Welcome to Bergen, Norway! Bergen is a very charming small town on the coast of Norway. The town is located on Norway's southwestern coast between the country’s most immense fjords, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord. Seven mountains surround it, two accessible by cable car, and entire neighborhoods cling to the steep hillsides.

Bergen has it all—cobbled streets, colorful wooden houses, incredible seafood, and stunning views at every corner. But what truly sets it apart is its unique mix of history and nature. You’ll find yourself wandering through Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before hopping onto a funicular that takes you up to Mount Fløyen for sweeping panoramas of fjords, forests, and the city below. It is also one of the rainiest cities in Europe, and its moody skies will only add drama to your photos.

Let's dive into the ultimate guide to exploring and photographing this picturesque Norwegian gem!

Where to Stay in Bergen

Best Area to Stay: Bryggen & Central Bergen

The best place to stay is hands down, near Bryggen, right in the heart of the city. Not only will you be within walking distance of historical sites and restaurants, but you'll also be close to stunning waterfront views—perfect for sunset photography!

Luxury Hotel Options

Opus XVI: A luxurious boutique hotel that blends classic elegance with modern design. Think grand interiors, cozy lounges, and personalized service.
Hotel Norge by Scandic: With sleek, contemporary rooms and some of the best views of Bergen’s cityscape, this hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a stylish stay.
Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret: Located on the iconic Bryggen Wharf, this charming hotel offers luxury with a historical twist.

Mid-Level Hotel Options

Zander K Hotel: A modern, minimalist hotel that’s perfect for photographers who love clean design and easy access to transportation.
Magic Hotel Korskirken: Centrally located, this stylish hotel gives you great value for your money while keeping you close to the action.
Scandic Neptun: A comfortable and affordable option with rooms that feature artistic decor and easy access to Bergen's top sites.

How to Get There

As quaint as it is, Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, so getting there is easier than you’d think. Most travelers fly into Bergen Airport (BGO), an airport that’s just large enough to have a decent number of direct flights options.

How Long Should You Stay?

I recommend staying in Bergen for at least three days to explore the city and capture its beauty. This gives you time to visit the iconic spots, wander the city’s charming streets, and maybe even take a day trip to the fjords, which is a must!

Best Time to Visit Bergen

Bergen is beautiful year-round, but for the best photography opportunities, visit between May and September. The weather is mild, and you’ll have long daylight hours—perfect for capturing the city at all times of day. Winter is magical, too, especially if you’re into moody, snow-covered shots, but be prepared for shorter days and unpredictable weather.

Pro Tip: I highly recommend visiting a shop called Aksdal i Muren, Bergen's oldest trading house for rainwear and outerwear since 1883. This family-run shop has been selling outwear for 7 generations.

Getting Around Bergen

Bergen’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, but the city also has excellent public transport, including buses and trams. If you want a lift up to some of the best viewpoints, hop on the Fløibanen Funicular.

As for ride-hailing services, both Uber and Bolt are available in Bergen, making it easy to get around if you prefer not to walk.

Where to Eat in Bergen

From fresh seafood to cozy coffee spots, Bergen’s food scene is just as photogenic as its landscapes. Here are some must-try spots:

Restaurants

Bryggeloftet & Stuene: Located in the heart of Bryggen, this traditional Norwegian restaurant is perfect for trying local dishes like fish soup or reindeer.
Cornelius Seafood Restaurant: Take a boat ride to this stunning waterside restaurant for the freshest seafood in town.
Lysverket: A trendy spot offering a modern twist on Norwegian cuisine, located in the KODE Art Museums.
Bare Vestland: For a more laid-back dining experience, this cozy spot focuses on locally sourced, rustic Norwegian fare.
Enhjørningen Fiskerestaurant: One of the oldest seafood restaurants in Bergen, located in the historical Bryggen district.

Coffee Shops

The wonderful smell of freshly baked bread and buns from the Bergen cafés draws your attention as you walk through the streets.

Norwegians are among the world's largest consumers of coffee. In Bergen, there is a coffee bar on almost every corner. You will find everything from large international coffee houses to small, intimate coffee bars run by some of Norway's most skilled baristas.

Kaffemisjonen: A must-visit for coffee lovers. Known for its expertly brewed coffee and minimalist interiors.
Blom: A small, hip coffee bar where you can sip your drink while overlooking the cobbled streets.
Dromedar Kaffebar: A cozy spot to warm up on a rainy day with excellent coffee and pastries.

