Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

BERGEN

Five beautiful nature spots you can reach with public transport in Bergen

Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, offers many beautiful nature spots that are accessible via public transport at an affordable price.

Published: 23 July 2024 15:27 CEST
Bergen
For both visitors and residents, the most compelling aspect of Bergen is the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounds the city. Photo by MAO YUQING on Unsplash

Nestled between fjords and mountains, Bergen is a lively city with much to offer its residents and visitors.

It boasts a bustling international community enriched by students and professionals from around the world who often find work in its aquaculture, energy, tourism, and accommodation sectors.

READ MORE: Five great day trips from Bergen

This diversity is also reflected in the city’s cultural events, dining options, and social activities, which create a rich urban atmosphere that is both welcoming and dynamic. Furthermore, Bergen also ranks among the safest cities in Norway, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community.

However, for many, the most compelling aspect of living in Bergen is the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounds the city.

The accessibility of nature is widely seen as a fantastic perk, with mountains and forests just a short trip from the city centre.

 

Bergen’s city mountains (Byfjellene)

Bergen’s city mountains, known as Byfjellene, encompass the mountain areas east, south, and west of the Bergensdalen valley.

Traditionally referred to as the seven mountains around the city (Fløyen, Ulriken, Løvstakken, Damsgårdsfjellet, Rundemanen, Sandviksfjellet, and Lyderhorn), these peaks have been a symbol of Bergen for centuries.

The mountains are part of a continuous plateau to the east of Bergensdalen, with several individual mountains to the west.

Many of these mountains’ bases are easily accessible by public transport, especially by bus, making them convenient for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore Bergen’s stunning landscapes and panoramic views.

 

The Kanadaskogen forest

Located south of Damsgårdsfjellet, between the Laksevåg and Fyllingsdalen districts, the Kanadaskogen forest is a bellowed spot for many a local.

The forest boasts excellent hiking trails, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Even the shortest trail can become an exciting experience for children, making it a great destination for families.

READ MORE: Six essential tips to make the most of life in Bergen

To get there, either take bus 16 to Nipedalen in Laksevåg or hop on bus 18 to Barliveien in Fyllingsdalen.

You can also take the light railway line 2 and the 460 bus line to get there, but you’ll need to walk for about 10 to 20 minutes from the final stop to reach your destination.

 

The arboretum at Milde

The arboretum and botanical garden at Milde are perfect for leisurely strolls.

The expansive grounds feature a diverse collection of plants and beautiful landscapes, making it a tranquil escape from the city.

To visit the arboretum, take the Bybanen (light railway) from the centre of Bergen to Birkelandskiftet.

From there, transfer to bus number 53, which will take you to the final stop, Milde snuplass.

This stop is right next to the Botanic Garden, while the previous stop, Fana Folkehøgskule, is the closest to the arboretum.

The Sædalen valley

Sædalen is a charming valley and residential area on the east side of Nattlandsfjellet, nestled between Nattland and Helldalsåsen in the Fana district.

Once dominated by open fields and farming, the area has recently seen significant residential development.

READ MORE: Six surprising things you need to do in Bergen

However, the valley offers a scenic route up to the waterworks and further towards the dam, with a trail that takes about 2 hours to complete.

You can reach Sædalen using bus lines 12 and 16E, making it an accessible destination for a day hike.

 

The Gullbotn light trail

Gullbotn is situated on the northeast side of Gullfjellet by the Øyjordsvatnet-Langavatnet lake.

This area is known for its light trail, which is approximately 5 kilometres long and offers shorter loops around the waters.

It was formerly a popular starting point for skiers from Bergen but remained a favourite for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

To get to Gullbotn, take the 925 and 930 bus lines. You can also take the R40 train on the Bergen Line.

Note: The public transport options provided here are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. However, transport lines can change, so be sure to check an up-to-date resource like the Skyss Reiseplanlegger for the latest information.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

DISCOVER NORWAY

Discover Norway: Six great things to do on a rainy day in Oslo

Norway’s capital, Oslo, is still a fantastic place to be when the weather refuses to cooperate. From cosy cafes to world-class museums, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained.

Published: 26 July 2024 14:59 CEST
Discover Norway: Six great things to do on a rainy day in Oslo

Museums

The go to for many in rainy weather are museums. Thankfully, Oslo is home to many fantastic museums worth a visit, regardless of the weather.

A number of them are grouped pretty close together, too, which means you shouldn’t expect to get soaked between visits. Two of Norway’s most beloved museums, the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums, are located opposite one another on the Bygdøy peninsula.

