Exploring Bergen
Welcome to Bergen, Norway, a charming and vibrant coastal city surrounded by seven stunning mountains and breathtaking fjords. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Bergen offers visitors a wealth of activities and attractions, from hiking and skiing to exploring its picturesque historic district and sampling its delicious seafood and traditional Norwegian cuisine.
In this blog post, we'll dive into all the best things to see, do, eat and of course the best Spa Hotels for your relaxation in Bergen, from the city's top-rated tourist spots to its hidden gems and underrated attractions. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Bergen enthusiast, this guide is the ultimate resource for planning your perfect Bergen itinerary. So grab your hiking boots, your appetite, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover all that Bergen has to offer!
01.
Hotel Norge by Scandic
This is the only hotel in Bergen that, according to our opinion, is worth mentioning. However, we have also included a few other options outside of Bergen for your consideration.
This hotel is feel-good oasis that offers a very unusual ambience and a friendly, colorful room. The comfortable bed and excellent location make for an upmarket stay.
The spa and wellness area include a very nice pool with steam and sauna rooms, as well as a great gym. Visitors will find the spa facilities to be very clean, and there are plenty of extra facilities to enjoy, including breakfast.
Although massages can book quickly, the massages are known to be wonderful and perfect for relieving sore muscles. Overall, this spa offers a wonderful experience, leaving guests feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
This hotel is 150m away from the city center.
Wellness Facilities
Locker rooms
Fitness
Spa lounge/Relaxation area
Steam room
Spa
Fitness center
Sauna
02.
Panorama Rorbusuiter
Are you seeking a relaxing spa experience surrounded by nature, Panorama Rorbusuiter offers a fantastic location about 45km from Bergen. Here you can enjoy the fantastic view and surroundings, making it the perfect escape from the city life.
The luxury apartment in a fisherman's cabin provides comfortable accommodations, while the spa and wellness center offers a range of facilities, including a hot tub and sauna, to help you unwind. Additionally, the area provides opportunities for activities such as cycling and fishing, and the accommodations even offer a private beach area.
This hotel is 45km away from the city Bergen.
Wellness Facilities
Locker rooms
Full-body massage
Neck massage
Back massage
Spa facilities
Open-air bath
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Massage
Spa
Sauna
03.
Hotel Ullensvang
Located along Hardanger Fjord, this waterfront hotel offers breathtaking views of Folgefonna Glacier and a private beach area for you to enjoy. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a fitness center, hot tub, indoor tennis court, and row boats for you to use at your leisure.
Additionally, the Hardangervidda Nature Center in Eidfjord and the Vøringsfossen Waterfall are only a short drive away. The hotel offers plenty of facilities, including paddle boats and room for kids to play, making it perfect for families.
The spa is an extra benefit, with an extensive selection of treatments to help you relax and unwind. The hotel also boasts great sports facilities, including tennis and squash courts, as well as numerous fantastic lounges to relax in.
The observatory/tower is awesome, and the heated outdoor pool is absolutely great, especially at night with the stars and fjord in the background. The staff are fantastic and the location is beautiful, making your stay at Ullensvang Hotel unforgettable.
This hotel is 162km away from the city Bergen.
Wellness Facilities
5 heated swimming pools
Locker rooms
Foot bath
Spa lounge/Relaxation area
Beach chairs/Loungers
Open-air bath
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Spa
Fitness center
Sauna
04.
Storestølen Fjellhotell
This property overlooking Lake Strandavatnet and the Hallingskarvet Mountain range is the perfect destination for you. With rooms and apartments featuring modern furnishings and scenic views, you can enjoy a memorable stay in the Norwegian countryside.
The property also offers sauna and massage services upon request for extra pampering. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the nearby Hallingskarvet Ski Center, cross-country trails, and common area activities such as hiking, fishing, and cycling.
Næreøy Fjord is also just a short drive away. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled vacation, this location has it all. Don't miss out on the opportunity to relax in the sauna and take in the superb views of the mountains.
This hotel is 234km away from the city Bergen.
