If you get tired of Bergen's attractions, there's plenty more to do within easy reach of the city. Here's some ideas to kick-start your planning.
It's no secret that Bergen is a great city to base yourself in on a Norway vacation. Not only does the city itself offer a fascinating range of museums, galleries and historic sights, the access to the best of the Norwegian outdoors is hard to beat.
But when you're done exploring the city's top sights, you may want to consider spreading your wings a little.
After all, Bergen is called the gateway to the fjords for a reason. There are many options to get out of the city and explore some of the other coastal cities, or even the Norwegian fjords.
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Whether you are interested in city life or discovering some of the Norwegian fjord landscape, there's something for you.
Some of these day trips are accessible by public transit, especially using the train. For others, you'll need to rent a car. With that in mind, here are our recommended day trips from Bergen.
Øygarden Islands
To the west of Bergen are the islands that protect the city from the open ocean. This landscape consists of thousands of islands, large and small. Many are connected to the mainland by bridges, allowing exploration by car.
Watch waves crashing against the shore and inhale the scent of heather flourishing on the seaside rocks. Learn more at the Øygarden Coastal Museum, which shares stories of coastal culture from the Stone Age to the Oil Age.
Fedje: The Village in the Ocean
You'll need a car to reach Fedje, but it's well worth the drive. Allow about 1.5 hours followed by a 30-minute ferry ride to reach the small, picturesque island.
On the island, you'll experience the beautiful coastal landscape and powerful forces of nature from the ocean. About 500 people live here, so there's a small church and a couple of charming shops you can visit to meet the locals.
The view from the 19th-century, cast iron Hellisøy lighthouse is a must-see. Elsewhere, the North Sea Trail is an enjoyable walk through the heathlands.
Osterfjord Cruise
Experience Bergen from the water, Rødne Fjord Cruise operates a 4-hour sightseeing cruise of the Osterfjord/Mostraumen area.
While it lacks the dramatic cliffs of the Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, the Osterfjord does get narrow around the waterfalls of Mostraumen and is a great way to see some of Norway's natural landscape if you are short on both time and money.
Tours leave year-round from the Zachariasbryggen pier at the heart of Bergen. Departures are more frequent in the summer months, but even so it's best to check with Visit Bergen in advance.
You can read this article about a previous cruise on the Osterfjord to get a feel for what to expect.
Voss
Located 100km east of Bergen along the E16 highway or the Bergen Line railway, Voss has long been a destination for travellers looking for an outdoors vacation.
Today, Voss is known across Europe as a center for extreme sports. Norwegians flock to Voss for an active break. Not only is it the largest ski destination in western Norway, it’s also one of the most reliable areas for snow throughout Europe.
In addition to the two major alpine resorts, cross-country ski touring and freeskiing is popular in the surrounding mountains. The best known resort is Myrkdalen, known for excellent off-piste skiing and floodlit cross-country trails.
But if you're planning to visit in the summer, there's plenty to do too. Hiking in Voss is a popular activity as are mountain biking and hang-gliding.
At the heart of the otherwise modern central area, the medieval stone Voss Church (Vangskyrkja) is worth a look. It's believed to have been built in the 13th century on the site of a former Germanic pagan temple.
Flåm & the Nærøyfjord
One of the best fjords in Norway, the stunning Nærøyfjord is defined by its narrow width and steep sides. Thanks to its inclusion on the classic “Norway in a Nutshell” itinerary, the Nærøyfjord is one of Norway’s most well-known fjords.
Guided Tours: Check out these Tours to the Fjords from Bergen
The fjord is easily accessible via the public ferry from Gudvangen to Flåm, which means a trip on the fjord can be combined with a memorable trip on the Flåm railway, and the Oslo to Bergen line.
Kayaking along the Nærøyfjord is a popular recreational activity with equipment hire and guided tours available from the villages.
At the end of the fjord is the village Gudvangen. Here you'll find a viking experience centre, restaurant and a handful of shops.
Now, as a day trip, it's a bit of a stretch, but it's possible in the summer. However, why not take your time and add an overnight stop in Flåm? That way you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere during the quieter evenings when the crowds have gone.
Hardangerfjord
While not as long, deep or well-known as the mighty Sognefjord, the 179 km long Hardangerfjord is still a mightily impressive waterway.
To appreciate the fjord at its best, head inland where the fjord narrows as it passes the imposing Folgefonna glacier and national park and approaches the vast Hardangervidda mountain plateau. At Folgagonna, you can even ski in the summer.
A popular detour for people driving between Oslo and Bergen, the fjord is a popular domestic tourism destination.
That's thanks to the outstanding hiking opportunities among the charming small towns, blooming orchards and stunning waterfalls of the Husedalen valley.
Local farmers sell berries and other produce from stalls at the side of the road and in the small towns and villages. Once again, you might want to allow a lot more than a day to enjoy the best of this fjord.
Haugesund
Do you prefer visiting urban areas? If so, consider Haugesund, a Norwegian city often overlooked by international visitors.
A historic herring port and trading post, the Haugesund of today has an attractive harbour, bars and restaurants that will keep visitors occupied for a day away from Bergen.
A little north of the city centre is Haraldshaugen, an important national monument commemorating the first King of Norway.
Whether you want to pay your respects to Harald Hårfagre or just enjoy the monument, it's worth the trip. From the monument, there's also paths leading to great views of the beach, ocean, and lighthouse.
The lovely beaches and forests of Karmøy island are only a short drive to the south. If you are driving here, it's well worth exploring these surroundings.
On Karmøy you'll also find Avaldsnes, how to the Viking Village. I had a great time there meeting the vikings and learning more about the area's history.
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Hi David,
My wife and I are considering a few days in and around Trondheim in July, 2018. That Gothic church looks great. How about any old castles and/or manor homes to visit, and we love neolithic stuff (stone circles, burial cairns, etc.). In addition , any historic type places you could suggest would be greatly appreciated. Also, any neat fjords to see around Trondheim? Thanks. Jerry
We just visited these places and they are lovely but, due to the heavy rains and early snow this October many roads were either already closed or the locals warned us to avoid them. We decided to spend the night rather than make the round trip from Bergen and we are glad we did. There is a lot to see and do along the way and once you are there. Driving in Norway takes a lot more time than shown on google maps, especially this time of year.