Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is known as the gateway to the fjords. Yet, in the winter, it transforms into a magical wonderland brimming with unique holiday experiences. Bergen offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for travelers seeking adventure and tradition. Here’s why you should consider Bergen for your next holiday getaway.
Bryggen: A Stroll Through History of Bergen
Among the most iconic landmark of Bergen, Bryggen, offers visitors a chance to step back in time. The very first buildings in Bergen were situated in Bryggen, and despite suffering numerous devastating fires—including the great fire of 1702 that reduced the entire city to ashes—Bryggen has been meticulously rebuilt on its original 12th-century foundations. This resilience has preserved Bryggen’s historical essence, earning it a place on UNESCO’s list. As you wander through the narrow alleyways and overhanging galleries, you walk through one of Norway’s best-preserved urban areas from the Middle Ages.
Established in 1360, the German Hanseatic League established one of its key import and export offices here, dominating trade in the region for nearly 400 years. Today, Bryggen remains a vibrant part of Bergen’s cultural heritage, filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops that sell traditional and unique crafts. Hidden behind Bryggen’s iconic facade lies a network of passages, small shops, galleries, and artist studios—an often-overlooked treasure waiting to be explored.
Bryggen – The historic Street of Norway
The Gingerbread Town of Bergen: A Must-See Holiday Marvel
During the winter months, Bergen becomes even more enchanting with the arrival of The Gingerbread Town (Pepperkakebyen). Recognized as the world’s largest gingerbread town, it is a magical display of edible artwork created by half of Bergen’s citizens. From houses and churches to castles and rockets, this fairytale town set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and fjords is a sight to behold. Open from November 18 to December 31 in Kode Permanenten; this attraction is a festive delight for all ages.
Festival of Lights: A Community Celebration
Bergen’s winter festivities kick off with the Festival of Lights on November 25, where thousands gather around the lake Lille Lungegårdsvann in the city center. This pre-Christmas event has become a beloved tradition, ending with a stunning fireworks display. It’s an experience that captures Bergen’s warm and communal spirit during the holiday season.
Bergen Christmas Market: A Shopper’s Delight
If holiday shopping is on your agenda, take advantage of the Bergen Christmas Market at Festplassen Square. Located in the city’s heart, this market features an array of local delicacies and creative crafts. The nearby Bryggen area, beautifully decorated for Christmas, also offers a selection of local artists, designers, and cozy cafés, making it a perfect spot for a festive stroll.
Bergen City View at Christmas
Christmas Traditions and Local Cuisine
In Bergen, Christmas Eve is the most significant celebration of the season. Families gather for a traditional meal, often featuring mutton ribs (Pinnekjøtt), fish, or pork ribs, accompanied by sauerkraut, swede, and boiled potatoes. For those looking to bring a piece of Bergen’s Christmas home, visiting Julehuset at Bryggen is a must for nisser and other Christmas decorations.
Pinnekjøtt – Visit Norway
Mount Fløyen: Celebrate Christmas from Above
For a unique holiday experience, head to Mount Fløyen. The mountain hosts a traditional candle-lighting event every Sunday leading up to Christmas. Take the Fløibanen funicular from the city center to the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Bergen. Bring a sled for a fun ride back down if snow covers the ground. Enjoy a hot chocolate and pastries at the café while enjoying the spectacular city view between the seven mountains.
Fløibanen funicular
Winter Activities: Fjords, Snowshoeing, and Skiing
Winter in Bergen offers various activities, whether exploring the snowy streets or venturing into the fjords. A fjord cruise is a must-do, with tours available year-round. For a quicker experience, the Fjord cruise Bergen – Mostraumen is a famous three-hour journey starting at Zachariasbryggen, near the Fish Market.
For those seeking more adventure, snowshoe hiking with Norway Mountain Guides is an increasingly popular winter activity. The nearby mountains provide a true winter wonderland even if the city lacks snow. Additionally, skiing enthusiasts can head to nearby resorts like Voss or Eikedalen Skisenter, offering a variety of slopes and cross-country trails.
Mount Ulriken: Bergen’s Highest Peak
For a stunning winter view of Bergen, take the Cable Car Ulriken 643 to the top of Mount Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains. The panoramic restaurant at the summit offers dishes like “fish in the mountains,” combining local flavors with breathtaking scenery.
Mount Ulriken Cable Car
A Magical Evening at Lumagica Light Park
As night falls, Bergen takes on a magical glow with the Lumagica Light Park at Bergenhus Fortress. This enchanting experience features 40 spectacular light installations with smoke and 3D effects, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
A Taste of Bergen: Persetorsk
A visit to Bergen would only be complete with sampling persetorsk, a local specialty. This dish features fresh cod that is salted, sugared, and pressed over time, resulting in a unique flavor and texture that is distinctly Bergen.
Bergen, in winter, offers a blend of history, culture, and adventure that is hard to match. Whether exploring the historic streets of Bryggen, marveling at the world’s largest gingerbread town, or enjoying a winter hike, Bergen promises a unique and memorable holiday experience. So, if you’re planning a winter getaway, Bergen should be at the top of your list. Let Inspired Travel Designs be your guide.
Produced by Inspired Travel Designs with Virtuoso, Visit Bergen and Visit Norway