Walking around the streets of Bergen feels like stepping into a storybook — cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, and the salty scent of the sea. The most iconic street area is Bryggen, the historic Hanseatic wharf, where narrow alleyways wind between rows of wooden buildings painted in bright reds, yellows, and whites. These structures date back to the time when German merchants dominated trade here, and many have been rebuilt after fires over the centuries. As you stroll through the tight passages of Bryggen, you’ll notice wooden galleries overhead and little artisan shops tucked into the nooks, selling everything from handmade jewelry to wool sweaters.

Venturing beyond Bryggen, you’ll find Torgallmenningen, Bergen’s central square and a lively spot lined with shops and cafés. It’s a wide open space compared to the narrow medieval streets, and it leads you toward the bustling Fish Market. Here, vendors sell fresh crab, salmon, shrimp, and sometimes even whale meat, while calling out to passersby. If you wander into the older residential streets, you’ll encounter steep, winding stairways and charming white wooden houses with flower boxes and climbing roses, especially in the Nordnes and Sandviken neighborhoods. These areas feel much quieter and more intimate, perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere. Even with the frequent rain, the streets glisten and the colorful facades stand out beautifully against the gray skies, making a walk through Bergen’s streets an unforgettable experience.