Bergen Cruise Port in Norway: 10 Highlights You’ll Love
Nestled on the southwestern coast of Norway, Bergen cruise port is the country’s second-largest city and second-largest port.
The city is the starting point for exploring the legendary fjords of Norway and the gateway to one of the country’s most picturesque and historically rich cities.
Bergen is best known for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, the city’s maritime history, and the enchanting natural beauty that surrounds it.
In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about the Bergen cruise terminal and the 10 best things to do in Bergen cruise port!
Visit also our cruise port guides to Oslo, Tromso, Stavanger, Olden, Alesund, Amsterdam
Bergen Cruise Port
The port of Bergen consists of two docking locations: Skolten cruise terminal (aka Vågen Harbour), which consists of three berths (Skolten, Bontelabo, and Festningskaien); and Dokken cruise terminal, which has two berths (Dokken and Jekteviken).
Skolten berths are located within 600-900 m from the iconic Bryggen Wharf, the city’s historic harbour and main landmark, while Dokken berths are situated in the city’s industrial area, around a 5-8 minute drive from Bryggen.
If your ship docks at one of Dokken’s piers, complimentary shuttle buses are provided to transfer passengers to the city center.
Bergen port (Skolten cruise terminal) is also a turnaround port, meaning that cruises start and end in Bergen.
With great international flight connections and a wide range of pre- and post-cruise activities, Bergen is a perfect starting point for your Scandinavian cruise adventure!
Getting Around & Local Transportation
- The currency in Norway is the Norwegian krone, aka kroner (NOK). See the currency converter
- Bergen has a reliable and efficient public transportation network, which consists of buses, Bergen light rail (aka Bybanen), ferries and trains. Public transport is operated by Skyss and you can check timetables at Skyss’ official webpage.
- You can easily explore downtown Bergen on foot, but if you decide to use public transport, consider getting a Bergen Card which provides free bus rides in the city and its surroundings. In addition, the Bergen Card will give you discounts for numerous museums, attractions, tours, and more. You can purchase a Bergen Card at the Tourist Information Center, located at the Fish Market downtown.
- Explore Bergen tours and activities
- Check out private transfers to/from Bergen cruise terminal
10 Best Things to Do in Bergen Cruise Port
Located amid magnificent Norwegian fjords, Bergen is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant culture. Here are the top Bergen’s attractions!
1. Bryggen Wharf
Begin your visit to Bergen by exploring Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest port areas in Europe.
This historic harbour district played a key role in Bergen’s development as a major trading hub during the Hanseatic era. Its iconic wooden buildings, originally constructed in the 14th century, are a reminder of the city’s maritime and economic significance.
Stroll through Bryggen to find narrow passageways and preserved architecture that reflect Bergen’s medieval heritage.
Key landmarks in the area include Bryggens Museum, which showcases artifacts from archaeological excavations, Bergenhus Fortress Museum, highlighting local military history, and the historic St. Mary’s Church, one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings.
Bryggen today is a lively area with shops selling Norwegian crafts, cozy cafes, local eateries, and traditional pubs. Here, you’ll also find some of the best restaurants in Bergen.
Bryggen Wharf is a must-visit for learning about Bergen’s history while enjoying its vibrant culture and atmosphere.
Explore Bryggen tours and activities
2. Mount Fløyen and Fløibanen Funicular
Mount Fløyen dominates the city of Bergen and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city once you climb to the top.
Just a 15-minute walk from the port, you will reach the base station of the iconic Fløibanen Funicular which will take you to the mountain top in just a few minutes.
At the peak of Mount Fløyen, you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views of Bergen, its colorful harbor, and the surrounding fjords.
Besides magnificent views, Fløyen features a large hiking area where you can spend hours if you wish so, a playground for kids, a shop, a couple of cafes, and a restaurant.
The funicular is open every day all year round and you can purchase the tickets on Fløyen’s official website or on-site.
Explore Mount Fløyen tours and activities
3. Bergenhus Fortress
This stone-built, 13th-century fortress proudly lies on the eastern shore of the Vågen harbor, only a 5-minute walk from Bergen cruise port (Skolten and Bontelabo berths).
Built around the 1240s, the fortress served various purposes throughout its history, including a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a symbol of royal power.
