10 Reasons To Add Bergen, Norway, to Your Points-and-Miles Travel List

Norway is a country offering vast and incredible landscapes, endless opportunities for enjoying nature, and an abundance of delicious seafood.

Bergen, Norway, on the southwestern coast of the country, is a picturesque seaside city that resembles a small, colorful Scandinavian village more than the country’s second-largest city. It’s surrounded by water and mountains and boasts a vibrant harbor that beckons to be explored.

If visiting Norway is on your list, you won’t want to miss visiting Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In today’s article, we’ll have tips on getting there on points and miles, lodging you can book with hotel loyalty points, and all the reasons you will enjoy a trip to this beautiful city.

1. You Can Use Points and Miles To Fly There

Norway is an expensive country. If you can offset the cost with points or miles, your trip can be much more affordable.

Consider the following flight options with miles:

• Redeem 57,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly Finnair in business class one-way from New York (JFK) to Bergen (BGO).
• Redeem 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles to fly United and Lufthansa in business class one-way from Newark (EWR) to Bergen.
• Redeem 88,000 United MileagePlus miles to fly United, Swiss, and Lufthansa in business class one-way from New York (LGA) to Bergen.
• Redeem 96,000 JetBlue TrueBlue points to fly Icelandair in business class one-way from Chicago (ORD) to Bergen.

Hot Tip:

Always check the cash cost of purchasing flights before using miles to book award flights to ensure you’re getting good value.

If you don’t mind flying in premium economy, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers excellent value and good routing. SAS premium economy includes lounge access, broader and more comfortable seating, priority boarding and security screening, and additional benefits. When the airline runs its sales, prices can be very reasonable, even in peak season. SAS is a SkyTeam partner and a good option for earning elite status with Delta Air Lines.

These flights can be booked via Chase Travel using Ultimate Rewards points. One of our favorite cards for earning and redeeming Ultimate Rewards points is the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card. We like the card for its elevated earnings, flexible redemption options, and travel insurance benefits. Plus, the card has a lower annual fee than most premium travel rewards cards.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel^SM
• 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Hot Tip:

Another option for reaching Bergen is to fly to Oslo (OSL), Norway, and then take a 1-hour flight or enjoy a scenic train ride. Oslo may offer better award flights.

2. You Can Use Hotel Loyalty Points for Lodging

In addition to booking flights using miles or points, leveraging your hotel loyalty points for accommodations can be a money saver.

Here are some hotels in Bergen that you can book with points.

Marriott

The affordable and sustainable Moxy Bergen hotel offers an urban vibe for the young at heart. On the waterfront, the hotel is a short walk along the seaside to the center of Bergen. You can book rooms starting at 16,500 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Hilton

The Opus XVI, an SLH Hotel, contrasts the original architecture with modern Scandinavian design and amenities. The luxury hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is about a half-mile (less than a kilometer) from Bergen Harbor. Off-season standard rooms are bookable for as few as 45,000 Hilton Honors points, and peak-season standard room rates start at 80,000 Hilton Honors points.

Hyatt

Housed in Bergen’s former stock exchange, the Bergen Børs Hotel, a member of Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels, is a luxury hotel in a 19th-century Renaissance Revival building. It’s right in the heart of all the sights in Bergen, including the fish market, funicular, and harbor. You can book rooms starting at 17,500 World of Hyatt points.

Choice

Choice dominates the hotel scene in Bergen when it comes to using hotel loyalty points for lodging. The brand has 9 properties in and around the city, bookable for 12,000 to 15,000 Choice Privileges points per night.

The Hotel Oleana Ascend Hotel Collection boasts a funky vibe with its vibrant decor and artwork, complemented by stylish, modern rooms. Situated on Torgallmenningen Square, it offers plenty to see and do right outside your door and is a short walk from the harbor. You can book rooms for 15,000 Choice Privileges points per night.

The Clarion Hotel Admiral, with its classic architecture, is directly on Bergen’s harbor. Its location makes it easy to explore all of Bergen on foot. Breakfast is included, and the hotel is pet-friendly. You can book rooms for 15,000 points per night.

Home Hotel Havnekontoret offers Old World charm, elegantly furnished rooms, and a convenient city center location. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s sauna and steam bath, as well as a complimentary organic breakfast. You can book rooms for 15,000 points per night.

The Comfort Hotel Bergen is a short walk from the city center and offers a complimentary hot breakfast. You can book the hotel for 12,000 points per night.

There are 2 Choice Hotels at the Bergen Airport: the Clarion Hotel Bergen Airport Terminal and the Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport Terminal. Each hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast, direct access to the airport terminal, and easy transport to the city center, just 20 minutes away. You can book a room at either hotel for just 12,000 points per night.

Hot Tip:

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns ThankYou Points that are transferable to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio. Select Wells Fargo cards, including the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card, also earn rewards that can be transferred to Choice Privileges at a 1:2 ratio.

3. Quaint, Historic, and Beautiful City

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, has a population of around 290,000 and is a historic port city dating back to the 12th century. While it’s a large cosmopolitan city, it feels much smaller. One of the reasons is that you can discover much of it on foot.

One of the best ways to view the city is by taking the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen. The station is in the city center, close to the harbor. At the top, you’ll find a viewing platform, pathways, a restaurant, and several hiking trails.

