The winter in Bergen can be like a fairytale, with the city beautifully covered in snow. Or it can be really rainy, wet, and dark. The contrasts are big, but so are the experiences.
Join a guided fjord cruise, try some local cuisine, enjoy some great shopping or find a concert or an art exhibition that suits your taste.
When looking at sustainability, traveling outside the main season is positive. You contribute to increased local employment and the number of full time jobs throughout the year.
Tour Suggetions in winter:
Seeing the famous fjords is a must for most foreign visitors all year. On a day trip to Bergen you can visit the Nærøyfjorden - inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and voted the world’s most unspoiled tourist destination by National Geographic.
If time is limited, the tour Fjord cruise Bergen - Mostraumen is a great option. The trip takes 3 hours and starts at Zachariasbryggen, right next to the Fish Market and runs every day the whole year.
Bergen is a city of culture, and has something for everyone. A number of concert scenes, from the medieval stone hall Håkonshallen to modern Ole Bull Scene, hosts both Norwegian and international artists. From August till June, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra has concerts in the concert hall Grieghallen every week. The 100 musicians are led by conductor Edward Gardner, and have guest appearances by international conductors and solo artists.
Photo: Magnus Skrede
Shopping:
Bergen city has everything from well-known brand stores to small niche shops. Among these is the gold and silverware factory Arven. The workshop is open for visitors to see the making of traditional cutlery patterns, beautiful interior items and jewellery.
Another one is Oleana, one of the youngest textile factories in Norway, producing knitwear of award-winning Norwegian design. The textile factory is located in Ytre Arna, just outside of Bergen, and is the only one of its kind that both knits and sows everything in its own factory in Norway. The factory is open for visitors, and knitwear is sold in the factory outlet. Oleana also has a brand store at Strandkaien in Bergen.
Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken:
The Fløibanen funicular is one of Norway's most famous attractions and the only one of its kind in Scandinavia. The trip starts from the city centre, just 150 metres from the Fish Market and Bryggen and takes you to the top of Mount Fløyen in just 8 minutes. Mount Fløyen. Photo:Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
The Carble Car Ulriken 643 takes you to the highest of Bergen’s famous "Seven Mountains". The tour takes you to spectacular scenery and mountain terrain 643 metres above the city streets.
Beside the viewing platform, there is a panoramic restaurant that serves "fish in the mountains" and other local specialities.
View from Mount Ulriken. Photo: Benjamin Bargard
Swimming in winter:
Swimming in winter has become more and more popular. There are several great places for a dip in the sea all year round. The health benefit and the adrenalin is what makes more and more locals put on a swimsuit in the middle of winter. Read more about where to go swimming in Bergen in winter.
Nordnes seawater pool is located in the Nordnes park, near the Aquarium and within walking distance of the city centre. Pool, diving board and shower facilities.
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Activities for the family:
In Bergen there is always something to do for the family. Experience the penguin feeding, the sea lion show and the seal training every day at Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet), and see the tropical exhibition with the endangered Philippine crocodiles. At VilVite Bergen Science Centre you can try to bike 360 degrees, make the robot Robert talk, and explore over 100 other interactive installations and experiments. Head to Vannkanten aquapark with Norway’s longest waterslide, and indoors and outdoors swimming pools.
Winter In The Region:
Within a short distance from Bergen you can experience skiing at its best. The unique fjord landscape creates a topography which in combination with heavy snowfall makes the network of ski slopes varied and exciting.
Skiing in Voss. (1,5 hours from Bergen). Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik / www.fjordnorway.com
If you prefer skiing during winter season there are many options. The major ski resorts in the region are located at Voss, where you can choose between Voss Resort and Myrkdalen - Voss Fjellandsby. There are slopes to fit every taste – from advanced off-piste to more secure family-friendly trails, as well as beautiful countryside with many varied cross-country trails. Only 45 minutes drive from Bergen you can visit Eikedalen Skisenter with prepared alpine runs and kilometers of cross-country trails.
Trolltunga hike winter:
The famous hike to Trolltunga in Odda is becoming increasingly popular to do in winter. However, in winter you need to do the hike together with a mountain guide due to weather and snow conditions.
Trolltunga Adventures offers hikes in winter and spring and overnight hikes in summer. The hike is about 12 hours long, so this trip is only for the advanced hikers. (However, if you do the overnight hike in summer it is of course a lot easier). Winter and spring at Trolltunga is a unique experience with few or no tourists in the mountains, crystal clear air, and several meters of snow.
To get the best experience when visiting Bergen in winter it is wise to bring appropriate clothing. Click here to read our tips on what to wear in Bergen in winter.
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