Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Bergen, Norway

Getting From Ship to Shore

Your Bergen Cruise Port Access Guide

You’ll find two main ways to reach Bergen’s centre from your cruise ship.

Shuttle Bus Required:

• From Dokken or Jekteviken berths: Take the shuttle bus from your ship’s gangway to Nøstet.
• Walk 700 metres from Nøstet to reach Torgalmenningen square.

Walking Routes Available:

• From Skolten or Bontelabo berths:
• 900 metres to Fish Market (via Bryggen heritage site)
• 1,400 metres to Torgalmenningen square
• From Festningskaien berth:
• 600 metres to Fish Market.

You can collect free tourist maps at each berth to help you navigate.

Distance Guide:

• Shortest walk: Festningskaien to Fish Market
• Medium walk: Dokken/Jekteviken (with shuttle) to city
• Longest walk: Skolten/Bontelabo to Torgalmenningen

Exploring Bergen On Foot

Bergen’s city centre sits just steps from the cruise port. You can walk to most attractions within 15 minutes.

Start at Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its row of distinctive wooden buildings. This iconic area helps you get your bearings before exploring further.

From Bryggen, you can walk to:

• The bustling Fish Market
• The historic Bergenhus Fortress
• The Fløibanen Funicular station

The Fløibanen takes you up the mountainside for clear views across Bergen’s harbour and colourful cityscape.

The compact layout means you won’t need transport – your feet will get you everywhere you want to go.

Walking Routes From Port

Your walking routes from Bergen’s cruise port are simple to follow, with clear paths to all major sights.

Walking times from the port:

• Bergenhus Fortress: 5 minutes
• Bryggen Wharf: 10 minutes
• Fish Market: 10-15 minutes
• Fløibanen Funicular station: 15 minutes

You can get a free tourist map from:

• The cruise terminal
• Tourist Information Centre (next to Fish Market)

Alternative transport options:

• Regular shuttle buses from the port
• Taxis for longer journeys

The well-marked paths make it easy for you to explore Bergen’s centre on foot.

Most attractions sit within a compact area, making walking the best way to discover the city.

Bryggen Area Highlights

Bryggen: Bergen’s Historic Harbour District

You’ll find Bergen’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen, just a short walk from the port. This historic area features 61 wooden buildings that showcase 800 years of maritime heritage. The distinctive wooden structures display bright colours and angled roofs along the waterfront.

What you can explore:

1. Walk through narrow passages to discover:
   • Local craft shops
   • Art galleries
   • Cosy cafés in historic buildings
2. Visit key landmarks:
   • The Hanseatic Museum shows you medieval merchants’ daily life
   • St. Mary’s Church stands as Bryggen’s oldest building
   • The Theta Museum reveals Norway’s WWII resistance stories

The historic Fish Market sits nearby, continuing a trading tradition from the 1200s. You can save money on museum entries with a Bergen Card if you plan to visit multiple sites.

Tips:

• Most museums open daily
• The Bergen Card covers public transport too
• Photography is welcome in most areas
• Many shops accept cards and cash

Essential Port Facilities

Bergen’s port operates from two key locations: Skolten Cruise Terminal and Dokken/Jekteviken Port.

You can find three berths at Skolten, 600-900 metres from Bryggen Wharf. Dokken offers two berths in the industrial zone, just 5-8 minutes from Bryggen.

You can use the free shuttle buses from both terminals to reach the city centre. Wheelchair support is available at all terminals. From Skolten, you can walk alongside the UNESCO-listed Bryggen to reach central Bergen.

Skolten Terminal provides modern luggage facilities and manages ship turnarounds.

You’ll find the Tourist Information Centre at the Fish Market, where you can collect maps and guides.

You can reach Bergen International Airport quickly by car, with flights to over 30 international cities.

Historic Bryggen Heritage Area

Bergen’s Bryggen wharf welcomes you to Norway’s best-preserved medieval maritime district.

You’ll find colourful wooden buildings lining the harbour since 1070, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The narrow alleyways guide you through centuries of trading history, with these must-visit spots:

1. Hanseatic Museum – You can step into an authentic 1704 merchant’s house and see how traders lived and worked.
2. Bryggen Museum – You’ll discover archaeological finds from Bergen’s first settlement beneath your feet.
3. Schøtstuene – You can explore the original meeting rooms where Hanseatic merchants gathered.
4. Theta Museum – You’ll learn about local resistance efforts during WWII in this hidden gem.

Top tip: Visit in the evening when you’ll find fewer crowds and better light for photos.

All shops and museums sit just a short walk from the cruise terminal.

The historic buildings you see today survived countless fires through careful restoration, keeping their original Hanseatic character alive.

Must-See Bergen Attractions

Bergen’s top attractions blend natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. You’ll find spectacular views from Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken, both easily accessible by funicular and cable car.

The historic Bergenhus Fortress and Hanseatic Museum showcase the city’s medieval past through well-preserved architecture and exhibits.

You can explore Norwegian art at KODE Museums, featuring famous works by Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup. Music lovers should visit Troldhaugen, where composer Edvard Grieg lived and where you can now enjoy live concerts.

The harbour serves as your gateway to Norwegian fjord tours, offering close encounters with dramatic landscapes.

VilVite Science Centre provides hands-on learning experiences for families, while Gamle Bergen Museum lets you step back in time through its authentic recreated townscape.

Each site helps you understand Bergen’s unique character in different ways.

Local Transportation Options

Getting around Bergen is easy, both in the city centre and beyond. Your cruise ship will dock at Skolten or Bontelabo, putting you within walking distance of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen waterfront.

