Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a historic coastal gem in Fjord Norway. Framed by seven mountains and iconic fjords like the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, it's the perfect base for exploring Norway's breathtaking fjord landscapes.
Bergen in winter
10 cool reasons to go
As winter settles over Norway, Bergen embraces the season in its own way. A milder climate, scenic landscapes, a World Heritage-listed wharf, and vibrant culture – something for every winter traveller.
A well-developed public transport network makes it simple to get from A to B in the Bergen region. A compact centre makes the city easy to explore on foot.
Find inspiration below, or go directly to:
1. Historic Bryggen
Experience the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen without the crowds.
These centuries-old wooden buildings are some of the most well-preserved and well-known settlements from the Middle Ages in the world.
2. Fløibanen funicular
Fløyen in winter is Bergen’s best kept secret. One minute you’re dodging raindrops in the city, and the next, you’re whisked up the Fløibanen funicular to a winter wonderland!
3. Ulriken Cable Car
But the highest of Bergen's seven mountains is Ulriken, 643 metres above sea level. You can either attach some spikes on your shoes and hike or simply ride the Ulriken Cable Car to the top.
4. Milder winters
Bergen's winter climate is nature's way of keeping you on your toes: Will it snow? Will it rain? Who knows?!
This part of Norway experiences relatively mild winters due to the Gulf Stream, making it pleasant to stroll the streets and explore the most charming parts of town.
5. Christmas in Bergen
Don’t be surprised if you see Christmas decorations and lights in November — the holiday cheer starts early! We're talking magically decorated Christmas markets, light shows, and the world's largest gingerbread town!
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
BergenFish Market in Bergen
BergenFløibanen funicular
BergenKode Bergen Art Museum
BergenBryggen in Bergen
BergenBergen Aquarium
BergenNorway in a Nutshell®
6.Fine dining and comfort food
Exquisite food can feel like a warm hug!
In Bergen, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you will find many unique restaurants.
Like this one, Frescohallen, decorated with murals and mirror installations. The former stock exchange building is considered one of Norway's national art treasures and has a menu to match.
7. Seafood at its prime
But what should you pick from the menu? Fresh seafood is at the core of Bergen cuisine and at this time of year, it's at its most flavourful!
Learn about Bergen and its local food traditions and history on a guided walk, which also includes a visit to the fish market Fisketorget, with its indoor Mathallen.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
8. Artistic masterpieces
From world-class seafood to world-class art!
KODE is one of the largest museums for art, design, and music in the Nordic countries. Its collection includes numerous works by world-famous painter Edvard Munch.
If you love music, you should also visit Troldhaugen, the home of composer Edvard Grieg from 1885, which is now a living museum.
Museums and galleries
Explore international art, archaeological exhibits, and musical treasures.
9. Indoor fun
If you're looking to seek shelter from the rain at any point, you'll be glad to know there's plenty of indoor fun to enjoy!
How about a visit to Bergen Aquarium to meet some cute locals?
10. Winter cruises
From Bergen, you also have the opportunity to discover some of the world's most iconic fjords — now in winter dress!
The popular Norway in a Nutshell tour is available all year round. In winter, you avoid the biggest crowds.
Short on time? Join a half-day cruise through the narrow Mostraumen strait. The boat glides so close to a towering waterfall that you may even feel a little spray on your face!
Scroll down and start planning your trip to Bergen today!
Bergen has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
Get in-depth travel information on Visit Bergen’s official website.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Events in Bergen
From festivals and concerts to shows and exhibitions. See what’s on!
Bergen21.06.2026Waterford School Chamber Orchestra
Join the Waterford School Chamber Orchestra, from Utah, USA, for a concert of exciting music for string orchestra that spans centuries, from the elegance of Baroque to the energy of modern classics. The concert will showcase a wide range of works from composers including: Corelli, Vivaldi, Sibelius, Grieg, and Piazzola. Free entry!
Book nowBergen21.06.2026Manga workshop for kids
Surprise your kids and take them to a manga drawing workshop! All materials are provided, including tutorials as guidance through the workshop. The group is small, with space for up to 8 children. This creates a comfortable environment and allows each child to receive the attention they deserve. IMPORTANT: The class will be held mostly in English, with the option to provide translations in Norwegian, Polish, and Spanish if needed. Each session lasts 1.5 hours, and there are two time slots to choose from: 10:00 – 11:30 and 12:30 – 14:00 Book here.
