How Bergen stole my heart: 5 experiences I’ll never forget
By Ashleigh Howarth
If it weren’t for Topdeck, the city of Bergen in Norway might never have made it onto my travel bucket list - and what a mistake that would have been!
I was on the solo adventure of a lifetime back in September 2023 with 19 fellow Aussies and one American on a two-week adventure of Scandinavia, which included a brief but unforgettable stop in this historic city along the way.
We only had two days to explore, but from the moment I stepped off the bus, I was enchanted by the colourful wooden houses, cozy cobblestone streets and towering mountains that make Norway’s second-largest city utterly postcard perfect.
Known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”, Bergen effortlessly combines natural beauty with rich culture, fascinating history, mouthwatering local delicacies, spectacular views, unique bars, vibrant artwork, and much more!
Here are five experiences that made me fall head over heels for this magical city, and one reason that would make me go back.
Treating my tastebuds at the local markets
Stepping into the Bergen Fish Market and surrounding Farmers Market felt like walking into the heart of the city’s history.
Dating back to the 1200s, it’s one of the oldest trading spots in the region where fishermen, farmers, and locals have gathered for centuries to trade fresh goods right on the harbour.
The market is a feast for the senses and the perfect place to sample some of the best Norwegian ingredients and dishes with stalls offering everything from fresh seafood like salmon, cod, shrimp, mussels, scallops, and even whale, to local game specialties like reindeer sausages, along with locally sourced cheeses, baked goods, and decadent desserts.
Whether you grab a bite from the stalls and pull up a communal table or sit down at one of the market’s cozy restaurants to enjoy a leisurely meal, it’s a culinary experience that you won’t ever forget.
Jaw-dropping views at the top of Mount Fløyen
If there’s a funicular around, I’m always going to check it out - and the one to the top of Mount Fløyen did not disappoint.
During our free time, the group decided to ride up together, which made the experience even more fun and memorable. While a few energetic travellers chose to hike to the summit, the rest of us happily jumped on board for the six-minute ride to the top with absolutely no feelings of guilt about taking the easy way up; that’s what a funicular is for, after all!
At the top, the observation deck offers sweeping panoramic views of Bergen, the fjords, and the surrounding mountains, making you want to capture lots of group and individual photos.
There’s plenty more to explore too, from scenic walking tracks to the serene Lake Skomakerdiket.
Most of us were drawn to the troll forest, where whimsical wooden sculptures of trolls and mythical creatures brought the woodland to life.
It was a little chilly and windy, so we finished our visit at the café sipping hot chocolate and enjoying pastries.
Visiting the historic Bryggen region
The moment I Googled Bergen after booking my Topdeck tour, the first images I saw were of Bryggen, which instantly got me excited for the trip.
As a huge history buff, I couldn’t wait to see these iconic wooden buildings in person, which were Bergen’s very first structures.
While the wharf was originally established around the 12th century, the wooden buildings have been rebuilt several times following frequent fires, including the great fire of 1702, which reduced much of Bergen to ashes. Each time, Bryggen was reconstructed on its original 12th-century foundations and today stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site - a striking reminder of the city’s role in the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century.
It was also fascinating to explore the many galleries, museums, and small artisan shops tucked behind the historic façades.
And when it was time for a break, Bryggen offered plenty of cafés and restaurants where we could grab a bite, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy stunning waterfront views.
Exploring the local art scene
While I have absolutely no artistic talent myself, I love admiring what others can create with a paintbrush.
Everywhere you look in Bergen, there are vibrant murals and street art perfect for photographing so naturally, on our walking tour, the group kept pausing to find the perfect angles for our shots.
If I’d had more time, I would have loved to explore some of the local galleries to see even more of Bergen’s creative side.
Enjoying a tipple at an ice bar
Visiting an ice bar had long been on my bucket list, so I was thrilled to finally tick the Magic Ice Bar during this visit.
True to its name, it’s literally cool - both in atmosphere and temperature - so you’re given a heavy but super-warm coat to wear before stepping inside.
Once you’re inside, it feels like you have been beamed straight into the Arctic. Everything is made out of ice including the glasses from the bar, the tables, and even the walls and sculptured, which are made of crystal-clear ice.
I’m a big fan of funky cocktail bars, and as favourites go, this is on my top 10 list.
Chasing the northern lights
When we arrived at our hotel in Bergen, the front desk staff excitedly told us that the northern lights had been dazzlingly visible in the nights leading up to our visit.
We hoped we’d be lucky enough to see them too, but unfortunately, the skies had other plans, with cloud cover rolling in during both nights we were there.
We gave it our absolute best shot, bundling up in our warmest clothes and venturing into the bushland to escape the city lights in search of a glimpse. Walking through a foreign city at night, surrounded by trees and darkness definitely felt a little crazy, and I certainly wouldn’t have attempted it if I weren’t with at least 15 other people.
While it would have been the perfect thing to top off the trip, it only means one thing: I’ll have to go back and witness their magic for myself.
All photos are my own and all experiences on this trip were paid for personally.
