Explore Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, the administrative and educational centre of western Norway, and is often referred to as “The Gateway to the Fjords”. Despite being a small city by international standards, Bergen is a vibrant city with a thriving student community and is filled with personality and charm!

Food and drink

Two students at Kaffebrenneriet. Photo
Restaurants in Bergen
Here are a selection of restaurants that are more affordable for students.

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The front of the student house Kvarteret. Photo.
Going out for a drink - bars in Bergen
Whether you are seeking a beer bar in Bergen, a place with a cosy atmosphere, or a standard student pub, you can get started here.

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Two students in Torgallmenningen. Photo
Shopping on a student budget in Bergen
Even though Norway is known for being expensive, it is possible to find shops and retailers that does not break the bank.

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People dining. Photo.
Food cuisine in Norway - what not to miss!
The quickest way to get to the heart of a culture is through the stomach!

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Get active

Two persons in a boat. Illustration.
Things to do in Bergen for free
Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world, which is certainly not the best news for the student budget. But don’t let that get you too worried; with nature on your doorstep and plenty of free activities in and around Bergen, the most difficult thing will be deciding what to do first!

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The sun is setting in the horizon. Seen from Skuteviken. Photo.
Best places to watch the sunset in Bergen!
Find our favourite spots watching the glorious summer sunsets in Bergen, Norway. Enjoy late evenings watching the sun set over the beautiful islands west of Bergen.

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Student with a city bike at Festplassen. Photo
Exploring Bergen by bike
Whether it be for transport, travel, or training; getting around by bicycle is a great way to explore Bergen!

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View over Skansedammen in good weather with people ice skaing.
Ice skating in Bergen
Ice skating is a fantastic winter activity, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. We give you the complete guide to ice skating in Bergen.

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View over Voss resort
Skiing in Bergen
Want to enjoy the winter in Bergen? There are plenty of opportunities for ski enthusiasts. If the winter is good the municipality will prepare some of the tracks.

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Overview of Nygårdsparken.
Parks in Bergen
There are several beautiful public parks in central Bergen. When the weather is nice, the parks are bursting with happy people enjoying the sunshine. But the parks are used by locals throughout the year for recreation and exercise.

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Two persons running indoor.
Running
Bergen offers a variety of running routes that will suit both casual joggers and serious runners, often in areas with a scenic view. Take a look below for resources to local running routes, groups, and races.

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View from Nordnes, with Nordnes sjøbad.
Swimming Spots in Bergen
Bergen has many beautiful places to swim or just dip ones toe, all within walking or cycling distance from the city centre—perfect for sunny summer days (or a quick winter dip if you're feeling brave).

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Map overview of Bergen with a compass and a finger pointing. Illustration.
Norwegian Mountain Code
The Norwegian Mountain Code is important to follow before going out for any hike. Read and keep in mind before and during your trip. Safe travels!

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Hiking shoes. Illustration
Rent free outdoor equipment
Looking for outdoor equipment you can rent for free? Look no further. We have listed some of the places where you can rent for free or a small fee.

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Troll forrest in Fløyen.
Need-to-know before hiking in Norway
Read these useful tips on how to stay safe and get the most out of hiking in the Norwegian nature.

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A girl with an electric scooter in Bergen.
Cycling in Norway, do’s and don’ts
Are you ready for a cycling trip but a bit unsure about cycling rules in Norway? Whether you’re planning a trip in nature, a city tour or you just cycling to the shops, here are some things you need to remember.

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The seven mountains

View towards the city from the top of Stoltzekleiven. Photo
The Seven Mountains of Bergen
Bergen is known as the city between the seven mountains, so next time the sun is out why not put on your walking shoes and head up to the most spectacular views of Bergen!

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The path to the top of Lyderhorn. Photo
Lyderhorn
Lyderhorn (396 m) is the westernmost of Bergen’s seven mountains. The mountain can be reached from different directions, and at the top you will have a glorious 360 degrees view of Bergen and beyond.

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View from Damsgårdsfjellet. Photo
Damsgårdsfjellet
Damsgårdsfjellet (317 m) is located to the west of the city center and is the lowest of the seven mountains. From the top you will have a nice view of the city, the city fjord, and the district of Fyllingsdalen.

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A view from the top of Løvstakken. Photo
Løvstakken
Løvstakken is close to the city, with a magnificent view of the sea, the city and the other mountains surrounding Bergen.

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Bergen seen from Mount Ulriken. The Cable Car in the background
Ulriken
Ulriken is the highest of the seven mountains at 643 meters. It boasts a beautiful view over the Bergen peninsula.

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Students enjoying the view on the Fløyen Plateau
Fløyen
A visit to Mount Fløyen is required for all visitors to Bergen. It's the closest of the seven mountains to the city center. You can be whisked away with Fløibanen, or reach the summit on foot.

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The view from the top on Mount Rundemanen. Photo
Rundemanen
Rundemanen at 568 meters is the second highest of the seven mountains, and is easily accessible from other mountains in Bergen.

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Mount Sandviksfjellet seen from a distance, with Sandviken in the backgruond
Sandviksfjellet
Sandviksfjellet is located north of Fløyen and the city centre, and is popular for hiking and exercise.

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Hikes and walks

The view the top of Stoltzen towards Askøy. Photo
Stoltzekleiven
A famous route up a rough stone stairway from Fjellveien to Sandviksfjellet mountain.

