In the city between the seven mountains there are lots of activities and attractions for everyone! But which activities should you and your friends choose to do together? Here’s seven tips for things to do in Bergen with your friends!
1. Bergen’s seven mountains - perfect for hiking
Going for a hike is both social and good for your health. On the seven mountains surrounding Bergen there’s a lot of different hikes to choose from, suitable for everyone.
The hike across Vidden from Mount Ulriken to Mount Fløyen is especially popular for groups. Maybe because the path is wide enough so you can walk side by side? For many the most important thing about the hike is the chat along the way. In the summer, you can enjoy a cold drink on the terrace of Fløien Folkerestaurant after the hike. In the autumn, a bowl of hot soup or a skillingsbolle in Fløistuen is the perfect ending to your hike.
Photo: Visit Bergen/Robin Strand - visitBergen.com
If you want to go for a hike in the region outside of Bergen, the hike up Kossdalsvingene on Osterøy is an exciting alternative. This hike is becoming more and more popular. The drive from Bergen city center to Mjøsvågen on Osterøy is about 50 minutes, and you can do the hike back and forth to Kossdalsvingane in about 1.5 hours.
2. Into the mountains on snowshoes or with a dog sled!
Are you looking for an extraordinary experience that will definitely give you something to talk about? Take your group on a snowshoeing adventure! Book a guided tour with Hardangerfjord Adventure and embark on a day trip in the majestic mountains around Hardangerfjord.
Photo: Hardangerfjord Adventure / Joey Uffelie
If there is snow in Bergen, you can also strap on your snowshoes and explore the local peaks. And if the snow fails in the city center, fear not! The guides from Norway Mountain Guides will take you out of the city to places where the snow lies deep, ready to give you an exceptional winter experience.
3. "I want to break free ..."
Whether the band Queen is your favourite cup of tea or not, trying to “break free” from an escape room has become popular. This game works best if you are between 2 - 10 people and the goal is simple: Get out of the room within 60 minutes! Escape Bryggen has received a lot of good feedback, most people think it's great fun and say that it's fun to try something new.
In the same category, there's also "Fangene på fortet," which offers a similar experience to an escape room, but with a twist: instead of escaping just one room, you'll face 35 different rooms, each with its own unique challenge. Some tasks test your physical abilities, others your intellect, and many require teamwork, making it an exciting and varied adventure.
Photo: Fangene på fortet
4. Creative and relaxed
Just by the lower station of the Fløibanen funicular you’ll find JM Atelier. Here, Joanna hosts watercolour courses for small groups of friends and families. No prior experience is required, but even experienced artists looking to further develop their technique will benefit from the course. Over the course of 2.5 hours, Joanna gently guides you through the process, with room to experiment with different types of paper, brushes and pigments, and to get to know several watercolour techniques. All materials are included.
Foto: JM Atelier
Just a stone’s throw away is also SMYKBAR. Here, groups of friends can gather to design and create their very own piece of jewellery in a warm and creative setting. You pay a base price, then choose materials and style according to your personal taste and desired price range. A social and creative activity that results in a unique, personal piece to take home.
5. Have fun at a concert. Rock, blues, jazz, classical or simply a festival?
The choices are many, because in Bergen you will find concerts of every kind. The big indoor concerts mostly take place in the Grieg Hall. This venue is also the main concert venue in Bergen for classical music.
Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho
If you are more of a rock or blues fan, Madam Felle at Bryggen is the place to go. At Ole Bull Scene you can all have a laugh together at one of many comedy shows, or enjoy a concert. USF Verftet is an excellent choice if you want to combine going to a concert and having a drink by the seaside .
We also recommend a visit to Bergenfest and Nattjazz, as well as the ever-growing Beer Festival. Perfect for a group of friends! The first two are arranged in early summer and the latter in autumn. An overview of most festivals in Bergen can be found here.
You will find a large selection of concerts and other events in our What's on calendar.
6. Shopping - from vintage and niche to the famous brands
It is always nice to have someone who can give you a second opinion on what the pants look like from behind, or someone who can fetch you a different size when you have been a little optimistic and brought small into the changing room when you really should have had large .. Shopping is better with friends!
Visit one or more of the shopping centers in Bergen, or walk the streets in the city center where you find the smaller niche shops. In Bergen you will find everything from small independent shops to the big brands.
After an hour or three of shopping, it's time to relax at a cafe. Have a caffe latte and make plans for the rest of the evening.
7. Enjoy a good meal with friends
Whether it's getting together for dinner or just a drink, there are plenty of places to choose from in Bergen. Around Torgallmennningen you will find several options, including TGI Fridays who is most known for their burgers, salads, sandwiches and large portions (!). On the other side of Torgallmenningen in Valkendofsgaten, Allmuen is also a good alternative. At Allmuen they serve local food made with local ingredients. Check out more restaurants in Bergen. Allmuen Restaurant. Photo: Wammen Photo
When evening falls and you're ready to enjoy a drink after dinner, Colonialen Jest is a great place to go. This cozy gem serves as a coffee bar during the day and transforms into a lively bar in the evening. With its relaxed atmosphere, it's a nice place to continue the conversations from dinner. At Colonialen Jest, you can also order a "snack-pack" - a menu filled with delicious small dishes that are perfect for sharing.
If you're looking for cocktails, Bella Notte is the place to be. Easy to find and hard to leave!
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