People from Bergen are known to be loud and proud - but very friendly. It is said that Bergen is a city with its feet in the sea, its head in the skies and its heart in the right place! So find out some curiosities about Bergensers and don't forget: "When in Bergen - do like the Bergensers".
1. Find out why people actually live this far north.
Many people think of Norway as "the frozen north", with year-round snow and dismal cold. In fact, Bergen’s temperate climate is very mild. Even if it rains (and we admit that it does sometimes) you will still have your socks knocked off by stunning views of fjords, mountains, and some of nature’s most impressive waterfalls.
Photo: borisbarabas/Foap/Visitnorway.com
2. During the summer, you can read a newspaper outside at midnight.
Precisely because Norway lies so far north, there is huge variation in the number of daylight hours. In June the sun rises around 4am, and sets again just before midnight. You really can read a newspaper at midnight, and you’re sure to feel livelier during the long, bright days. Pro tip: bring a sleep mask (although most hotels have blackout curtains).
Photo: Visit Bergen / Girish Chouhan - visitBergen.com
3. You can party all night. Well, at least until 2 or 3 am, when most places close.
In winter, when Bergen is at its darkest, the sun rises around 9am, and sets around 3pm. So tuck yourself in somewhere koselig and order something warming. In Norway most venues close at 3am, some at 2am. Norwegians are terribly slow at going out, so if you arrive before 11pm you risk having the place to yourself. Don’t worry, everyone will be along shortly. Norwegians enjoy spending time together in cosy surroundings!
4. You can meet the friendliest people
Norwegians think of themselves as a rather introverted people who are also a bit too direct some of the time, like just reaching for the thing they want at the breakfast table without asking politely. But when you spend any time with Norwegians, especially Bergeners, you will soon come to realise that they are among the friendliest, politest and kindest people in the world. They are especially proud of having invented the paperclip!
5. You can pretend to be really fit, like most Norwegians, and do some gorgeous hiking.
Bergen’s weather is sometimes rather bracing, but whatever the weather, Norwegians like to go out for a walk. (Check out these gorgeous hikes in Bergen). Maybe that’s not so strange when there are so many good places around to walk in. Preferably on a Sunday, which is when many shops and other places are closed. Although this might seem rather old-fashioned, you do actually feel more peaceful after a little time spent in nature. Just remember to carry a waterproof… Mount Ulriken in Bergen - Photo: CH - visitnorway.com
6. Bergen’s local scenery is good enough for royalty
Norway’s Queen Sonja loves to hike in the mountains and is a big fan of western Norway and the mountains around Bergen. If it seems a bit funny that Norwegians are a very egalitarian people but also love their King and Queen, well, that’s just their way of showing that they get along with everybody. (Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Norway also hosts the Nobel Peace Prize award every year.)
Fløyen - one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. Photo: Visit Bergen / Gjertrud Coutinho - visitBergen.com
7. You can meet actual Vikings.
Well, maybe not actual Vikings. But their descendants: tall, handsome people who like to tell stories about travelling the world. Many Norwegians have actually spent time abroad and are happy to tell you about that summer they travelled around the UK or Canada or Thailand. And nearly all speak excellent English, so you’ll have no trouble understanding each other.
8. The food is world-class
Okay, so not everyone likes pickled herring. Although you should try it, at least once. And the brunost, brown cheese made with goats milk. But even if your tastes are a little less adventurous, you will still find out why Norwegian produce is some of the best and tastiest in the world. Especially our famous buffet breakfasts, which, if we say so ourselves, are ridiculously good. Put some salmon on a piece of knekkebrød and enjoy the crunching sound and the mix of all the flavours. Have a waffle or "svele" with wild blueberry jam. And don’t forget the coffee: Norwegians do not function without coffee. Just don’t ask for decaf.
Photo: Ulriken643 / Restaurant Sky: Skraperen
9. You can join the locals by sitting outside the restaurants, even in winter!
Norwegians are determined, some would say a little too determined, to enjoy the outdoors. Cold outside? No problem. Most restaurants with outdoor seating offer blankets to keep you warm when it’s really too cold to sit outside, and some have heat lamps. Not that Norwegians need the heat lamps; those are just for visitors. Oh I’m sorry, was this your seat? It’s just that it’s so warm under the lamp.
Photo: Fish Me - restaurant at the Fish Market
10. You can meet a polar bear. Right?
There probably aren’t any polar bears on Bergen’s streets. Or are there? We couldn’t possibly comment - you’ll have to visit and see for yourself.
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