Book a table for the 17th of May – with the best views in Bergen
The 17th of May in Bergen's city centre is a unique experience. The streets and squares are filled with people and music. At Bjerck, you can enjoy the best views of the city.
Adam Bjerck is himself from Bergen and is the owner of family restaurant Bjerck. He describes the festive atmosphere as completely unique.
"The people of Bergen are always a little extra happy on the 17th of May," he says with a smile.
When we ask why Bjerck is the perfect place to celebrate the national day, he says:
"It's a spot where you get to enjoy the city's best views and watch everything that's going on outside, while eating delicious food inspired by both spring and summer."
You can watch the entire 17th of May parade from Bjerck's second floor.
The 17th of May parade in Bergen city centre
Bergen's national day parade is best seen in the middle of the city centre. The parade passes Bjerck's premises on the corner between Torgallmenningen and the Fish Market in the historic heart of the city. Breakfast is early enough to give diners a chance to catch the main parade and the flag parade from the large windows on Bjerck’s second floor. During the day, you can look out over a sea of flags, national costumes, and revellers. You won't miss anything that's happening below. Although there are big crowds and spending the whole national day in the city centre can be tiring, stepping inside Bjerck gives you a break from the bustling life outside.
Adam himself like to spend the national day in Bergen. In recent years, he has always enjoyed breakfast or lunch at Bjerck in the city centre. He tells us all about the good atmosphere in the city, which he really gets to feel in the restaurant.
"After that, I go home and join the kids on their many 17th of May activities," he says.
Bjerck has a special 17th of May menu, based on finest seasonal ingredients.
A family friendly menu
For Norwegians, the 17th of May is a day for celebrating with loved ones, but finding a place to eat that is suitable for the whole family or everyone in your group of friends can be a challenge. At Bjerck, the tasty and popular menu ensures that everyone can find something they like. The 17th of May menu is carefully composed to fit the traditional celebrations and gives pride of place to the very best Norwegian flavours. For breakfast and lunch, guests can enjoy their own 17th of May version of the restaurant's popular lunch trays – a combination of classic breakfast favourites, fresh smoothies, seasonal fruit, and something sweet for dessert.
Adam tells is that you can also get traditional Norwegian sour cream porridge and cured meats at Bjerck on the morning of the national day.
"For dinner, you can dine on a delicious 3-course meal with seasonal ingredients, including asparagus, veal and strawberries, among other things," he says.
Adam Bjerck is the owner of Bjerck Restaurant and a Bergen insider. He recommends booking a table in good time before the 17th of May.
Adam's insider tips on how best to celebrate 17th of May in Bergen
"My best tip is simple: take the time to enjoy the atmosphere!," says Adam enthusiastically, "walking through the city centre, watching the people, listening to the marching bands, and being part of the sea of people is an experience in itself."
Another important piece of advice from Adam is to book a table in advance. "The city is crowded and busy on this festive day, which means that most restaurants are full," he explains.
Booking a table for the 17th of May
Bjerck is a restaurant that's suitable for everyone, both families and groups of friends. With plenty of space and the opportunity to reserve tables for both small and large groups, the restaurant is perfect for hosting a gathering on Norway's national day.
"Here you can bring your partner, close family, extended family or entire gang of friends and enjoy a fantastic celebration," says Adam.
You can book a table here.