Surrounded by mountains and brushed by the sea, Bergen is often called the Gateway to the Fjords. But beyond its colorful harbor and cobbled streets, a world of quiet beauty unfolds, fjord villages, tiny islands, and green trails where Norway shows its gentler side. In 2026, set out from Bergen and discover ten unforgettable destinations where nature, culture, and calm blend into pure Norwegian magic.
Quick Summary: 10 Scenic Escapes Near Bergen
| Destination | Distance from Bergen | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Hardangerfjord | 2 hours | Norway’s orchard-filled fjord with dramatic waterfalls |
| Flåm | 2.5 hours | Scenic railway and deep fjord views |
| Rosendal | 2 hours | Historic manor, rose gardens, and glacier walks |
| Voss | 1.5 hours | Outdoor adventure hub — rafting, hiking, and skiing |
| Mostraumen Fjord | 1 hour by boat | Narrow fjord cruise through steep cliffs |
| Eidfjord | 2.5 hours | Gateway to Hardangervidda National Park |
| Austevoll Islands | 1.5 hours | Peaceful fishing villages and ocean views |
| Øygarden | 1 hour | Coastal landscapes and sea bridges |
| Odda | 3 hours | Base for Trolltunga and fjord adventures |
| Fjell & Sotra Islands | 45 minutes | Sea views, trails, and local seafood restaurants |
1. Hardangerfjord: The Orchard of Norway
Just a short drive from Bergen, Hardangerfjord captures Norway at its most graceful. Waterfalls tumble down cliffs, fruit trees bloom in spring, and mountain peaks rise beyond the calm blue water. Visit Steinsdalsfossen, where you can walk behind the waterfall’s spray, or sample cider from local farms along the fjord.
It’s beauty you can taste and touch.
2. Flåm: Between Mountains and Fjords
The village of Flåm sits deep within the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. The Flåm Railway, one of the world’s steepest and most scenic train rides, winds through tunnels and valleys to reveal jaw-dropping views. Take a fjord cruise, rent a kayak, or simply watch the light change on the water.
Every view here feels like a postcard.
3. Rosendal: Roses, Rivers, and a Touch of Royalty
Charming and peaceful, Rosendal is home to Norway’s only baronial manor, Baroniet Rosendal, surrounded by blooming rose gardens and mountain views. Walk along quiet rivers, visit local art galleries, or hike toward the Folgefonna Glacier. This small town is elegance wrapped in nature.
4. Voss: Norway’s Adventure Capital
If you love adrenaline and fresh air, Voss is your place. Summer brings paragliding and white-water rafting; winter transforms the hills into ski paradise. Yet, beyond the action, you’ll find calm lakes, wooden houses, and the easy warmth of a town that loves the outdoors.
5. Mostraumen Fjord: Nature Up Close
For an unforgettable day trip, take a fjord cruise from Bergen through the Mostraumen Fjord. The boat glides between towering cliffs and waterfalls so close you can feel the mist. It’s a journey through Norway’s wild heart, dramatic, intimate, and deeply peaceful.
6. Eidfjord: Where Mountains Touch the Sky
Located at the head of Hardangerfjord, Eidfjord is the gateway to Hardangervidda National Park. Visit the powerful Vøringsfossen Waterfall, one of Norway’s highest, or explore glacier valleys and quiet meadows. Eidfjord feels untouched, like nature paused just for you.
7. Austevoll Islands: Sea Breezes and Simplicity
Scattered south of Bergen, the Austevoll Islands offer a glimpse of authentic coastal life. Ferries connect small fishing villages, where red wooden boathouses reflect in clear blue water. Sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant or walk along seaside trails with views stretching to infinity.
8. Øygarden: The Edge of the Atlantic
Linked by graceful bridges, the Øygarden archipelago stretches west of Bergen. Its rocky islands and sea cliffs are home to seabirds, lighthouses, and fishing harbors that feel timeless. Visit the Coastal Museum to learn how generations lived in rhythm with the ocean.
Here, Norway’s wild coast feels close and real.
9. Odda: Gateway to Trolltunga
Surrounded by fjords and waterfalls, Odda is an adventure town framed by the Hardangerfjord. It’s the starting point for the famous Trolltunga hike, one of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints. Yet, even if you don’t hike, Odda’s lakes, old factories, and cozy cafés make it worth the journey.
10. Fjell & Sotra Islands: Where Locals Go to Breathe
Just west of Bergen, the islands of Fjell and Sotra are where city dwellers escape for sea air and space. Walking trails trace cliffs and coves, while seafood restaurants serve fresh catch with unbeatable views. It’s the perfect place to end a Bergen stay, slow, scenic, and full of light.
Why Bergen?
Because Bergen is the bridge between worlds, city and sea, mountain and meadow, culture and calm. Its small-town warmth and fjord-front setting make it both intimate and grand.You can wander the colorful Bryggen Wharf, hear street musicians play by the harbor, and still reach untouched nature within an hour. Bergen isn’t just a destination, it’s a way of seeing life more clearly, more slowly, and more beautifully.
Stay in Bergen, Live Like a Local
Through HomeExchange In Bergen, you can experience Bergen as Norwegians do. Swap your home for a harbor-view apartment, a cozy cottage by the fjord, or a family house surrounded by mountains.Wake up to seagulls, shop at local markets, and share dinner with new friends, because in Bergen, home isn’t just where you stay, it’s where you feel you belong.
