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Cruises to Bergen

590 Reviews
Bergen (Photo:Mark_and_Anna_Wilson/Shutterstock)

About Bergen

Bergen, known as the "Gateway to the Fjords," is Norway's second-largest city. But with only about 260,000 inhabitants, it projects the warmth and accessibility of a much smaller community. The Gulf Stream softens the weather there, and the winters are mild with little snow.

Shrouded in history, the city's streets are flanked with centuries-old churches and quaint shops and homes connected by a labyrinth of backyard pathways. Two picturesque and inviting landmarks make orientation easy: the wharf area and the museum-surrounded ornamental lake and parklands are within ten minutes from each other by foot. Most of Bergen proper's attractions and activities also lie within a short walk of those points, as does the main cruise pier.

The nearly endless hours of summer sunlight seem to lend an unhurried quality to the pace of Bergen daily life-- but interestingly, this is a port that sees cruise passengers during all four seasons, thanks to the year-round itineraries offered by Hurtigruten. Most residents are patient and helpful to a fault, and tourists are almost always made to feel welcome. With great dining, art, historical and natural assets, and decent shopping, Bergen has something for everyone. Keep in mind, however, that Norway residents are paid high wages, and the cost of living is high as a result, which means visitors might be in for some sticker shock.

Bergen is a clean, friendly, accessible seaside town, rich in history and art, and it's easily navigated on foot or by public transport. But the city is also a jumping-off point for a wide range of longer-term pursuits for those who have more time to explore it while visiting independently.

  • More about Bergen

  • Why go to Bergen?

  • Bergen Cruise Port Facilities?

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Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star

14 Night
Europe - Other

2,515 Reviews
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Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima (Image: Norwegian Cruise Line)

10 Night
Europe - Iceland

147 Reviews
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Viking Venus
Viking Venus (Photo: Viking Ocean Cruises)

12 Night
In Search Of The Northern Lights

160 Reviews
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Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima (Image: Norwegian Cruise Line)

11 Night
Europe - Iceland

147 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Iceland

147 Reviews
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14 Night
Iceland & Norway's Arctic Explorer

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Cruise Critic Favorite

14 Night
Viking Homelands

58 Reviews
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14 Night
Viking Homelands

160 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Viking Shores & Fjords

1,980 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

24 Reviews
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14 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

24 Reviews
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7 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

1,281 Reviews
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14 Night
British Isles Explorer

160 Reviews
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13 Night
Arctic Circle Cruise

1,621 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - Iceland

147 Reviews
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More about Bergen

Why go to Bergen?

Pros:

This quaint city is a warren of tiny streets, historic buildings, outdoor markets and fantastic views

Cons:

It can be chilly and rainy one minute and warm and sunny the next; wear layers

Bottom Line:

Bergen is a delightful hybrid of Norwegian fishing culture and modern aesthetic

Bergen Cruise Port Facilities?

Bergen's cruise docks have few amenities, but not to fret. It's only five hundred yards to Bryggen and every souvenir and snack under the sun (midnight or otherwise).

Good to Know?

It rains quite a bit in Bergen, and it can be especially chilly by the water, so be sure to pack layers.

Getting Around?

By Bus: For visitors who plan to explore on their own, Bergen's best bargain is the "Bergen Card," which can be purchased at the railway station, the express boat terminal, the tourist information center at Vagsallmennigen and some hotels. A 24-hour adult card sells for NOK 200 and gives the holder free transportation on all city buses and free admission or deep discounts to most of the major attractions; 48-hour cards are also available. A child's (3 to 15 years) card costs NOK 75.

On Foot: As mentioned earlier, most of Bergen's attractions can be easily reached on foot. From the wharf area, it's a mere 500-yard walk in an easterly direction to Bergen's other major landmark: Lille Lungegadsvann, a small lake embedded in lush gardens and statuary, surrounded by most of Bergen's major museums. And there are many. One could happily spend more than a day wandering through one museum after another. (As mentioned above, all museums offer free admission with the purchase of a Bergen Card.)

By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Bergen. Bergen Taxi is a popular local operator, and rates are set per vehicle. In other words, the more people in your group, the better per-person rate you'll get.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Though there are numerous currency exchanges around Bergen, ATMs are plentiful and offer a far better rate of exchange. The biggest concentration of banks and ATMs is around the streets just south and east of the harbor, especially along the major thoroughfare, Olav Kyrres Gate.

Norway is not currently part of the E.U., so they still maintain their currency, the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Check www.xe.com for the most up-to-date exchange rate.

Language?

Norwegian is the official language, but English is understood and spoken almost everywhere.

Where You're Docked?

The cruise port is within walking distance of Bryggen and Bergen Town Centre, encompassing most of the city's points of interest.


Bergen Cruise Reviews
Spent 3 wonderful days in Bergen. Superb hiking opportunities and all within walking distances from town. Great mountain top views, cafe's and art galleries. Gardens and old world design cap off a great tour destiRead More
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KelseysDad
Interesting tour showing the history of Bergen. Read More
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KlausL
Our cruise started in Bergen and we were very impressed with the city. Virtually everyone spoke English. City was very clean and modern. Very beautiful harbor area - good public transportation. Small enough to walk Read More
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Eric53
The trip up the funicular was fun. From the port it is a 15 minute walk and it would be easy to spend a couple of hours at the top if you were on an independant visit rather than there as part of an organised shore eRead More
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