Transport options:

1. Skyss buses connect all major destinations
   • Find your nearest stop at Festplassen near the port
   • Check real-time schedules on Google Maps
   • Buy tickets at stations or via the Skyss app
2. City trams run from Byparken
   • Line 1 departs every 10 minutes
   • Reaches most outer areas
   • Offers reliable, frequent service
3. Free port shuttles
   • Serve industrial areas like Jekteviken
   • Stop near Nøstet
   • Connect you to the main port entrance
4. Taxis
   • Available throughout Bergen
   • Airport journey: 17 minutes
   • Cost: £17-20

You’ll find these options make exploring Bergen straightforward and stress-free. The compact city layout means you can mix walking with public transport to suit your needs.

Shopping and Market Tips

Bergen’s two main shopping destinations await you at Bryggen Wharf and the Fish Market.

You can experience Bergen’s daily Fish Market, which has operated since 1276. You’ll find fresh fish, shellfish and local Norwegian foods, with vendors who prepare your selections right there.

At the historic wooden buildings of Bryggen, you can browse specialist shops for authentic Norwegian items. You’ll discover traditional crafts, including Oleana’s hand-knitted wool jumpers and Arven’s distinctive silverware.

Fish Market Essentials

Bergen’s Fish Market sits on Bryggen Wharf’s waterfront. Over a million people visit this historic Norwegian marketplace each year. You can find fresh salmon, cod, king crab and shrimp whilst experiencing local fishing traditions.

Your visit will be smoother if you follow these tips:

1. You can pay with your bank card at most stalls.
2. The prices are set, but buying in bulk might save you money.
3. You can take salted cod home as a souvenir – it stays fresh without cooling.
4. You can visit in winter between 11:00 and 14:00.

You’ll find two main options at the market:

• Ready-to-eat seafood meals
• Fresh fish to cook at home

The vendors know their products well and will help you choose the right seafood for your needs.

Bryggen Shopping Highlights

You’ll find unique shopping experiences in Bryggen’s traditional wooden buildings. Each store offers distinct Norwegian products and crafts:

Key Shopping Spots:

• Arven: Handmade Norwegian silverware
• Julehuset: Year-round Christmas items and decorations
• Bryggen Husflid: Norway’s widest selection of hand-knitted sweaters
• Oleana: Designer knitwear collections
• Local art studios: Original paintings and crafts

Popular Norwegian Items:

• Troll figurines
• Cloudberry jam
• Local artwork
• Traditional knitwear
• Handmade crafts

Shopping Tips:

• You can claim tax refunds through Global Blue if you’re visiting from outside Scandinavia
• Your Bergen Card gives you 10% off at participating shops
• The compact layout lets you browse all shops easily

The narrow alleyways connect these shops, making your shopping route simple to navigate while you take in the historic surroundings.

Scenic Mountain View Points

Bergen’s best viewing spots let you see the city, fjords and mountains from above. Mount Fløyen gives you the easiest access to these views, showing you the historic Bryggen waterfront and North Sea. You can reach the top two ways: take a funicular railway or walk up for 45-60 minutes, climbing 320 metres.

Tips for your Mount Fløyen visit:

1. Visit at sunset for the best photos
2. Wear sturdy shoes if you choose to hike
3. Use your Bergen Card for free funicular rides
4. Set aside 2-3 hours to explore the summit area

You can also visit the Stegastein Viewpoint for a more remote experience. Its 30-metre viewing platform extends over Aurlandsfjord, making it perfect for a day trip.

What you’ll need:

• Camera
• Comfortable shoes
• Bergen Card (if using the funicular)
• Water and snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Best viewing times:

• Summer: 6-8 PM
• Winter: 3-4 PM
• Clear days offer the best visibility

Norwegian Dining and Cuisine

Norwegian food offers you a perfect gateway into the country’s culture. Bergen, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, serves both traditional and modern Norwegian dishes. You can find fresh seafood at the Fish Market, whilst the historic Bryggen Wharf offers authentic Norwegian restaurants.

You should try fårikål, the national dish combining lamb and cabbage. The brown cheese (brunost) gives you a uniquely Norwegian taste with its caramel-like flavour.

For quick meals, you can grab a pølse med lompe – a hot dog wrapped in potato flatbread. The local matpakke gives you a simple lunch option: open sandwiches topped with cold cuts and cheese.

For more adventurous eaters, you can explore traditional fermented fish dishes. Two classic options include rakfisk and lutefisk, which showcase Norway’s centuries-old preservation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Cruise Ships Are Allowed to Dock in Bergen Simultaneously?

Bergen harbour can accommodate 4 cruise ships at a time. You can see these ships docked simultaneously at the port’s designated berths. However, only 3 ships can connect to the shore power system at once.

What Months Have the Best Weather for Visiting Bergen by Cruise Ship?

The summer months of June through August offer you the most pleasant conditions for cruising to Bergen. You’ll experience temperatures between 15-25°C and benefit from long daylight hours lasting up to 18 hours daily. These conditions make summer ideal for both shore excursions and fjord sailing.

Are Shore Power Facilities Available for All Cruise Ships in Bergen?

Bergen offers you eight shore power connections for cruise ships: five low-voltage and three high-voltage installations. You’ll need a compatible ship to use these facilities, but Bergen maintains Europe’s largest cruise ship shore power system. This setup helps your vessel reduce emissions while docked.

Does Bergen Port Provide Winter Docking Services for Cruise Ships?

Bergen Port can dock your cruise ship throughout the winter months. You can access key docking services from January to November at the main terminal. The port handles fewer vessels during winter compared to the May-September peak season, but maintains its core operations. Your ship will receive standard berthing support, utilities and passenger facilities year-round.

What Is the Maximum Passenger Capacity Allowed per Day at Bergen Port?

Bergen Port allows up to 8,000 passengers per day. You can expect this limit to work with their four-ship maximum rule to keep tourism numbers manageable.