tips to venues in Bergen

10 unique group experiences

Memorable places for your next "blåtur" in Bergen

10 unique group experiences in Bergen: Memorable places for your next "blåtur"

In Norway, the term blåtur refers to a unique and exciting concept for group trips, often organized by workplaces or social groups. The essence of a blåtur is that the destination remains a mystery until the participants actually arrive.

This element of surprise adds an extra layer of adventure and excitement to the experience. Whether it's a team-building excursion or a fun getaway with friends, blåtur is about discovering new places, bonding with others, and stepping out of your usual routine to create lasting memories. The destinations, often chosen for their beauty and uniqueness, offer everything from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Here are 10 great places for your next "blåtur":

1. Relaxation on the fjord with City Sauna & Cruise

Unwind aboard a floating wood-fired sauna while enjoying stunning views of the city’s mountains and fjords. The combination of warm relaxation and fresh sea air offers a truly unique experience. City Sauna can accommodate up to 12 people, providing an experience that's anything but ordinary.

City Sauna & CruisePhoto: City Sauna & Cruise

This experience is perfect if you're looking for a relaxing outing focused on wellness and tranquility.

City Sauna & Cruise Photo: City Sauna & Cruise

2. Idyllic outing at Olaskjeret

On a small islet in Austevoll, just outside Bergen, you'll find Olaskjeret – a beautiful hidden gem. This idyllic location features a charming venue for events, a charming house with accommodation for up to 8 people, and a large deck with space for tents, perfect for larger groups.

OlaskjeretPhoto: Olaskjeret

The hosts offer boat transport from Bergen (about 50 minutes), Flesland (about 25 minutes), or by shuttling guests from a nearby harbour. The fact that this very small island is only accessible by boat adds a unique charm to the location.

The hosts can also arrange activities such as fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or a nice bonfire by the water—perfect for the late evenings. For dinner, Olaskjeret can accommodate up to 60 people in Raudanaustet, 25 in Kvitanaustet, or 180 in a tent.

OlaskjeretPhoto from Raudanaustet: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com

3. Historic charm at Glesvær Kafe

Located at the old trading post of Glesvær, about 45 minutes by car from Bergen, you'll find the charming Glesvær Kafe in a historic setting. The café can host groups of up to 65 people and features authentic interiors from the old shop dating back to around 1900—perfect for a gathering with a touch of history in its walls.

Glesvær Kafé og CateringPhoto: Visit Bergen / Nordlandblog.com - visitBergen.com

The hosts can assist with organizing boat transport for those who prefer to arrive by sea, as well as arranging various activities. The surrounding area features several popular climbing spots, excellent fishing locations, and a small cove perfect for paddleboarding (SUP).

Glesvær Kafé og CateringPhoto: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com

4. Coastal experience in Øygarden

In Øygarden, just outside Bergen, you can enjoy a truly unique experience - catching crabs and savoring them for dinner afterward! Øygarden Opplevelser offers complete packages from their base in Vik. They provide suitable clothing and life jackets to ensure you're prepared for the weather. Then it's off to pull up the traps, while the guide shares fascinating stories about the catch.

Øygarden OpplevelserPhoto: Øygarden Opplevelser

Back at the base, a delicious crab feast awaits, served at long tables right by the sea. The venue can accommodate up to 35 people, and you're welcome to bring your own beverages if desired. The hosts can also assist with transportation from Bergen, whether by RIB boat or bus.

Øygarden OpplevelserPhoto: Øygarden Opplevelser

Øygarden is also home to Fjord Expedition, which organizes kayaking tours for groups from their base on Syltøy. During the tour, you'll learn about the local coastal history, enjoy stunning coastal scenery, and hear stories about how people have settled on the islands.

The guide provides instruction in basic paddling techniques and safety, so no prior kayaking experience is necessary. Fjord Expedition also arranges a delicious lunch featuring local Norwegian ingredients, followed by homemade waffles for dessert.