Book nowBergen20.06.2026Linocut Workshop
A beginner-friendly introduction to linocut printmaking. This 3‑hour workshop is held in a small and cosy group of up to 8 participants. We will cover essential materials and tools, followed by guided practice in carving and printing. Participants will create their own linocut design, produce 10–15 prints, and take both the prints and the carved block home. No prior knowledge or materials are required. Coffee and tea are included in the price. Book here.
Book nowBergen18.06.2026Minor Majority Trio
Welcome to Cornerhagen 2026! Throughout the entire summer Stas Artist in collaboration with Cornerteateret in Bergen will offer outdoor events in the garden at Møhlenpris, with good music from well-known and beloved artists, comedy evenings with stand-up, as well as family performances for the enjoyment of the youngest. MINOR MAJORITY - Thursday 18 June HELGE GRØNHAUG - Saturday 20 June FUCALES - Saturday 20 June KNUTSEN & LUDVIGSEN - Sunday 21 June AFTENLANDET - Friday 7 August THE OTHER END - Saturday 8 August OST&VIN with Merete and Finn - Thursday 13 August FRODE GRYTTEN BEAT BAND - Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August PUBKOR MED JÅTTEN - Saturday 15 August Stay tuned for more announcements! We hope for sun and clear skies, but fortunately the event is under cover should the rain arrive. Bring a friend and come and enjoy cultural experiences in Cornerhagen!
Book nowBergen20.06.2026Fucales
Fucales soak raw, psychedelic indie in seaweed and trumpet tones. The universe of fucales contains dreamy and dissonant guitars, powerful drum grooves, and insistent trumpet side by side with haunting vocal melodies, originally inspired by Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine. The band has kept it real with three critically acclaimed EPs since 2018, and in 2025 the long‑awaited full‑length album AIRHEAD was released. The record received excellent reviews both at home and abroad, and after a solid album‑release tour on the continent, fucales are finally ready to play in Bergen again – this time in Cornerhagen! Event time/concert start: 21.00 Doors open: 20.30 Duration: 90 minutes
Bergen27.06.2026 - 01.08.2026Summer Exhibition 2026 at Bergen Contemporary
We are looking forward to opening the doors for this year's summer exhibition, Saturday 27 June at 11:00–16:00. Here you can experience a broad spectrum of exciting new art from this year's three main artists: PatImperfect, Siri Røiseth and Maja Berglund. In addition we show both new and older artworks from some of the gallery's recognised artists, such as Martin Whatson, Pushwagner, Guttestreker, Alvilde Jerpseth, MASARATI, Lavrans Borgen, AFK, Bjor, Bjarne Melgaard, SORRY, Martin Schreiner +++ The exhibition is a rolling exhibition throughout the summer and as works are sold, new art will grace the walls that you can take home the same day. In addition to several new works (and some old favourites!), we are running a GIVEAWAY on the opening day! Come before 11:30 and you will receive a raffle ticket – and the chance to win one of three gift cards worth NOK 1,000 that you can use on art or framing with us. All you need to do is show up and we will take care of the rest. We draw the winners at 11:45 – maybe it is you who walks away with the prize? VERNISSAGE 27 June 11:00 – 16:00 Damsgårdsveien 14 Whether it is sun or rain, the summer exhibition fills with art, music and something good to eat – and perhaps you will find something to freshen up the home before the holidays. Hope to see you here!
