It is well known that Bergen is an eldorado for everyone who loves fish, fjords and mountains. But in recent years, Bergen has also become known for its beers.
A long and rich tradition for brewing beer
When Bergen joined the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, the import of beer to Norway began, and eventually the local production also accelerated.
As the trading hub of western Norway, Bergen has always been influenced by various cultures from all over the world. This also shaped the food and drink in Bergen.. Apart from what was imported, farm brewing and small, local brewers accounted for most of the beer production. This was the case until the 19th century when the larger, commercial breweries was founded. Several of them still exist today.
Photo: 7 Fjell/KIND Norway
The Hanseatic beer
But you're probably not reading this article for a history lesson. You are perhaps most interested in tasting "typical Bergen" beer? The obvious choice is Hansa - by far the most famous brewery in Bergen. Their flagship is the light lager. The brewery’s nickname for this beer is "the pride of Hansa". But this was actually not the first beer they produced. The pilsner wasn’t produced until the 20th century, before that it was bayer (and occasionally porter) people drank. Hansa produced its first bayer as early as 1892, and they are still brewing it.
Bergen craft breweries
Today, beer from Bergen is far more than Hansa. Perhaps most famous among the smaller breweries is 7 Fjell. They produce beer with names like "Rævedilter", "Småtøs" and "Kjuagutt" (names related to historic local slang). So, naturally enough, they have in a short time become a favorite among many people from Bergen. 7 Fjell are most famous for their innovative and exciting flavors, but they also haveheld traditional beers in their range.
Read more about microbreweries in Bergen here.
Photo: Bergen Ølfestival
Visit the Bergen Beer Festival!
Are you above average fond of beer? Then you should come to Bergen in the summer. Bergen Beer Festival is held every year, in parallel with the Bergen Food Festival. At the Beer Festival you can taste countless varieties from breweries and microbreweries across the country, meet beer producers and talk to other beer enthusiasts.
We recommend you arrive early at the festival. Some of the brewers like to bring a barrel with something special, that they only serve at the festival until it is empty.
Visit a brewery
Do you think the craft itself is as interesting as the beer? Most breweries, including Hansa, 7 Fjell and Microbryggeriet allow you to book guided tours and beer tastings. Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties or company events. 7 Fjell also open up their brewery one Friday every month, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the production. And taste beer, of course.
Skål!
Bergen is also becoming famous for gin. Check out our article about Bareksten.
Check out our list of pubs and bars in Bergen.
Food and drink are of course connected, read more about Bergen - City of Gastronomy.
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