Last Updated: May 2026
Bergen is located in the southwestern region of Norway. It’s the second largest city in Norway, next to Oslo, with a population just under 300,000. Surrounded by seven mountains and located near fjords, it is a very picturesque location. Even though the Gulf Stream provides mild winters, there is significant precipitation and days are often cloud covered. Its colorful wooden houses lining the Bryggen waterfront really help to brighten the city up.
Southampton, England
Southhampton was the start of our trip. We flew business class because it takes about a day to get from San Diego to London. The food on British Air was delicious. American Airlines paled in comparison. After boarding the ship in Southhampton, we went to Norway for a week, then back to Southhampton where we did an excursion to Stonehenge and Salisbury. Then back into the Baltic to see more sights.
Our ship was the Sky Princess, which commenced operations in 2019. She holds about 3,660 passengers. The ship was in good shape and had plenty of places to hang out during the day. The entertainment options were endless. The gym was more than adequate. The food and service were amazing. Nevertheless, it’s still a large crowded cruise ship with a lot of sick people on board. This may be our last trip on a ship this big.
We really enjoy cruising. It is a great way to efficiently see so many different cities and countries while the boat handles all the traveling, dining and entertainment.
Bergen, Norway
We flew from San Diego to Chicago to London, then sailed out of South Hampton, England into Bergen on an overcast and wet day. Hard to imagine it was mid-July being used to sunny California.
It was established as a trading settlement in the 1020s AD. It was founded in 1070 AD by King Olaf Kyrre and it eventually became Norway’s largest city. Later on, Oslo became larger and the capital of Norway.
We enjoyed walking the historic section of Bryggen through the narrow alleys. With every turn there would be a cute café or shop to visit. The architecture was gorgeous.
The older section of the city reveals old wooden construction that has undergone years of settling and repairs. Unfortunately, there had been fires in the city that were devastating. There are still old log style buildings, but also brick with wood.
Cruising a Fjord
We took a boat ride into one of the breathtaking beautiful fjords.
During the boat ride there was a Mayday call. It was answered by another boat before we could get there. Otherwise, it was a very scenic cruise on calm water.
Along the way there were small houses located on the numerous small islands.
We passed a salmon farm. We saw quite a few of these while in Norway. The Norwegian aquaculture industry sets the standard for high-quality safe, and sustainably farmed salmon. The industry in Norway is strictly regulated in order to prevent disease and mortality.
A swan family with goslings. They weren’t very shy allowing for some photos on a rocky beach.
Back on the ship we had a wonderful dinner with appetizers and dessert. The wine was pretty good too.
Visitor Information
Bergen is located on Norway’s southwestern coast, approximately 500 kilometers from Oslo. The city is served by Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO), with direct flights from major European hubs and connections through Oslo. Cruise ships dock at Skolten or Jekteviken terminals, both within easy walking distance of Bryggen and the city center.
Bryggen Wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Bergen. The colorful wooden buildings date to the medieval Hanseatic trading era, though most of the current structures were rebuilt after fires — most recently after 1702. The buildings are open for exploration and house a mix of museums, craft shops, galleries, and restaurants. Entry to the alleyways is free; the Bryggens Museum charges a small admission fee.
Fløibanen Funicular: The most popular attraction in Bergen after Bryggen is the Fløibanen funicular, which climbs to the top of Mount Fløyen (320 meters) in about 8 minutes. The views over the city, harbor, and surrounding fjords are spectacular. It runs daily from approximately 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM; tickets cost around NOK 110–120 round trip. Book online to avoid queues.
Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget): Located at the harbor near Bryggen, the open-air fish market has operated on this site for centuries. It’s the place to try fresh Norwegian seafood — shrimp, salmon, crab, and fish cakes. The indoor hall is open year-round; the outdoor market runs May through October.
Getting Around: Bergen’s city center is very walkable. Bryggen, the Fish Market, and the funicular station are all within a few minutes of each other on foot. The Bergen Card (available for 24, 48, or 72 hours) covers unlimited public transport plus entry to most museums — worth it for longer stays. Cruise passengers with a half-day in port can easily cover Bryggen and the funicular on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bryggen and why is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Bryggen is Bergen’s historic wharf district, a row of colorful wooden buildings that served as the city’s commercial hub during the Hanseatic trading era from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The Hanseatic League — a powerful medieval trading network — operated from these buildings, controlling much of northern Europe’s commerce in dried fish, grain, and other goods. UNESCO recognized Bryggen in 1979 as an exceptional example of medieval northern European trading architecture. The buildings have burned and been rebuilt many times, but the layout and construction methods remain consistent with the original medieval pattern.