Book nowBergen26.06.2026En felles bønn om fred – Fredskonsert
The Norwegian Mission Society presents: A joint prayer for peace – Peace Concert with SKRUK, Lova and the Royal Norwegian Navy Band SKRUK, led by conductor Per Oddvar Hildre, has throughout its more than 50-year history created friendships and musical collaborations across borders and cultures. When they travelled to Madagascar during Easter 2024, it was both to meet the military choir Lova – with whom they have collaborated several times before – and to further strengthen friendships on the island. The result of this work was the album A Joint Prayer for Peace, released in 2025. Now, the military choir Lova is returning to Norway, and they will meet both SKRUK and one of Norway’s professional military ensembles: the Royal Norwegian Navy Band. The band masters a wide range of genres – wind band repertoire, classical music, jazz, pop, and not least contemporary music. They have distinguished themselves especially within classical contemporary music, with several critically acclaimed releases, concerts, and festival appearances. The Royal Norwegian Navy Band is conducted by Peter Szilvay. In these turbulent times, what speaks more powerfully than a “peace choir” and two military ensembles with widely different musical expressions coming together – and bringing us together – in a shared prayer for peace. The artistic director of the concert is Anders Rønningen (composer, former missionary to Madagascar and also a member of SKRUK), who has composed and arranged much of the music, including the final piece – a brand new hymn titled Let Peace Be Free!, with lyrics by Erik Hillestad
Book nowBergen19.06.2026Bergen Calling: Dumdum Boys, Raga Rockers og Slomosa
Dumdum Boys, Raga Rockers and Slomosa at Bergenhus Festning! Bergen Calling continues to strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading concert series, presented by Bergen Live, when three of Norway’s most prominent rock bands – Dumdum Boys, Raga Rockers and Slomosa – take the stage at Bergenhus Festning on Friday 19 June 2026. Dumdum Boys Their combination of raw energy, timeless songs and the ability to connect with new generations still makes them one of Norway’s foremost live bands. When Dumdum Boys earlier this year announced concerts in the country’s largest cities and on several of Norway’s most central stages, the shows were almost immediately sold out. The band’s presence on stage is often described as a moment when the music hits the body – hard, precise and unavoidable. In the summer of 2026, audiences in Bergen will get to experience this when the band takes over Plenen. Raga Rockers make a long-awaited return One of Norway’s most iconic rock bands of all time, Raga Rockers, are also ready for Bergen Calling in the summer of 2026. The band enters a new phase with Ivar Eidem behind the microphone, while Michael Krohn once again takes up the guitar. With their raw energy, distinctive lyrics and songs that have shaped Norwegian rock, Raga Rockers set the stage for a summer filled with both new highlights and familiar classics. Slomosa with international momentum Slomosa played at Bergenfest in 2024 and are now ready to take the stage at Bergen Calling on 19 June. The band has received significant attention both nationally and internationally, and completed as many as 100 concerts across Europe and the USA in 2025. With the Spellemann Award-winning second album Tundra Rock behind them, they return to Norwegian stages in 2026 – this time with even greater force. Slomosa’s uncompromising energy and distinctive tundra rock have earned them a rapidly growing fan base, and audiences can look forward to one of the summer’s most explosive live moments at Bergenhus Festning.
Book nowBergen20.06.2026Rock the Opera
Rock the Opera is coming back to Bergen! After a successful visit to Norway in 2023, Rock the Opera will bring the greatest hits of beloved bands like Pink Floyd, Queen, AC/DC, Deep Purple with a new setlist to Grieghallen once again to show a perfect fusion between beloved classic rock music and the grandeur of a full orchestra. Lead by the amazing conductor Friedemann Riehle, we will take you on a wonderful experience combining the nostalgia and power of these great rock hits with the unforgettable atmosphere of the Philharmonic Orchestra. Come enjoy hits such as Pink Floyd - Echoes, Queen - Don't Stop Me Now, Deep Purple - Highway Star and many more!
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Bergen’s official website.
Plan your trip to Bergen with the travel planner Entur.
By plane
Bergen Airport Flesland serves as a regional airport for large parts of Fjord Norway. There are direct services to Bergen from many international cities, and all the biggest cities and towns in Norway.
From the airport, airport express buses and the Bergen Light Rail take you to the centre of Bergen in about half an hour.
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By boat
Aferry takes you from Hirtshals in Denmark to Bergen.
You can also travel between Stavanger and Bergen by ferry.
Bergen is the turnaround port for the coastal express Hurtigruten, which sails all the way to Kirkenes in the north.
By train
The Bergen Line between Oslo and Bergen is known as one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. You can choose between several daily services, and the journey takes about 7 hours.
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By bus
There are a number of daily express bus services between major cities in Norway.
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By car
If you are travelling from Oslo, you can drive across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Haukeli, or Hemsedalsfjellet (7–8.5 hours).
If you are coming from the south or the north, drive along the coast and cross the fjords on ferries and bridges. Note that queues for the ferries are common in summer, so it is a good idea to arrive at the terminal early.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
Local travel
A well-developed bus network makes it easy to get from A to B in the Bergen region.
The Bergen Light Rail runs from Byparken in the city centre to Bergen airport. With the Bergen Card, you can travel free by Bergen Light Rail and on local buses.
Express boats are often the most effective way of getting around in the wider region, especially if you are travelling across fjords.
