Bergen is a truly magnificent city, and its residents are quite aware of this fact. Part of the reason is that in the early Middle Ages, Bergen served as Norway's capital for a period which somehow makes the people of Bergen believe it still is the unofficial capital of Norway. It later became a pivotal trading post within the Hanseatic League. These historical achievements, among others, have cultivated a particularly proud breed of Norwegians who regard everything associated with Oslo with a rather charming disdain.
But let's not dwell on historical trivia. I'm eager to introduce you to several (multi) day trips with Bergen as a starting point that will elevate your Norwegian journey to extraordinary heights, sometimes literally. Of course, you can just cherry-pick and design you're own day trips. These are mere suggestions!
As someone who believes that culinary experiences are fundamental to understanding a country's essence, I've included several gastronomic destinations in my recommendations too. While some locations work splendidly as day trips, I've suggested overnight stays at others, simply because they offer exceptional accommodation experiences you don't want to miss out on. Speaking from experience, each destination is absolutely worth your time.
Let me preface this by saying that hiring a car is highly advisable. The geography around Bergen is challenging, to say the least, with its abundance of fjords, ferries, tributary arms, mountains, and various other geographical features.
Having a car simply saves time and creates opportunities for spontaneous stops for cups of coffee and fresh cinnamon buns. And yes, thanks to Norway's excellent rapid charging network, you can confidently rent an electric vehicle. Now, with that out of the way, here's to the promised list.
Folgefonna National Park and Hotel Sundal: gorgeous nature and Norwegian hospitality at its finest
Many travellers are led by algorithms to believe that hiking to Trolltunga is an absolute must. Let me temper your FOMO straightaway – while it's undeniably a beautiful walk with stunning views, it's become rather overcrowded with tourists. This overshadowing means that a truly remarkable destination is often overlooked: Folgefonna National Park, which lies on the other side of Odda and is truly unparalleled in its beauty.
Glacier Walks
The area's diversity is remarkable, as are the activities available. I heartily recommend taking a guided glacier walk. I found it incredibly impressive and educational, and it served as another stark reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. Climate change is rapidly affecting Norway too, meaning your children might be among the last to witness these glaciers in their current form. Moreover, adjacent to one of the glaciers, you'll find a remarkable overnight accommodation operated by DNT, the Norwegian Tourist Association. It's an experience that's rather hard to top.
An Extended Hike
For seasoned outdoor enthusiasts keen to lace up their walking boots, there's a magnificent multi-day hike that takes you through Folgefonna National Park's most spectacular spots. This route is one of Norway's Historic Hiking Trails, a collaboration between DNT and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage, which brings ancient travel routes back to life. The selected paths offer splendid outdoor experiences combined with unique cultural heritage. Folgefonna, situated between two fjord arms in Hardanger, has been a popular tourist destination for over 200 years. The area features an unusual and special cultural monument: the Tourist Road over Folgefonna. This path was constructed to take European tourists up and across Folgefonna, allowing them to experience, as one tourist wrote in the Breidablikk cabin book in 1893, "a sleigh ride under the warm rays of the summer sun, yet surrounded by full winter."
And indeed. That's what it is. If you get lucky with the weather of course.
Norway's most idyllic hotel: Hotel Sundal
I recently discovered an absolute gem nestled along the breathtaking Hardangerfjord - Hotel Sundal. This isn't just any ordinary accommodation. With merely 11 rooms, each one has been thoughtfully curated with sophisticated design elements that perfectly complement the serene view on the Hardangerfjord you have from here.
What truly sets this place apart, though, is the divine cuisine. Would you believe that some guests claim it surpasses even Michelin-starred establishments in Bergen? The chefs work their magic with local produce - think succulent fruits from the region's orchards and those legendary locally produced apple ciders that would make any foodie weak at the knees. I've never had the pleasure of spending the night there. I accidentally drove by, got curious, walked in... and was amazed by what I saw. I very much recommend swapping at least one night in Bergen for a night at Hotel Sundal. I really do!
Rosendal: Rose Gardens, an icy blue Glacier Lake, and fine Dining on the Hardanger Fjord
Compared to Denmark and Sweden, Norway's noble class has always been rather underrepresented, which explains the relative scarcity of castles and manor houses here. The Barony in Rosendal stands as a notable exception. Founded in 1678 by Christian V, king of the Denmark-Norway Kingdom, it became a hotspot for Scandinavian nobility.
A Magnificent Rose Garden
The reason you simply must visit Rosendal now is the legendary rose garden, meticulously maintained by an army of gardeners.
You can enjoy an excellent lunch in the charming garden restaurant, where many ingredients come straight from their kitchen garden. Of course, you might prefer to simply indulge in coffee and cake. Don't expect haute cuisine here – it's the setting that's the star of the show, and it's nothing short of idyllic.
The estate regularly hosts various cultural events, with the chamber music festival in August being the absolute highlight. Having grown up with chamber music myself, and despite my current preference for jazz, classical music still holds a special, sentimental place in my heart.
