Bergen is Norway's second-largest city and the undisputed gateway to the fjords — a picturesque harbour city surrounded by seven mountains, with a UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf (Bryggen), world-class museums, and unrivaled access to Scandinavia's most spectacular natural landscapes. The city is the starting point for the legendary Norway in a Nutshell journey and the perfect base for exploring the Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and western Norway.
Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO) connects to European capitals via SAS, Norwegian, British Airways, and KLM, with US travelers routing via London, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen. FareOptic compares all connections to find the best fare to Bergen.









*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Based on popular routes and current airfare deals
Bergen is Norway's most charming city — a compact, walkable harbour town with extraordinary natural surroundings, rich cultural heritage, and the best access to the Norwegian fjords of any city in the country.
Bryggen is Bergen's iconic UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf — a row of colorful wooden buildings along the harbour dating from the 14th century, when Bergen was one of the most important ports in medieval Europe as part of the Hanseatic League trading network. The alleyways behind the facades reveal a warren of galleries, craft shops, and restaurants. The Hanseatic Museum within Bryggen is outstanding.
The alleyways behind the Bryggen facades — narrow passages of medieval workshops now housing galleries and craft shops
The Fløibanen funicular railway climbs from central Bergen to the summit of Mount Fløyen (320 meters / 1,050 feet) in approximately 8 minutes — offering spectacular panoramic views over Bergen, the fjords, and the surrounding islands. The Fløyen summit has hiking trails, a restaurant, and a children's play area. The view at sunset is extraordinary.
Take the last funicular up at dusk for sunset views over Bergen's seven mountains and the Puddefjorden
KODE is Bergen's extraordinary museum complex — four interconnected museum buildings housing one of the largest art collections in Scandinavia, including major works by Edvard Munch, J.C. Dahl, and Harriet Backer. The Composer Homes section preserves the residences of Edvard Grieg (Troldhaugen) and Ole Bull — two of Norway's greatest composers.
Troldhaugen — Edvard Grieg's villa, piano, and lakeside composer's hut (15 minutes from central Bergen by bus)
The 'Norway in a Nutshell' route — starting from Bergen — is one of the world's great rail journeys: the Bergen Railway to Myrdal, the Flam Railway (one of the world's steepest standard gauge railways) down to the Sognefjord, a fjord ferry across to Gudvangen, and a coach to Voss and back to Bergen. The full loop takes one full day from Bergen and offers some of Norway's most spectacular fjord and mountain scenery.
Book the Norway in a Nutshell tour at least 1–2 weeks ahead in peak summer — seats on the Flam Railway sell out
Bergen's outdoor Fish Market (Fisketorget) on the quayside has operated since the 1200s — one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Norway. Today it sells fresh Norwegian seafood (salmon, shrimp, crab, cod), prepared dishes, local cheeses, and regional specialties. It is touristy but genuinely excellent quality, particularly for fresh Atlantic salmon and king crab.
Fresh Norwegian king crab legs (kongekrabbe) served with butter and lemon — the ultimate Bergen waterfront seafood experience
Bergen is the gateway to the Norwegian fjords — including the Sognefjord (Norway's longest at 205 km) and Hardangerfjord (second longest). Day trips by ferry from Bergen to Flam or Vik explore the inner Sognefjord. The Hardangerfjord (with its famous spring apple blossom) is accessible by bus or car. Bergen is the essential base for exploring all of western Norway's UNESCO-protected fjord landscape.
The express boat from Bergen to Flam (4.5 hours) — the most dramatic fjord scenery accessible without a car
No airlines operate nonstop US–Bergen (BGO) flights. The most practical routes are via London Heathrow (British Airways), Amsterdam (KLM), or Copenhagen/Stockholm (SAS). SAS connects New York JFK and Chicago to Scandinavia, with onward Bergen connections. Book the complete journey including the Bergen connection on a single ticket.
Bergen's summer (June–August) is peak season for the fjords, Bryggen, and the Norway in a Nutshell route. Flights to BGO fill up quickly in peak summer. Book at least 8–12 weeks ahead for summer travel. May and September offer excellent shoulder-season fjord conditions with significantly lower fares.
Bergen and Oslo are connected by the Bergen Railway — one of the world's great mountain train journeys (7 hours, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at 1,222 meters). A Norway trip combining Oslo and Bergen by rail (flying into one and out of the other) is the classic Scandinavian itinerary and maximizes the scenery.