Which fjord did you cruise near Bergen? We took a local boat excursion into one of the smaller fjords accessible directly from Bergen harbor. Bergen serves as a gateway to some of Norway’s most famous fjords — the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord (the longest and deepest in Norway) are both within day-trip range. Many cruise lines offer organized fjord excursions from the Bergen port stop, or you can book independently through local operators at the waterfront.
How long do cruise ships typically stop in Bergen? Most Baltic or Norway cruise itineraries allow 8–10 hours in Bergen, which is enough time to walk Bryggen, take the Fløibanen funicular, browse the Fish Market, and still do a short fjord excursion. Arriving early in port gives you the best light for photos and the quietest conditions at Bryggen before the main tourist rush. Check your ship’s all-aboard time and plan backward from there.
Is Bergen worth visiting beyond Bryggen and the fjords? Very much so. The KODE art museums hold one of the largest collections of Edvard Munch’s work outside Oslo. The old funicular neighborhoods of Sandviken and Nordnes have excellent cafés and a quieter residential character. The Fantoft Stave Church — a replica of a 12th-century stave church — is a short bus ride away. For a longer stay, Bergen makes an excellent base for the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour, combining fjord ferry, mountain railway, and scenic train on a single day trip.
What was the Sky Princess like for a Baltic cruise? The Sky Princess is one of Princess Cruises’ Royal-class ships, launched in 2019 and carrying approximately 3,660 passengers. The ship is well-maintained and offers an enormous range of dining, entertainment, and activity options. For a Baltic itinerary — with port stops nearly every day — the ship is primarily a floating hotel between destinations. The balcony cabins are worth the upgrade for the fjord and canal approaches. Food quality and service were excellent throughout.
Is Bergen very expensive? Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and Bergen reflects that. Budget roughly NOK 200–300 (about $18–28 USD) for a sit-down lunch, NOK 100–150 for a coffee and pastry, and NOK 110+ for the funicular. A seafood platter at the Fish Market can run NOK 250–400. For cruise passengers on a day stop, the cost is manageable since accommodation and most meals are covered by the ship. If you’re staying independently, Bergen Card and self-catering where possible will help stretch your budget.
What is the weather like in Bergen and when is the best time to visit? Bergen is famously one of the rainiest cities in Europe, averaging around 240 rainy days per year. Even in summer (July–August) overcast and drizzly days are common, as we experienced firsthand. That said, summer brings the longest days — up to 19 hours of daylight in late June — and the mildest temperatures (15–20°C / 59–68°F). Spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) can bring clearer days. Whatever the season, bring a waterproof jacket — Bergen’s mood can change in an hour.
Practical Tips
Arrive early at Bryggen: The wharf is photogenic and atmospheric before the midday cruise ship crowds arrive. If your ship docks in the morning, head straight to Bryggen first — the narrow alleyways and wooden architecture are best appreciated without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists.
Bring rain gear: Bergen earns its reputation as the rainiest city in Europe. A waterproof jacket is essential year-round, not optional. An umbrella helps too, though the alleys of Bryggen offer some natural shelter.
Take the Fløibanen funicular: Even on an overcast day the views from Mount Fløyen are worth the short ride. On a clear day you can see the surrounding fjords and islands for miles. The funicular runs frequently and the station is just a short walk from Bryggen.
Eat at the Fish Market: The outdoor Fish Market at the harbor is touristy but genuinely good — the fresh shrimp and salmon are excellent. It’s also a convenient stop between Bryggen and the funicular. Avoid the sit-down restaurants immediately adjacent to Bryggen for the best value-to-quality ratio.
For larger ships, consider a smaller excursion: We were on the Sky Princess with 3,660 passengers. When the whole ship descends on a city like Bergen at once, the experience suffers. If you’re on a similar mega-ship, booking an early independent excursion — rather than a ship-organized tour that leaves with hundreds of others — makes a meaningful difference to your day.