If you are only going to choose one, then we’d choose the Fram, which allows visitors to step aboard the polar ship from which the museum gets its name. The Fram and Kon-Tiki Museum will be joined by the Viking Ship Museum in 2027, which is currently undergoing renovations.

If you choose the Kon-Tiki museum, though, you will be able to enjoy the evening b watching the Oscar-nominated film on the expedition.

Not all the museums in Norway are nautical-themed. There are also two fantastic, newly built galleries, the Munch Museum and the National Museum. Both galleries have versions of Edvard Munch’s world-famous Scream, but the more coveted version is in the national gallery.

There are more than 50 museums in and around Oslo, so we can’t mention them all, but the Vigeland Museum, Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, Noble Peace Centre, Norway’s Resistance Museum, and Museum of Oslo are among our favourites.

Some museums off the beaten path include the Vigeland mausoleum and the interactive Popsenteretmusic museum.

Take a trip to the sauna

Saunas, particularly those by the Oslofjord, have exploded in popularity in recent years. The moody weather provides a great atmosphere for enjoying the sauna itself, and the heat and relaxation prove the perfect antidote to the weather.

One thing to note for those hoping to take a dip in their sauna is that heavy rain can negatively affect the water quality in some locations around the city. This is caused by the overflow of sewage and contaminants into the water.

Still, this shouldn’t pose too much of a health risk when taking a dip – it’s just important to be aware that you probably shouldn’t accidentally ingest too much water when diving or jumping into the water from heights.

If you fancy taking the relaxation to the next level, there are also plenty of spas in the capital where you can enjoy an indoor pool and spa, in addition to the many treatments offered.

The cinema

This is a great thing to do regardless of your level of proficiency in Norwegian. This is because the biggest blockbusters will typically be played in English rather than dubbed in Norwegian.

Meanwhile, those trying to practice their Norwegian can either see a film made in the country or try to follow the Norwegian subtitles of an English-language film.

While cinemas in Norway aren’t cheap, they could be considered on a similar or slightly lower price level to movie theatres in the UK or US when including the cost of concessions. The Coliseum is one of the capital’s most iconic places to catch a move.

Bars, restaurants and cafes  

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants, cafés and bars in Oslo – and rainy weather is the perfect excuse to hole up in one while you wait for the weather to pass.

Håndbakt Oslo, Neongrut, Kiosk Kaffebar, Oslo Raw, Tim Wendelboe, and Fuglen are all great places to enjoy a great coffee, warm atmosphere, and fantastic baked goods.

Plenty of restaurants serve comforting food, such as Mad Love, Jungel Pizza, and ZZ Pizza if you fancy a slice.

If you want beef between two buns, Illegal Burger and Render Burger are considered two of the best places for a patty. San Francisco Breadbowls serves hearty meals in a handmade loaf of bread. Way Down South and Down South Deli serve BBQ and American deli food.

If a comfort meal means something a bit more international to you, Koie Ramen, Punjab Tandoori, and Dalat Café should have you covered for noodles, curries, and Vietnamese food.

For a more communal atmosphere with plenty of choices, Mathallen is excellent for lunch, while Oslo Street Food always has a lively vibe for dinner.

Some of our picks for bars on a rainy day include Henry & Sally’s, Bruun Larsen, Schouskjelleren, Nektar Vinbar, Grünerløkka Brygghus, Mysterud, and Café Nero. If you’re a cocktail aficionado, then Himkok has been featured on lists of the best bars in the world.

READ ALSO: Six cool and cheap(ish) places to grab a bite to eat in Oslo

Daytrip from Oslo

You could leave town completely if you want to escape the weather.

There are several fantastic towns within a couple of hours of Oslo that are well worth the trip, whether in the hopes of finding better weather or getting away from the city for a while.

Drøbak is just 40 minutes away by car and is home to a charming town centre comprised of white wooden houses and the impressive Oscarborg Fortress.

The Oscarborg Fortress is worth a visit for history buffs, as the site is home to one of the proudest moments of the Norwegian resistance in World War Two.

The former silver mining town of Kongsberg is home to fantastic hiking areas, such as the Elsedam and Svartåsrunden trails.

Fredrikstad is another fantastic place you can visit fairly easily from Oslo. The narrow cobbled streets and the old town make the city particularly charming in the summer.

Get outside anyway

A little bit of rain isn’t really a massive barrier from getting out and enjoying nature, at least in Norway.

The locals have a saying that goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” when translated from Norwegian to English.

Songsvann, Frognerseteren, and Grefsenkollen are all fantastic places to visit, regardless of the weather. While wet weather would likely put you off slippery, stoney climbs, there are plenty of fantastic trails in the tranquil forests surrounding Oslo that offer good traction even in wet weather.

SHOW COMMENTS