Wondering what you should see and do in Bergen in winter? Winter activities not to be missed in Bergen?
For this visit to Norway’s second largest city, we chose to explore it in the middle of winter. We were keen to discover the city and its fjord under the snow, and we weren’t disappointed! We took advantage of a few days’ vacation in February to explore this city in winter and under the snow.
We’ve already told you about our summer visit to Bergen. In this article, we’ve focused on typical winter activities in Bergen. We also tell you what you need to pack to withstand the cold.
1. The historic Bryggan district
This is the district to see in Bergen. The Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful facades and cobblestone streets dating back to the days of the Hanseatic League, becomes even more charming under the snow. As in Tromdheim in winter, the colors contrast well with the white of the snow. Its colorful houses are home to souvenir stores and cafés/restaurants.
We had first visited it in midsummer, at the same time as a huge cruise ship, so we appreciated it more when we came in winter.
We took the opportunity to warm up in a café while taking in the view of the snow-covered quays, which in midsummer would have been unthinkable in view of the crowds.
2. Getting high at Mount Fløyen
Mount Fløyen, the summit of one of the 7 hills surrounding Bergen, offers an incredible view of the city and its surroundings. The ascent by funicular (Fløibanen, open all year round) gradually reveals the snow-covered city from a whole new angle.
The locals take the funicular up and then the toboggan down, which is a really fun and exotic sight. Then we wanted to walk around the funicular to the lake, which was frozen solid. Make sure you’re well equipped to get the most out of it.
One-way ticket price 60NOK per adult (approx. €5)
3. Winter cruise on the fjord
The fjords are accessible even in winter! Boat cabins are well heated, and blankets are available on the outside pontoons.
But what exactly is a fjord? It’s a question we also asked ourselves when preparing our stay. A fjord is an arm of the sea wedged between mountains or cliffs (it’s salt water, all right). After our exploration of Lysefjord in the south, we were delighted to discover a new one, as this is obviously the activity to do in Norway.
Osterfjorden is the closest fjord to Bergen, and many cruises (even in winter) leave from the port of Bergen to reach the village of Mostraumen at the end of the fjord.
We boarded a small boat, and as always, arriving by boat in a fjord is impressive, making you feel very small surrounded by the impressive cliffs.
For 3h30 we sailed along the tranquil waters of the fjord, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We were able to get up close to the frozen waterfalls.
We recommend you take the highly reputed Rødne Fjord Cruise for a panoramic cruise on the Osterfjorden to the village of Mostraumen, departing from Bergen harbor (next to the fish market).
➡️ A word of advice: don’t forget to book your Osterfjorden cruise tickets online in advance (approx. €70 per person). Make sure you’re warm enough to enjoy the outdoors for a while.
4. Museum of Hanseatic History
We took advantage of our winter visit to cultivate ourselves a little in the warmth. Among Bergen’s museums, we’ve selected the Hanseatiske Museum, which plunges visitors into the city’s rich merchant past, during the era of the Hanseatic League, a powerful federation that controlled several northern ports.
Through authentic and well-preserved exhibits, this museum, located in a former Bryggen warehouse, offers a glimpse into the life of medieval merchants, illustrating how they lived and worked in this strategic port town. It’s a very instructive visit to a part of history we didn’t know.
Price: 130NOK per adult
5. Trolltunga winter hiking
Norway’s famous Trolltunga hike takes you to the incredible“Troll’s Tongue“, a rocky platform suspended above Lake Ringedal. The panorama is magnificent. Matthieu did this hike on his own in June, and loved it. Find our complete guide to Trolltunga here.
The departure is about 3 hours from Bergen, and in winter it’s possible to go with a guide. For more information, click on the links below.
6. Gingerbread Bergen
Pepperkakebyen, or the gingerbread town of Bergen, is a unique event to admire a miniature replica of Bergen made entirely of gingerbread.
It’s the largest town of its kind in the world, featuring iconic buildings, the harbor, the Fløibanen funicular, houses, all made from gingerbread, powdered sugar and candy. This magical show takes place every year during the Christmas season, from mid-November to the end of December, and you can find all the details on the official website.
We weren’t there at the right time, which almost makes us want to come back, so don’t hesitate to give us feedback on this event in comments.
7. Aurora borealis in Bergen
Although you’re more likely to see the Northern Lights in Tromso or Tromdheim (the Norwegian cities closest to the North Pole), conditions permitting, you’ll be able to observe them.
The NorwayLights application, offered by the Norwegian Tourist Board, shows the probability of the Northern Lights appearing on a map.
Of course, you’ll need to get away from the city – Mount Floyen seems to be a good spot!
The best time to see the aurora is from late September to spring. If you’d like to find out more about this phenomenon, which we find incredible, we recommend (as is often the case) Jamy ‘s videos from the famous TV show C’est pas Sorcier.
For our part, we haven’t yet had the chance to see any. It’s one of our dreams, and an excellent reason to return to northern Scandinavia in winter.
