On arrival at Bergen airport, you will be greeted with pristine islands and rolling mountains of Norway’s fjord region. I would highly recommend ditching the taxi and take the Bergen Light rail instead. This excellent value option will get you into the city centre in about 45 minutes and will only cost approx. £4 each way. 

Get acquainted with this pretty city by wandering the historic streets. Start by visiting the Festplassen plaza that looks over the lake and beyond to the mountains, a personal favourite spot in the city, before heading towards the harbour passing a myriad of shops and restaurants. Here in the epicentre of Bergen you will find the renowned fish market that is closely intertwined with city’s past. Since the 1200s the fish market has been a meeting place for fishermen and today still retains its place as the heartbeat of the city. You will find here delicious fresh fish to try, as well as several lively restaurants and bars to enjoy a spot of people watching. Here, you can also enjoy seeing the harbour in action, with different varieties of ships and boats entering and leaving, including Viking ships, floating saunas, and ferries whilst floatplanes soar across the sky. 

As you make your way along the harbour you will find the iconic wooden buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bryggen district. These colourful buildings are some of the best-known areas from the Middle Ages in all of Norway and is recognised for the German Hanseatic League who dominated the trade in this city for almost 400 years. After several fires, the buildings have been restored over the years and today you can stroll through the narrow walkways with shops showcasing local crafts. Learn more about this fascinating district by visiting the Bryggen Museum next door.

Surrounded by seven spectacular mountains it only makes sense to visit at least one! Conveniently Mount Floyen is the back garden of Bergen and can be easily reached from all hotels in the city. Just a short walk up from the harbour you will find the Floibanen funicular ready to take you up. Costing about £12 for a return ticket, the funicular is a great choice offering a comfortable journey in a sophisticated carriage that boasts glass ceilings with views more beautiful as you ascend. There are two funiculars that are continuously running from early morning to late evening. During my stay it was a glorious sunny weekend in Bergen and even then, there was no queues. Alternatively, you might choose to hike up or down for a rewarding view. 

Once at the top, there is a lovely viewpoint where you can sit and savour the gorgeous views of the city, its mountains, and the labyrinth of water channels further beyond. There is a restaurant and bar which offers a great spot to relax and for children, a playground. 

Explore one of the many trails on a refreshing hike, perhaps to the lake where you can enjoy activities such as canoeing and paddleboarding. You will see many locals making use of this beautiful green space so close to the city centre. Stick around for sunset and be treated to red glows across the harbour.

In Bergens harbour there are plenty of boats ready to whisk you away to the fjords on a scenic cruise. Surround yourself by unfathomably high mountains and idyllic villages as you glide along the fjords. No matter the season I would always recommend taking some waterproof and thermal clothing - the weather can change quickly so it is always best to prepare yourself for any weather occasion! You can then make the most of the outdoor top deck, bringing you closer to some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes. 

A day cruise to the fjords offers a taste of Norway’s spectacular landscape and is well worth adding to a short break in Bergen. Glide down the Mostraumen straits where the mountainsides are steep and towering with several wonderful waterfalls.