Bergen

🔥 Hotspots

🥖 Food

Bergen is known for its seafood and traditional Norwegian dishes. While Norway’s cost of living can be high, Bergen offers a range of options from street food to fine dining.

  • Bryggen Tracteursted $$$ – Located in the iconic Bryggen district, this restaurant serves traditional Norwegian dishes, including fresh seafood and reindeer. The atmosphere here is unique, blending history with excellent food.
  • Enhjørningen $$$ – A historic seafood restaurant on the Bryggen wharf, where you can try dishes like stockfish, king crab, and shellfish. It’s a little expensive but ideal for a special night out.
  • Pingvinen $$ – A cozy and affordable place that serves traditional Norwegian comfort food like “kjøttkaker” (meatballs), stews, and fish. Great for a hearty meal after a day exploring.
  • Kafé Spesial $ – If you’re in the mood for something casual, Kafé Spesial is known for its pizza and pasta dishes, and it’s one of the more budget-friendly options in Bergen.
  • Godt Brød $$ – A popular organic bakery chain with locations throughout the city. Their sandwiches, salads, and baked goods are perfect for a quick, healthy lunch.

☕️ Coffee

  • Det Lille Kaffekompaniet – Located near Fløyen, this small, cozy café is perfect for grabbing coffee before or after a hike. It’s known for great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Blom – A trendy coffee shop in the city center offering specialty coffee and pastries. The minimalist interior and cozy vibe make it a popular spot among students and locals alike.
  • Bergen Kaffebrenneri – This local roastery serves some of the best coffee in the city. If you’re a coffee lover, this is a must-visit to taste their freshly roasted beans.

🍾 Going Out

Bergen may be smaller than Oslo, but it has a lively nightlife scene with bars and clubs catering to students, locals, and visitors alike. The city’s youthful energy, fueled by university students, ensures there’s always something happening, especially on weekends.

  • No Stress – A laid-back bar known for its inventive cocktails. It’s a cozy place to start your night with friends.
  • Lysverket – A high-end restaurant and bar in one, Lysverket transforms into a cocktail bar at night. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, this is the place to go. 
  • Hulen – Bergen’s most iconic underground club (literally, it’s located in a cave). It has been a student hub since the 1960s, and you can expect live music ranging from indie to rock, with some DJ nights as well.
  • Klubb Kok – One of Bergen’s most popular nightclubs for dancing and DJ sets, playing a mix of electronic, house, and pop music. It’s a hot spot for students.

⛰ Activities

Bergen is known as the “Gateway to the Fjords” and offers incredible outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Despite the high cost of living, many of Bergen’s best activities are free or low-cost if you love hiking and nature.

  • Fløibanen & Mount Fløyen – One of Bergen’s top attractions, you can take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for stunning views of the city and fjord. There are several easy hiking trails at the top and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
  • Bryggen Wharf –This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most iconic parts of Bergen. Stroll through the colorful wooden houses that date back to the Hanseatic period and explore local shops, galleries, and museums.
  • Fantoft Stave Church – A stunning reconstruction of a traditional Norwegian stave church. It’s a short bus ride from the city center and offers a glimpse into medieval Norwegian architecture.
  • Fish Market (Fisketorget) – Located in the heart of Bergen, this is a great place to try local seafood like salmon, shrimp, or even whale meat. It’s more of an experience than just a market, as it also offers plenty of food stalls and restaurants.
  • Bergenhus Fortress – One of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses, dating back to the 13th century. It’s free to visit and offers a peaceful escape in the middle of the city.
  • KODE Art Museums – If you’re into art and culture, KODE is a collection of several art museums located in Bergen, featuring works by Edvard Munch and other notable artists.

🥾 Hikes

The area around Bergen is a hiker’s paradise, with mountains and fjords offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities.

  • Mount Ulriken – Bergen’s highest peak, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords. You can either hike up (about 1-2 hours depending on your pace) or take the Ulriken Cable Car to the summit.
  • Stoltzekleiven – A steep but short hike up stone steps, rewarding you with great views of Bergen from Sandviksfjellet. It’s a popular spot with locals for a quick, challenging workout.
  • Vidden Trail – For more experienced hikers, the Vidden Trail connects Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken, offering some of the most stunning views in Bergen. The hike takes 5-6 hours and is best done in good weather.
  • Løvstakken – Another popular hike in Bergen, Løvstakken offers a great view over the city and fjords. It’s less crowded than Fløyen and Ulriken, making it a good option for a quieter outdoor adventure.

 

💶 Cost of living

Rent:

  • Private accommodation: Renting an apartment in Bergen is expensive, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing between 1200-1800 EUR per month.
  • Student accommodation: SIB (Studentsamskipnaden på Vestlandet) offers several student housing options around the city. Prices range from 4000 to 6000 NOK per month for shared apartments, and most student accommodations are close to the university or connected via public transport.

Groceries:
Groceries in Bergen can be expensive, especially for imported goods. However, Norwegian staples like fish and some dairy products can be cheaper. For affordable groceries, try Kiwi, REMA 1000, and Bunnpris. Avoid Meny and Coop Mega for budget shopping, as they tend to be more expensive.

Transport:

  • Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen): The city’s light rail system is efficient and affordable, with a student monthly pass costing around 500 NOK. It connects the city center with the southern suburbs and the Bergen Airport.
  • Bus system: The bus system is extensive and well-connected. Like the light rail, you can get a student discount on monthly passes.
  • Airport Shuttle: The Flybussen airport shuttle takes about 20-30 minutes from the city center to Bergen Airport and costs around 120 NOK for students.