Welcome to Bergen!
As a European City of Culture, World Heritage City and UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Bergen offers world-class experiences and culture. Bergen is the heart of the Norwegian fjords, and it gives you an ideal combination of nature, culture and cosmopolitan experiences. All year round.
The people who live here love their city – and they love visitors. Everyone is welcome! Our slogan is that a good city to live in is a good city to visit. That is why we encourage everyone who visits Bergen and the nearby areas to help us take care of the city. We hope that our visitors will take care of the natural surroundings, world heritage and local environment during their visit. Here are seven guidelines we hope you will follow to take care of the city between the seven mountains:
1. Show consideration for others
Show consideration for both the locals and other visitors. Show consideration for the people working in shops, museums, restaurants and attractions. Bus stops, tram stops and the railway station are no-smoking areas. If you visit mountains or fjords, remember that the silence in nature is part of the experience. It is customary to greet the people we meet along the walking paths in Norway.
2. Use waste bins and public toilets. Feel free to make use of our free water fountains
Please do not leave empty containers and waste behind - use public waste bins instead. Public toilets are located throughout the city. Toilets opening hours and prices can be found on this city map. We do not appreciate guests relieving themselves in the city parks, this is illegal and can be heavily fined.
Bring an empty water bottle and use it to fill water for free from the city’s water fountains. The fountains are located throughout the city, for example at the Fish Market.
3. Respect private property
Remember that the beautiful houses you see in Bergen are the homes of locals, and therefore private property. Please consider the people who live and work in the city and respect their right to privacy. Do not enter private gardens or take pictures through windows into people’s houses unless you have permission. Remember that the World Heritage site Bryggen is private property listed as a World Heritage Site, be extra mindful to preserve it. Smoking is not permitted at or surrounding Bryggen.
You should consider the timing of your visit to Bryggen. In summer the area can become very crowded during the day. During the summer it can be just as, or even more enjoyable to enjoy Bryggen in the evening or enjoy the beautiful view of Bryggen from the other side of the harbor, for example from Strandkaien. By staying away during the busiest times you contribute to lowering issues of overcrowding and minimizing the deterioration of the World Heritage Site.
4. Respect nature and wildlife
Nature is beautiful, but unpredictable. The weather can change quickly. Read more about the weather in Bergen here.
When going on hikes, please make use of the marked paths. If you are not used to walking in untamed nature, we recommend a local guide. Ask the Tourist Information for advice. Show consideration to wildlife, particularly in spring. Always walk your dog on a lead. This is mandatory year-round in Bergen and the surrounding mountains.
Use our list of ten practical tips when hiking in Norway to prepare yourself for hiking.
5. Explore the whole city!
During the summer it can become crowded in the areas surrounding Bryggen, the Fish Market and Fløibanen funicular. Explore the other neighborhoods of the city to get the most out of your trip to Bergen. In Sandviken you can visit Old Bergen Museum, and on the peninsula Nordnes you can stroll through narrow cobblestone alleyways. At Nygårdshøyden you can view the city from a different angle and visit several museums.
Read more about the neighborhoods and districts of Bergen.
6. Consider the environment and make sustainable choices
Please consider the environment and make sustainable choices when you visit Bergen. The city offers a number of activities and experiences you can enjoy without creating a big footprint.
Read our ten tips for a greener visit to the Bergen region.
7. Photography and drones
You can take pictures almost anywhere in Bergen. Some places – mainly in art galleries and museums – may have signs indicating that taking pictures is not allowed. Always remember to ask people around you whether you may take a picture of them. Taking pictures of children in schools and kindergartens is not allowed, unless you have a special agreement to do so. Please note: Special rules apply to the use of drones, which you must familiarise yourself with. You can read about them on the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway’s website
We care about our city!
Show us that you also care by following these seven points.
Enjoy Bergen and its surroundings and welcome back!
Kind regards
Visit Bergen
Anders Nyland
Director of Tourism
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