On our trip to the Western fjords, we had just a tiny glimpse on Bergen the first day. Needless to say that it was already dark and scary, so the only thing we could make out through the drizzling rain was the harbor with those iconic colorful houses. The first thought: “Oh my God, I wish we were already back to Bergen”. That’s why the last day didn’t seem so sad.
First things first. Apparently, Bergen is rarely covered with that amazing fluffy snow. We checked the weather statistics over the last years to discover that in winter it is mainly humid and rainy – what a shame indeed. Even more, Bergen appears to be “the capital of rain” in Norway, so if you were lucky with the weather, then… you were lucky. :) However, the moment you get out of Bergen, you will get that winter fairy tale you came to see. (Honestly!)
As the proverb says, there is no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothes. True or not?
Anyway, there are actually three things to take into consideration:
1. The tourist season
No matter how much we love travelling off-season to feel the calmness of any destination and not to feel “just like another tourist”, there is a huge draw back – museums close early, some of the tours or activities are unavailable.
2. The weather
Depending on the wind, rain, snow and other gifts sent by nature, some attractions (like Ulriken cable car) might be closed regardless the regular timetable. But again, according to the rumor, 270 days per year the rain pours over the second biggest Norwegian city.
3. The daylight hours
It’s winter we are talking about here, which means that at 3 p.m. you are likely to experience the thick twilight. Therefore, it’s better to plan the day accordingly.
What to do in Bergen in winter?
700 years ago, Bergen used to be the capital of Norway, but now it’s known as a lively cultural and a young city. Indeed, despite the gloomy and rainy sky, the streets or cafés were far from being empty.
Check out: How to spend a weekend in Oslo for 80€
Bryggen
We went at once to see the iconic view of Bergen – the Bryggen. The Old Town of Bergen, reconstructed and rebuilt, but still preserving the authentic look of the 14th century, is included in the UNESCO list for World Cultural Heritage sites. Go through the passways between the colorful houses to discover the “insides” of Bryggen, and if you are motivated – visit the Bryggens museum situated just there (or get yourself an authentic sweater that you will put on only once in your life ;)
Bergen Downtown
As usual – having a walk in the city centre is an excellent idea.
Fløibanen funicular
Just from the city-centre you can take a cable car up to the Mount Fløyen to discover this view. ⤵
The ride is about 40 NOK, or free (off-season, which is our case) with the Bergen Card. Again, if you are motivated, or if you are equipped with appropriate shoes for the winter rainy day, you can enjoy an easy hike to go down.
Fish Market
Situated opposite the Quays of Bryggen near the Tourism Office, the Fish Market is a fascinated place where apart from checking out the fish selection and other goods produced from the Norwegian wildlife (it is as sad as it sounds), you can have a meal in one of the restaurateurs. Orientated on tourists with multi-language sellers, but why not, after all?
If you have some more time:
Don’t forget that Bergen is the hometown of the classic composer Edward Grieg, whose house, now a museum Troldhaugen, is located 10 km from the city-centre.
Bergenhus Fortress or Håkonshallen in Norwegian – worth a look if you are passionate about history.
Bergen is rarely a destination itself, it’s just a starting point to discover the Western Fjords. You can organize the trip yourself (check out Winter Road Trip to Norway: Western Fjords Itinerary) or take a tour “Norway in a Nutshell” available also in winter.
Where to eat?
Tested and approved: Pingvinen – generous traditional meals for an honest prices in a cozy and slightly hipster restaurant. A discount included in the Bergen Card.
Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant – tiny bit expensive for what it is, but it was in a right place and in a right moment.
Bergen Card
It was the first time in our entire travel career that we used a city card, and you know what? That was fun. Not only did we have a free transport (including the tram to the airport), free or discounted entries to the museums and free funicular in both ways, but also a long list of cafés and restaurants with a pleasant discount up to 15%. 240 NOK for 24 hours, it is a good deal.
We want to express our gratitude to VisitBergen for providing us with the Bergen Card. All opinions are ours.
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