Norway is consistently one of the world's most expensive travel destinations. A restaurant meal costs NOK 200–400 ($18–38 USD), a beer NOK 90–130 ($8–12 USD). Budget approximately $150–200 USD per person per day for accommodation, food, and local transport in Bergen. The Norway in a Nutshell full-day tour costs approximately NOK 2,000 ($185 USD).
SAS is Scandinavia's flag carrier and the primary airline serving Bergen (BGO) from Copenhagen (CPH) and Stockholm Arlanda (ARN). For US travelers, SAS connects from New York JFK and other transatlantic gateways to Copenhagen and Stockholm, then to Bergen. SAS's Star Alliance membership allows United miles accrual.
Copenhagen CPH, Stockholm ARN, Oslo OSL — connecting from New York JFK, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles
Norwegian is Norway's largest budget airline and operates the most frequent Oslo (OSL)–Bergen (BGO) flights — the busiest domestic route in Norway. Norwegian also operates from London Gatwick to Bergen. Norwegian's domestic Norway fares are competitive and ideal for city-hopping within Norway.
Oslo OSL, London Gatwick LGW, Copenhagen CPH, Stockholm ARN to BGO
British Airways connects London Heathrow (LHR) to Bergen (BGO) — useful for US travelers routing via London. BA's extensive US transatlantic network (50+ cities) makes LHR the most practical US gateway for Bergen. The LHR–BGO hop is approximately 2 hours.
London Heathrow LHR to BGO — connecting from 50+ US cities via Heathrow
Ryanair connects Bergen to London Stansted, Dublin, Brussels Charleroi, and other European cities at low fares. Useful for budget travelers positioning from European cities for a Norway trip.
London Stansted, Dublin, Brussels Charleroi, Krakow, and other European destinations from BGO
Widerøe is Norway's regional airline and connects Bergen to smaller Norwegian cities and western fjord communities — excellent for onward travel to Flam, Sogndal, Florø, and other fjord region destinations that form part of the Norway in a Nutshell route.
Florø, Sogndal, Sandane, Sognefjord region communities, and Norwegian regional airports from BGO
Norwegian Krone (NOK) — cards accepted everywhere; cash rarely needed
Norwegian — English universally spoken throughout Bergen
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer
+47 (Norway)
BGO — Bergen Airport Flesland (20 km southwest)
No — 90-day Schengen visa-free entry for US passport holders
Type C/F — 230V / 50Hz
112 (general) / 113 (ambulance)
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Bergen, Norway
No nonstop US–Bergen (BGO) flights exist. Compare British Airways via London, KLM via Amsterdam, and SAS via Copenhagen or Stockholm on FareOptic. Book the full journey including Bergen connection on one ticket. Book 8–12 weeks ahead; travel May–June or September for lower fares than peak July–August.
Bergen Airport Flesland (IATA: BGO) is located approximately 20 km southwest of Bergen city centre. The Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) connects the airport to the city centre in approximately 45 minutes (NOK 44 / ~$4 USD) — the recommended transfer. Taxis cost approximately NOK 350–500 ($33–47 USD).
No. US citizens can visit Norway (which is part of the Schengen Area despite not being in the EU) for up to 90 days without a visa. A valid US passport is required. Norway's Schengen membership means your 90 days are shared across all Schengen countries.
June–August is peak season — the best weather for fjord trips and outdoor activities. Bergen receives high rainfall year-round (it is one of Europe's rainiest cities), so pack a waterproof layer regardless of season. May and September offer good conditions with fewer tourists. Bergen's Christmas market in December is charming.
Bergen is best known as the 'Gateway to the Fjords' — the primary base for exploring western Norway's Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Nærøyfjord. The city's UNESCO-listed Bryggen Hanseatic wharf, Edvard Grieg's home (Troldhaugen), and the Norway in a Nutshell rail-and-ferry journey are the most visited attractions.
Norwegian Krone (NOK). Norway is not in the EU and does not use the Euro. Cards are universally accepted in Norway — even for very small purchases. Very few places use cash at all. ATMs are available but rarely needed. Note: Norway is one of Europe's most expensive countries — budget accordingly.
The Norway in a Nutshell route (Bergen Railway to Myrdal, Flam Railway to Flam, ferry to Gudvangen) is the most famous option. Express boats from Bergen Quay to Flam (4.5 hours) or Vik run daily in summer. Car rental from Bergen gives the most flexibility for exploring the Hardangerfjord and surrounding fjord valleys.
Bergen and Oslo are approximately 490 km apart. The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) connects the two cities in approximately 7 hours — one of the world's great mountain train journeys, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau. Flights take approximately 50 minutes (operated by SAS and Norwegian). Driving takes approximately 7 hours.
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