Bergen’s weather might call for a raincoat most days of the year, but to wander this charming Nordic coastal city—Norway’s second largest by population and area—is more than worth a little drizzle. Especially when you catch your first glimpse of its colorful wooden houses lining the fjord, narrow cobblestone alleyways framed by the crisp, clean lines of a Scandinavian facade, or the bustling seafood stalls at the harborfront Bergen Fish Market.
And while Bergen is certainly that, it’s also the raw roar of black metal spilling from a vinyl shop that doubles as a craft beer bar, the exhales of locals enjoying saunas and cold dips on the weekend, and the unexpected art installations inside of record-breakingly long bike tunnels carved through hike-friendly mountains bursting with wild berries you can snack on.
This is a city that pulls off the monumental task of blending deep-rooted history with a contemporary creative edge. You’ll see it in the creaky floorboards and leaning buildings of 18th-century Bryggen, now home to modern shops and artist studios, or at Edvard Grieg’s lakeside villa, where midday piano concerts breathe new life into a national legacy.
From trendy vegan fast food joints to late-night silent discos and small-batch chocolate shops, this guide aims to take you beyond the typical tourist route and into the real Bergen—its cozy traditions, community-driven spots, and unique experiences that make it more than just Norway’s gateway to the fjords.
Where to Stay in Bergen
The Historic, Design-Forward One: Bergen Børs Hotel
Housed in Bergen’s former stock exchange building, the Bergen Børs Hotel marries the building’s rich financial heritage with contemporary Scandinavian design and Michelin-starred dining venues, like BARE Wine Bar and Restaurant. The star of the show is its Frescohallen, an all-day restaurant and bar where the building’s former life shines through in its soaring and frescoed ceilings depicting scenes from Bergen’s commercial life. Its 127 rooms and suites continue the historic thread, some of which are located in significant areas like the former stock exchange manager’s office.
The New, Boutique One: Skostredet Hotel
Opened in the summer of 2024, Skostredet Hotel is the new sister hotel of the Bergen Bors Hotel, located on one of Bergen’s most charming, cobbled streets. Combining Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese elegance, the Skostredet Hotel emphasizes sustainability and tranquility, from the natural wood, leather, and stone used in its 94 uniquely designed rooms and suites to its soon-to-open spa complete with saunas, pools, and relaxation areas. There are two dining experiences on-site: Omakase, which is led by Master Chef Sergey Pak, winner of Nordic Sushi Master Chef, and Izakaya by Michelin-starred chef Vladimir Pak.
The UNESCO-listed One: The Hanseatic Hotel
Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bryggen district, the Hanseatic Hotel occupies the historic Finnegaarden Trading House. Every detail pays homage to its storied past, from its preserved timber walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and antique furnishings to the clawfoot tubs, candlelit ambiance, and hand-woven textiles in its 37 rustic yet elegant rooms. On-site, there are two dining venues: Finnegaardsstuene for seasonal dishes in a cozy candlelit atmosphere and FG Restaurant & Bar for a modern brasserie experience where home-made hamburgers, pan-fried halibut, and braised veal shanks could lean casual or formal.
The Budget-Friendly One: Klosterhagen Hotel
More than just a budget-friendly stay in Bergen’s historic Klosteret neighborhood, Klosterhagen Hotel provides vocational opportunities and real-world experience to people recovering from addiction, refugees, and others facing barriers to employment. By staying in this charming and central 15-room boutique hotel steps from Bryggen and the Fish Market, you’re not only enjoying cozy accommodations that come with perks like homemade Norwegian breakfasts and freshly made waffles each afternoon, you’re also supporting meaningful community empowerment in Bergen.
Where to Eat in Bergen
For a Bite of Bergen’s Favorite Pastry: Solros Bakery
Nestled in the heart of Bergen, Solros Bakery serves up some of the best artisanal baked goods in Norway, especially its skillingsbolle—the city’s famous cinnamon roll. This sweet treat, a delicious remnant of Bergen’s Hanseatic League heritage from Germany, is baked fresh daily with eggs and milk sourced from the owner’s own small farm. Stop by Solros at least once for a cozy midmorning coffee and savor a taste of Bergen’s rich baking tradition.
