ByDavid Nikel,
Senior Contributor.
This iconic view of Bergen is easy to get thanks to the funicular railway Fløibanen, easy to do independently for cruise ship visitors.
Bergen remains Norway’s top cruise destination, even as other ports like Ålesund and Tromsø grow in popularity.
In 2024, the city welcomed 328 cruise ships and nearly 600,000 passengers. With even higher numbers expected in 2025, Bergen continues to cement its reputation as the leading gateway to Norway for cruise travelers.
Why so popular? Bergen is ideally placed for Norwegian fjords cruises but also as a pit-stop on longer itineraries to the Arctic.
It’s also the starting point for the Norwegian coastal express, which offers daily departures on the cruise ferries of Hurtigruten or Havila.
Surrounded by seven mountains and steeped in maritime history, Norway’s second-largest city offers intriguing architecture and cultural heritage, but with easy access to the best of Norwegian nature.
The waterfront area of Bergen can get busy on a warm summer day.
Even better? The compact cruise terminal places you just minutes from the heart of the action.
Most cruise ships dock at Skolten or Bontelabo, two piers located just a short walk from Bergen’s historic city center.
These are working port areas, so passengers may be required to follow a designated pedestrian route when disembarking. Signs and port staff help ensure everything runs smoothly.
On occasions when exceptionally large cruise liners visit, they may berth at Jekteviksterminalen, a dedicated terminal a bit farther out. In those cases, shuttle buses or coordinated transfers typically bring passengers into the city center.
If you’re planning to explore Bergen independently, it’s worth checking your docking location at Bergen Port Authority in advance. Just keep in mind that berth assignments can change at short notice.
Wherever your ship docks, many of Bergen’s main attractions are easily accessible, whether by foot or a quick shuttle ride.
A postcard-perfect row of colourful wooden buildings, Bryggen is one of the most iconic and accessible sights from the cruise port. Once the heart of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire in Norway, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is now home to artisan workshops, independent galleries, and cosy cafes.
The colorful facades of Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage site at the heart of Bergen, Norway.
Step into the narrow alleyways behind the facades to soak up the medieval atmosphere and discover a quieter side away from the busy main street.
Just five minutes from Bryggen lies the lower station of Fløibanen, a funicular railway that whisks you up Mount Fløyen in under 10 minutes. From the top, you’ll enjoy outstanding views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Other than exploring easy walking trails or grabbing a coffee with a view, seek out the playful troll statues nestled in the forest (Trollskogen) for a dose of Norwegian culture and a memorable adventure in nature.
Bergen’s central area is wonderfully walkable from the piers. Take in the 13th‑century Rosenkrantz Tower, admire the grand facades around Torgallmenningen, and browse independent boutiques along Strandgaten.
Between Bryggen and the main square, the Fish Market (Fisketorget) offers seafood stands and other local delicacies in a lively atmosphere. It’s busier with tourists these days but remains a fun stop for quick bites like salmon, shrimp, or a taste of reindeer sausage.
Bergen is one of those rare ports where you definitely don’t need an organized tour to enjoy your day. But if you’re keen to see more than the city center, or dig deeper into Norwegian culture and nature, there are some excellent cruise excursions worth considering.
Edvard Grieg’s Home at Troldhaugen: One of Norway’s most celebrated composers, Edvard Grieg spent much of his life in a lakeside villa just outside Bergen.
Today, Troldhaugen is a museum dedicated to his life and work, featuring his preserved home and beautiful gardens. Cruise excursions typically include a short recital of Grieg’s music, which adds a special dimension to the visit. It’s a relatively short trip and often bundled up with a city tour, making it ideal for a half-day outing.
Hardangerfjord in the summer.
Hardangerfjord Day Trip: If you’re craving a taste of Norway’s dramatic natural beauty, a day trip to the Hardangerfjord could be the highlight of your cruise, especially if your itinerary is light on fjord sailings or you’ve visited Bergen before.
Famous for its photogenic waterfalls and blossoming fruit orchards, the Hardanger region is a favorite among Norwegians for its richness in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Excursions vary, with some traveling exclusively by coach, while others include a scenic fjord cruise as part of the journey.
Bergen’s weather is famously unpredictable, and frequent light rain is all part of Bergen's charm.
Even during summer, it’s wise to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and layerable clothing like wool sweaters and scarves to stay comfortable, especially if you’re heading into the hills or on a fjord excursion.
Spring and early summer in Bergen is festival season. For example, Bergen International Festival runs late May to early June and is a major cultural highlight, filling the city with music, theatre, dance and many thousands of visitors.
If your cruise stop coincides with a major event, expect busy streets, full restaurants, and limited availability of taxis. Consider booking entry and seats in advance, particularly for concerts featuring Edvard Grieg’s music. Even rides on the funicular may have longer queues thanks to increased foot traffic.
