15 Best Day Trips from Bergen, Norway (Car, Train & Public Transport)

Bergen is more than one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. It is also one of the best bases for exploring the fjords, waterfalls, mountain villages, and scenic railways of Western Norway.

Within a few hours of the city, you can cruise through a UNESCO-listed fjord, walk behind a waterfall, ride one of Europe’s most spectacular railway lines, or spend the day rafting and hiking in the mountains.

Some of the best day trips from Bergen, Norway are easy to organize by train or boat. Others are better suited to travelers with a rental car, especially if you want to stop at viewpoints, waterfalls, and small villages along the way.

This guide covers the best options for every type of traveler, including:

• fjord day trips from Bergen
• scenic drives through Western Norway
• day trips from Bergen by train
• destinations accessible by public transport
• outdoor adventures for active travelers

You will also find approximate travel times, transportation advice, and practical recommendations to help you choose the right trip.

Important: Transport schedules and seasonal services can change. Always check current train, bus, ferry, and boat timetables before departure.

The Best Day Trips from Bergen at a Glance

Bergen has direct railway connections toward Voss and Myrdal, while buses and express boats connect the city with destinations throughout Vestland. Several established round trips also combine trains, buses, and fjord cruises in a single day.

How to Choose the Best Day Trips from Bergen for You

The best day trip from Bergen depends on how you want to travel and what you most want to experience.

Best fjord day trips from Bergen

For classic fjord scenery, consider:

• Nærøyfjord and Gudvangen for narrow waterways and towering mountains
• Hardangerfjord for waterfalls, orchards, and traditional villages
• Rosendal for a scenic boat journey and a quieter atmosphere
• Osterfjord and Mostraumen for an easy cruise directly from Bergen
• Flåm for a combination of fjord scenery and the famous Flåm Railway

Travelers who want to experience Nærøyfjord, Flåm, and the scenic railways in one day can use an organized round-trip itinerary. These journeys typically combine sections of the Bergen Railway, Flåm Railway, bus connections, and a fjord cruise.

Best day trips from Bergen by train

The Bergen Railway makes several rewarding destinations accessible without a car.

The strongest options are Voss, Myrdal Flåm (with a change at Myrdal) and Finse.

Voss is the easiest choice for a relaxed day trip. The train journey generally takes a little over an hour, and the station is conveniently located beside the town center and Voss Gondol.

Flåm is more ambitious. You must travel from Bergen to Myrdal and then change to the Flåm Railway. It can be completed in one day, but you should reserve tickets and plan the connections carefully.

Best day trips from Bergen by car

Renting a car gives you the most flexibility and allows you to stop at roadside waterfalls, viewpoints, villages, and hiking areas.

The best self-drive options include:

• Hardangerfjord
• Norheimsund
• Eidfjord
• Vøringsfossen
• Ulvik
• Odda
• Stegastein
• Folgefonna National Park

Driving is especially worthwhile in Hardanger, where the journey itself is part of the experience. Rather than traveling directly from one attraction to another, leave time for unplanned stops beside the fjord.

Best day trips from Bergen by public transport

You do not necessarily need a rental car to explore beyond Bergen.

Good public-transport options include:

• Voss by train
• Rosendal by express boat
• Norheimsund by bus
• Hardanger through coordinated train, bus, and boat itineraries
• Flåm by train via Myrdal
• Balestrand by seasonal or scheduled express boat services

Skyss operates regional buses and several boat connections in Vestland, including the Bergen–Rosendal route. Because schedules vary by season and day of the week, build your itinerary around the return connection first.

1. Voss: The Best Day Trip from Bergen for Outdoor Adventure

Approximately 100 kilometers east of Bergen, Voss is one of the easiest and most varied day trips from the city.

The mountain town is known as Norway’s adventure capital, but you do not need to be an experienced athlete to enjoy it. Visitors can choose between energetic outdoor activities and a much slower day of scenic walks, local food, and mountain views.

Voss is especially suitable for travelers who want to do more than look at the landscape. Depending on the season, you can go rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing.

