christian Michelsen, English guided tours of the Gamlehaugen are available during the summer months. There is also a large parkland surrounding the castle, which is worth exploring on a fine day.
Open hours: guided tours, June to August, Tuesday to Sunday - at 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00
Admission: charge

Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Address: Bradbenken 2, Bergen, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 55 30 1700
With three masts and a gleaming white exterior, many visitors to Bergen remember their time exploring the Statsraad Lehmkuhl with great fondness. Cruises operate during the summer months and last for variable lengths of time, ranging from a few hours to an entire week. However, don't expect just to simply sit back and enjoy the views, you will be expected to help sail this glorious ship, assist with the rigging and unfurling of the sails, and possibly even help out in the gallery. The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is situated within the Bergen harbour shed and opposite to the Bergenhus fort.
Open hours: daily, seasonal variations
Admission: charge

Troldhaugen

Address: Troldhaugveien 65, Bergen, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 55 92 2992
Once the home of Norway's much-celebrated composer Edvard Grieg (1843 - 1907), the Troldhaugen is close to central Bergen. This delightful country house is part of Grieg's estate, which also comprises a mountain tomb with the ashes of both Edvard Grieg and his wife, his composing hut, and a concert hall where many performances are regularly staged. The most famous work of Grieg was without doubt his Peer Gynt suite
Open hours: May to September, daily - 09:00 to 18:00; October to November - Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 14:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00; January to March, daily - 10:00 to 14:00; April, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 14:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students, charge under 16 years are free

Bergenhus Fort

One of Norway's best preserved fortresses and medieval landmarks, Bergenhus Fort dates back as far as the latter part of the 12th century and stands near to the city's busy ferry terminal. Attractions within the Bergenhus Fort include the Royal Hall, which is otherwise known as the Hakonshallen and was built in the middle of the 13th century and still used today for royal events and galas. The Rosenkrantz Tower remains relatively unchanged since the 16th century and features dungeons within its basement. Surrounding Bergen's much-loved fort is a pleasant park, where locals come to picnic, enjoy a snack from the close by fish market, play games and relax.
Open hours: hourly guided tours, May to August, daily - 10:00 to 16:00; Sunday - at 12:00 and 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students and children