Kayaking on a glacier lake
While the fjords naturally lend themselves to magnificent kayaking expeditions, did you know you can also paddle on a glacier lake? Rosendal serves as a gateway to adventures in the surrounding wilderness, including a spectacular kayaking expedition on a glacier lake. Guided by an expert, you'll spend four hours paddling towards one of Norway's most impressive glaciers. The water is a deep, mesmerising blue, and the surrounding rock formations, combined with the glacier's imposing presence, left me feeling wonderfully humble. It's truly an unparalleled experience. When you return to the shores of the Hardanger fjord, it's almost impossible to believe you were kayaking 500 metres higher just hours before.
Iris
Have you seen the film 'The Menu'? If not, I'd suggest holding off until after you've booked a table at Restaurant Iris. For some reason, I couldn't shake thoughts of the film when I first heard about this establishment. After a brief culinary introduction in a small boathouse in Rosendal, you're transported by boat to a rather futuristic floating restaurant that feels like stepping into another world entirely. It's a world-class culinary experience, and I dare say it's the finest restaurant along the entire west coast. If you have even the slightest interest in haute cuisine and might only visit Norway once in your lifetime, this is an absolute must!
Bekkjarvik and the Most Remarkable Restaurant No One Knows About
The West Coast's Best-Kept Culinary Secret
I'd wager you've never heard of Austevoll, a small municipality comprising a group of islands off Bergen's coast, just a ferry ride away. Fishing has been the primary livelihood here for generations. Not only is the coastal landscape breathtaking, but a marvellous restaurant has recently opened its doors. Restaurant Mirabelle is the brainchild of top chef Ørjan Johannessen, winner of numerous prestigious awards. This well-kept secret among Norwegians promises a sequence of beautifully presented haute-cuisine dishes. While it might be premature to say, it could well become a world-renowned establishment – but you didn't hear that from me. Moreover, you can stay overnight at the stylish Beckerwyk House, which I highly recommend to keep everything delightfully relaxed.
A free SUP board and a pop-up sauna
Austevoll is brilliant for outdoor activities. You can hire kayaks to explore the stunning coastline, and if it's your cup of tea, SUP boards are available to borrow free of charge – rather splendid, isn't it? You can also visit a fantastic sauna, which I think makes for an excellent refreshing preparation before dinner at Mirabelle. For a nice lunch, consider Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri.
Vøringsfossen: One of Norway's Most Spectacular Waterfalls, if not THE most spectacular waterfall
About two and a half hours' drive from Bergen, the road winds slowly upward from Eidfjord, a small village deep in the Hardangerfjord, towards the impressive Hardangervidda plateau. Halfway up, you'll encounter one of Norway's most spectacular waterfalls.
Vøringsfossen ranks as Norway's 83rd highest waterfall, with a total drop of 182 metres and a main drop of 163 metres. During summer months, approximately 12 cubic metres of water per second cascade down in a free fall. The setting is absolutely dramatic, with the falls plunging from the Hardangervidda plateau into the narrow, rugged Måbødalen valley, creating a striking contrast between the mountainous landscape and the thundering water.
A new pedestrian bridge opened in 2020, spanning 47 metres across the ravine with 99 steps, allowing visitors to experience the waterfall from various angles. Several viewing platforms and metal walkways have been installed to provide safe yet spectacular vantage points. I was incredibly impressed on my first visit, and terrified because I've become rather afraid of heights. You'll understand when you get there.
For this trip I recommend you to book a tour instead of driving yourself, as it includes a ton of brilliant activities on the way one can indulge in. For example a visit to the least aksessible farm in Norway, boat rides and drone video captures. Truly worth it!
A Treehouse Stay and a Michelin-Starred Restaurant in an Unlikely Location
The nearest town is Odda, a rather peculiar place with a few smoking chimneys, a Ford Focus RS rally car serving as a taxi, and an abundance of vibrantly coloured houses built in the 1950s.
A Michelin-starred dinner, while having hiking boots on (as a manner of speaking)
Given this setting, it's all the more remarkable that Buer restaurant has established itself here, or at least near Odda. The beautifully presented dishes, crafted in the spirit of New Nordic cuisine, transform your dinner into something truly special. The ingredients are, without exception, Norwegian, and more often than not local and seasonal. What I particularly appreciated about this establishment is its wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. It matters little whether you arrive in a blazer or have just descended from the mountain in your hiking gear – everyone is equally welcome. And then there's that fantastic scenery: wild-flowing rivers, an imposing glacier, and verdant fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
A Night in the Trees
After you've finished your meal at Buer, it's time to retire to your accommodation which you might as well order that Ford Focus Rally car taxi for.
You'll be sleeping at Woodnest. Picture this: four luxury treehouses suspended 5-6 metres above the forest floor, each fastened to an individual pine tree trunk. These remarkable structures are perched on the steep forested hillsides above Odda, at the southern tip of Sørfjorden. To reach them, you'll need to take a tiny bit of a 20-minute walk from the town through a winding forest path.
Designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Helen & Hard, these treehouses are crafted to resemble pine cones, accessed via small timber bridges. They're constructed from local black alder and feature a series of radial glu-laminated timber ribs. The exterior is covered with untreated natural timber shingles that weather over time, harmoniously blending with the surrounding forest.
Not your average treehouse because: high-speed WiFi, in-floor heating, and a small kitchenette. You'll find a proper bathroom with a shower and flushing toilet, while the newer "Mountaintop" treehouses even feature a bathtub and an ingenious double bed that lowers from the ceiling. Gorgeous pieces of design. Makes the heart of a former interior designer (me), go 'boom'!
The World's Finest Apple Ciders on the Banks of the Hardangerfjord: A Three-Day Nautical Adventure
What champagne is to France and sake to Japan, apple cider is to Norway. In fact, it's a protected designation of origin. It should come as no surprise, then, that it's absolutely worth embarking on a three-day nautical adventure to explore this remarkable cider region.
Your journey begins in Norheimsund, where you'll board Mathilde, a sailing vessel built in 1884. On board, you'll gain practical knowledge of seamanship and fascinating insights into Norway's maritime history. Enjoy a delightful dinner while sailing into the Hardangerfjord. By evening, you'll arrive at Aga, where Mathilde moors for the night.
The day begins with a splendid breakfast on deck, framed by the magnificent fjord. Then you'll visit Agatunet – an authentic medieval farmstead that offers insights into the region's history and Norway's heritage. One of the highlights is Lagmannsstova, the country's oldest courthouse, built way back in 1220. After Agatunet, you'll enjoy a tour and tasting at Aga Sideri, renowned for their award-winning ciders. Combine your cider tasting with a flavourful lunch platter, filled with traditional fare and first-class ingredients from Hardanger – served in the farm's tasting room.
Around 2 pm, you'll be transported by bus to the iconic Utne Hotel, where you'll check into one of the historical rooms. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please – take a walk in the beautiful landscape, lose yourself in a book, enjoy a refreshing fjord swim, indulge in a shower, or simply admire the view. In the evening, you'll be treated to an exquisite five-course dinner prepared with everything good and local.
After a hearty breakfast at Utne Hotel the next day, you'll return to Aga by bus to board Mathilde once again. During the sail back to Norheimsund, you'll enjoy a tasty lunch while taking in the spectacular views over the Hardangerfjord. If you're fortunate, you might spot porpoises or killer whales! Indeed! I've seen them too.
For those preferring to stay on terra firma, consider using the historic and famous Utne Hotel as your base. Rent a car and explore what the national romantic Hardanger region offers your senses! Which is plenty, especially in may, when everything is in full bloom, with the snow still on the mountain. Stay two nights at the historic Utne Hotel combined with cider tasting at Aga Sideri and a guided tour of Agatunet in fantastic surroundings.
 A Fjord Tour in the Footsteps of the Vikings
When one thinks of Scandinavia, I imagine the legendary Vikings immediately come to mind – those intrepid explorers whose ventures took them as far as Kiev, Istanbul, and North America. In and around Hardanger, there's plenty to discover about these fascinating seafarers. This trip takes you both past the celebrated viking heritage as well as through one of Norway's most gorgeous fjords.
A Viking Village, with Vikings... friendly ones
Viking Valley, located in Gudvangen, is an authentic Viking village called Njardarheimr, meaning "the home dedicated to the Norse god Njord". Opened in May 2017, this living historical site spans over 2,000 square metres and features 18 historic houses constructed using authentic Viking-Age building techniques.
A Cruise Through Nærøyfjorden
A fjord cruise in Nærøyfjorden offers an unforgettable journey through one of Norway's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. It's not difficult to imagine a Viking longship gliding gracefully over these calm waters. The cruise typically runs between Flåm and Gudvangen, taking approximately two hours each way through breathtaking natural scenery.
The journey takes you through two stunning fjords: first the Aurlandsfjord, then the incredibly narrow Nærøyfjord. At its narrowest point, the fjord is just 250 metres wide, with dramatic mountains rising up to 1,800 metres on either side. The landscape transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering a unique experience whether you're visiting during winter's frosty whites, spring's vibrant greens, summer's endless bright nights, or autumn's golden terrain. Definitely a thing you could do during all seasons.
The legendary Flåmsbanen
As the cherry (or morell in Norwegian) on top of this journey, the experience includes a ride on the world-renowned Flåmsbana railway. A bit of a cliche, I know, but it's a bit of a must. This remarkable adventure is worthwhile not only for its breathtaking natural scenery, but also because the railway itself is an engineering marvel.
The line descends 866 metres over just 20 kilometres, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world. As you wind your way through the dramatic Norwegian fjordland, you'll pass thundering waterfalls, cruise through 20 tunnels carved through the mountains, and witness the landscape transform from snow-capped peaks to lush valley floor. The train even makes a special stop at the spectacular Kjosfossen waterfall, allowing passengers to step out and feel the raw power of nature.