For Fish Soup on the Fjord: Bergen’s Fish Market
Bergen’s Fish Market has thrived since the 1200s, when fishermen paddled in from the fjord to sell their fresh catch and farm-grown fruits and veggies to merchants, mariners, and now bustling crowds of locals and tourists alike. While the indoor market, Mathallen, is open year-round, the best experience is at the lively outdoor market by Vågen Harbor, open from May to September. Grab a seat at one of the many restaurants—Fjellskål is a local favorite—and order a bowl of Bergen fish soup, a creamy, comforting Norwegian classic brimming with fresh, local seafood.
For a Low-Cost Local Bite: Trekroneren
Worth whatever wait may be required, Trekroneren is Bergen’s iconic street food stand, serving up gourmet hot dogs just a stone’s throw from Bryggen since 1948. For under $10, you can chow down standing up like a local. Their menu features inventive Scandinavian sausages with unexpected toppings, like the reindeer dog with juniper berry jam, mustard, and caramelized onions, or the lamb sausage spiced with herbes de Provence and finished with crispy fried onions. It’s fast, flavorful, and a fan favorite among locals.
For Vegan Fast-Food Fare: Dirty Vegan
With a crave-worthy menu of 100% plant-based comfort food, Dirty Vegan is Norway’s first all-vegan fast food spot. Think burgers, fries, nuggets, and chili cheeze poppers—everything you’d expect from a classic fast food joint, just made with wholesome, animal-friendly ingredients instead. Their mission? To prove that being kind to animals and mindful of the planet doesn’t mean missing out on the flavors you love.
Where to Drink in Bergen
For Bergen’s Best Cup of Coffee: Det Lille Kaffekompaniet
Tucked in a quiet alley just above the Fløibanen funicular entrance, Det Lille Kaffekompaniet may be small, but it’s a giant in Bergen’s coffee scene. Voted Bergen’s Best Coffee last year, this tiny shop has been brewing up for loyal regulars since 1996, when it was opened by a group of local university students. Its name—“the little coffee company”—says it all: It’s the smallest coffee shop in town. Still, with a handful of indoor tables, outdoor benches, and even nearby stairs that double as seats, there’s always a perch to enjoy a fresh brew and a homemade bake.
For Craft Beer and Black Metal: Apollon Platebar
First and foremost a record store—Norway’s longest-running independent one, no less—Apollon Platebar is also a beloved micropub with 46 craft beers on tap. Settle into a seat between shelves of vinyl and sip your way through a flight of local brews: Norwegian pilsners, red IPAs, or farmhouse-style kveik. Black metal hums from the speakers, a fitting soundtrack in this haven for musicians and music lovers. Apollon’s been a Bergen institution since the late ’70s; the taps came three decades later, and together, the combo hits just right.
For the Local, Late-Night Pub Experience: Pingvinen
Just up from Bryggen, Pingvinen is a cozy gastropub known by day for its traditional fare of fish pie, potato dumplings, and even whale steak, but after 10 p.m., it transforms into one of Bergen’s most beloved local watering holes. The kitchen may close, but the bar stays lively. Grab a pint from their well-stocked tap list—heavy on local craft brews—and settle in. It’s the kind of place where the conversations flow as easily as the beer.
For Drinks on Ice, in Ice: Magic Ice Bar
As the name suggests, Magic Ice Bar is an otherworldly drinking experience set entirely in a shimmering world of crystal-clear ice. You’ll be handed a cozy poncho and gloves at the door, along with a signature cocktail served in an ice glass. While it may sound kitschy, it’s one of only two ice bars in Norway (the other is in Tromsø), and the frozen gallery of sculptures—crafted by international ice artists—makes it feel more like a pop-up art installation than a gimmick. Chill out, literally.