Best things to do in Voss:

1) Ride the Voss Gondol

Voss Gondol begins beside the railway station and travels to Hangurstoppen, high above the town.

From the upper station, you can enjoy panoramic views, eat at the mountaintop restaurant, or follow one of the marked walking routes around Hanguren. This makes the gondola one of the easiest ways to experience the mountains during a short visit.

2) Go whitewater rafting

Voss is one of Norway’s leading rafting destinations.

A guided rafting trip is ideal for visitors who want to add a genuine adventure to their Bergen itinerary. Different routes and river conditions may be available depending on the season and water level, with options suitable for first-time rafters as well as more experienced participants.

3) Kayak on the lake or river

Travelers looking for a gentler experience can explore the waterways around Voss by kayak.

A guided tour provides equipment, instruction, and local knowledge, making it accessible even if you have limited paddling experience.

4) Explore Vangsvatnet

The lake beside the town center is ideal for a walk, picnic, or quiet break between activities.

Because Vangsvatnet, the train station, restaurants, and gondola are all close together, it is possible to enjoy Voss without renting a car.

5) Visit nearby waterfalls

Tvindefossen and Skjervsfossen can be incorporated into a wider road trip through the Voss region.

Tvindefossen is easy to reach from the main road, while Skjervsfossen is known for its dramatic setting and scenic approach. These stops are easiest to combine with Voss when traveling by car.

Bergen to Voss by train

The railway is the simplest option for most visitors.

The journey from Bergen to Voss normally takes around one hour and 10–20 minutes, passing through increasingly mountainous scenery as it travels east from Bergen. Official tourism guidance describes the Bergen–Voss section as approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, though individual services vary.

Once you arrive, you can walk directly from the station to:

1. Voss Gondol
2. Vangsvatnet
3. restaurants and cafés
4. central meeting points for guided activities

Book a morning departure from Bergen and leave enough time after your activity before the return train.

Bergen to Voss by car

Driving usually takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

A car is the better choice if you want to throw in a visit to:

• Tvindefossen
• Skjervsfossen
• Myrkdalen
• Granvin
• additional viewpoints in the surrounding region

However, travelers planning to spend the whole day in central Voss generally do not need one.

Who should choose Voss?

Voss is the best day trip from Bergen for:

1. active couples
2. families with older children
3. solo travelers joining a guided activity
4. groups of friends
5. visitors who want to combine scenery with adventure

It is also one of the most practical spontaneous day trips because of the direct rail connection.

2. Flåm: Ride One of the World's Most Scenic Railways

If you've seen photos of colorful houses nestled beside a deep fjord, there's a good chance they were taken in Flåm.

Located at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, this small village has become one of Norway's most famous destinations thanks to its spectacular setting and the legendary Flåm Railway.

While Flåm welcomes many cruise visitors during the summer, arriving independently from Bergen allows you to experience the surrounding landscape at your own pace.

For many travelers, Flåm is one of the best fjord day trips from Bergen because it combines breathtaking scenery, engineering history, and easy access to the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.

Highlights

1. Ride the famous Flåm Railway
2. Cruise through Aurlandsfjord or Nærøyfjord
3. Walk along the waterfront
4. Visit the Flåm Railway Museum
5. Rent a bike during summer
6. Taste locally brewed beer at Ægir Gastropub

Bergen to Flåm by train

One of the most popular ways to reach Flåm is by train.

Take the Bergen Railway from Bergen to Myrdal, then transfer to the Flåm Railway, considered one of the world's steepest standard-gauge railway lines. The journey itself is the main attraction. You’ll pass waterfalls, mountains, tunnels, and dramatic valleys before descending nearly 900 meters to the fjord.

Allow approximately three hours each way.

Bergen to Flåm by car

Driving takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the route and traffic.

The biggest advantage of having a car is the freedom to stop along the way. Scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and quiet villages make the journey almost as rewarding as the destination.

Who should visit Flåm?

Flåm is perfect for:

• First-time visitors to Norway
• Railway enthusiasts
• Photographers
• Couples
• Travelers wanting to experience a classic Norwegian fjord

Travel Tip: During summer, Flåm can become extremely busy. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually offers a more relaxed experience.

