15 Best Day Trips from Bergen - The Crazy Tourist

Bergen is situated on the peninsula of Bergenshalvoyen. It’s Norway’s second largest city, covering an area of 180 square miles.

This beguiling city is engulfed by a chain of steep hills that are locally known as the Seven Mountains. Its stunning natural setting makes it one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in the country.

Bergen is also one of the country’s leading cultural and historic destinations; it hosts many popular cultural events and is home to several museums.

If you’re looking to explore Norway’s beautiful landscape and rich history as you celebrate art, get hands-on with science, and experience some excellent hiking opportunities, then you are in the right place.

Here’s our list of 15 best day trips that you can make from Bergen to its immediate surroundings:

1. Jondal

Jondal is located 95km away from Bergen, on the Folgefonna peninsula in Hordaland County. The municipality is found within Hardanger district on the eastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden.

Some of the villages within Jondal include Torsnes, Herand, and Kysnesstranda.

There are many visitors who come to this city due to its proximity to Bergen. There are quite a number of adventurous activities to indulge in around Jondal. The city has a wide array of historical sites and unique cultural attractions, such as the Agatunet, Norsk Vasskraft, and the Stiftinga Hardanger og Voss Museum.

2. Lysøen Island

This island is situated in the suburbs of Fana.

Here, you will find the idyllic 1873 home belonging to Ole Bull – the great Norwegian fiddler.

The villa has remained accessible to the public since 1973.

Visitors come here to picnic in the gazebo, explore the 13 kilometers of walking paths, and relax near any of the multiple ponds found in the area.

On-site, there’s a museum that offers tours around the villa and its grounds.

Another major attraction on the island is the Monastery of Lyse.

This monastery is also referred to as the Lyse Abbey.

It was founded by English monks in 1146 and is the first Cistercian house in Norway.

3. Mount Floyen

Mt. Floyen is found to the north of Bergen and soars to a height of 1,310 feet.

The peak offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides, fjords, islands, forests, and little lakes.

For the most dramatic views, you should visit the mountain at dawn or at dusk.

Floyfjell features a network of scenic walking and biking trails that run throughout the area.

This makes it a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking.

If hiking does not excite you, feel free to use funiculars that take visitors to the summit.

There is a children’s playground in the area, so you should consider bringing your kids on this amazing day trip.

4. Fantoft Stave Church

This church was originally built in 1150 in Fortun; in 1883, it was moved to Fantoft to prevent demolition.

Unfortunately, it was burned down on June 6, 1992. The fire is believed to have been deliberately started by Varg Vikernes, a Norwegian black metal artist.

The church was later rebuilt (in 1997) in the same location in exactly the same way it was before the fire.

Its design features planks and columns that are pegged together.

Some notable features of its exterior are the Norse-inspired dragon heads that are believed to keep away evil spirits.

The Fantoft Stave Church is hidden out in a suburb of Bergen.

On your journey, you need to pay attention to the road sign showing the church to avoid getting lost.

The church is located atop a hill, so you should come prepared for a short yet steep hike.

5. Hardangerfjord

This is Norway’s second-largest fjord and the fourth largest in the world.

It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the mountainous interior along the Handangervidda plateau for 111 miles.

The Hardangerfjord and its surrounding areas are a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning glaciers and waterfalls.

The journey to Hardangerfjord along the scenic coast makes a great day trip from Bergen; it offers panoramic views with postcard-perfect photo opportunities.

6. Mount Ulriken

Mount Ulriken, Bergen, Norway — Mount Ulriken

At an altitude of 643 meters above sea level, Mt. Ulriken is the highest of all the seven mountains that surround Bergen.

There is a network of trails circling the mountain; the most common is the Vidden Trail that goes all the way to Mount Floyen.

Locals and tourists enjoy hiking up Ulriken Mountain for the rewarding views from the summit.

If you are not quite ready to take up the hiking challenge, there are cable car systems that operate up and down the mountain.

At the viewing area, there are free telescopes that you can use to pick out places of interest.

7. Aurlandsfjellet- National Tourist Route

Stagastein Viewpoint, Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route

This route covers a distance of 47 kilometers and goes all the way from Aurlandsvangen to Laerdalsoyri.

The highest point on this mountain road rises to an altitude of 1306m.

