Bergen: Day Trips and Tours from Oslo

Home to some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes, Bergen is a must-visit destination whether you’re a history lover or nature enthusiast. One of the best ways to take in the scenic views and explore the city itself is via day trips to Bergen from Oslo. Whether you travel via road, water or rail, it will be a journey of a lifetime!

Here's all you need to know about Bergen, one of the most picturesque day trips from Oslo.

How to get to Bergen from Oslo?

Bergen is found along Norway’s southwestern coast. Surrounded by the Seven Mountains and overlooking the North Sea, it’s a popular destination attracting over 7 million visitors each year.

From Oslo to Bergen by car

When traveling by car, there are three main routes you can follow from Oslo to Bergen.

The first route is via Hardangervidda and it is considered by VisitBergen as one of the most beautiful journeys in all of Norway. It typically takes around 7 hours and includes plenty of attractions along the way – including the free-fall waterfall Vøringsfossen in Eidfjord.

The second route is taken via Aurlandsfjellet and should take no more than 7.5 hours. This journey will take you close to Sgnefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

The final option for those driving is via Haukeli. Taking the longest of all three routes at 8 hours, you’ll get the chance to see Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second largest fjord, and catch a glimpse of a glacier known as Folgefonna.

From Oslo to Bergen by train

There is a direct train journey available from Oslo to Bergen. Operated by Vy, it travels through some of Norway’s most scenic landscapes. The duration can vary, but usually it takes between 6 and 7 hours.

Guided tour to Bergen from Oslo

Guided tours are one of the best ways to enjoy day trips to Bergen. You won’t have to worry about getting to a train station or having to get to grips with driving abroad. Many guided tours offer pickup and drop-off from your hotel. Plus, you’ll have an expert guide showing you all the best, and hidden, attractions along the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

Although each guided tour is different in its exact itinerary, most day trips to Bergen from Oslo typically offer either hotel pickup or collection from a central location in the city. Depending on which tour you pick, you will travel via train, ferry, car or a combination of transport options.

Some tours offer stop-offs at one of the many stunning locations found between Oslo and Bergen such as Sognefjord or a traditional village like Flåm. Direct tours will take around 6-7 hours to arrive at Bergen, while tours with stop-offs can range anywhere from 8 hours to several days in length.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Bergen?

Private 6-day sightseeing city tour to Bergen from Oslo

For an in-depth look into the sights of both Oslo and Bergen, there’s no better option than a 6-day private tour across both cities.

The first two days will involve exploring Oslo with your private guide, including a visit to Oslo Cathedral. Your third day will include a scenic train journey to Bergen and a private transfer to your hotel. During day four you can expect to visit Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and other key areas in Bergen with your private guide. It’s back on the train on day five as you return to Oslo. Your final day will include a transfer from your hotel to the airport as you head home.

Scenic private 1-way road trip via Flåm & the Fjords

Take in the main sights between Oslo and Bergen on a scenic private road trip. With room for up to five guests, this 11-hour trip offers hotel pickup and drop-off, starting at 7:30 AM.

The journey will begin with a scenic drive out of Oslo over mountains as you head west toward the fjords of the west coast. Your first stop will be at the small mountain village of Vang, a paradise for landscape photographers.

Before long you’ll arrive in Flåm, another small village, famous for its Flåmsbana Railway. For an added fee you can take the Flåmsbana train across to Voss, where your guide will meet you. After taking in all the incredible scenes, your driver will take you straight to your hotel in Bergen for a well-deserved night’s rest.

1-way private trip to Bergen with optional cruise

Famed for its fjords, when visiting Norway it is well worth seeing these bodies of water up close with a cruise. A 1-way private trip to Bergen with an option to take a cruise along the Nærøyfjord is the perfect way to reach Bergen and visit a UNESCO site.

Meeting at the Oslo Opera House (or a hotel pickup for an additional cost) your journey will begin at 7 AM. Up to 8 people can join this private tour and it will take approximately 11 hours from start to finish.

With a scenic drive to start the day, your driver will guide you to the village of Flåm where you can choose to board one of the boat tours that cross Nærøyfjord, an additional fee required. Alternatively, you can choose to take the world-famous Flåmsbana train for equally scenic views, additional fee is also required.

Your guide will then finish your trip by driving you safely to the Bergen Fish Market, just a stone’s throw from all central hotels in the city.

