Bergen's City & Fjords

I flew direct from Dublin with Widerøe Airlines, and the whole experience was smooth and simple. If you can get seats in the first five or six rows, there’s extra legroom, which was a great surprise. The food onboard was really good too, and both flights were genuinely enjoyable — I’d happily fly with them again.

Once I landed, it was only a 20-minute trip into the city. You can take the light rail or a bus, both easy options. Bergen itself is small, really walkable, and felt incredibly safe, which made exploring so relaxing.

One of my first stops was Gingerbread City (Pepperkakebyen). Families all around Bergen make gingerbread houses every year and donate them to the city for display from October through January. It’s such a sweet and festive place, with kids and families wandering around enjoying the creations.

I also popped into the Christmas Market, which is on the smaller side but full of charm. There’s a big wheel, little rides for kids, and plenty of food and gift stalls - the atmosphere is lovely.

That evening, I took the Fløibanen funicular up to Fløyen, one of Norway’s most famous viewpoints. It’s only a five-minute ride, but once you reach the top… wow. The views are incredible. I had dinner at Fløirestauranten, and the food was just fantastic — such a peaceful and memorable way to spend my first night.

The next morning, I took a trip out to the Hardangerfjord, about 90 minutes from Bergen. This place is simply stunning. I joined a RIB tour through the fjord, and it was equal parts exhilarating and breathtaking. The guide stopped along the way to tell us stories about the area, and it made the whole experience feel really special.

On the way back, we stopped at Spildegarden, a little restaurant in an old smokehouse run by a local farmer. They offer a cider tasting, and the cider was absolutely delicious, then a quick visit to Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall completed the perfect day trip.

Back in Bergen, I visited the Ice Bar, which was great fun and something a bit different.
Dinner that night was at Bien Basar in the city centre, and it was honestly one of the highlights of the trip. The food was incredible, and the owner’s hospitality made it even better. I’d recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Bergen.

Bergen is an easy city to explore on foot, with stunning views everywhere you look and a truly impressive culinary scene. I loved my time there and would highly recommend it for a city break. Or make it a two-centre trip and add a few nights in Tromsø and experience the Northern lights all in one unforgettable journey