Your adventure holiday guide to Norway

Explore the charming cityscape

Bergen, often called ‘the heart of the fjords’, is a city that blends small-town charm with a vibrant metropolitan vibe. Wander through its narrow cobblestone lanes, admire the houses clinging to hillsides and explore world-famous attractions.

One of Bergen’s most iconic sights is Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Hanseatic wharf, with its colourful old wooden buildings, offers a glimpse into Bergen’s rich trading history. Today, Bryggen is home to a museum, shops, galleries, and restaurants, making it a hub for both locals and tourists.

Savour the local cuisine

Food lovers, this is for you. Bergen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, renowned for its fresh seafood. Don’t miss the bustling Fish Market, which has been a local staple since 1276. Here, you can sample Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and persetorsk, a traditional steamed cod dish.

After a delicious meal, immerse yourself in Bergen’s lively music scene. With a student population making up 10% of the city, there’s always a concert or event happening.

Dive into culture and history

For a dose of culture, visit KODE, one of the largest museums for art, design and music in the Nordic countries. Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer Edvard Grieg, is another must-see. This living museum includes Grieg’s villa, the composer’s cabin, an exhibition centre and the concert hall Troldsalen.

If you have little ones the Bergen Aquarium and the open-air Old Bergen Museum are a must-visit, where you can step back in time and explore a reconstructed small town.

Embrace the great outdoors

No visit to Bergen is complete without experiencing its stunning natural surroundings. The city is nestled between seven mountains, the most accessible being Fløyen. A six-minute ride on the Fløibanen funicular takes you to the top, offering panoramic views of the city.

For a more challenging hike, head to Ulriken, the highest of the seven mountains at 643 meters above sea level. From here, you can gaze out over the sea, islands, mountains, and fjords, truly understanding why Bergen is known as “the capital of the fjords.”

Hiking – Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains perfect for hiking

Dogsledding – Explore an incredible glacier on a dog sledge

Kayaking and rafting – Bergen is a great starting point for canoeing and rafting

Zipline – The fastest zipline in Norway

Glacier tours – A spectacular nature experience

Horse riding  – Experience the scenic areas around Bergen on horseback

Discover the vibrant city life

Stavanger, another gem of Norway, offers a delightful mix of colourful streets, cool art, and historic charm. Start your exploration in Gamle Stavanger, the oldest part of the city, with its white-painted wooden houses and quaint cobblestone streets.

Don’t miss Øvre Holmegate, also known as “Fargegata” (the colour street), lined with vibrant cafes, boutiques, and galleries. This street is an Instagrammer’s dream, with rainbow-coloured buildings and whimsical street art at every turn.

Engage with innovative museums

Stavanger’s museums are as fascinating as they are innovative. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum offers a unique insight into Norway’s oil industry, complete with survival suit experiences.

For a virtual journey back to the Viking Age, visit the Viking House and wear VR glasses for an immersive adventure.

Enjoy thrilling amusements

For a family-friendly adrenaline rush, head to Kongeparken amusement park, home to Norway’s steepest drop jump, biggest merry-go-round and longest bobsleigh track.

After an exciting day, relax with a hot drink at one of Stavanger’s cosy cafes. With six coffee roasters in the area, you will surely find a locally produced taste sensation.

Indulge in local flavours

Stavanger is also a haven for foodies. Visit Fisketorget, the fish market, for the freshest seafood, or enjoy a meal at the adjacent restaurant. Time your visit to the annual food festival, Gladmat, to sample a variety of local delicacies.

Explore stunning nature

Stavanger is the perfect base for some of Norway’s most breathtaking natural experiences. Take a day cruise on the Lysefjord, or hike to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) or Kjerag for unforgettable views.

Coasteering – Explore hidden gems of Egersund in the open sea

BASE jumping – Kjerag is one of the most beautiful and exciting places for BASE jumping in the world

Kitesurfing – Learn the basic skills to start kitesurfing on your own

Horseback riding – A unique way to explore a mountain with science views at the top

Mountain biking – Experience the thrill of mountain biking with sharp turns throughout the course

Surfing – A chance to tick surfing off your bucket list