3. Gudvangen & Nærøyfjord: Norway's Most Spectacular Fjord

If your goal is to experience Norway's iconic fjords, few places compare to Gudvangen.

Nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Gudvangen is surrounded by towering cliffs that rise dramatically from the water. Waterfalls tumble down almost every mountainside, while small farms cling to narrow ledges high above the fjord.

This is the Norway many travelers imagine before they arrive.

Highlights

1. Cruise through Nærøyfjord
2. Visit Viking Valley (Njardarheimr)
3. Photograph dramatic waterfalls
4. Explore one of Norway's narrowest fjords
5. Combine with Flåm in a full-day itinerary

By car

Driving from Bergen takes around 2.5 hours.

The route via Voss is spectacular and passes several waterfalls before reaching Gudvangen.

By public transport

It is possible to reach Gudvangen using a combination of train and bus, although many visitors choose organized fjord tours because connections are easier.

Who should visit?

Gudvangen is ideal for:

• First-time visitors
• Nature photographers
• Families
• Anyone wanting a classic fjord experience

4. Hardangerfjord: Waterfalls, Fruit Orchards & Scenic Roads

Often called Norway's Orchard, Hardangerfjord offers a completely different atmosphere from Nærøyfjord.

Instead of towering cliffs enclosing a narrow waterway, Hardanger is broader, greener, and dotted with charming villages, fruit farms, and some of Norway's most impressive waterfalls.

Spring is especially beautiful, when thousands of apple and cherry trees burst into bloom.

Highlights

1. Steinsdalsfossen
2. Fruit orchards
3. Scenic fjord drives
4. Local cider producers
5. Traditional villages

Best by car

Buses connect several towns, but a rental car will give you much greater flexibility.

You can easily stop at viewpoints, waterfalls, and small villages that public transport often bypasses.

Best time to visit

• May: Blossom season
• Summer: Hiking and sightseeing
• Autumn: Apple harvest and cider tasting

5. Stegastein Viewpoint: One of Norway's Best Views

If you're looking for a viewpoint that truly captures the scale of Norway's fjords, Stegastein should be high on your list.

Suspended 650 meters above Aurlandsfjord, the platform projects 30 meters out from the mountainside, creating the sensation of floating above the landscape.

The sweeping panorama has become one of the country's most photographed locations.

Highlights

1. Incredible panoramic views
2. Unique architectural design
3. Fantastic sunrise and sunset photography
4. Combine with Flåm and Aurland

Best by car

Stegastein is best reached by rental car or as part of a guided scenic tour.

Public transport options are limited.

6. Norheimsund & Steinsdalsfossen

Just 90 minutes from Bergen, Norheimsund is one of the easiest scenic day trips in Western Norway.

Its biggest attraction is Steinsdalsfossen, one of the few waterfalls in Norway where visitors can safely walk behind the cascading water without getting soaked!

Combined with the peaceful shoreline of Hardangerfjord, it makes an excellent destination for travelers with limited time.

Highlights

1. Walk behind Steinsdalsfossen
2. Stroll the waterfront
3. Enjoy local cafés
4. Visit nearby fruit farms during summer

Best by car or bus

Norheimsund is accessible by both car and regional bus, making it one of the most convenient day trips from Bergen by public transport.

7. Rosendal: A Hidden Gem on the Hardangerfjord

If you're looking to escape the crowds, Rosendal is one of the most rewarding day trips from Bergen.

Surrounded by towering mountains and the tranquil waters of Hardangerfjord, this charming village moves at a slower pace than many of Norway's better-known destinations.

Historic buildings, glacier views, scenic walks, and beautiful gardens make Rosendal an excellent choice for couples, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience a quieter side of Western Norway.

Unlike many fjord villages that serve primarily as transport hubs, Rosendal is a destination where you'll want to slow down and spend the day.

