Bergen Priorities

For in-town (faster) options, I liked the KODE art museums in Bergen. I also spent considerable time just wandering around, admiring the nice architecture.

I went out to the Fantoft Stave Church. It's very attractive but is a total rebuild following an arson attack. Still definitely worthwhile if you have no other opportunities to see a stave church, but it also takes quite a while to visit. It's a considerable ride on the Bybanen light-rail system, heading toward the airport. Then there's a significant walk uphill to the church.

I unfortunately didn't have enough time to get out to the Grieg house, but I think that also involves a good bit of travel time. A concert out there seems as if it would be a good experience.

If you are interested in Grieg's home, Troldhaugen, I can recommend the easy bus tour sponsored by KODE art museum. We did this July 2023. https://www.kodebergen.no/en/whats-happening/concerts/summer-concerts-at-troldhaugen

The tour provides comfortable bus transport from the KODE museums (centrally located) to Troldhaugen and the concert (if in season). There is sufficient time to see the home, walk the grounds, then attend the concert. The ticket also provides admission to the KODE museums. We had time to visit these after returning on the tour bus.

The concert was much better than I had expected. I assumed that this would be a "tourist" concert perhaps featuring conservatory students. I was happy to be wrong - we heard a fine, young but well established pianist with impressive credentials. Definitely much higher level than I anticipated. I did buy tickets in advance. The bus tour was not full, but the concert venue was sold out.

If the timing doesn't work or you aren't interested, I can also recommend the Floibanen funicular for views and hiking if you enjoy that, or wandering the older wharf area of Bergen. Both suggested above.

We enjoyed the tour of Schøtstuene museum (Hanseatic Assembly rooms) that included a guided walk through the old wharf area. It was under construction last summer - I don't know current status. We initially walked through the Assembly Rooms solo. I'm glad we waited for the English language tour. I missed understanding a lot with our own wandering.

Bergen is an attraction itself. So walking around and getting impressions is a good idea. So is Mt. Floyen with Floibanen.

Fish is must have in Bergen. At Fisketorget you will find a rich selection of various seafoods. The Fjellskål Sjømatrestaurant is over-prized due to location but the fish tastes really good. My mother and me liked it.

I would highly recommend the Bryggen Museum right on the waterfront. https://bymuseet.no/museum/lepramuseet/ In summer they have walking tours that include highlights of the museum and the historic buildings nearby.