Although Oslo might be the most popular tourist destination in Norway, there is another city that offers incredible amounts of natural beauty, artisan shops, and fantastic restaurants with fewer crowds: Bergen, Norway. Although Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, it still remains a fairly under-the-radar destination, so it is less busy all year round in comparison to other European cities, even in the summer months. I visited Bergen a few weeks ago, and I’ve compiled a list of the best places to eat, shop, see, and visit. Between the gorgeous midnight sun, extremely friendly locals, and crystal clear waters, what more could you want? Without further ado, welcome to Bergen!
SEE/VISIT:
Sognefjord
Visiting Bergen is nearly synonymous with visiting the Norwegian fjords. Sognefjord, right near Bergen, is the largest and deepest one in the entire country, and many visitors choose to experience Sognefjord by taking a cruise through the water. I visited the gorgeous landmark through a boating company called Norway in a Nutshell, which included a five-hour boat ride to the main fjord, along with a stop at the picturesque town of Flåm and a three-hour train ride back to Bergen. The valleys between the mountains are nothing short of breathtaking, and the water is practically untouched, making tourists feel as if they are visiting a hidden oasis.
Flåm
Although I only stayed in Flåm for an hour while waiting to catch a train back to the city, it was still enough time to explore the small village. Flåm served as the final stop of my tour of the fjords before, and the town is even more charming than it appears in photographs!
Bryggen
Located in the heart of Bergen right near the main shopping street, this iconic wharf is a must-see while in Norway. Most of the vividly colored houses that line the wharf, which fishermen once lived in long ago, are now occupied by artisan shops and boutiques. Spending time in Bryggen feels as if you’re walking through an incredible European fairytale.
SHOP:
Ting
Located on the main street in Bergen, this adorable gift shop offers everything from Scandinavian perfumes to quirky wooden dolls inspired by popular figures such as Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Piet Mondrian, and Andy Warhol. While visiting the store, I purchased a musky scent called “Lysning” from the beauty brand Skandinavisk. I also bought Warhol and Van Gogh figurines to decorate my dorm room with— I want to add some personal flair to the space!
Lot333
The clothing pieces sold at this independent boutique in Bergen truly embody minimalistic Scandinavian style; all of the clothes and accessories are made of high-quality materials with clean, simple cuts. Lot333 also has a large collection of sneakers and carries some big-name brands including Nike and Adidas– but only the cool, sleek styles of course. There is also a beauty salon in the back, which includes several excellent hair stylists.
Julehuset Christmas Shop
Christmas in July? Yes, you can find this in Norway— you no longer have to look only on HSN! Maybe the reason a year-round Christmas boutique exists is simply due to the fact that Norway is located near the North Pole and has freezing cold winters for months on end. Or, it might be due to the fact that Bergen is an overall festive, fun city. Perhaps it’s both! Around the holidays, Julehuset offers three large floors of Christmas decorations and stocking stuffers. During the summer season, however, there is still an entire floor dedicated to Christmas tchotchkes, which is pretty remarkable considering that Christmas doesn’t arrive until December!
Independent Vendors in Flåm
If you happen to make a stop in this quaint Norwegian village, be sure to check out the various venders by the docks. They sell loads of random items, most of which are hand-crafted by local artisans. While I was walking around Flåm’s waterfront, my sisters and I spotted a man selling alpaca stuffed animals, which are adorable gifts for kids. If you want to bring back a present from Norway for a young one back home, Flåm is the place to find it!
EAT:
Bergen’s Fish Market
How can you visit Norway without trying some of the world’s freshest seafood? The local fish market in Bergen consists of tons of vendors and offers everything from paella to salmon sashimi.
Egon Kjottbasaren
If you’re feeling like some old-fashioned comfort food, Egon Kjottbasaren is the place to go. With a diverse menu that includes both American and European dishes, this restaurant is sure to have items that will please anyone. After a long boat ride, Egon’s veggie burger really hits the spot.
Street Food, particularly ice cream
If you walk around Bergen long enough, you’ll soon realize that ice cream stands occupy nearly every street corner. I promise that if you order soft serve at any one of them, you will not be disappointed.