In August 2024, we had the pleasure of sending two of our trade media colleagues, Ita Hendrick and Emer Roche to Bergen, Norway, as guests of Widerøe Airlines and Visit Bergen. Their journey gave them first-hand experience of this stunning destination, and they’ve put together a detailed report sharing their insights with you.
Whether it’s exploring the vibrant city of Bergen or discovering the natural beauty of Norway’s fjords, Ita and Emer’s report highlights some of the incredible experiences that are awaiting your clients.
DAY ONE – Emer Roche
Our shared dream of visiting Norway’s western fjords began when Ita and I stepped onboard our Widerøe direct flight from Dublin to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city.
Onboard, the aircraft interior is cleverly designed in that pared back Scandinavian way, and offering maximum legroom. The crew were friendly, polite, and couldn’t do enough for us. A good range of snacks and drinks is available and can be purchased onboard.
On arrival in Bergan, we found the airport easy to navigate and well-signposted. And key here is the duty free which we suggest you do not pass but pop in like we did and buy a couple bottles of wine to have in your hotel room.
From the airport, we used the Bergen Light Rail. Tickets can be bought in advance or from machines at the platform and cost around €4. We hopped off at Byparken, the last stop. Our first essential purchase was the Bergen Card—a handy pass that grants free entry to most museums and attractions, offers discounts at many restaurants, and even covers boat fares to Askøy and Nordhordland.
Our first night was in the Ole Bull Hotel & Apartments, BW Signature Collection, just off the lively Torgallmenningen square. Our apartment had two beds, a pull-out couch, a kitchenette, and a bathroom—right in the heart of the city.
Bergen is known for its rain, and it didn’t disappoint with day one positively pouring, making everything look blurry and dreamlike. The city, nestled between mountains and the sea, is charming to stroll around, with its trams, hilly cobbled streets, and lots of waterfront, all framed by the wild call of the mountains.
One of the highlights was the funicular up to Mount Fløyen. After the eight-minute ride, we were rewarded with a stunning panorama of distant snow-covered peaks and the city tucked into its fjord. We toasted with glasses of prosecco at €9 a pop.
You can’t miss Bryggen, the colourful UNESCO World Heritage-listed cluster of timber buildings on the quayside. These beautiful wooden structures overlook the bay, Vågen, and now house independent shops. We happily spent hours idling around, buying fair isle socks and Christmas decorations before enjoying hot chocolate and a Skillingsbolle pastry—though even Ita, with her sweet tooth, found it a bit too sugary!
We also visited Bergen’s historic Fish Market, which has been a meeting place for merchants and fishermen since the 13th century. After a quick stroll through the market stalls, we opted to escape the rain by heading into Bryggeloftet, a cosy restaurant offering hearty Norwegian fare. The warm setting, complete with a fireplace and maritime artefacts, was just what we were craving. We enjoyed bruschetta, steak, and the fish of the day, washed down with a glass of Merlot. The meal came to 1,200 Kroner (€102), and it was worth every penny.
DAY TWO – Ita Hendrick
After a fun-filled day exploring Bergen, Emer and I headed off on an overnight adventure to Skjerjehamn—a small fishing island situated at the mouth of the Sognefjord, the king of the fjords. It’s frequently hailed as the destination of the year, and we were very excited to visit. It’s no wonder so many people take the boat tour from Bergen. We took the Norled express ferry from Bergen Port; it was 90 minutes of natural beauty combined with the unique charm of Norway’s coastal fjords and the occasional cluster of traditional Norwegian homes. It’s a must-do while visiting Bergen.
Skjerjehamn is a small island with a great atmosphere. Once an important trading centre and hub for shipping traffic in Western Norway, this tiny island is steeped in history. Today, Skjerjehamn is a popular relaxation spot for those who love art, culture, and good food. It also hosts the colourful Utkant music festival, which attracts people from all areas of Norway.
It houses an old Swiss-style villa that has been modernised to meet today’s standards while its original style has been preserved. A letter from 1641 is the oldest written evidence that there has been an inn at Skjerjehamn. We had the privilege of spending the night here in the beautifully decorated bedrooms and living areas. We were the only guests that night, which meant we had the whole villa to ourselves. It was a very special experience for both of us.