Where to Shop in Bergen
For Small-Batch Chocolate in Norwegian Flavors: Fjåk Chocolate Shop & Cafe
Fjåk is Norway’s first small-batch chocolate brand, and while it’s technically based in the Hardangerfjord—about 50 miles southeast of Bergen—their café tucked inside the Kode Museum is one of the brand’s few brick-and-mortar locations. Their award-winning bars and hot chocolates are crafted with high-quality cacao and uniquely Norwegian flavors like brown cheese, lingonberry, and even reindeer moss. Visitors are often greeted with a few samples at the counter and a small queue at the café, especially for favorites like their brown cheese white hot chocolate and salted caramel cookies.
For Weather-Appropriate Wear: Aksdal i Muren
Open since 1883 and still operating out of its original location in Murhvelvingen, Aksdal i Muren is a family-owned outerwear shop that knows a thing or two about staying dry. This is one of the best spots in Bergen to pick up high-quality rainwear, boots, and accessories—practical essentials in a city that sees rain an average of 240 days a year. You’ll find popular Norwegian brands like BLAEST and Helly Hansen, alongside international favorites like Hunter and Barbour.
For Classic Norwegian Christmas Decor: Julehuset
Tucked in the back of Bryggen is Julehuset, a three-story shop inside a historic wooden house brimming with Christmas cheer year-round. The scent of pine and cinnamon fills the air as you wander from room to room, browsing hand-painted ornaments, tree toppers, nativity sets, and the shop’s most iconic item: the red-capped nisse, a mischievous little gnome rooted in Nordic folklore. Whether you’re looking for a traditional keepsake or just want to bask in the coziness of Norwegian yuletide year-round, this is the kind of spot that will certainly put you in the Christmas spirit.
For an Affordable Wool Sweater: Bergen’s Vintage & Thrift Shops
Bergen’s secondhand scene is thriving, thanks to a potent mix of eco-conscious locals, budget-savvy students, and a general love for cozy, layered fashion. That perfect Norwegian wool sweater on your must-buy list? You’ll likely score it for a fraction of the price at spots like Fretex, UFF Second Hand, or the local favorite Slit’an, where the racks are stacked with pre-loved knits, flannel, and winter essentials. The vibe inside these vintage and thrift destinations ranges from charity shop casual to curated cool, but the common thread is quality and sustainability.
Things to Do in Bergen
Experience a True Nordic Sauna & Cold Plunge
There’s nothing more Nordic than the hot-cold ritual, and Bergen offers several great places to embrace it. Heit Bergen Sauna brings a modern twist, often hosting guided sauna sessions with aromatherapy, gentle breathwork, and fjord views. Laugaren and Nordnes Sjøbad, on the other hand, offer a more traditional, no-frills experience. Think public baths, simple saunas, and teeth-chattering dips in the fjords. No matter your preference, be sure to book ahead, especially on weekends, as spots tend to fill up fast.
Rent a Bike and Cycle the World’s Longest Bike Tunnel
Nestled within the Bergen City Bike rental zone, the Fyllingsdalen bike tunnel offers a unique, human-powered adventure. Stretching 1.8 miles, this is the world’s longest purpose-built pedestrian and bicycle tunnel, cutting through Løvstakken Mountain to connect the bustling Bergen city center with the peaceful, forest-backed neighborhood of Fyllingsdalen. Along the way, enjoy the color-shifting LED lights, immersive soundscapes, and striking works of art, including a giant sundial marking the tunnel’s midpoint.
Go for a Piano Concert at Troldshaugen
Just 20 minutes from Bergen’s city center, Troldshaugen is the former home and now living museum of Norway’s beloved composer Edvard Grieg. Beyond exploring the charming summer estate, the composer’s waterfront hut, and his tomb tucked into a cliffside crevice, visitors can enjoy intimate lunchtime concerts held daily during the summer months. These performances take place in Grieg’s original living room, where music is played on his historic 1892 Steinway grand piano, offering a truly authentic glimpse into Norway’s musical heritage.
Dance (or Sing) The Night Away at a Silent Disco
Tucked into a former laundromat just off Bergen’s city center, Vaskeriet offers a uniquely fun night out as the city’s go-to silent disco and, more recently, a lively silent karaoke spot every Thursday. Grab your free headset at the door and tune in: the blue channel spins live DJ sets, while the green channel plays crowd-voted karaoke favorites. Just be sure to arrive early, as headsets tend to run out by 10 pm.
