Welcome to Bergen, the heart of the fjords and your perfect starting point for an unforgettable journey. When you rent a motorhome in Bergen, you're not just hiring a vehicle; you're unlocking the freedom to explore one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth. Bergen is a city steeped in history and surrounded by nature's raw beauty.

Geography and Scenery

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Norway, Bergen is famously known as the city between the seven mountains. This unique geographical position makes it the official gateway to the world-renowned Norwegian fjords. The city itself is a picturesque tapestry of colorful wooden houses climbing up the hillsides, a bustling harbor, and narrow cobblestone streets. Your decision to rent a camper in Bergen allows you to wake up to these views and then venture out into the vast wilderness of Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, just a short drive away.

History and Culture

Founded over 900 years ago, Bergen's history is rich and palpable. Its most significant historical period was its time as a major hub of the Hanseatic League's trading empire. This legacy is perfectly preserved in the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you stroll through its narrow alleyways, you can almost hear the echoes of merchants from centuries past. The city is also a cultural powerhouse, home to famous composer Edvard Grieg and violinist Ole Bull. Their former homes are now museums you can visit. An ideal way to soak in this culture is by making it part of your itinerary when you rent a motorhome in Bergen, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

People and Atmosphere

With a population of around 285,000, Bergen is Norway's second-largest city, but it retains the charm and atmosphere of a small town. The locals, known as 'Bergensere', are proud of their city's history and unique dialect. They are generally welcoming and friendly to visitors. The city has a vibrant student population, which contributes to a lively arts scene, cozy cafes, and bustling nightlife.

Weather and Best Time to Travel

Bergen is famous for its rainfall, which keeps the surrounding landscapes lush and green. Don't let that deter you! The weather is part of its charm. The best time to rent a camper in Bergen is from May to September. During these months, you'll experience long daylight hours (the midnight sun in mid-summer), warmer temperatures, and all mountain roads are guaranteed to be open. Summer is perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the fjords. If you're looking for a special adventure, consider opting for a 4x4 camper rental in Bergen to tackle more rugged terrain with confidence, no matter the season.

Bergen is a city packed with attractions, and having a motorhome gives you a fantastic base to explore from. Park your camper at a nearby campsite and dive into the city's wonders, or use it to hop between the incredible sights in the surrounding region.

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf

No visit to Bergen is complete without a walk through Bryggen. These iconic, colorful wooden houses lining the harbor are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the narrow alleyways behind the facade to discover small boutiques, workshops, and the Hanseatic Museum, which gives you a glimpse into the life of German merchants who dominated trade here for 400 years.

Mount Fløyen and the Fløibanen Funicular

For the best panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. At the summit, you'll find stunning vistas, hiking trails, a restaurant, and even a small playground with friendly goats. It's a perfect family-friendly outing. After a day of exploring, returning to the comfort of your camper van feels like coming home.

Mount Ulriken and the Ulriken Cable Car

If you want an even higher perspective, head to Mount Ulriken, the highest of Bergen's seven mountains. A cable car will whisk you to the top, where you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the city, the sea, the islands, and the fjords. For the adventurous, there's a popular hiking trail connecting Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen. This is a great reason to rent a camper in Bergen; you can easily drive to the cable car station.

KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes

KODE is one of Scandinavia's largest museums for art, design, and music. Its four buildings in the city center house impressive collections, including major works by Edvard Munch. Your ticket also grants you access to the homes of composers Edvard Grieg (Troldhaugen), Ole Bull (Lysøen), and Harald Sæverud (Siljustøl).

The Fish Market (Fisketorget)

Experience the lively atmosphere of Bergen's famous Fish Market. Located in the heart of the city, you can sample fresh seafood, from shrimp and salmon to whale meat. While it's a bit touristy, it's a quintessential Bergen experience. It's an excellent place to stock up on fresh ingredients for a meal back at your motorhome.

Exploring these sights is made easy when you rent a motorhome in Bergen, giving you the ultimate flexibility to see the city and the majestic nature that surrounds it.

When you rent a motorhome in Bergen, the real adventure begins when you leave the city limits. Here are a couple of recommended tours that showcase the best of Fjord Norway.

🚗 The Hardangerfjord Scenic Route (2-4 Days)

This tour takes you through a landscape of lush orchards, powerful waterfalls, and the stunning Hardangerfjord. It's a journey through the heart of Norwegian national romance.

Day 1: Bergen to Norheimsund & Steinsdalsfossen Pick up your camper and head east on the E16, then Route 7. Your first major stop is the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, famous because you can walk behind the cascade without getting wet. Camp for the night near Norheimsund, a charming fjord-side village.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Fruit Farms Continue along the fjord to see the impressive Vøringsfossen waterfall near Eidfjord. The area is known as Norway's orchard; depending on the season, you can buy fresh cherries, plums, or apples directly from farm stands.