We enjoyed a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc on the veranda overlooking the stunning coastal landscapes of Norway, as well as the famous statue of King Olav V, which is a landmark in the area. Then, we headed over to the restaurant in Pakkhuset for an extremely tasty meal consisting of Skjerjehamn’s delicious own creamy fish soup for starters, freshly caught trout and locally grown vegetables for mains, followed by a bowl of homemade ice cream. It was a fabulous Norwegian gourmet experience.
After a very restful sleep, we went downstairs for breakfast and were greeted by the chef, who produced a delightful blend of Norwegian traditional local ingredients. Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas and juices were the first things we saw. There was porridge with locally sourced honey, fresh salmon, and a selection of freshly baked breads and pastries, accompanied by an assortment of artisanal cheeses and cured meats. It was delicious!
The meal took place in a charming dining room with large windows that allowed the light to flood in, offering views of the fjords and surrounding islands.
Once we were fed, we headed out to explore the island. Skjerjehamn is dotted with green hills and rocky coastlines. We walked and talked, solving the problems of the world as we explored all Skjerjehamn had to offer. The area is renowned for its calm, reflective fjord waters, which mirror the sky and create a serene atmosphere. It’s so easy to relax and unwind, forgetting your worries whilst here. We got lost in the beauty of it all—so much so that we missed the ferry to our next destination…
DAY THREE – Emer Roche
Balestrand is a picture-perfect village of wooden houses nestled on the Sognefjord, its peaceful port protected from the bustle of cruise liners. In the centre of the village stands a beautiful church, built in the ornate, medieval Norwegian stave style and dedicated to St Olaf. Every summer, clergy from England come to conduct services here, adding to its unique charm.
We stayed at the historic Kviknes Hotel, which dates back to 1752. The Kvikne family, who took over in 1877, has maintained the hotel’s distinctive Swiss style, despite numerous renovations and expansions. With its 190 rooms, Kviknes is one of the most traditional hotels in Norway, combining modern comfort with a sense of history and atmosphere. The hotel is also home to a collection of artwork and treasures that give it a special character.
For dinner, Ita and I indulged in an impressive buffet at the hotel, featuring a vast array of salads, roast meats, and a towering shellfish and oyster bar—the largest feast I’ve ever seen! Though I’ve never taken a crusie- Ita assures me this is standard diding on a large cruise-liner!
The following day, we strolled through the village to visit the Cider House (Ciderhuset), an organic, family-run orchard just a short walk from the hotel. Here, we sampled a flight of five different ciders, all made from various fruits and berries grown on-site, paired with delicious snacks produced on the grounds. The upstairs loft, a bohemian-style space, is used for events such as weddings and family gatherings, while the cider production takes place below.
Feeling a little light-headed from our morning tasting, Ita and I then made our way to our next stop by boat—Aurland.
DAY FOUR – Ita Hendrick
Aurland took a further 75 minutes by Norled Express ferry. As previously experienced, the ferry arrived exactly on time—neither a minute before nor a minute after. This always surprised us because public transport here in Ireland very seldom arrives on time.
The scenery that greeted us along the way was both spectacular and dramatic. We were immediately surrounded by towering mountains, lush green hills, and stunning waterfalls. Passing pretty coastal villages nestled at the base of massive mountains with their small wooden houses dotting the shoreline, it was like something out of a fairy-tale. It’s no wonder Disney used this beauty in the beautiful animated smash ‘Frozen’. You wonder how people live in such a remote area of the Sognefjord. The scenery shifts from open fjords to narrower channels, revealing hidden coves and valleys along the way.
As Aurland came into view, the journey reached its climax with a stunning panorama of the fjord surrounded by steep forested mountains, and the pretty village snuggled by the water. We were already delighted to explore this magical place. The ferry ride was an experience in itself—peaceful and immersive, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of Norway’s fjords.
We got to spend the night at the fabulous Wangen Apartments, which are situated on the pier overlooking the fjord. We were not disappointed. We had a three-bedroom penthouse apartment with an amazing fjord view. It’s in a delightful and unforgettable location, fitted with all the mod cons an apartment could have, blending comfort with convenience. It was spectacular!
