Bergen
Bergen, Norway, is a captivating city that serves as the "Gateway to the Fjords." Surrounded by seven mountains and facing the sea, it has a history that dates back to the Viking era. Bergen is famous for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, a colorful row of traditional wooden Hanseatic houses that line the harbor. It's a city of charm, with a vibrant food scene and a deep appreciation for the arts and outdoors. As a cruise port, Bergen offers an incredible opportunity to explore a city that is rich with history and stunning natural beauty.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your ship will likely dock at one of two main cruise terminals: Skolten or Dokken. These piers are located just outside the city center, a short walk from the historic Bryggen wharf. While some larger ships may dock at a further commercial pier called Jekteviken, the majority of cruise lines use the more central piers. You will dock directly at the pier, so no tender is required. If your ship docks at the industrial Jekteviken pier, a complimentary shuttle bus will be provided to take you to the city center.
⚓ Terminal Information
The cruise terminals at Skolten and Dokken are simple and efficient. While there is no large, permanent terminal building with many amenities, the area is set up to welcome cruise passengers. The walk from the ship to the main city is a short stroll that takes you past the historic Bergenhus Fortress and along the waterfront.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
At the cruise docks, you will find several facilities to help you get started. There are public buses, taxis, and a hop-on-hop-off bus that all service the port. While there is no formal tourist information center at the port, you will find city maps available. You can also find restrooms at the piers.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Norwegian, but given the high volume of tourism, virtually everyone you will encounter in Bergen speaks excellent English. You will have no problem navigating, communicating, or exploring.
A few useful phrases:
Hei (hey) - Hello
Takk (tahk) - Thank you
Unnskyld (OON-shool) - Excuse me
Snakker du engelsk? (SNAH-kehr doo EHNG-ehls) - Do you speak English?
💰 Money
The official currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit cards are the preferred method of payment and are widely accepted everywhere, even for very small purchases. Many places in Norway are now cashless. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases at local markets, but it is not necessary. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.
🚗 Transportation
Bergen is a very walkable city, and its main attractions are clustered around the harbor.
Walking: The best way to explore Bergen is on foot. The walk from the cruise pier to the Bryggen wharf is a short and pleasant stroll.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise docks, but they can be expensive.
Public Bus: Public buses are a great way to get around the city. The bus stop is located right at the port, and you can pay for your ticket with a credit card.
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus: A hop-on-hop-off bus service is also available at the port and is a convenient way to see the city's highlights.
♿ Accessibility
Bergen has an accessibility rating of 6 out of 10. The city has made a great effort to make its main attractions wheelchair accessible. The cruise docks are flat and even. However, the historic areas, particularly the Bryggen wharf, have cobblestone streets and narrow passages that can be challenging to navigate. The Fløibanen funicular, which takes you up to Mount Fløyen, is also wheelchair accessible.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town is to simply walk. The port is located very close to the city center, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions. If your ship docks at a further-away pier, a free shuttle bus is provided to take you to the city center.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in the city center, and you can find a useful map of them provided by the Bergen Municipality. You can also find restrooms at many of the restaurants, cafes, and museums.
💊 Drugstore
Apotek 1 Svanen: This is a major pharmacy located at Strandgaten 6, 5013 Bergen, a short walk from the Bryggen wharf.
Boots Apotek: Boots has a location in Bergen at Torgallmenningen 1A, which is in the city center.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk the Bryggen Wharf and Explore the Fish Market: For a deep dive into Bergen's history, walk the Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the narrow alleyways between the colorful wooden houses. Afterwards, head to the bustling Fish Market, where you can see a variety of local seafood, from fresh fish to king crab.
Dine on Local Seafood at a Waterside Restaurant: Bergen is famous for its fresh seafood. Seek out a local restaurant on the waterfront and try some of the local specialties, like fjord trout, salmon, or the local fish soup.
Ride the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen: For a stunning view of the city, take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. The ride itself is a classic experience, and at the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains. It's a great place for photos and a peaceful escape from the city.
