Bergen, Norway: The Ultimate Cruise Port Guide
- George and Dan
- 5 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Welcome to Bergen - a historic, vibrant coastal city on Norway’s west coast and one of the most popular cruise ports in the country. With a mix of colourful wooden harbour-front buildings, dramatic mountain backdrops and easy access to fjords, Bergen offers a little bit of everything: history, scenery, culture and easy-going charm. Whether you’re here as a cruise stop or spending a few days exploring, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Keep reading to discover the best of Bergen: where to dock, what to see, when to visit and how to make the most of your time.
The Port of Bergen sits right in the heart of the city of Bergen - a city with a long heritage as a trading and maritime hub. The port spans Vågen and Puddefjorden and historically handled both cargo and passenger traffic.
Over centuries Bergen grew from a small settlement into Norway’s second-largest city. Its harbour connected Norway to the rest of Europe, and that maritime legacy remains visible today in Bergen’s waterfront, historic wharves and lively harbour activity. The port now handles cruise ship visits alongside other maritime traffic.
What cruise lines visit Bergen?
Bergen is a major stop for many cruise operators exploring Norway’s coastline and fjords - including mainstream international cruise lines as well as regional operators. The city’s central port and good infrastructure make it a natural call for itineraries along the west coast or those focusing on fjords and Norwegian coastal scenery. The port’s capacity and frequency of cruise calls reflect its popularity.
Weather in port: What to expect throughout the year
Winter (December–February)
During winter, Bergen is relatively mild compared with more inland or northern parts of Norway. Temperatures usually hover between around 1 °C and 5 °C, with occasional snow - though heavy snow is uncommon near the coast.
Rain (or drizzle) is frequent, and days are often cloudy and damp.
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings gradually warming temperatures and lengthening daylight. Rain continues to be common, but as the season progresses you’ll start seeing more comfortable days with occasional sunshine - a nice time to explore before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is typically the best time to visit. Daytime temperatures generally range from 10 °C to 20 °C and can sometimes rise higher.
This is peak tourist season: longer daylight hours make it ideal for sightseeing and exploring fjords.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn brings cooler air and increasing rainfall as the city moves toward winter. Temperatures drop gradually and the weather becomes more unpredictable. Rain remains frequent.
Things to do in the port
Paid / Extra-cost excursions & experiences
Bergen: Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen
Fløibanen is Bergen’s famous funicular that whisks you from the city centre up to Mount Fløyen in just a few minutes, for cracking views over the harbour and rooftops. It’s an easy win on a port day because you get the “wow” viewpoint without a big hike, and once you’re at the top you can either stick around for photos and a coffee or head out on one of the short walking trails. 
Ticket prices: Adult £10.29 / Child £5.15 
Bergen: The Original Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen
This round-trip boat cruise takes you from Bergen’s Fish Market area (Torget 2/Zachariasbryggen) into the Osterfjord and right through the narrow Mostraumen strait, where the scenery gets properly dramatic, with steep mountainsides and waterfalls (often close enough to feel the spray). It’s around 3.5 hours, with indoor seating if it’s chilly plus deck space for photos, and an audio guide onboard.
Ticket prices: Adult £62.48 / Child £30.87
Bergen: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket (Gray Line)
This 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus is an easy way to get around Bergen and tick off the big sights at your own pace, with 13 stops including Bryggen, the Fish Market, Bergen Aquarium and the Fløibanen funicular area. Your ticket starts from the first time you scan it, and you’ll get a multilingual audio guide, free onboard Wi-Fi, plus a few local discount offers included.
Ticket prices: Adult £32.77 / Child £19.86
Bergen: Past & Present Small Group Guided Walking Tour
This small-group walk is a brilliant way to get your bearings in Bergen, mixing the big hitters like Bergenhus Fortress and Bryggen with quieter backstreets and local-life stories you’d miss on your own. It’s about 2 hours with an authorised local guide, and you’ll come away with loads of handy tips for where to eat, what to do next, and a much better feel for the city beyond the obvious photo spots. 
Ticket prices: Adult £23.58 / Child £18.43 
Free or low-cost activities
Explore the historic wooden wharf area of Bryggen - walking among its narrow alleys and colourful timbered houses feels like stepping back in time. It’s a UNESCO-linked heritage area with a rich merchant history.
Visit Nordnes Park and stroll out to the seawater baths at Nordnes Sjøbad - a relaxed way to enjoy the sea-side atmosphere without spending much.
Walk around the city centre - Bergen is compact and many of its highlights (harbour, fish market, waterfront views, old streets) are within a 15–30 minute walk of the port docks.
The perfect one-day plan
If you only have one day in Bergen:
Dock in the morning (likely at central port) and start with a walk down to Bryggen to soak up the historic harbour-front atmosphere.
Grab a coffee or light lunch near the waterfront or fish market.
Take the cable car up to Ulriken (or similar viewpoint) for sweeping views over the city and fjords.
After descent, stroll through Nordnes Park or wander the old city centre and waterfront for photos and local charm.
In the afternoon, hop on a short fjord cruise from the city to catch mountain and fjord views from the water. Wrap up with dinner near the harbour before heading back to the ship.
Bergen Practical information
Where do cruise ships dock?
Most cruise ships dock at the central Skolten Cruise Terminal (Vågen Harbor), which is a short 5–15 minute walk from Bryggen.
Some larger vessels may dock at docks slightly further out, such as Dokken Port or alternative industrial docks, with shuttle buses provided if needed.
Facilities at the port
The Port of Bergen is well-equipped: it can handle multiple cruise ships at once and offers a modern shore-power facility, allowing ships to run on electricity rather than engines while docked (a nod to sustainability).
Because the port is central, most major attractions, waterfront, shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance from the terminals.
Bergen Cruise Port FAQ
What time zone is Bergen in?
Bergen is in the Central European Time zone (CET / UTC +1; +2 during summer daylight-saving).
What is the currency in Bergen?
The currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
Is it best to take cash, use card or a bit of both?
Cards are widely accepted in Bergen - credit/debit cards are good for most shops, restaurants and excursions. It may still be handy to carry a small amount of cash (NOK) for markets or a few small purchases, but you won’t need lots of cash.
Best time to visit?
Summer (June to August) offers the mildest weather, long daylight and good conditions for sightseeing and excursions. Spring and early autumn can also be pleasant if you prefer fewer crowds, though rain is often more frequent.
How to get around Bergen?
Most central attractions are within walking distance from the port. For longer trips or to reach hills/mountains or outlying areas, there are local buses or organised excursions.
Is Bergen suitable for those with an accessibility issue?
The central harbour area and many attractions (waterfront, old town, Bryggen, main promenades) are relatively easy to reach on foot or with mobility aids. Some excursions or boat tours may have limitations - it’s worth checking with tour operators ahead of time.
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