Highlights

1. Visit Baroniet Rosendal, Scandinavia's only barony
2. Walk through historic gardens
3. Enjoy views of Hardangerfjord
4. Hike to nearby viewpoints
5. Explore cafés and local shops

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Rosendal is by express boat from Bergen, making the journey part of the experience.

Driving is also possible, although it involves a longer route around the fjord.

Best for

• Couples
• History lovers
• Relaxed sightseeing
• Scenic photography

8. Eidfjord & Vøringsfossen: Norway's Most Famous Waterfall

Few waterfalls in Norway are as dramatic as Vøringsfossen.

Dropping 182 meters into the Måbødalen Valley, it's one of the country's most photographed natural attractions. Modern viewing platforms and suspension bridges allow visitors to admire the falls from several spectacular angles.

Combining Vøringsfossen with the charming village of Eidfjord makes for one of the best scenic day trips from Bergen, Norway.

Highlights

1. Vøringsfossen waterfall
2. Suspension bridge viewpoints
3. Eidfjord village
4. Hardangervidda National Park Visitor Centre
5. Scenic mountain roads

By car

Driving from Bergen takes approximately three hours.

The route passes through some of Hardanger's most beautiful scenery, making the drive part of the adventure.

By public transport

Public transport is possible but significantly slower and requires careful planning.

Best for

• Waterfall lovers
• Landscape photographers
• Families
• Road trips

9. Odda: Gateway to Norway's Most Famous Hike

Odda has become internationally known as the gateway to Trolltunga, but there's much more to discover than Norway's most famous cliff.

Set between steep mountains and the Sørfjord, Odda combines spectacular scenery with waterfalls, hiking trails, and a relaxed town centre.

Even if you're not attempting Trolltunga, it's a fantastic destination for a scenic day.

Highlights

1. Låtefossen waterfall
2. Sørfjord
3. Trolltunga Visitor Centre
4. Scenic fjord drives
5. Hiking opportunities

Is Trolltunga possible as a day trip?

Technically yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it.

The hike itself takes 10–12 hours, meaning you'd spend nearly the entire day hiking before driving back to Bergen.

If Trolltunga is your goal, it's much better to stay overnight in Odda.

Best for

• Experienced hikers
• Waterfall enthusiasts
• Scenic drives
• Adventure travelers

10. Folgefonna National Park: Norway's Southernmost Glacier

For many visitors, seeing a glacier is a bucket-list experience.

Folgefonna National Park protects Norway's third-largest glacier and offers incredible mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Although reaching the glacier requires a longer drive from Bergen, the landscapes are unlike anywhere else in the region.

Highlights

1. Folgefonna Glacier
2. Glacier viewpoints
3. Summer hiking
4. Boat trips across Hardangerfjord
5. Mountain scenery

Best by car

Driving is by far the easiest option.

Many visitors combine Folgefonna with Rosendal or Odda for a full-day road trip.

Best for

• Nature lovers
• Photographers
• Glacier enthusiasts
• Road trips

11. Finse: Norway's High Mountain Wilderness

Located at 1,222 meters above sea level, Finse is the highest station on the Bergen Railway and one of Norway's most unique destinations.

There are no public roads leading to the village. Only the train.

Surrounded by glaciers, lakes, and mountain plateaus, Finse feels wonderfully remote despite being easily accessible from Bergen.

Movie fans may also recognize the landscape from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, where the area doubled as the ice planet Hoth!

Highlights

1. Bergen Railway
2. Hardangervidda National Park
3. Rallarvegen cycling route
4. Glacier views
5. Mountain hiking

Best by train

The Bergen Railway makes Finse one of the easiest mountain destinations to visit without renting a car.

Best for

• Hikers
• Railway enthusiasts
• Photographers
• Outdoor lovers

12. Myrkdalen: Mountains in Every Season

Less than two hours from Bergen, Myrkdalen is a year-round mountain destination.

During winter it's one of Western Norway's premier ski resorts (second only to Voss in our view), while summer brings hiking, cycling, and peaceful mountain landscapes.