Aurland is a gateway to outdoor adventures, including hiking in the Aurlandsdalen Valley, often called the “Grand Canyon of Norway.” It’s also ideal for fishing, cycling, and scenic drives.
The Sognefjord is also known as the Saunafjord, where floating saunas are a thing! You get to enjoy the world’s most spectacular scenery while alternating between a steaming hot sauna and a refreshing dip in the icy cold fjord. We DID IT, and it was one of the most amazing experiences ever.
The sauna is placed on top of a floating jetty, connected by a gangway, and offers a fantastic view of the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding majestic mountains. The Floating Fjord Sauna drifts gently on the calm water and was only a few steps from our apartment. Towels were provided, and we could stay for up to 90 minutes. After repeated relaxing, steamy sessions, we would step outside for another refreshing dip in the crystal-clear fjord waters. We felt invigorated and refreshed after, with a sense of lightness and clarity. For us, it was a step out of our comfort zone and a bucket list experience!
Aurland itself is a perfect traditional little fjord village. It has historic wooden buildings, a small historic church, cafés, a pub, hiking trails, and is close to other highlights of the region. Because of how it’s situated, nestled between Aurlandsfjord and the steep mountains surrounding it, Aurland is one of the driest areas in Norway.
We didn’t get to explore as much as we would have liked—we were on a schedule—but we both agreed that Aurland is definitely a place we’d like to come back to.
DAY FIVE – Emer Roche
We jumped onboard the Flåm Railway train to return to Bergen. While we thought nothing could surpass the beauty of travelling through Norway by sea, we were now in for a spectacular treat on the Flåm Railway, which has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway. We passed through an impressively diverse range of landscapes, from deep gorges to cascading waterfalls to lush valleys with almost-hidden houses dotted throughout them. One of the most iconic sights on the trip is Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train makes a quick stop for you to snap a photo and feel the mist on your face.
The Flåm Railway was truly a highlight of the trip. It’s a marvel of engineering, ascending to 866 metres above sea level in just 20 kilometres, and is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world.
And Finally
Upon returning to Bergen, we reflected on the incredible diversity of Norway’s landscapes—from the serene fjords to the towering mountains and lush valleys—and how fortunate we were to experience so much of it.
Emer & Ita’s Pro Tips for Visiting Bergen
Cheers Everyone!
Norway has some pesky licensing laws- beer and cider (up to 4.7% alcohol) can be bought in supermarkets until 8 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on Saturdays, with no sales on Sundays or public holidays. Stronger alcohol (wine, spirits) is only available from Vinmonopolet, which closes around 6 PM on weekdays and 3 PM on Saturdays, and is also closed on Sundays. We suggest having a whirl around duty-free in bergen airport on arrival- it has fantastic stock at better prices than you find in Dublin and is great to throw some bottles of wine or spirits in your suitcase if you are staying in self-catering accommodation.
There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, Only Unsuitable Clothing
Admirably tough and unwaveringly stoic, Norse people have learned to live with extreme weather, temperamental seas and fiercely wild environments, not unlike us Irish, which is why it is unsurprising to find we share 20% DNA with our Norwegian friends, but bringing a good raincoat, small umbrella and waterproof shoes is a must!
Money Matters
Revolut is so handy on a trip to Norway on a budget, it will automatically convert your euro to Kroner so you can keep a clear eye on what you are spending in both currencies.
Getting Around
Noreled Express Ferries are the easiest way to get from Bergen to visit other parts of Norway and see the fjords in the most spectacular way. Your Bergen Card will cover the cost of some of the shorter hops, but tickets can be purchased online here: Expressboat & Ferry – Norled
The Bergen Card can be purchased online in advance and allows you to plan your trip ahead depending on your interests, budget and whether you’re travelling solo, with a group or with kids. Discover it here: Bergen Card – VisitBergen.com
Getting There
You can fly direct from Dublin to Bergen with Widerøe with three flights operating weekly – perfect for both those looking for a short weekend break or longer stays.
For more information on Bergen go to Visit Bergen
