Bergen city at sunset

4 min read

Published 02. April 2025

By Vibeke Montero

City break in Bergen – with a fjordside escape

Bergen is great. In fact, ask any bergenser (as people from Bergen are called), and they will tell you that their city is the best. In the world. But wait, there’s more! Why not supercharge your Norwegian adventure with a dreamy fjord side escape?

You may already have heard about the Bergen fish market where the seafood is so fresh, it still remembers the ocean. You may even have heard about Ulriken, the towering peak which promises a 360-degree masterpiece view?

And then there is Bryggen– the Beyoncé of Bergen’s attractions – undisputed and iconic. This UNESCO-listed waterfront, with its wooden houses in deep reds, mustards and ochres, leans ever so slightly, as if it’s had one too many aquavits. Yet, Bryggen is not a relic, but a living, breathing piece of history that’s been standing tall since the Middle Ages.

Vågen marina in centre of Bergen

City break tours to remember

Bergen is all that, and so much more, and we are super excited to let you in on a little secret. Our city break in Bergen comes with a plot twist: You can choose to add a night in one of the following coastal gems: Bekkjarvik, Balestrand or Skjerjehamn. These city break tours serve up fjordside tranquility and will make you feel that you’ve been swept away to a secret, Norwegian fairytale.

Fjord boat from Norled departing from Bergen

Bekkjarvik: Where coastal charm meets world-class cuisine

You know those places that people “discover” and then won’t shut up about? Well, Bekkjarvik is one of those.

– Foreign tourists are often completely captivated when they arrive in Bekkjarvik for the first time. Many describe it as stepping straight into a postcard - the charming little fishing village with white houses lining the quay, boats swaying lazily on the water, and the crisp sea air make a lasting impression. Guests love how authentic and untouched the place feels, as if they’ve discovered a hidden gem far away from the tourist crowds.

Chalotte Enge, commercial co-ordinator at Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri.
Bekkjarvik guesthouse at Austevoll

If Bekkjarvik wasn’t already charming enough, it went ahead and gave us Beckerwyc House, a boutique hotel with sweeping views of the water and the very definition of seaside sophistication.

The hotel’s restaurant Mirabelle is run by Ørjan Johannessen, a Bocuse d’Or-winning chef (which, if you’re not fluent in foodie, basically means Michelin-level magic). Here, seafood is treated like royalty and plated to perfection. This isn’t just dinner; it’s the kind of experience that makes you consider writing a love letter to the chef.

And between you and us – if you’re looking for exclusive dining in Bergen, you may as well come straight here. Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri is another culinary experience disguised as an overnight stay.

This 17th-century guesthouse is run by the Johannessen family, and from the moment you step inside, you instantly feel at home. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh bread wafting from the kitchen? Or perhaps it’s the beautifully restored furnishings and the cozy, yet elegant rooms where you wake up to a symphony of seagulls?

Photo by Mathias Falcone | Visit Bergen

Ørjan Johannessen in front of Bekkjarvik Gjestegiveri

– This is where people gather, both locals and guests, to enjoy wonderful food, great conversation and genuine hospitality. Without Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri, the town would probably have been a much quieter place, but today it’s a place where people come for experiences they will never forget – and we are incredibly proud of that!

Chalotte Enge, commercial co-ordinator at Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri.
lots of people in front of Bekkjarvik Gjestegiveri

Don’t say we didn’t warn you: You’ll come here thinking it’s just a quick coastal stop, but you may find yourself checking local real estate listings before you leave. It’s that kind of place.

Drone view of Bekkjarvik marina at Austevoll

Balestrand: Fjordside stunner with Wes Anderson vibes

When you think Norway can’t possibly get any more stunning, you arrive in Balestrand, where the mountains are steeper, the water is bluer, and the air is so crisp, you’ll want to bottle it and take it home.

If Norwegian fjord towns had a VIP list, Balestrand would be sitting smugly at the top, sipping something fancy. After all, this little town has been wowing visitors since the early 1800s. Back then, European artists, writers, and royalty showed up, took one look at the dramatic scenery and glassy waters, and collectively decided, yeah, this is the spot. And honestly? They weren’t wrong.