Wellness Facilities
Yoga classes
Fitness
Full-body massage
Foot massage
Neck massage
Back massage
Spa/Wellness packages
Foot bath
Spa facilities
Open-air bath
Massage
Spa
Sauna
Some cool tips you should know
01.
Bergen is a historical city
Bergen has a rich history and cultural heritage dating back over 900 years. As a key center for trade and commerce during the Middle Ages, Bergen was an important hub for the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading alliance that dominated Northern Europe.
Bergen was founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre and was the capital of Norway until 1299. The city's historic waterfront, known as Bryggen, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is lined with colorful wooden houses that date back to the 14th century. These houses were used by German merchants for their offices and warehouses, and many of them have been converted into museums, shops, and restaurants.
The Bergen Kunstmuseum is one of the largest art museums in Scandinavia and has a collection of over 10,000 works of art, including pieces by Norwegian artists like Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup. Other museums in Bergen include the Hanseatic Museum, which provides a glimpse into the daily life of the Hanseatic merchants, and the Bergen Maritime Museum, which showcases the city's maritime history.
The Bergen International Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Norway and features music, theater, dance, and art from around the world. The Bergen Food Festival is a celebration of local cuisine and features food and drink from the region, while the Bergen International Film Festival showcases the best in international cinema.
02.
Gothenburg is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery
Each of the mountains has its own unique features, including hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and historic sites. Mount Fløyen is perhaps the most popular mountain for visitors, and can be reached by a funicular railway that departs from the city center.
The ride up the mountain offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding fjords, and visitors can explore the hiking trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain. At the summit of Mount Fløyen, there are several viewpoints, cafes, and souvenir shops, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
03.
Spa Culture & swedish Massage
Bergen city is surrounded by mountains offering a unique hiking experience that's perfect for all fitness levels. Whether you're climbing to the top of Mount Fløyen, taking on the challenge of Mount Ulriken, or exploring the trails of Mount Sandviken, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and the stunning fjords beyond.
And when you're ready to cool off, why not take a dip in fjord or one of Bergen's many indoor or outdoor swimming pools, or rent a bike and explore the city's picturesque waterfront at your own pace?
If you're feeling more adventurous, take to the waters with a rented kayak, canoe or paddle boat, and discover the beauty of Bergen's stunning coastline. And during the winter months, skiing is a must-do activity in Bergen, with several ski resorts located in the surrounding mountains.
After a long day of exploring, why not unwind with a yoga, meditation in nature or take a fitness class at one of Bergen's many studios? The Bergen for adventure and relaxation is waiting for you!
04.
Bergen's cuisine inspired by nature
Bergen's cuisine is a reflection of its coastal location and rich cultural heritage, making it a food lover's paradise. Seafood, in particular, is a staple in Bergen's culinary scene, and the city's fish markets are a must-visit for anyone looking to sample some of the freshest and most delicious seafood around.
The Bergen Fish Market, located in the heart of the city, offers a wide variety of seafood delicacies, including salmon, cod, shrimp, and lobster, among others. Many restaurants in Bergen also specialize in seafood, and visitors can choose from a variety of dining experiences, ranging from casual fish and chips spots to upscale seafood restaurants.
But Bergen's cuisine is not just limited to seafood - traditional Norwegian dishes such as meatballs, potato dumplings, and flatbread can also be found in many of the city's restaurants. For a truly unique dining experience, visitors can try a traditional Norwegian meal at one of Bergen's many historic wooden buildings, such as Bryggeloftet & Stuene or Enhjørningen, both of which offer a cozy and authentic atmosphere to enjoy a delicious meal.
One of the most underrated facts about Bergen is that it has been designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy
This makes it one of only a handful of cities worldwide with this prestigious title. This recognition is due to Bergen's rich culinary heritage, which combines traditional Norwegian cuisine with modern gastronomic trends.
The city's focus on local and sustainable food production, as well as its vibrant food culture and numerous food festivals, has contributed to its status as a culinary hub in Scandinavia. Despite this impressive designation, Bergen's gastronomic scene is often overshadowed by its natural beauty and cultural attractions.