Fjord ExpeditionPhoto: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com

5. Activities on one of the seven mountains

Your outing doesn’t have to take you far! Fløyen and Ulriken are ideal for groups seeking both nature experiences and activities. Take the Fløibanen funicular up to Fløyen, where you can participate in "Fløyenmester." This fun competition features various stations and challenges that are sure to spark laughter and engagement.

Trip to Mount Fløyen with activitiesPhoto: Inga Totland

After the competition, the group can end the day with a delicious dinner at Fløirestauranten or combine the activity with a light meal at the charming Skomakerstuen.

Ulriken and the Skyskraperen Restaurant offer various fun and action-packed activities that are perfect for an outing. At the top of Bergen’s highest mountain, you can try the Ulriken Zipline, engage in various digital team games, or get creative with "Paint'n Zip." Ulriken has plenty of space for activities, followed by a delightful dinner at the Skyskraperen restaurant. Finish the evening with a drink on the terrace and enjoy the spectacular view of Bergen and the surrounding region.

Zipline UlrikenPhoto: Ulriken643

6. "Fangene på fortet" activity rooms

A short bus ride from Bergen city center will take you to Damsgård and Fangene på Fortet—a fun and active experience.

Here, you’ll be divided into teams and tasked with solving various challenges in several exciting activity rooms. Some rooms are physically challenging, while others require knowledge and strategy. You earn points for each task you complete, and the game is similar to an escape room but with more rooms and diverse challenges.

Afterward, you can take a stroll along the waterfront to Godt Brød Fløttmannsplassen Pizza  for a well-deserved dinner. Heit Sauna Laksevåg is also nearby for anyone wanting a dip and a sauna before dinner!

If the evening is still young, a 10 minute walk will bring you to Ostra in Solheimsviken, where you can end the day with a drink on the lovely outdoor terrace - perfect for a late summer evening.

  1. Fangene på fortet
    Gather family and friends for a truly special team competition. The team that solves the most of our 35 unique rooms within their booked time wins!
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  2. Heit Bergen Sauna Laksevåg
    New steaming hot sauna experience in urban and scenic surroundings.
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  3. Godt Brød Fløttmannsplassen Pizza
    Enjoy a tasty Godt Brød pizza with organic or local ingredients, perfectly paired with a selection of natural wine or local beer.
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  4. Ostra
    Ostra carefully blends authentic Mexican flavors with fresh Norwegian produce, served with a side of beatiful sea views.
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If you have more than one day to spend on your "blåtur" and want to venture outside Bergen city center, here are three exciting suggestions for a day trip in the Bergen region:

7. Overnight trip to Tysnes with local culinary experiences

Head to Tysnes, just a short journey from Bergen, for a day filled with history, culture, and delicious food. You can travel by private boat from Bergen to Våge on Tysnes or take a bus from Bergen to Halhjem (about 30 minutes), followed by a ferry to Våge.

From Våge, book a private bus to take you to Kulturløo at Drange, a fascinating farm where Helge and Kari have collected thousands of historical artifacts related to farming, cooking, textile work, fishing, and maritime life. The easiest way to arrange transportation is to rent a bus from Bergen. In "Ondahuset," there’s space for 25–30 people for dining, or you can set up long tables in the "barn."

Kulturløo på DrangePhoto: Camilla Korsnes

The farm is still in operation, with sheep and hens among its residents, and you can enjoy an engaging guided tour before or after lunch. If you'd like to spend more time on the farm, the hosts can arrange various activities, such as a quiz featuring items from the farm.

The trip then continues by bus to Myrdal Gård (about 30 minutes), renowned for its production of world-class cheese. Here, you can take a tour of the dairy and the farm.

Haaheim GardPhoto from Haaheim Gaard: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com

To top it all off, take the bus to the beautiful Haaheim Gaard. We recommend starting with some free time to explore the stunning garden before ending the evening with a delicious dinner. Stay overnight, and conclude your outing the next morning with a delightful breakfast and shared transport back to Våge and onward to Bergen.