Day 3: Hiking Queen Sonja's Trail For the active, park your motorhome and hike a section of Dronningstien, or 'Queen Sonja's panoramic hiking trail.' It offers some of the most spectacular fjord views in all of Norway. A 4x4 camper rental from Bergen would be perfect for reaching more remote trailheads.

🏞️ King of the Fjords: The Sognefjord (3-5 Days)

Explore the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. This route includes dramatic mountain passes, historic stave churches, and the famous Flåm Railway.

Day 1: Bergen to Flåm via Voss Drive the E16 towards Voss, the adventure capital of Norway, before descending the breathtaking Stalheimskleiva road (check for vehicle size restrictions) or the newer tunnels to Gudvangen. End your day in Flåm, nestled at the end of the Aurlandsfjord.

Day 2: Flåm Railway and Fjord Safari Leave your motorhome for the day. Take the world-famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) up to Myrdal and back, one of the steepest and most beautiful train journeys in the world. In the afternoon, join a RIB boat fjord safari for an up-close look at the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.

Day 3: Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route & Lærdal Drive the stunning Aurlandsfjellet scenic route, also known as the 'snow road,' which offers incredible views from the Stegastein viewpoint. Descend into Lærdal and visit the Borgund Stave Church, one of Norway's best-preserved medieval churches. Deciding to rent a camper in Bergen gives you the freedom to experience all these highlights.

After an amazing road trip, it's time to return your vehicle. Most rental agreements, including ours at Campcruisers, require you to return the motorhome with a clean interior and exterior. Finding a car wash that can accommodate a large camper or motorhome can be tricky, as standard automatic car washes are too small.

The key is to look for truck washes ('Lastebilvask' in Norwegian) or self-service wash bays ('Selvvask') that have high ceilings. These are often located at larger petrol stations or in industrial areas. Here are a few suitable options in and around Bergen where you can get your camper cleaned before you drop it off.

1. Circle K Truck Fjøsanger

This is a full-service truck stop that often has washing facilities suitable for large vehicles. It's conveniently located south of the city center, making it accessible when returning from the south or heading towards the airport.

Address: Fjøsangervegen 135, 5073 Bergen, Norway

2. YX Truck Kokstad

Located in the Kokstad industrial area near the Bergen Airport (BGO), this is a perfect last-stop location before returning your vehicle if you have an agreement to drop it off near the airport. They are well-equipped for commercial trucks and therefore perfect for your motorhome.

Address: Kokstadflaten 33, 5257 Kokstad, Norway

3. Shell Self-Service Wash Bays

Several Shell stations have high-roofed, self-service wash bays where you can clean the vehicle yourself using a pressure washer. This is a great, cost-effective option. Always check the height clearance before entering. A good example is often found in larger commercial zones.

Address: Look for larger Shell stations in areas like Åsane or Sandsli.

A friendly tip: Always have some Norwegian Kroner coins or a credit card handy for these self-service stations. Planning this final step will ensure a smooth and easy return process after you rent a camper in Bergen.

Your journey to rent a motorhome in Bergen starts with getting to the city. Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), is a well-connected international airport, making your arrival straightforward from many parts of the world.

From the UK and Ireland:

You're in luck! There are numerous direct flights to Bergen. Major airlines like Norwegian, SAS, and Widerøe operate regular direct routes from London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin. The flight time is short, typically around 2 hours, making it a very convenient starting point for your Norwegian adventure.

From the USA and Canada:

While direct flights are rare and often seasonal, getting to Bergen is easy with a single stop. You will typically connect through a major European hub. Common connection points include Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM, Copenhagen (CPH) with SAS, London (LHR) with British Airways, or Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa. Major departure cities like New York (JFK), Toronto (YYZ), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX) all offer convenient one-stop itineraries.

From Australia and New Zealand:

Your journey will be a long-haul flight involving two stops. A typical route would be from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Auckland (AKL) to a major hub in the Middle East (like Dubai with Emirates or Doha with Qatar Airways) or Asia (like Singapore with Singapore Airlines), followed by a second flight to a major European hub (like Amsterdam or Copenhagen), and then a final short flight to Bergen (BGO).

From South Africa:

Similar to travelers from Oceania, your best bet is a flight with one or two stops. Common routes from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) fly via major hubs in Europe (like Amsterdam with KLM, Paris with Air France) or the Middle East (Dubai or Doha).

Once you arrive at Bergen Airport (BGO), our Campcruisers station is conveniently located, so you can pick up your vehicle and begin your trip to rent a camper in Bergen without delay.