The old section of the city features a collection of restored stick-built structures built after a significant fire in 1702. The area contains unique shops, restaurants, and lodging.

The city’s wharf is lined with colorful, old buildings and serves as a social hub where locals and travelers can relax and take in the beauty of the harbor and its surrounding mountains.

For historic insight into the city’s past, don’t miss the Bergenhus Fortress, King Håkon’s Hall, and the Gamle Bergen Museum.

4. Exploring the Fjords

The fjords surrounding Bergen offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. You can catch a ferry to a nearby town or take a more extended journey down these picturesque waterways.

Whether you choose the longer fjords of Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord or the shorter trips, getting out on the water is a reason to come to Bergen.

You can book a multiday fjord cruise or take a shorter ferry ride to a nearby village, such as Rosendahl. You can also island-hop to Austevoll, which has over 600 islands in the archipelago. There are lots of options for fjord cruises on Viator.

The landscapes of mountains, villages, farms, bird life, and harbors change as you travel along the waterways. Don’t leave Bergen without a fjord cruise.

5. Outdoor Activities

Bergen is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Be sure to dress appropriately in layers and water-resistant gear to enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

From hiking Bergen’s 7 mountains to kayaking the harbor, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Bergen:

• Rent a kayak and traverse the harbor.
• Take the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen and explore the trails. The views are stunning. Biking is also popular on Mount Floyen.
• Explore Folgefonna Glacier just a few hours outside of Bergen.
• Challenge yourself to hike all 7 mountains around Bergen. Ulriken is Bergen’s highest peak, accessible by cable car or on foot via hiking trails.
• Fishing from the shore or by boat is a popular way to enjoy some of Bergen’s fresh seafood. Many tour providers offer a combination of fishing and cooking excursions.
• Take a city walking tour.
• Explore the Bergen fjords by pontoon or Zodiac.

You can book all of these Bergen activities, as well as many more, through Viator. The company uses only local travel providers.

6. The City Is a Perfect Base for Norway in a Nutshell

You can’t see the entire country of Norway in a day, but you can get a nice taste of it. That’s the motivation for booking the Norway in a Nutshell experience.

The journey involves taking trains, buses, and fjord ferries across Norway. You can begin the trip in Bergen, Oslo, or other towns along the route, then travel in either direction.

It’s a self-guided tour via the Bergen and Flam railways, short bus rides, and a fjord cruise. It’s a unique way to see the country in the shortest time. If you choose to extend the trip, you can add overnight stays and activities along the way, but the base tour typically takes about 12 hours to complete.

The trip may sound hectic, but it’s pretty relaxing.

The self-guided tour includes detailed instructions for navigating between transportation options and functions seamlessly. Along the way, you’ll also meet travelers who are participating in the same tour.

7. The Wharf Is Historic

Bryggen Wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the hub of the harbor area.

The famous wharf on Bergen Harbor is known for its colorful wooden buildings. While the row of grand structures has burned down several times, they’ve been historically restored each time and stand today for all to enjoy.

Bergen was a major trading post of the Hanseatic League, a strong alliance of medieval merchant guilds throughout Northern and Central Europe. The league had one of its offices in Bergen and subsequently acquired the area, building the wharf. In brief, the league dominated maritime trade, established trade routes, and made significant contributions to the development of Bergen.

8. Seafood Galore

You wouldn’t visit a seaside town without having seafood, and Bergen has some of the best.

In the center of the harborfront is the Bergen Fish Market. While the market is exorbitantly expensive, everything is fresh and delicious. For example, the fish and chips can cost up to $50. You can immerse yourself in the local experience and enjoy an excellent seafood meal at the market or find equally good dining for less just a block or 2 from the waterfront. However, be sure not to miss visiting the market.

Be sure to try the fish soup, as well as salmon, cod, and shellfish, all of which are local specialties. For meat eaters, lamb is a good choice, as is, of course, the very popular reindeer hot dog.

Here is one of the best articles on Bergen food recommendations I’ve read. Although it does not include prices, it provides a good representation of the food you can expect to find in Bergen.

When I travel, I always carry a card that earns well when dining out. My go-to is my American Express^® Gold Card, which earns 4x Membership Rewards points on purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per year, then 1x points for the remainder of the year.

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American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

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American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

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• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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9. Moderate Climate

Compared to the rest of Norway, Bergen sports a moderate climate. However, a mild climate does not necessarily mean a dry climate. The city gets around 88 inches of rain each year.

Fortunately, some months are drier than others. May and June tend to be the best months to visit, but any time is a good time to visit Bergen when you dress appropriately for the weather.

10. It’s a University City

The University of Bergen is an internationally recognized research institution, with buildings primarily in the city center.

University towns offer many amenities that are desirable to students and visitors. You’ll find a wealth of entertainment, nightlife, affordable dining, coffee shops, outdoor activities, sports, and cultural events. Widely available public transportation and fast Wi-Fi are additional hallmarks that attract a student population, and visitors can enjoy the benefits.

Final Thoughts

Bergen is a delightful city worth visiting. It takes just a few days to explore, and then you can head out to see the surrounding fjords, mountain landscapes, and towns.

I highly recommend the Norway in a Nutshell experience, starting either from Bergen or Oslo, for a unique and spectacular way to travel across the country.