There are few places in Europe that blend dramatic natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and modern Scandinavian charm quite like Bergen.
With Jet2 City Breaks offering direct weekend flights from Manchester Airport, escaping to Norway’s fjord capital has never been easier.
In just a couple of hours, you can swap the everyday routine for mountain views, fresh Nordic air, and a city that feels both intimate and adventurous.
Firstly. Pick up a Bergen 72-hour card
Before setting off, it’s worth picking up a Bergen card, which gives you access to many of the city’s attractions as well as unlimited travel on the Bergen Light Rail. I opted for a 72-hour pass to cover the whole long weekend.
The light rail conveniently connects the airport to the city centre, making your arrival smooth and stress‑free.
Stay at the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen
Your home for the weekend is the welcoming and stylish Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen, perfectly positioned near Bryggen and the harbour.
Its cosy Scandinavian design and generous breakfast spread make it an ideal base for exploring everything Bergen has to offer.
Take the Ulriken Cable Car to the top of Bergen
Once you’re settled in, Bergen invites you to explore its mountains, museums, and vibrant food scene.
One of the best ways to begin is by taking the Ulriken Cable Car, which glides up to the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains.
As you ascend, the city unfolds beneath you, revealing a patchwork of colourful houses, deep blue fjords, and forested peaks.
At the summit, you’ll find Skyskraperen, a restaurant perched high above the city.
Whether you stop for a coffee or a full meal, the panoramic views make the experience memorable.
Visit Fantoft Stave Church
A short journey from the city centre brings you to Fantoft Stave Church, a striking reconstruction of a medieval wooden church that feels like something out of a Nordic folktale.
The church structure was first built in 1170 and later moved to Fantoft in 1883. Fantoft Stave Church has since been rebuilt to its former state due to the 1992 fire.
Its dark timber exterior and peaceful forest surroundings create a serene contrast to the city’s bustle.
Bergen guided cycling tour
Back in Bergen, a guided cycling tour offers a fun and active way to explore the city’s neighbourhoods.
Pedalling through historic streets, waterfront paths, and local districts gives you a deeper sense of Bergen’s character and everyday life.
When hunger strikes, you’ll find plenty of local favourites to try.
Bergen offers a legendary hot dog at TREKRONEREN
TREKRONEREN is beloved for its hearty hot dogs, perfect for a quick bite between activities, while Allmuen Bistro offers creative dishes inspired by local ingredients and global flavours. This is a local favourite spot.
Day trip to Hardanger Fjord
No trip to western Norway would be complete without venturing into the fjords, and a day trip to Hardanger Fjord with Fjord Norway is an unforgettable highlight.
The journey itself is scenic, winding through valleys and along shimmering water, but the stops along the way make it truly special.
One of the first is Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall famous for the path that leads behind the cascading water, allowing you to experience its power up close without getting soaked.
From there, the route continues to the Hardanger Juice and Cider Factory, where you can learn about the region’s long tradition of fruit farming.
The surrounding orchards thrive in the mild fjord climate, and the factory produces a range of juices and ciders that reflect the landscape’s flavours.
Nearby, Syse Gard in Ulvik offers a glimpse into life on a family-run farm, where generations have cultivated fruit and produced artisanal goods.
Lunch at Brakanes Hotel is a peaceful interlude, with views stretching across the fjord as you enjoy a meal made with local ingredients.
Afterwards, the adventure picks up again with a scenic RIB safari on the Hardanger Fjord.
Skimming across the water at high speed, surrounded by towering mountains and dramatic cliffs, is an exhilarating way to experience the fjord’s scale and beauty.
The journey also takes you near the impressive Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, which spans the fjord with elegant engineering.
Sauna boat session on Bergen Harbour
After a full day of fjord exploration, the next morning offers a chance to experience Bergen from a different perspective.
Starting the day with a sauna boat session in Bergen Harbour is a uniquely Nordic ritual.
As the warmth of the sauna contrasts with the cool sea air, you can relax, unwind, and enjoy views of the harbour from the water.
Bryggen, Bergen’s UNESCO‑listed old wharf
Once refreshed, it’s time to wander through Bryggen, Bergen’s UNESCO‑listed old wharf.
The colourful wooden buildings, narrow alleyways, and centuries-old architecture tell the story of the city’s Hanseatic past.
It’s a place where history feels alive, and every corner reveals something new.
Taste of Bergen Food Tour
To truly get to know Bergen, joining the A Taste of Bergen Food Tour is a delicious way to explore the city’s culinary scene.
The tour introduces you to local flavours and passionate producers, with stops that might include Fish Me, where fresh seafood is the star, or Dogtails, known for its creative dishes and lively atmosphere.
At Fjåk Chocolate Café, you can sample award-winning Norwegian craft chocolate, while Siderbar Bergen offers a cosy spot to learn about the region’s cider traditions.
Visit the ice bar at Magic Ice
For something a little different, Magic Ice provides a playful detour into a world of ice sculptures and frosty artistry.
It’s a fun and quirky experience that adds a touch of whimsy to your day.
Head to the top of Mount Fløyen by the Fløibanen funicular
As the afternoon unfolds, the Fløibanen funicular offers another chance to see Bergen from above.
The ride to the top of Mount Fløyen is quick and scenic, and the views from the summit are spectacular.
Whether you choose to explore the walking trails, visit the mountain’s friendly resident goats, or simply take in the panorama, it’s a must‑see part of any Bergen visit.
Don’t miss out on the Mount Fløyen lake hike, follow the signs saying: “Skomakerdiket”, it’s an easy walk around the lake and a lovely addition to your Mount Fløyen trip.
If you’re in the mood for a meal with a view, Fløirestauranten offers a beautiful setting for dining on the mountain.
Dine at Bryggen Tracteursted for traditional Norwegian dishes
Back down in the historic district, Bryggen Tracteursted provides a charming place to end the day.
With its traditional Norwegian dishes and warm atmosphere, it’s a fitting finale to a weekend filled with discovery, flavour, and unforgettable scenery.
I highly recommend the rinder tartar, it was delicious.
Make sure you book your Jet2 City Break to Bergen
A Jet2 City Break to Bergen offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
From mountaintop views and fjord safaris to historic streets and Nordic cuisine, every moment feels refreshing and inspiring.
Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural depth, or simply a change of pace, Bergen delivers a weekend escape that lingers long after you return home.
Thank you for reading my blog post about Bergen
Thank you for visiting my blog and reading about my city break to Bergen with Jet2.
I hope you enjoyed the read and found all the information useful towards your own trip planning.
Have a wonderful trip to Bergen, Norway and be sure to check out Jet2 City Breaks.
This article was put together in collaboration with Jet2 and Visit Bergen.
