Why you should visit Bergen in winter

In the winter months, from December to February, Bergen shows itself from a more intimate side – filled with cold air, cosy restaurants, wine bars and plenty of highlights. Whether you're seeking a romantic city break, cultural experiences, or a winter adventure, Bergen is an unforgettable destination during the cold season.

Experience real Bergen winter charm

Bergen's colourful wooden houses, narrow lanes and cobbled streets take on a completely different quality in the soft winter light. You can wander among historic buildings at Bryggen, with fewer tourists now that it's winter, or stroll along the harbourside with a hot coffee in hand. Without the big summer crowds, you'll have more space to explore museums, galleries, and shops at your own leisurely pace.

Here are our recommendations on what to experience in Bergen during the winter months from December to February and where to dine and stay.

Bergen at winter’s rest. Beneath a soft blanket of snow, the city between the seven mountains reveals its most intimate side—quieter, more beautiful.

Winter culture in Bergen

Bergen's cultural scene does not slow down in winter. On the contrary, we simply move inside to where it's warmer.

The Borealis Festival

Held in Bergen each March, the Borealis Festival is a leading event for experimental music, featuring five days of genre-crossing music and art. Borealis includes a host of concerts, installations, performances, lectures, film screenings and podcasts live on stage, all taking place at venues throughout the city.

The Bergen International Festival of Literature

This literature festival brings together writers and thinkers from all over the world for five days of events. The Bergen International Festival of Literature is bold and innovative, while still remaining accessible to a wide audience.

Art & Museums

Visit the KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes (seven museums and homes filled with exhibitions and music) or Bergenhus Fortress, which is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Norway. You also have the Bergen City Museums, which includes several of the most famous and historic buildings such as Håkon's Hall, Alvøen Manor, and Rosenkrantz Tower.

De Bergenske’s Director, Kjetil Smørås, surrounded by what inspires him: art, history, and Bergen. KODE is one of the city’s great cultural treasures.

Troldhaugen

Edvard Grieg's home by Nordåsvannet is one of Norway's most visited cultural monuments. In winter, it takes on a distinctive tranquillity. Here you can peak inside the composer's work cabin by the water, experience his music right where it was first composed, and truly appreciate how the western Norwegian landscape characterised his pieces.

Visit the VilVite Science Centre

This is a good indoor option for winter, especially for curious and playful families. Explore a range of interactive science exhibitions and other fun activities.

The Hanseatic Museum at Bryggen

In the cramped, dark wooden houses at Bryggen, the Hanseatic era lives on. The Hanseatic Museum takes you into the everyday life of the merchants who shaped Bergen as a trading city. In winter, it's like having history all to yourself.

Cosy culinary delights

After a long day out, you can warm up with local seafood at Bjerck Restaurant & Bar with fantastic views of Bryggen and the water, or visit Fresquito right across the street. With a variety of delicious restaurants from De Bergenske, you are guaranteed to find something to tempt you on a chilly winter evening.

Warm up with local seafood and views of Bryggen and Vågen. At Bjerck Restaurant & Bar, winter stays outside—and the atmosphere inside.

See all our restaurants

Winter activities in Bergen

Fjord adventures during low season

Winter is one of the best times to experience the Norwegian fjords and get close to wild and majestic nature. Embark on fjord cruise from Bergen to the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest and most spectacular fjords in the world, where you can also visit a Viking Village and enjoy a real Viking dinner.

Ice bathing and sauna by the sea

Bergen has several popular swimming pools and ice bathing locations open in winter, including Nordnes Sjøbad, which also has a heated outdoor pool and sauna open all year round.

Ski trips close to the city

Bergen is one of the few big cities in the world where skiing is just a short walk, funicular or cable car ride away. Fløyen and Ulriken offer groomed trails and wonderful conditions throughout much of the winter. The views of the city and the fjords makes the breaks just as spectacular as the skiing itself. Ski resorts including Eikedalen, Voss and Myrkdalen are also within easy reach of the city.

Read more - Cross-country and downhill skiing near Bergen

The funicular in winter 

When the snow rests heavily on the mountain tops, the trip up with the Fløibanen funicular is something else. On Mount Fløyen, quiet forest roads, fresh mountain air and one of Norway's most photographed viewpoints await.

Whether you prefer modern luxury, historic charm or a boutique style, De Bergenske offers a total of six popular hotels. All of our hotels are within walking distance of most of Bergen's biggest attractions – ideal for spontaneous winter exploration!