Bergen felt different the moment we arrived.
Where Oslo was calm and polished, Bergen felt dramaticâmountains rising straight out of the city, mist hanging in the air, and streets that looked like theyâd been telling stories for centuries. It didnât take long to realize this was a place where nature, history, and a little mystery all live side by side.
đĄ Up the Mountain: Ulriken Tram
One of the first things we did in Bergen was take the Ulriken tram, and honestly, itâs one of the easiest ways to get massive views without committing to a full hike.
As the city shrank below us, the fjords and surrounding mountains slowly revealed themselves, and suddenly Bergen made sense. This is why people come here. The weather was doing its classic Bergen thingâmoody, misty, and unpredictableâbut that almost made it better.
It felt wild without being inaccessible, which is kind of Bergenâs whole personality.
âď¸ Snowshoeing With a World Record Holder
One of the highlights of the trip was snowshoeing with Tor, whoâcasuallyâis in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Thereâs something surreal about strapping on snowshoes, heading into the mountains, and realizing your guide has done things most people on Earth never will. The experience wasnât just about the snow or the viewsâit was about being with someone who genuinely lives and breathes the outdoors.
It made the mountains feel less like a backdrop and more like a living place with stories layered into it.
đť Sleeping in a Haunted Hotel
We stayed at the Radisson Blu, which we later found out is supposedly haunted.
Now, Iâm not saying I saw anything⌠but the building definitely has a presence. Old hotels in old cities tend to carry energy, and this one felt no differentâlong hallways, quiet corners, and that feeling that the walls have seen a lot more than theyâre letting on.
Add in Bergenâs weather and history, and yeah⌠itâs the perfect setting for a ghost story.
đŁ A Self-Guided Haunted Walk Through Bergen
Leaning into the spooky vibe, we did a self-guided audio haunted tour through the city.
Walking Bergenâs older streets at night, listening to stories of past tragedies, fires, and legends, made the city feel alive in a completely different way. This wasnât a cheesy haunted house experienceâit was history told through atmosphere.
Itâs one of those things you wouldnât think to do unless youâre already curious⌠but once you do, it sticks with you.
đď¸ Bryggen (Pronounced⌠Not How I Said It)
Eventually, we made our way to Bryggenâand yes, I absolutely mispronounced it.
These colorful wooden buildings are one of Bergenâs most iconic sights, and seeing them in person makes you understand why. Theyâre charming, crooked, and unmistakably Norwegian.
Itâs one thing to see them in photos. Itâs another to walk between them, especially when the weather gives everything that slightly cinematic, rain-washed look.
đ The Fish Market & a Steak Surprise
We stopped by the Fish Market, which is exactly what you expectâfresh seafood, busy stalls, and plenty of temptation.
But the real surprise came later at Big Horn Steak House.
As a Texan, I had very low expectations for steak in Norway⌠and somehow, I was pleasantly surprised. It wasnât home, but it was solidâand that alone earned some respect.
We also ate at Skyskraperen Restaurant, which rounded out Bergenâs food scene nicely and proved the city has more range than people give it credit for.
đď¸ Is Bergen Worth Visiting?
Absolutelyâespecially if you want a mix of:
- Dramatic scenery
- Easy access to the mountains
- Rich history
- And a slightly mysterious atmosphere
Bergen feels like the kind of place where stories naturally happen. Between the weather, the landscape, and the layers of history, itâs a city that invites explorationâeven when itâs cold, wet, or foggy.
And honestly? That just adds to the charm.
Coming Up Next: Traveling Across Norway Without a Car đâď¸
Flights, long bus rides, and the reality of getting around one of the most scenic countries in the world.
The Guiding Traveler 
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