Compared to busier destinations, Myrkdalen offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights

1. Skiing
2. Hiking
3. Mountain biking
4. Family-friendly activities
5. Scenic mountain roads

Best by car

Driving provides the greatest flexibility, although seasonal buses also connect the resort.

Best for

• Families
• Winter sports
• Summer hiking
• Outdoor activities

13. Ulvik: Norway's Cider Capital

Nestled along the Hardangerfjord, Ulvik is one of Western Norway's prettiest villages.

Known for its apple orchards and award-winning cider producers, it's a wonderful destination for travelers looking to experience local culture alongside spectacular scenery.

During spring, the surrounding hillsides are covered in white blossom, while autumn brings harvest season and cider tastings.

Highlights

1. Hardanger cider farms
2. Fjord walks
3. Fruit orchards
4. Local restaurants
5. Scenic drives

Best for

• Food lovers
• Couples
• Scenic photography
• Relaxed sightseeing

14. Balestrand: A Fjord Village Worth the Journey

Although it's one of the longest day trips on this list, Balestrand rewards visitors with classic Sognefjord scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

Historic hotels, waterfront cafés, and panoramic viewpoints make it one of Norway's most charming fjord villages.

Highlights

1. Sognefjord
2. Historic architecture
3. Scenic waterfront
4. Hiking trails
5. Local art galleries

Best by express boat

The journey itself is part of the experience, offering hours of spectacular fjord scenery.

Best for

• Slow travel
• Photography
• Couples
• Fjord lovers

15. Osterfjord & Mostraumen: The Easiest Fjord Day Trip from Bergen

If you're short on time but still want to experience Norway's spectacular fjords, a cruise through Osterfjord and Mostraumen is hard to beat.

Departing directly from Bergen's harbor, these half-day cruises pass steep cliffs, waterfalls, narrow fjords, and tiny farms clinging to the mountainsides.

Unlike many other destinations on this list, there's no need to worry about train schedules or driving.

Simply board the boat and enjoy the scenery.

Highlights

1. Fjord cruise
2. Waterfalls
3. Narrow fjords
4. Mountain scenery
5. Wildlife spotting

Best for

• Cruise passengers
• Families
• Visitors with limited time
• First-time visitors to Bergen

Commonly Asked Questions About the Best Day Trips from Bergen, Norway

What is the best day trip from Bergen?

That depends on what you’re into. If you're looking for outdoor adventure, Voss is our top recommendation thanks to its hiking, kayaking, rafting, and mountain scenery. For classic fjord landscapes, Flåm and Gudvangen are hard to beat, while Hardangerfjord is ideal for scenic drives and waterfalls.

Can you visit the fjords on a day trip from Bergen?

Yes. Several of Norway's most famous fjords are within easy reach of Bergen. Popular options include Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, Hardangerfjord, and Osterfjord, all of which can be visited in a single day by car, train, boat, or as part of a guided tour.

What are the best day trips from Bergen by train?

The best train-accessible destinations are Voss, Flåm (via Myrdal), and Finse. These routes are among the most scenic railway journeys in Norway and are perfect for travelers who don't want to rent a car.

Do you need a car for day trips from Bergen?

Not necessarily. Many of the most popular destinations, including Voss and Flåm, are easily reached by train or public transport. However, a rental car gives you greater flexibility to visit scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and smaller villages throughout the Hardanger region.

What is the most scenic drive from Bergen?

The drive through Hardangerfjord towards Eidfjord and Vøringsfossen is widely considered one of the most beautiful road trips in Western Norway. The route passes waterfalls, orchards, fjords, and mountain landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.

Bergen Is A Fantastic Base for the Best Day Trips in Norway

Bergen is one of the best places in Norway to base yourself for unforgettable day trips.

If it's your first visit, Flåm, Gudvangen, and Hardangerfjord should be at the top of your list. And if you want to LIVE Norway. See it beyond the typical sightseeing route, Voss offers the perfect combination of spectacular scenery and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Ready to experience Western Norway like a local? Explore our guided outdoor adventures in Voss, from whitewater rafting and kayaking to hiking and mountain biking, and make your day trip from Bergen one you'll never forget.