Photography Gear: What to Bring

For photographing Bergen, versatility is key. Here’s what you should pack:

Camera: Full-frame cameras like the Canon EOS R5 or Sony A7R IV are perfect for capturing stunning landscapes and low-light conditions.
Lenses:
- 16-35mm f/2.8: For wide-angle shots of the mountains and cityscapes.
- 24-70mm f/2.8: A great all-around lens for street photography and mid-range landscapes.
- 70-200mm f/4: Ideal for capturing the details of the fjords or the city's architecture from a distance.
Tripod: Don’t forget a sturdy tripod for long exposure shots, especially for capturing the flowing waterfalls and night photography.
ND Filter: To smooth out those waterfall shots or capture dramatic skies.

Best Photography Locations in Bergen

Bryggen

The colorful wooden houses of Bryggen are a must-see, especially in the golden hours. Bergen’s most famous site is the Bryggen—its World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, whose brightly painted wooden buildings have been standing for hundreds of years.

One of the best views is from the opposite side of the harbor where you can take a long exposure shot with a tripod.

The Old Hanseatic Wood Houses

Bryggen is a historic harbor district in Bergen, was established as a center for trade by the 12th century. In 1350 the Hanseatic League established a “Hanseatic Office” in Bergen. For almost 400 years, Bryggen was a German trade office. They gradually acquired ownership of Bryggen and controlled the trade in stockfish from Northern Norway through privileges granted by the Crown. The Hanseatic League established a total of four overseas Hanseatic Offices, Bryggen being the only one preserved today.

As Bergen served as a German trading center in the past, you can still find many German surnames among the city’s residents. Some of the most common family names are Friele, Mowinckel and Mohn.

The Fish Market

It is located right by the Bryggen and is a nice place to window-shop or grab a bite to eat. They sell far more than just fish! Meanwhile, foodies can check out the lively fish market, which has been serving fresh seafood since 1276 and remains one of Norway’s most-visited outdoor markets.

Mount Fløyen :

Take the funicular up for panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. I would recommend going up around Sunset to watch the lights of the city.

Stroll Through the Old Town :

Step back in time and photograph historic wooden houses in this open-air museum. You will find old historic homes and lots of coffee shops in this area.

A FJORD Day-Trip - The Norway in a Nutshell Experience

If you have an extra day or two, the Norway in a Nutshell tour is an absolute must. This is one of the most popular scenic tours in Norway, and it departs right from Bergen, making it a convenient and breathtaking side trip. It’s an incredible way to experience the dramatic beauty of Norway’s fjords, mountains, and charming villages in a single day. Plus, it's an absolute goldmine for photographers!

What to Expect

The Norway in a Nutshell tour itself is amazing! You can do several different variations of the journey. The classic trip, or the most popular one, starts and ends in Bergen. The round trip from Bergen takes 10-12 hours, depending on the day and season.

The tour works like this:

Bergen to Voss on the public train
Voss to Gudvangen on the public bus
Gudvangen to Flåm on the scenic fjord cruise
Flåm to Myrdal on the Flåm Railway
Myrdal to Bergen on the public train

This tour takes you through some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes, combining several forms of transport: train, bus, and ferry. You’ll journey through the stunning Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Key Stops for Photography

Flåm Railway: One of the most scenic train rides in the world. The train passes through narrow valleys alongside waterfalls and offers countless photography opportunities along the way.

The Flåm Railway has been voted one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The railway climbs from sea level to 860 metres above sea level through the Flåm Railway, and the scenery is incredible.

The railway makes one photo stop by a waterfall and a woman comes out and sings by the waterfalls.

Once you arrive in Gudvangen, you will take the scenic fjord cruise to Flåm.

Nærøyfjord: The fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen is pure magic.

You’ll sail between towering cliffs and tiny coastal villages, with plenty of spots to snap dramatic fjord landscapes.

The landscapes through the Fjords are amazing.

If you are lucky the sun will peak through or you might even be super lucky and have a sunny day.

You will pass through so many tiny villlages along the way.

Each village is more beautiful that the last

Stegastein Viewpoint:

You usually have about 2 hours before the cruise ship leaves. So I would highly recommend visiting Stegastein. We rented a very tiny electric car to get us to the top.

The viewpoint is perched high above the Aurlandsfjord offers sweeping views that are perfect for wide-angle landscape shots.

The views in all directions are stunning.

From the top you can see the Fjord cruise ships below.

Booking “the Norway in a Nutshell Tour”

You can easily book the tour online through the official Norway in a Nutshell website. Tours can range from one day to multiple days, depending on how much time you have and if you want to stay overnight in one of the charming villages like Flåm.

Best Time to Go

The Norway in a Nutshell tour operates year-round, but if you’re after the most stunning landscapes with green mountains and flowing waterfalls, aim for May to September. Winter trips, however, offer dramatic snow-capped peaks and a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere.

Special Events and Festivals

If you're visiting in May, don't miss Bergenfest, a music festival that lights up the city with international and local artists. Another notable event is Nattjazz in late May to early June, perfect for those who enjoy a jazzy atmosphere.

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My Photography & Travel Guide to Bergen, Norway