Why you should visit Bergen in the summer

Bergen in summer is a vibrant joy. Between June and August, the city shows its most lively side – with long evenings, festivals, Norwegian fjords in their most beautiful light and an energy that only summer can provide.

Experience Bergen in summer dress

Bryggen in Bergen with colorful wooden houses and boats moored along the quay on a summer day. Photo: Foap - VisitNorway

Bergen is a city that really comes into its own in the summer. The temperature rises, the days stretch far into the night, and the city is filled with both locals and visitors who want to experience Western Norway at its best. The harbour is a natural gathering point, the outdoor cafés are buzzing with life, and ferries and boats depart frequently to the surrounding fjords. There is good reason why Bergen is one of Norway's most visited destinations in the summer.

Cultural highlights of the summer

Bergen is a cultural city that really blossoms in the summer. During the summer, the program is packed with plenty of festivals, concerts and experiences. There is almost too much to choose from!

Bergenfest

Each June, historic Bergenhus Fortress is transformed into one of Norway's most atmospheric concert venues. International stars and Norwegian favourites fill the medieval surroundings with music for four days. The combination of world-class artists, open skies and fjord views provides a festival experience you won't find anywhere else.

Norway's oldest theatre

Den Nationale Scene, Norway's oldest theatre, is also open in the summer, with performances ranging from classical drama to experimental productions. Den Nationale Scene's historic theatre building is currently closed for extensive refurbishment. During this period, performances are stage at various venues around the city.

Grieg in Bergen

Every summer, a series of concerts are held at Troldhaugen, famous composer Edvard Grieg's home by Nordåsvannet. Here, you can hear his music at the exact location where it was first composed. It's an experience that lingers long after the last note has faded.

Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg’s home by Nordåsvannet, surrounded by lush greenery in summer. Photo: Per Nybø - VisitNorway

Ole Bull Scene and summer concerts

Throughout the summer, Ole Bull Scene hosts a range of concerts featuring Norwegian and international artists across genres in the heart of the city. It is the city's most accessible concert venue, where you can just as easily stop by on impulse as plan your evening weeks in advance.

Bergen awaits. Book your hotel with De Bergenske

The best summer activities

The 7-mountain hike

Once a year, thousands of Bergen residents gather to hike all seven mountains around the city. Called 7-fjellsturen in Norwegian, it's a tradition that is so ingrained that it is almost a religion. But even without the event, summer is the perfect season to climb one or more of the mountains. The view from Ulriken or Rundemanen on a clear summer's day is the closest Bergen comes to boasting.

Løvstakken in Bergen with a marked hiking trail through green nature on a clear summer day,

Swimming and beach life

Bergen is not just a fjord city, but also something of a seaside resort. Nordnes Sjøbad is the most famous spot, with its iconic open-air pool right by the sea, but the urban coastline contains quiet bays and large smooth boulders where lazy summer days stretch late into the evening. Bring a picnic, lie down in the sun and let Bergen's coastal strip do the rest.

Fishing on the fjord

Bergen has always lived off the sea, and in the summer you can feel this history for yourself. Join a guided fishing trip out on the fjord, cast off and see what bites – cod, saithe and mackerel are constant companions in these waters. Some trips include preparing the catch on board. Your meal tastes extra good when you know exactly where it comes from!

Ride the cable car up Mount Ulriken

The Ulriken cable car takes you from Bergen to the top of Ulriken, the city's highest mountain, in just four minutes. From there, a panorama opens up that few cities can match: the fjords, the islands, six mountains and the city itself, all in one Insta moment. At the top, you will find marked trails further into the mountains, where you can walk all the way over to Fløyen, or you can simply take the gondola back down again.

Taste summer on your plate

Summer is all about fresh flavours: fresh seafood, Norwegian strawberries, salads and barbecue. At De Bergenske's restaurants, seasonal ingredients are celebrated with enthusiasm.

Guests enjoying lunch and dinner at the outdoor seating area of Bjerck Restaurant & Bar in Bergen city center.

Enjoy lunch or dinner out at Haven,, Bergen's most centrally located outdoor restaurant open all year round, or book a table at Bjerck Restaurant & Bar with the best view of the harbour. Fresquito offers Spanish tapas and summery drinks, while Frescohallen serves elegant meals under historic frescoes.

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