Our tips for visiting Bergen in winter
Bergen in winter temperature
The city of Bergen experiences long winters. Temperatures and light levels drop drastically in early November.
Bergen is located on the west coast, thanks to the proximity of the Gulf Stream, and the good news is that temperatures rarely drop very low, averaging 2.5 degrees in winter.
On the other hand, it’s reputed to be one of the wettest cities in Europe, so be prepared for rain or snow. Finally, with the right clothing, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy the city to the full (even though I’m a great chiller).
In winter, from December to February, average temperatures are generally :
- December: Temperatures in Bergen generally fluctuate between 1°C and 5°C, but can sometimes drop slightly below zero, especially on clear, windless nights.
- January: This is often the coldest month in Bergen, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C. Freezing days are not frequent, but the mercury can drop to -7°C during cold snaps.
- February: Conditions in Bergen in February are similar to those in January, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 6°C.
It’s also worth noting that Norwegians are completely accustomed to these harsh winters, and everything is adapted to get around even in the snow.
A word of warning: be prepared to get up early to make the most of the short days, as the sun sets between 3 and 4 pm. We also advise you to plan your visits carefully, as everything closes very early at this time of year.
What to wear in winter
As you may have already read in our other articles, in our opinion, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. So pack well for your stay in Trondheim, and make the most of our outdoor activities.
In winter, we advise you to opt for the famous onion technique, which consists of layering several garments. We tested and validated this technique during our various stays in Scandinavia in winter.
The idea is to wear several layers of clothing that you can add or remove as temperatures and activities change, so you stay comfortable, dry and at the right temperature all day long. The ideal is to wear three main layers.
Here’s a list of clothes you can pack in your suitcase:
- Base layer: under-pull (heattech or wool), the layer in direct contact with your skin. Its main objective is to wick away perspiration to keep you dry. Materials such as merino wool or technical fabrics are preferred for their moisture management properties. For my part, I often wear 2 under-layers: a tank top and a heattech under-sweater. Avoid cotton.
- Mid-layer: A warm wool or fleece sweater, this layer acts as an insulator to keep you warm. It traps warm air close to your body. Wool or insulating synthetic fabrics are often used for this layer.
- Outer layer: windproof fleece jacket, ideally Gore Tex, to protect you from the elements like wind, rain and snow. It must be waterproof and windproof, while allowing moisture to escape to prevent overheating or moisture build-up inside.
For bottoms, woollen tights, ski pants, woollen socks, waterproof hiking boots and the trio: glove, hat + balaclava and scarf.
Two last things to pack: a thermos to keep a hot drink close at hand and a headlamp, as it gets dark quickly. Bergen’s city center is well lit, so you can take it with you if you’re heading out of town.
Practical information (hotel, restaurant…)
Where to stay in Bergen?
In Bergen, as in the rest of Norway, the cost of accommodation can be surprising. It should be noted that the cost of living in Norway is around 30% higher than in France.
To find suitable, well-located accommodation in Bergen, you’ll generally need to budget around €150-€200 per night.
We’re often asked for tips on how to cut costs when traveling in Norway, so we recommend renting an apartment. This will also enable you to cook your own meals, and save money during your stay in a country where the cost of living is high.
- Our favorite: the Veversmauet Apartments offer fully-equipped, well-renovated apartments with lovely city views. Conveniently located in the city center, you can visit Bergen on foot.
Where to eat in Bergen
- BOD24 Sandviken is a charming café with a very cosy atmosphere, away from the tourist district, with a beautiful view of the port. An ideal place to warm up.
- Good bread Marken: this is an excellent bakery with sweet and savory organic products. This is a (small) Norwegian chain with stores only in city centers, and we’ve also been there in Stavanger and Tromheim.
It’s a great alternative for eating at lower cost and with good produce right in the center of town. You can also buy their focaccia to make your own sandwiches. We also recommend Kanelboller or cinnamon rolls, or those with cream (I have a slight preference for the latter).
How to get to Bergen
- By plane: Bergen airport is a 30-minute bus ride from the city. A shuttle bus will take you into town for 155NOK return (approx. €16). If you have rented a car, the pick-up point is usually Bergenairport .
- By bus: Long-distance bus services link Bergen to other major Norwegian cities such as Stavanger, Oslo… even in winter with Nor-Way Bussekspress.
- By ferry: to save you many kilometers of winding roads, ferries run between Bergen and Oslo and between Stavanger and Bergen. You can compare prices on the Direct Ferries website.
We hope this article will help you plan your visit and take full advantage of all Bergen has to offer. And who knows, maybe, like us, you’ll be captivated by the unique charm of this Norwegian city. We recommend exploring Geiranger Fjord or the Troll Route, just a few hours away.
Feel free to leave us a quick note or 5 stars below, to tell us if you’re planning this trip, to ask any questions you may have, below or on Instagram we’ll get back to you with great pleasure.