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A part of Fjellveien on a summer day.
Fjellveien
Fjellveien stretches 4,6 km from Amalie Skramsvei in Sandviken to Bellevue.

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View towards Gullfjellet from Austefjellet on a sunny day. Photo
Gullfjellet
Gullfjellet (Gold Mountain) is the highest mountain in the municipality of Bergen.

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The starting point of Skredderdalen.
Skredderdalen
Skredderdalen is a good alternative to Stoltzekleiven for hiking Sandviksfjellet because it's quite steep in places, but it doesn't have the intensity of Stoltzekleiven

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View from Vidden. Photo.
Vidden
Vidden, the trip over the mountain plateau between Ulriken and Fløyen, is a popular hike for Bergenserne (the Bergen-citizens) especially on Sundays.

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Store Lungegårdsvannet with Mount Ulriken in the background. People walking along the seafront.
Store Lungegårdsvannet
This is a pleasant and easy walk on flat surface around the lake close to the city centre.

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The view from the top of Gravdalsfjellet. Photo
Gravdalsfjellet
Locals like this hike for its peak view unadulterated by TV towers or other objects. 

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Trolltunga. Photo.
Hikes in Western Norway
There are a multitude of other hikes to experience in Vestlandet (Western Norway) the part of Norway in which Bergen is located. 

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Traditions and History

Easter traditions in Norway
Why is a chocolate bar, oranges, and crime books an important part of Easter traditions in Norway? And what does "påskestemning" really mean? Read on to learn everything you need to know about how Norwegians celebrate Easter.

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Fireworks over Bergen, seen from mount Fløyen.
Christmas Traditions in Norway
Christmas, or ‘jul’ in Norwegian, is a magical time of the year! The days are darker and colder, but that just makes the christmas lights lining the streets seem that much brighter. You’ll find christmas markets, people baking ginger bread houses, and even some snow if you’re lucky!

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A traditional gift wraped chocolate tennis racket
The (slightly quirky) Christmas traditions of Bergen
You probably already know a little bit about Christmas traditions in Norway... But as we all know, Bergen likes to do things a little bit differently to the rest of Norway, and Christmas time is no exception. Here are some of our favourite (uniquely) Bergen Christmas traditions.

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Illustration showing a closed shop.
Why is the shop closed today? All you need to know about public holidays in Norway
Norway is known for its work-life balance, so it comes as no surprise that we Norwegians cherish our public holidays; and we sure do have a lot of them.

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Girl with long blond hair wearing a crown of candles on her head. Seen from behind.
What is St. Lucy’s day?
Saint Lucy’s day, also known as “Lucia-dagen”, is celebrated on the 13th of December. This tradition incorporates children dressed in white, lots of candles, tasty saffron buns and a crown of candles!

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Norwegian flags and 17th May celebration at Bryggen in Bergen.
Celebrating the 17th of May in Bergen
Get ready, Norway’s constitution day the 17th of May is a big deal in the whole of the country. But in Bergen, we take the celebrations to the next level. Here are 17 things you need to know about the 17th of May in Bergen.

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Bryggen in Bergen on a sunny summer day.
Sights and tourist attractions in Bergen
Whether you’re new to Bergen, looking to be a tourist in your own city, or perhaps have friends and family coming to visit and want to show them around... we’ve got you covered with our list of the best tourist attractions in Bergen!

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The ferry
Top 5 hidden gems in Bergen
If you are a new student in Bergen, then you can look forward to a semester filled with exploration.

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Three students sitting on the Blue Stone. Photo
The Blue Stone
One of the first things you need to know as a new student in Bergen, is the location of the Blue Stone. This is the preferred meeting point for many inhabitants of the city, and sooner or later someone will suggest that you meet them there.

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Weather

Student with an umbrella on a beach in Bergen city center.
Weather in Bergen
The climate in Bergen is often described as wet and mild. But the sun always lurks behind the clouds.

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Two students in a park in Bergen. One of them using an umbrella.
7 Reasons to love the rain in Bergen
It’s no secret that Bergen gets a fair bit of rain, which means more rainbows, cleaner streets, and cozy movie nights! In case you’re not convinced yet, (or you’re feeling those rainy-day blues creep in), here’s our top 7 reasons to love Bergen in the rain!  

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Illustration showing people using umbrellas in different ways.
Umbrella maneuvering
Here's a guide with techniques to help you maneuver your umbrella, as well as some common umbrella etiquette you should follow.

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Norhern light over Bergen.
Northern Lights
Norway is an excellent place to see this magical dancing phenomenon. Many international students studying in Norway understandably want to see the Northern Lights during their stay. Here are some tips and tricks to assist in finding the lights!

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Photo of a sunset in Bergen
The midnight sun in Norway
Can you experience the midnight sun in Bergen? The short answer is no. But there are still many ways to see the midnight sun in other parts of Norway! Here’s your guide on how to see the midnight sun.

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Arts and Culture

Overlooking Lille Lungegårdsvannet towards KODE and Ulriken. Photo
Museums
Want to explore local history, dig into nature science or admire a piece of art? Visit one of the many museums and galleries in Bergen.

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A band performing at Kvarteret, with audience in foreground. Photo
Music
From classical to metal, Bergen has a selection of venues to hear different types of music.

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Exterior part of Bergen Kino.
Film and Cinema
From block-buster hits to film-festivals, there are many films to see in Bergen.

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The building housing Den Nationale Scene.
Theatre and Performing Arts
Bergen has several options for performing arts including dance, opera, and theatre.

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