Self-guided trip to Bergen from Oslo

If you prefer to take things at your own pace, a self-guided trip to Bergen from Oslo is a great way to explore the region. A self-guided tour takes the hassle out of organizing individual activities, with everything included in the price.

You’ll board a train from Oslo’s train station where you can watch the city views disappear and quickly be replaced by majestic mountain scenes. You’ll later travel on the famous Flåmsbana train, enjoy a cruise across Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and if traveling between May and September, take a bus journey over the mountains.

Private transfer to Bergen from Oslo

Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple or in a group, a private transfer is a hassle-free way to enjoy a trip to Bergen from Oslo. Your English-speaking driver will meet you in an air-conditioned vehicle at your desired location any time from 12 AM to 11:30 PM.

The journey will take around 6-7 hours and your driver will be available to answer any questions you may have about Bergen and the surrounding areas.

How much does a day trip to Bergen from Oslo cost?

A 1-way private trip to Bergen with an optional cruise typically costs NOK3,600 (US$322). The price includes a driver and suitable vehicle, Wi-Fi onboard and one large suitcase per traveler.

For NOK4,300 (US$322) you can take a self-guided tour that includes your train tickets, admission to Nærøyfjord, a fjord cruise and if traveling between May and September, bus tickets.

A scenic private 1-way road trip via Flåm & the Fjords will cost NOK8,800 (US$788). A hotel pickup and drop-off, private driver, WiFi, petrol and road tolls are included in the price.

It’s important to note that due to Norwegian legislation, the tour includes a payment for an overnight stay in a tent on the remote island of Osterfjord. You do not need to use this, as it is required to meet old Norgewian transport law. However, if you would like to stay in the tent as part of your tour, highlight this when booking and it will be arranged.

The private transfer to Bergen from Oslo trip will cost approximately NOK9,351 (US$833). For this, you will receive a suitable vehicle (sedan, MPV or van), depending on how many are traveling. Bottled water will be provided and a qualified local English-speaking driver will be able to answer any of your questions.

A 6-day private sightseeing tour for both Oslo and Bergen costs NOK19,435 (US$1,732). This includes private car transport (including airport pick-up/drop-off), 5 nights hotel accommodation with full breakfast, 2nd class train tickets and an English-speaking guide.

What will you see and do?

There are plenty of activities and sights to see when visiting Bergen, even if you’re just visiting for the day. Here are some of the highlights you can expect to enjoy!

Bryggen

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, the Bryggen area is one of Bergen's most iconic landmarks. These colorful buildings can be found on the eastern side of the Vågen harbor, dating back to the Hanseatic period in the 14th century.

Bergenhus Fortress

Constructed in the 1240s under the reign of King Håkon Håkonsson, Bergenhus Fortress has survived many fires over its lifetime and today is open to the public. With one of the best viewpoints overlooking Bergen and the Seven Mountains, it’s a must-visit all year round.

Fløyen Mountain

One of the Seven Mountains surrounding Bergen, Fløyen is easily accessible directly from the city center. A cable car will take you right to the top of the mountain in just 6 minutes. After disembarking you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, take one of the many walking tours and even zipline across the trees.

Gamle Bergen Museum

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Bergen, the Gamle Bergen Museum should be top of your itinerary. The open-air museum is a historical recreation of Bergen as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries. Including preserved wooden buildings and costumed actors, you’ll get a real sense of what life was like centuries ago.

When is the best time to visit Bergen?

The best time to visit Bergen is between mid-May and late August when the weather is warmest and the days are longest, ideal for fjord tours and the Bergen International Festival, despite the city's reputation for rain.

For those who prefer fewer tourists and don't mind cooler temperatures, early fall offers stunning autumnal colors, while winter presents a quieter, albeit darker and wetter season, suitable for winter sports enthusiasts. Springtime sees the city come to life after the cold months, though the weather can still be quite variable.

Whenever you plan to visit, packing waterproof clothing is essential due to Bergen's frequent rainfall. Keep in mind that some attractions and fjord tours may not be available outside the summer months.

Are there any tours to other cities in Norway from Oslo?

Yes, there are also day trips to Sognefjord from Oslo.

Travel tips

• Explore Bryggen. Make time to walk through the historic Hanseatic wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the Fish Market. The Bergen Fish Market is a vibrant place to see local seafood and produce.
• Ride the Fløibanen Funicular. For the best views over Bergen, take a quick ride up to Mount Fløyen.