The picturesque Balestrand in Sognefjord

These days, Balestrand maintains the same laid-back elegance, blending old-world charm with just the right touch of fjordside luxury.

Want history? You’ve got it. The legendary Kviknes Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1877, and they won the esteemed award for “Best Historic Resort Worldwide” in 2024.

Stepping inside feels like entering a Wes Anderson universe with his fondness for symmetry, vibrant colours and vintage aesthetics. The fjord views right outside the windows are so surreal you’ll be excused for thinking they’re photoshopped.

fjord side view of Kviknes Hotel

But let’s be honest: the real star of the show here is nature, and what better way to enjoy it than to immerse yourself in it? Whether you’re hiking to a panoramic lookout, kayaking on the majestic fjord, or just sitting by the water enjoying the absence of noise pollution,

Balestrand makes every moment feel cinematic. It may be a small place with only just over 800 people living here, but it’s got big energy.

Photo by Peter Forsund | Balestrand Adventure

Stunning fjord landscape in the Sognefjord

Oh, and we almost forgot, but here’s a saying in Norway that goes something like this: “A hero can’t function without food and drink”, and when you’re in Balestrand you’re sure to feel heroic when you taste the locally produced juices and ciders.

The unique terroir is present in every sip, and you’ll quickly realize that the historic orchards don’t just grow fruit – they produce liquid gold. And the best part? You’re realizing this while taking in the breathtaking views of the Sognefjord, a.k.a the “King of fjords”.

Photo by Balestrand Adventures

Blossoming apple trees in Balestrand

Skjerjehamn: From fishing powerhouse to under the radar glow-up

Let’s leave it to the locals to get the pronunciation right on this one, shall we? Skjerjehamn is bit of a tongue twister, if we say so ourselves. But never mind, you’re not here to refine your language skills. You’re here to enjoy your vacation, and on this tiny island you’ll indulge in what was once the salty, sea-sprayed heart of Norway’s fishing industry.

The general store at Skjerjehamn

Skjerjehamn was where rugged sailors made their fortune, and the whole place had a distinctive smell of salt and ambition. Fast forward to today? Let’s just say this place has had a serious glow-up. Gone are the days of frantic trading – now, this exclusive slice of Norwegian paradise has reinvented itself for a more stylish gig.

The old trading post and wooden harbour buildings have been transformed into a charming, effortlessly cool retreat, where you can feast on fresh seafood, wander through art installations, or just lounge by the fjord as if you own the place.

And who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive white-tailed eagle – nature’s own version of royalty.

the old and venerable Swiss villa at Skjerjehamn

You’ll also get to immerse yourself in the local fishing know-how, as the locals here have been perfecting the art of aquaculture for generations.

This isn’t your average “fish-and-chips” experience, but an opportunity to get behind the scenes to see how it all works – from the hatcheries (yes, baby fish!) to the big floating pens where top-tier salmon and sea trout are raised. You’ll walk away with some serious appreciation for the sustainable side of fish farming.

Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Maverix Media | Visit Norway

man holding a fish at Fisketorget in Bergen

And let’s talk about that statue of King Olav V – because ignoring it would be impossible. Skjerjehamn has a giant royal figure standing tall over the sea, like the watchful lighthouse of Norwegian nobility. It’s dramatic. It’s iconic. And let’s be real, it makes for one of the best Instagram moments you’ll find on your trip.

King Olav V monument at Skjerjehamn

Back to Bergen for the grand finale

After frolicking through Norway’s fjordside city break tours, it’s time to trade in your hiking boots for something a little sleeker and dive headfirst back into Bergen’s urban charms. And honestly, the contrast couldn’t be better: you’ve soaked up postcard-perfect landscapes and the soul-soothing quiet of coastal gems. Now, let’s turn the volume back up.

Maybe you’ll dance the night away, channelling your inner Viking (minus the axe, of course). Or perhaps you’ll swap the dance floor for a Michelin-starred feast. Feeling artsy? Indulge in culture at KODE’s galleries, where you can even get up close with Munch originals.

Bergen ties it all together with that effortlessly cool Nordic vibe, where the twinkling waterfront practically begs for one last toast to your epic adventure. Skål to that!

Fjord boat in Bergen harbor

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