Top 20 lesser known photo spots in Bergen

If you already have all the most iconic photo spots in Bergen on file, the following list will provide you with new photo goals. Get inspired, and head out on a photo safari to these alternative (but still amazing) landmarks in Bergen.

Tubakuba

Designed to inspire Norwegian kids to play in the forest, this truly unique cabin is begging to be explored. The bent timber is meant to mimic the horn of a tuba, and functions as the cabin’s only entrance. 

In front, the cabin has a large window going from floor to ceiling, resulting in great views overlooking the city.

Solheimsviken

If you’re searching for cool skylines, Solheimsviken is the place to go. This is one of the newest residential areas in Bergen, booming with modern architecture. Paying tribute to its industrial roots, the buildings have a mix of new and old. One of the cranes from the old shipyard has been kept, and is now rebuilt as a bar and restaurant. 

Fun fact: Solheimsviken held the record of having the world’s tallest modern wooden house until 2018. The 4,5-meter-tall (15 ft) structure named “The Tree” has become a landmark in Bergen.

Nordnes Park

From the park located on the tip of Nordnes you get beautiful views of the city and Byfjorden. The park is a popular recreational area, with lots of big trees perfect for putting up a hammock. The park is also a great place to go for a swim on hot days.  

Fun fact: Seattle giftet a totem pole to celebrate Bergen’s 900th anniversary that’s been placed in the middle of the park.

Fjellveien

Fjellveien stretches along the mountainside of Mount Fløyen, from Munkebotn to Bellevue. There are lots of great places to capture city photographs  along the 4,6 km (28 mi) rural pedestrian road. 

Fjellveien is also a great starting point for hiking on some of the iconic mountains surrounding Bergen including Stoltzen and Sandviksfjellet.

Bench near Fløyen funicular

Most tourists have their picture taken at the viewpoint at the top of Fløyen. If you want to capture a slightly different angle, walk up to the bench overlooking the viewpoint. It’s only a 2 minute walk from the funicular on the left hand side.

Skuteviken Pier

If you’re looking for colorful boat houses, then visit Skuteviken. It’s not far from the iconic Bryggen Wharf, and they are equally beautiful and colorful. From the small pier you get beautiful views of Byfjorden. 

On a warm and sunny day, students and sunbathers from all over town will gather here. Behind the row of boat houses, is a charming neighborhood with white painted wooden houses and narrow cobbled stone streets.

Møhlenpris

The old industrial area of Møhlenpris has an urban look unlike any other place in Bergen. In the 1600s, this area housed a salt cookery, soap cookery, oil mill and barrel making. This led to a small suburb growing. 

In recent years, the shipbuilding industry has put their mark on Møhlenpris, but now the area has a new resurgence. Today, it is a prime location for anyone who loves urban living.

Små Pudden bridge

If you spot a sailboat lurking next to the odd looking bridge, make sure to have your camera ready! This morphing bridge opens its arms only 15 minutes a time. It is designed to let cyclists and pedestrians cross the narrow strait of Puddefjorden. 

At night, the bridge is lit with blue lights, giving the impression that the bridge is hovering above the water.

Marineholmen Beach

Next to Små Pudden bridge, is Bergen’s newest (and coolest) public beach. The industrial surroundings, combined with the white sand, is very instagrammable. 

The area used to be a shipyard, but after a thorough cleanup, it’s now one of the hippest places in town.

The Museum Garden

If you’re looking for something exotic, the University of Bergen (UiB) has an unique garden with over 3,000 species, collected from all over the world. The garden is in constant bloom from spring through summer, and has several ponds with water lilies and koi swimming around. 

During the school year, students use the Museum Garden to relax in between classes and for study groups.

Painted Ladies

Right next to the Museum Garden, is Bergen’s version of the Painted Ladies found in San Francisco. The pastel colored buildings are lovingly preserved and have charming balconies and lush front gardens. This street is a must on your Instagram wall!

Sydnes

With similar features as the more known areas like Nordnes and Sandviken, the narrow streets and alleys at Sydnes is worth a visit. The neighborhood is well cared for, with beautiful wooden houses. The Faculty of Law and St. John’s Church is located on the very tip of Sydnes.

Fun fact: Every summer, the neighborhood organizes their own music festival with local artists, food stalls and face painting for children.

Bergenhus Fortress

The historical grounds of Bergenhus Fortress have lots of Instagrammable spots, whether you’re into medieval stuff or more timeless motives. The fortress is one of the oldest and best preserved fortifications in Norway. 

The Norwegian Armed Forces still have soldiers stationed, but the fortress grounds are open to the public.

Skansedammen

If you’re looking for some awesome reflections, go up to Skansedammen pond. The water level is only 20 cm deep ( 8 inches), making it possible to wade into the water and get truly unique perspectives. During the winter time, the frozen pond becomes a paradise for urban ice skating. 

Fun fact: Hidden under the pond, is a parking garage for nearby neighborhoods.

Verftet

The old dockyard is boasting with creativity and ambitious artists, as most of Bergen’s film industry is housed here. The brick building houses a theater, a gallery and concert halls. 

The restaurant has outdoor seating right on the quayside, with waves splashing under you. Verftet is also one of the most popular places in the city centre for swimming and sunbathing.

Nygårdsparken

After a recent cleanup, Nygådsparken has resurrected as a cardinal park. Nygårdsparken is the largest green lung in Bergen located right in town. 

It first opened in 1885, as a place where city residents could stroll and recuperate. The original wrought iron gates and fences have been restored, and are still protecting the park during the night. To see the pink cherry trees, visit the park in May.

The goats on Fløyen

Five lucky cashmere goats spend their summers on Fløyen, making a great effort in clearing the mountain of scrub and weeds. They love attention, and happily pose for a photo if you give them some cuddles.

Gamlehaugen

This Disney-like castle is the Norwegian Royal Family’s personal residence in Bergen. The castle is set beautifully next to Lake Nordås, surrounded by a large park that is unique in Norwegian standards. 

The park is open to the public, and strolling around you can find some unique perspectives of the castle.

Skostredet

This street is the city’s new central food scene, with a good mix of pubs, restaurants, ice cream parlours and cocktail bars. String lights and flags create a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Tip: When you stop by Skostredet, you have to try the Neapolitan style pizzas made by Villani. They make their pizzas in a wood fired oven.

Togstasjonen i Bergen (Bergen Railway Station)

The National Romantic-style railway station was completed in 1913, and is centrally located in the heart of Bergen. If you find similarities between the station’s design and the Castle at Gamlehaugen, that’s because they were both designed by Jens Kielland. 

The train tracks and the platform create long symmetric lines, giving great depth in images.

The Sculpture Trail – Store Lungegårdsvann

The sculpture “Re-Sources” is one of the latest additions to a sculpture trail that goes around the Store Lungegårdsvann. The sculptures and monuments are made by both Norwegian and international artists, and the trail is in constant development. 

Some of the sculptures interact with the weather, and make sounds from drumming raindrops and wind.