This day trip gives powerful impressions and contrasts of the fjords and the high mountain regions that have snow throughout the year.

The route is also referred to as “the snow road” and is often closed in winter.

The Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Road was opened in 1967. Some attraction sites close to this stretch are the villages of Flamsbana and Aurlandsdalen.

The views will allow you to enjoy a wonderful trip.

8. Sundal

Sundal is also known as Sunndal. It is located 129km away from Bergen. The village is found in the Mauranger district in Hordaland County. Sundal is perched on the southern shore of the Maurangsfjorden.

The village of Sundal sits in a deep valley surrounded by steep mountains; the views are superb.

Tourists come to Sundal to experience the great nature in the landscape. There is a campground here for anyone who would like to extend their stay in Sundal. A major attraction in the area is the Folgefonna National Park.

9. Sognefjord

Sognefjord is an iconic destination and one of the most spectacular in the world.

It has some of Norway’s most beautiful scenery and extends inland 204 kilometers.

For this reason, it is often referred to as the King of the Fjords.

The fjord is the largest in the country and the second largest in the world.

The Sognefjord area has dramatic mountains and wild fjords, as well as unique cultural attractions.

There is a wide range of activities for adventure seekers who come here to participate in guided hikes, kayaking, and boating.

10. Ulvik

This village in Hordaland offers a unique experience to visitors.

Ulvik village sits at the end of the Ulvikafjord, whose inner part is quite shallow.

The Ulvikafjord is almost closed off from the main fjord, forming a lagoon-like feature.

Ulvik is surrounded by small farms and fine fruit gardens.

It is home to the Finse mountain area, a large number of farms, and settlements.

Today, most of those settlements are abandoned.

This gripping village deserves a day trip visit from Bergen.

11. Skudeneshavn

Skudeneshavn is located 120 kilometers from Bergen.

It is one of the best-preserved towns in Europe and home to more than 225 wooden houses dating back to the 19th century.

The old town is also referred to as Skudenes or Skudenesshamn

Most tourists visit the town due to its idyllic, serene atmosphere.

The town holds a boating festival annually that goes on for four days (Thursday to Sunday.) Boats of all types, categories, shapes, and sizes are gathered here during the festival.

If you would like to experience this, you should plan your trip at the end of June/beginning of July.

12. Flam

The fjord village of Flam is located 169 kilometers from Bergen.

The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and is truly mind-blowing; you are able to see some of the most magnificent scenery of the spectacular fjords that are surrounded by roaring waterfalls.

This village is a remarkable destination.

Flam may be little, but it contributes to the attractive villages of Norway and brings lots of revenue from tourism.

One of the main tourist attractions in the area is the museum found at the Flam train station.

Flam is strategically positioned in such a way that it is surrounded by steep mountainsides and deep valleys, which add to the mesmerizing views.

Flam serves as the ideal getaway for people living a hectic life amidst huge city towers and buildings.

13. Undredal

This calm village is located between huge mountain ranges.

It is located 157 kilometers away from Bergen.

Undredal is best known for its goat sausages and goat cheese, which are produced using traditional methods.

The small village is a popular tourist destination in Norway.

Before 1988, this petite village was only accessible by boat.

Today, it’s accessible via a road connection that is made by connecting two lengthy tunnels.

If Undredal was not already on your bucket list, you need to make plans to make a quick visit to this amazing town that will leave you with plenty of memories to last a lifetime.

14. Balestrand

This small, charming village has a long history as a tourist resort.

Balestrand is located on the northern edge of the Sognefjord, in the traditional district of “Sogn og Fjordane”.

Balestrand’s main economic industries are tourism and farming.

The town also maintains its connection with art.

There are a number of popular artists who hail from this town, whose paintings of the surrounding scenery attract and inspire visitors.

They include Alfred Heaton Cooper, Hans Dahl, Hans Gude, and Johannes Flintoe.

15. Frekhaug

The driving distance from Bergen to Frekhaug is 29km. This densely populated village is located in Hordaland County, at the southern tip of the island of Holsnoy. Frekhaug covers an area of 1.34 sq km.

Frekhaug is the perfect destination for a day trip from Bergen. This day trip gives you the perfect opportunity to take a break from your daily routine as you enjoy the interesting set of attractions, such as the Betel Frekhaug and the Meland Kirke.