8. Cultural experiences at Kulturboden

Just outside Bergen, about 25 minutes by car, you'll find a beautifully restored boathouse with its own dock and a charming event space. Kulturboden hosts concerts, shows and various family events. The venue offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere with a touch of nostalgia.

You can arrive by boat at the private dock, enjoy dinner, and include cultural highlights in your program. It's a unique outing to a location that even few of the locals may have visited before.

Kulturboden / Zing ZangPhoto: Kulturboden

9. Learn and discover on Osterøy – an outing with culture, craftsmanship, and relaxation

Take an educational and exciting trip to Osterøy, just a 40-minute drive from Bergen. Begin with a delicious lunch at Fjærå in Mjøsvågen, followed by a short walk to Norlender Knitwear, a small family-run business producing high-quality knitwear. Here, you’ll enjoy an engaging tour of the production process and learn more about local craft traditions.

Next, visit a charming old clog workshop by the seaside, where you can take a guided tour of one of the historic wooden buildings. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the region’s rich craftsmanship heritage. Remember to book the tour in advance.

After a day filled with culture and tradition, it’s time to relax. Head to Flabellina for a refreshing dip and some time in the sauna. End the outing with a delightful dinner at Den Grøne Fabrikken, where you can savor a delicious meal in cozy surroundings.

Summer party at OsterøyArt sauna Flabellina and Den Grøne Fabrikken in Mjøsvågen. Photo: Flabellina

Many appreciate a boat ride as part of an outing, and if you travel by sea from Bergen city center, the trip takes between 1–2 hours, depending on the type of boat. Once you arrive at Mjøsvågen, the entire program is within walking distance. Another great option is to take the boat one way and return by bus.

As an alternative to the Norlender Knitwear tour, Tøsse Brygghus could be a popular stop. Here, you can enjoy a brewery tour and beer tasting. This newly established brewery is housed in the historic Tøsse Mølle from 1866. Tøsse Brygghus is located slightly past Hosanger if arriving by boat or just 15 minutes by car from Hosanger.

For those who prefer a more active outing, the scenic hike up Kossdalssvingane is an excellent choice. We recommend starting your day with the hike. If arriving by bus, the driver can drop you off near the Montessori school at the start of the trail. After the hike, which takes about 1.5 hours round-trip, you can walk along the road back to Mjøsvågen.

In Mjøsvågen, enjoy a refreshing dip and sauna session at Flabellina. End the day with dinner at either Den Grøne Fabrikken or Fjærå Sjøhus, both located next to the sauna.

  1. Den Grøne Fabrikken
    Den Grøne Fabrikken is located by the sea, in a historic and beautiful workshop- and boathouse environment on Osterøy less than an hour from Bergen.
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  3. Visit our knitwear factory
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10. Overnight trip to Fedje – the village in the ocean

"Accommodation with a view. Delicious culinary experiences. A break from everyday life. No stress, low pulse. Nature, storms and calm, reflections and waves, and a whiskey distillery." This is how the company Fedje Island describes the experience on Fedje. Everything is set up for a perfect outing.

Group visit to Fedje IslandPhoto: Visit Bergen / Nordlandblog.com - visitBergen.com

It’s also practical that Fedje Island can assist with your program, transport, and activities.

Fedje Ocean Distillery is a must-see if you visit the island. Here, world-class whiskey is produced, and they offer tours where you’ll learn the fascinating story behind the distillery’s founding. They also have a lovely tasting room where you can enjoy a sampling of their whiskey.

Practical help when planning an outing or summer party

If you need to book your own boat or bus for the trip, you can find companies to contact here. Remember that in many places, the venue's hosts can assist with this. 

If you have a lot to organize or simply want a professional company to handle the planning, you can contact one of the agencies listed here. They have extensive experience in organizing various events such as corporate events, summer parties, group excursions, or incentive tours.

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