The weather along the coast is often wild, which makes for fantastic nature experiences! Watch the waves lash the Bergen coast.
Season: The best time for storms is between September and April.
Experience the ocean
The landscape opens up towards the Atlantic Ocean just a few minutes’ drive from Bergen. When the ice retreated 10,000 years ago, it left thousands of islands like pearls on a string. When the winter storms lash the coast, you will feel humbled by the forces of nature. But this is also the best time to visit! We have a saying in Bergen: ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’. You can really feel the elements in the city of contrasts – if you dress appropriately, you are guaranteed great nature experiences!
Safety first!
- Pay attention to the weather forecast and advice issued by the authorities!
- Wear clothing that protects you from the elements, and that keep you warm and dry. Wearing rubber boots, a waterproof jacket and trousers, and wool is recommended.
- Don't go too close to the waves in bad weather. Large waves can break onto the shore, so don’t go too near the edge!
- Make sure you have the right shoes for the terrain, and remember that it can be slippery on the boulders facing the sea.
Photo: maps.google.com
Walking the coastal heaths on Golta
The drive from Bergen city centre to the old trading place Glesvær and the coastal heaths on Golta takes about 50 minutes. Golta is a small island, separated from Sotra by a narrow canal called Goltastraumen, which offers great hiking opportunities.
At Golta you can hike to Lutatangen through the beautiful coastal landscape, with a fantastic view west to the sea. On stormy days you can feel the wrath of the weather gods, from a safe distance to the sea. The hike starts at the parking lot to the right of the road at Vogga on Nedre Golta, and is about 2.4 kilometers each way in slightly hilly terrain..
If you don’t have a car you can travel to Glesvær by bus. (see www.skyss.no for timetables).
Skogsøyna
15 minutes drive further north from Toftøyna you reach the starting point for the hike to Skogsøyna. The start of the hike is located at the small bridge to Herdlevær. There is a provisional car park on the far side of the bridge and you can also park your car along the road. But there is only room for a few cars, so carpooling with your fellow hikers is the best option.
The hike to Skogsøyna is about 8 kilometers back and forth, in varied terrain. Make sure you wear hiking shoes as part of the terrain can be wet. Along the path you will have a good view of the sea, and when you get to Skogsøytuva you will be able to see both far and wide. Be extra careful in bad weather, the waves get big in this area, and there are many places with a high drop down to the sea.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Robin Strand
Stay dry, keep well away from the waves and enjoy the fantastic weather Bergen has to offer!
Find more suggestions for day trips by car from Bergen.
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