Bergen Cathedral and Five More Churches Worth Visiting in Bergen

Bergen Cathedral has been the seat of the bishop since 1537 and is the natural start of a church walk in Bergen. Four of the six churches we recommend are within easy walking distance in the city centre: the Cathedral, St Mary's, Holy Cross and St John's. Here is what to see, when they are open and where to hear a concert.

Stay in the city centre, close to all the churches

Churches in Bergen at a glance

Six churches worth knowing about:

• Bergen Cathedral (Domkirken): the city's cathedral, with a cannonball stuck in the wall.

• St Mary's Church (Mariakirken): the oldest surviving building in Bergen, just behind Bryggen.

• St John's Church (Johanneskirken): the tallest church tower in the city.

• Holy Cross Church (Korskirken): an open church near the Fish Market.

• St James's Church (St. Jakob): a church for young people.

• Fantoft Stave Church: a medieval stave church, a short light rail ride from the centre.

Opening hours for visitors are limited, and most churches only open on weekdays in summer. Plan around that.

Bergen Cathedral

The cathedral is first mentioned in 1181 as St Olav's Church. It became the cathedral in 1537 and has burned several times, with the fires of 1623 and 1640 giving it much of its present look.

Look for the cannonball in the outer wall. It lodged there during the Battle of Vågen in 1665, when English and Dutch ships fought in the harbour, and it has never been removed.

• Address: Domkirkeplassen 1

• Open to visitors: in the summer season, Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00 [SJEKK: sesongdatoer for 2027]

• Entry: [SJEKK: om det tas inngangspenger, kirkens turistside oppgir 40 kr]

• Organ: the 1997 Rieger organ is one of the largest in Norway.

St Mary's Church

St Mary's was probably built between 1130 and 1170, which makes it the oldest building still standing in Bergen. From 1408 to 1766 it was the church of the German Hanseatic merchants at Bryggen, and locals still call it the German Church.

Inside is a late 15th century altarpiece, probably made in Lübeck and given by the Bryggen merchants in 1676. It is closed during Advent and Lent.

• Address: Dreggen 15, just behind Bryggen

• Open to visitors: mid May to late August, Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00 [SJEKK: datoer og tider for 2027]

• Entry: NOK 100 for adults, free under 16 [SJEKK: pris 2027]

• Good to know: photography is not allowed inside.

St John's Church

St John's was consecrated in 1894 in the Gothic Revival style. Its 61 metre tower is the tallest in Bergen, and the nave is the largest church interior in the city. It also has Bergen's only carillon, installed in 2014.

You climb 76 steps from Sydnesplassen, with a fine view down to Torgallmenningen, the main square.

The church is being restored from 2024 to 2029, and the tower is covered in scaffolding. Sunday service is at 11:00, and entry is free. [SJEKK: om kirkerommet er åpent for besøk og konserter under rehabiliteringen]

Holy Cross Church and St James's Church

Holy Cross Church dates from the 12th century and is first mentioned in 1185. It stands at the corner of Kong Oscars gate, a couple of minutes from the Fish Market. Its soapstone north portal is considered one of the finest Renaissance portals in Norway.

Since 2002 the Church City Mission has run it as an open church, staffed every day. Come in to sit quietly, light a candle or listen to music. [SJEKK: faste åpningstider]

St James's Church in the Nygård area was consecrated in 1921, designed by architect Daniel Muri. Since 2013 it has been a church for young people, run with the YMCA and YWCA, and it often hosts choir concerts.

Fantoft Stave Church

Fantoft Stave Church was built in Fortun, in the Sogn region, in the 12th century and moved to Bergen in 1883. It burned almost to the ground in June 1992 and was rebuilt exactly as before, then reconsecrated in 1997.

• Address: Fantoftveien 46

• Getting there: light rail line 1 to Fantoft, about 18 minutes from the centre, then a 10 minute walk.

• Open: in the summer season [SJEKK: datoer og tider sommeren 2027]. In autumn 2026 it is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00-16:00.

• Entry: NOK 90 adults, NOK 70 students, NOK 50 children. Card only. The Bergen Card gives 25 percent off.

You can see the church from outside all year, and it is beautifully lit in the evening.

Concerts in Bergen's churches

Bergen's churches double as some of its best concert venues. In summer, the Bergen International Organ Festival brings organ recitals to the Cathedral and St John's. In July 2026, cathedral organist Sigurd M. Øgaard played in the Cathedral. [SJEKK: program for Bergen Orgelsommer 2027]

In December the churches fill with choirs and candlelight. See our guide to Christmas concerts in Bergen for this year's programme.

Staying in the centre means you can walk to the concert and on to dinner. Browse our restaurants and book a table ahead of time.

A church walk in central Bergen

You can see the four city centre churches in one morning:

1. St Mary's Church: Start behind Bryggen when it opens.

2. Holy Cross Church: Walk along the harbour past the Fish Market, about ten minutes.

3. Bergen Cathedral: A few minutes up Kong Oscars gate.

4. St John's Church: Cross Torgallmenningen and climb the steps to Sydnesplassen.

Finish with lunch in town. Bergen Børs Hotel sits right on the route, steps from the Fish Market and Bryggen. Add Fantoft by light rail in the afternoon. For more ideas, see our list of things to do in Bergen, and keep the churches in mind for a rainy day in Bergen.

Frequently asked questions

What is the oldest church in Bergen?

St Mary's Church is the oldest church in Bergen and the oldest building still standing in the city. It was probably built between 1130 and 1170 and served the German Hanseatic merchants from 1408 to 1766. Holy Cross Church and Bergen Cathedral also go back to the 12th century, but both were rebuilt after many city fires.

Is Bergen Cathedral free to visit?

Sunday services at Bergen Cathedral are free and open to all. In the summer season the cathedral is open to visitors Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00. The church's own visitor page lists an entry fee of NOK 40, so check before you go. St Mary's costs NOK 100 for adults, while St John's is free. [SJEKK: inngang Domkirken 2027]

How do I get to Fantoft Stave Church?

The easiest way to Fantoft Stave Church is light rail line 1 from the city centre to Fantoft stop, about 18 minutes. From there it is a 10 minute walk, following the signs. You can also get off at Paradis and walk up Birkelundsbakken. Tickets are sold at the entrance and only cards are accepted.

When are Bergen's churches open to visitors?

Most of Bergen's historic churches open to visitors in summer, on weekdays between 10:00 and 16:00. St Mary's opens from mid May and the Cathedral from June, and both close for the season at the end of August. Holy Cross is an open church every day. Out of season, go to a service or a concert. [SJEKK: sesongdatoer 2027]

Are there organ concerts in Bergen in summer?

Yes. The Bergen International Organ Festival holds organ concerts in Bergen Cathedral and St John's Church through the summer. In 2026 cathedral organist Sigurd M. Øgaard played in July. The Cathedral's 1997 Rieger organ is one of the largest in Norway. Tickets are sold by the organiser, and the programme is usually out in spring. [SJEKK: program 2027]

The Cathedral, St Mary's, Holy Cross and St John's are all within walking distance of our hotels in central Bergen. Stay in the middle of it all and see the churches at your own pace.

See our six hotels in Bergen city centre