Today, Bergenhus Fortress is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Norway’s medieval and military history.
The site provides guided tours, and visitors can explore the historic structures and learn about the fortress’s significance. The entrance is free.
4. Fish Market
Explore Bergen’s lively and vibrant Fish Market only a 15-minute walk from the port.
Situated near Bryggen, Bergen’s vibrant Fish Market offers a true taste of the city’s maritime heritage.
Here, you can explore a variety of fresh seafood, including salmon, crab, shrimp, and more, straight from Norway’s pristine waters.
It’s a great spot to sample local delicacies, grab a quick meal, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of this iconic waterfront market.
5. Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene, located in the heart of Bryggen, are the two museums offering a detailed look into Bergen’s Hanseatic history and its role as a key trading hub.
These historic merchant buildings provide a glimpse into the lives of the Hanseatic merchants who dominated trade in the region for centuries.
The Hanseatic Museum showcases authentic artifacts, preserved rooms, and exhibits that illustrate the daily routines, challenges, and successes of these merchants.
Schøtstuene, the assembly rooms, served as gathering places for meetings and social events, offering further insight into the community’s operations.
Together, these museums present a vivid picture of Bergen’s maritime and commercial heritage, making them an essential stop for anyone interested in the city’s rich past.
6. Torgallmenningen (Main Square)
Located in the heart of Bergen, Torgallmenningen serves as the main square in the city and is one of the largest squares in Norway, known for its open and spacious design.
The square, often used for various events, festivals, and gatherings, is a pedestrianized area, making it a central gathering place for locals and tourists.
Surrounded by numerous shops and department stores, it is a prime shopping location in the city.
Torgallmenningen is also adorned with various landmarks and monuments, including the iconic fountain known as “Sailor’s Monument”, a 7-meter-high memorial to the Norwegian sailors.
Explore Torgallmenningen tours and activities
7. Old Bergen Museum
Located just 3 km from the port, the Old Bergen Museum (Gamle Bergen Museum) is an open-air museum that recreates life in Bergen during the 18th and 19th centuries.
This living history museum features cobblestone streets, over 50 historic wooden houses, and exhibits showcasing the daily life and culture of the period.
Visitors can explore authentic interiors and interact with costumed guides who share stories of Bergen’s past.
To get to the museum, you can either take a taxi or public buses #3, 4, 12, 19, and 16E from the city center to the bus stop: Gamle Bergen.
8. Troldhaugen – Edvard Grieg’s Home
Troldhaugen, located a 20-minute drive south of Bergen cruise port, is a cultural gem and the former home of the famed Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Nordås, the estate boasts Grieg’s charming villa where he lived for 22 years with his wife Nina Grieg.
The villa, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and the lakeside landscape served as a muse for Grieg, influencing the melodies that have become part of Norway’s musical legacy.
Explore the life and legacy of Norway’s most famous composer, and step into the Composer’s Hut, a cozy retreat where Grieg composed many of his masterpieces.
9. Bergen Fjord Cruise
While exploring fjords on a half-day trip from Bergen is challenging due to the distance and time constraints, there are shorter fjord experiences that you can consider.
The most famous fjord near Bergen is the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is part of the larger Sognefjord system. While the complete round trip from Bergen usually takes a full day, you can opt for a partial tour that focuses on the Nærøyfjord section.
Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter fjord experience which includes taking an express boat tour to Mostraumen.
These tours typically depart from the Fish Market in Bergen and provide a two-hour round trip to the narrow Mostraumen strait.
The boat journey takes you through beautiful fjord landscapes, passing waterfalls, steep cliffs, and picturesque scenery.
10. Edvard Munch’s Bergen
The works of Edvard Munch, the renowned Norwegian painter, are celebrated and exhibited throughout Norway, including Bergen.
While Bergen itself doesn’t hold a significant place in Munch’s biography, the city has art galleries and cultural institutions that may showcase some of his paintings as part of broader exhibitions of Norwegian art.
Tourists interested in Munch’s art can explore various museums and galleries in Bergen to experience a broader spectrum of Norwegian artistic heritage, even though the artist’s personal ties to the city are not as prominent as his connection to Oslo and Åsgårdstrand.
To Wrap Up
I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable visit to Bergen. Enjoy your cruise and all the amazing experiences this city has to offer!
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
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