Bergen is renowned not just for its stunning fjords and colorful wooden houses, but also for the variety of lunch experiences that showcase its natural beauty and local culture. Whether you’re after a scenic feast with sweeping views or an authentic home-cooked meal, Bergen has options that suit different tastes and schedules. Our favorite? The full-day UNESCO Fjord Cruise combines spectacular scenery with a satisfying lunch, making it a perfect choice for travelers wanting an immersive day out. But if you prefer a quick yet memorable taste of Bergen, the home-hosted lunch offers genuine hospitality you won’t forget.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through four of Bergen’s top lunch experiences. From fjord adventures and mountain panoramas to farm visits and local home cooking, each offers something special. These tours are designed for travelers seeking more than just a meal—they’re about experiencing Bergen’s landscapes, culture, and flavors firsthand.
Here’s a quick overview of the tours we’ll cover:
- A full-day fjord cruise with scenic stops and a delicious onboard lunch
- A mountain-top lunch with panoramic views from Mount Ulriken
- A hardangerfjord drive, waterfalls, and farm lunch adventure
- An authentic home-hosted lunch with local hosts in Bergen
Now, let’s explore each experience in detail to help you decide which suits your trip best.
1. Bergen: UNESCO Fjord Cruise, Flåm & Stegastein – Incl. Lunch
At number one, this full-day adventure takes you through some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes. Starting in Bergen, you’ll enjoy a comfortable bus ride along scenic routes before embarking on a 2-hour cruise through Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its narrow, towering fjords. The cruise is the highlight for many, offering dramatic views of steep mountains and glittering waters.
After the cruise, the tour visits the charming village of Flåm, perfect for a quick stroll and photo stops. Then it’s on to the Stegastein viewpoint, where a glass platform juts out over the fjord, offering panoramic views that are hard to beat. The day ends with a scenic bus ride back along Osterfjord, passing waterfalls and lush landscapes.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of cruise, cultural stops, and breathtaking vistas—a truly comprehensive way to experience Norway’s fjords in a single day. The included lunch on board is satisfying, with local flavors adding to the experience. The fact that it has a 4.7/5 rating from 556 reviews speaks to its popularity and consistent quality.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a full day immersed in Norway’s natural beauty with a good mix of sightseeing, culture, and comfort.
2. Ulriken, Bergen: Enjoy a 3-course lunch with panoramic views
At number two, the Ulriken cable car experience is ideal if you’re looking for a shorter, more relaxed lunch while still enjoying incredible scenery. For just $112 per person, you ascend Mount Ulriken on Norway’s highest cable car, reaching panoramic heights with minimal effort.
Once at the top, you’ll settle into the Skyskraperen Restaurant for a 3-course meal inspired by the changing seasons. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to reflect local ingredients and seasonal flavors, making it a delicious and authentic experience. After lunch, you can explore outside, take a short walk, or even do a small hike if you’re feeling active.
This tour is perfect for travelers who prioritize spectacular views combined with good food but want to keep logistics simple. The average review rating of 4.8/5 shows that most visitors find it a worthwhile splurge—especially those wanting to combine a meal with a scenic adventure.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy Bergen’s mountain vistas and local cuisine with minimal fuss.
3. Scenic Hardanger Fjord with Waterfalls, Farm Garden & Lunch
Number three on our list offers a more intimate countryside experience, perfect for travelers eager to see Norway’s rural beauty. This 7.5-hour guided tour takes you from Bergen along the Hardangerfjord, famous for its waterfalls and fruit orchards.
Highlights include walking behind the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, a rare opportunity to stand amidst the cascading water, and a short ferry ride across the fjord, offering splendid views. The tour’s centerpiece is lunch at Berge Farm & Garden, set amid orchards and lush farmland, where you’ll enjoy a hearty meal made from local ingredients.
This experience stands out because of its combination of scenic drives, farm visits, and waterfalls, offering a taste of authentic Norwegian life. The rating is not specified, but the reviews praise the tour’s varied scenery and friendly guide. It’s best suited for those willing to spend most of the day outdoors and who appreciate rural charm.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a day immersed in Norway’s natural and agricultural landscape, with a satisfying farm-style lunch.
4. Bergen: Home-Hosted Lunch with a Local
Rounding out our list, the home-hosted lunch provides a rare chance to connect with local Bergen residents and experience authentic Norwegian hospitality. For around $96 per person, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared meal in a relaxed setting, learning about Bergen’s culture and daily life directly from your host.
This experience isn’t about grand scenery or adventure but about cultural exchange. You can ask questions, share stories, and get a genuine glimpse into Norwegian family life. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a personal touch over the touristy feel of larger tours. Although reviews are limited, the idea of sharing a meal in someone’s home offers intimacy and authenticity that large-group experiences can’t match.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a meaningful cultural experience and enjoy meeting locals in a friendly, informal atmosphere.
How to Choose Your Bergen Lunch Experience
Choosing the right Bergen lunch experience depends on your schedule, interests, and budget. If you want a full day of sightseeing and stunning fjord landscapes, the UNESCO Fjord Cruise & Flåm tour offers excellent value. For a shorter, scenic mountain-top meal, the Ulriken cable car is perfect for a quick but memorable break.
If you’re curious about local life and enjoy farm visits, the Hardanger Fjord tour combines scenery with farm-to-table food. Finally, for an authentic personal connection and cultural insight, the home-hosted lunch allows you to experience Bergen’s hospitality firsthand.
Remember to consider your fitness level (some tours involve walking or hikes), your time constraints, and whether you prefer scenic, culinary, or cultural experiences. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the fjord cruise and Ulriken lunch.
Final thoughts
Bergen offers a rich variety of lunch experiences that go beyond just eating—each provides a different way to connect with the landscape and local culture. For an all-in-one adventure, the full-day fjord cruise tops the list. If you’re after a scenic meal with minimal prep, the Ulriken lunch hits the spot. For a taste of rural Norway, the Hardanger farm tour is hard to beat. And if authentic hospitality is your priority, the home-hosted meal will leave you with warm memories.
No matter your choice, these experiences are best booked in advance to ensure you secure your spot. Bergen’s food and scenery will surely leave you inspired—and satisfied.
Enjoy your trip and savor every bite of Bergen’s wonderful lunch experiences!