Summer is a great time to visit Bergen – lying on the west coast of Norway, it’s the country’s second-largest city and really buzzes on warm days.
The streets are filled with locals – or Bergensere – floating in and out of cafés, sampling food or enjoying a beer. The seven mountains circling the city also make a great escape, whether you want to trek or just admire the views.
May to September is the best time to visit – locals are the happiest people in Norway when the sun’s out!
Here are my top ten recommendations:
1. Kjøttbasaren
Treat your tastebuds at Kjøttbasaren, Bergen’s food hall – crusty dark rye bread and fresh fish and seafood are the highlights. Bergensere do their own shopping here.
2. Fløyen mountain
Take a ride on the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Fløyen mountain – 320 metres above sea level. The ride only takes only a few minutes for stunning views over the city.
3. Lille Kaffe Kompaniet
Drink a hot chocolate at Lille Kaffe Kompaniet, the smallest café in the city. My favourite, even in summer!
4. Lille Lungegårdsvann
Walk around the octagonal lake Lille Lungegårdsvann then take a rest on a bench or join children feeding the ducks.
5. Explore waterside Bryggen
Bryggen is an antique wharf in oldest part of Bergen. Established by Hanseatic merchants (traders who dominated Northern Europe in the Middle Ages) it has become a symbol of Norwegian cultural heritage and has gained a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The traditional multi-coloured wooden houses facing the water are beautifully picturesque.
6. Go Shopping in Skostredet
Browse Skostredet’s vintage shops, glass workshops and cafes. It’s the oldest, cosiest shopping street in the city and completely car-free.
7. Dromedar Kaffebar
Drink a hot or cold sweet chilli coffee at Dromedar Kaffebar while people-watching from the outside tables. A peaceful spot.
8. Take in the Views from Ulriken
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from Ulriken, Bergen’s highest mountain. Wonderful scenery and a great starting point for a hike.
9. Get to know a Bergenser
The people of Bergen are very friendly and self-confident (in a charming way.) When you ask a Bergenser: ‘Where are you from?’ they will almost always answer: ‘I’m from Bergen!’ Other Norwegians will answer: ‘I’m from Norway.’ A person from Bergen is proud to be a Bergenser.
10. Don’t worry about the rain
It’s summer, but you may well get caught in a shower. If you’re caught out, head for one of the city’s seven umbrella machines. They sell thousands of brollies to locals and tourists alike. You can understand why – it rains almost 240 days a year. But locals like to walk in the rain here, it’s refreshing… give it a try!
View more recommendations on my travel guide to Norway.
