Weather

It rains in Bergen. A lot. Don't be surprised if the weather report says it's raining every day you're there. Bergen is directly exposed to the Atlantic ocean, and is surrounded by mountains, which means moisture is blown to the area and then crashes against the mountains.

That being said, the rain usually isn't a downpour, and it usually isn't for the entire day. The weather can be really erratic - it can be raining, then suddenly full sunshine, then back to rain in the span of an hour.

For weather reports, yr.no is run by the Norwegian government and was the most accurate when I was there.

Attractions

Bryggen

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was one of the bases of the Hanseatic League, a powerful German trading confederation. There, they traded grain from the continent for stockfish. Essentially all of it burned down in 1702, so everything you see today is rebuilt from that era. Note that these Germans were different from the other peoples that settled in Bergen - they spoke a different language (low German), and generally kept to themselves.

It is the thing Bergen is known for, so you may as well go see it. Inside the historical buildings are your usual touristy shops, which sell the usual touristy trinkets. No surprises here, although you can consider some made-in-norway knitwear. You don't need to spend a ton of time here.

Bryggen Museum

This museum is built around an archeological dig-site of an old settlement in Bryggen. There's honestly not a ton to see here - the museum is pretty small.

Hanseatic League Museum

Same here. If you can catch, there are walking tours in various languages that are free with admission, although only at specific times.

Fjord Cruises

One of the major things to do in Bergen. The usual one people recommend is the Norled cruise from Bergen to Flam. There's nothing wrong with it, but just note that it is public transit, first and foremost. That means that the ship (which is all electric - that's neat) used is optimized for public transit, not sight seeing. There's limited space outside, and if you're inside and not by a window seat, then you're not going to have a great view. There's no reserved seating, so you just have to come early if you want a good seat.

There are also specific tour cruises, which are worse for the environment, but are more optimized for touristy things. They tend to have a wide viewing area outside on the top of the ship that's accessible.

Hikes

Over Vidden

This trail really surprised me, in a good way. I was not expecting how alpine and exposed most of the trail is, since it's so close to the city in proximity, but it really is spectacular up there.

The trail goes between the mountains of Floyen and Ulriken on a mountain ridge that goes over the valley Vidden, hence Over Vidden. You can start at either Floyen or Ulriken, but I would recommend starting at Ulriken. The side near Ulriken is higher in elevation, and is harder, with rock scrambles and thick mud. Meanwhile, by the time you get to around Blamanen, the trail becomes pretty much just a sloped gravel road.

I think it's better, then, to use your energy on the fun and difficult part near Ulriken, and to let the gravel road be your reward for finishing the trail.

If it is raining, I wouldn't say it's impossible or anything,, just be prepared. Wear not just a rain coat, but a layer in between - a wet rain shell will still sap heat from your core. A layer in between - preferably wool or fleece - will make a big impact. There is mud, and the mud will be extra thick during rain. Trekking poles would be appreciated.

If the weather is good, this is seriously a must do.

Blamanen Loop

This starts from Floyen and goes in a loop, summiting at Blamanen. I would recommend going counterclockwise, as the eastern half is a scrambly rocky root climb, and the western half is gravel road. Part of the western half actually intersects with Over Vidden. But anyhow, scrambling up tends to be easier than the other way around, at least in terms of safety.

Near the middle, around where Blamanen is, the trail goes above the tree line and becomes more alpine in nature. It's a nice way to get that kind of environment without having to do the whole Vidden line. Nice