Autumn Delights: An Off-Peak Travel Guide to Bergen, Norway
Off-peak travel, sometimes referred to as traveling during the swing season, has long been the preferred choice of savvy globetrotters. While some trade-offs exist, there are still many benefits to visiting Bergen once the crowds start to dwindle. If you decide to travel to this delightful Nordic city in autumn, use this travel guide to discover the best things to do, see and eat while you’re there.
Bergen Autumn Travel Tips
Dress in layers and always, always bring an umbrella
Bergen during a rainy spell
Bergen has a reputation as one of the rainiest cities in Europe and once October hits, the odds of wetter weather increases significantly. When we checked the weather forecast days before our arrival, it looked like we would have an abysmally rainy visit. But we were happy to discover that the rain often came and went, and we were still able to enjoy beautiful intervals of sunny weather. We dressed in layers so we could adjust to the fluctuations, always carried an umbrella, and relied on hats to hide any hair malfunctions!
Take advantage of off-peak discounts
A rather obvious perk of off-peak travel is off-peak rates. Norway can be an expensive travel destination, and visiting in autumn can ease some of the financial sting. Increased value doesn’t just come in the form of reduced lodging expenses. The Bergen Card, which offers discounts to Bergen’s best attractions, is an even better value off-peak. Discounts are more steep, and some attractions are completely free once October rolls around.
Allow 3 days for your visit, if possible
Bergen’s beautiful Byparken during a flash of sunny weather
Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, but it doesn’t feel like it. It's extremely walkable, with most of its main attractions located close to each other. This makes it a popular cruise stop for day trippers. But Bergen is much more enjoyable in sips than gulps. While you can visit most of its main attractions in two days, an extra day will allow you the freedom to duck into cute cafes when it rains, and conversely, fit in a spontaneous stroll when the sun peeks through the clouds.
Best Coffee Shops in Bergen
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet
Located right by Bergen’s famed funicular, Det Lille Kaffekompaniet is a tiny little coffee shop that was recommended to us by a local. We thought he may have recommended it because we were staying nearby, but once we got there, we discovered it was also voted Bergen’s best coffee shop in a poll by Bergen’s local newspaper. It’s hard to tell if Det Lille Kaffekompaniet is patronized more for its coffee or its baked goods, the carrot cake and kanelboller (cinnamon rolls) are particularly popular and sell out quickly. The first batch of kanelboller is usually scheduled to come out of the oven around noon, so plan accordingly!
Bergen Kaffebrenneri
Bergen Coffee Roastery in Møhlenpris
On one of Bergen’s charming cobblestone streets nestled just behind the Bryggen historic district, Bergen Kaffebrenneri occupies a narrow spot spanning three floors. Bergen Kaffebrenneri is Bergen’s only local coffee roaster, but they also import cocoa beans and make chocolate bars from scratch. If you have the time, a visit to the roastery cafe in Møhlenpris is well worth the detour. The stroll takes you along Stromgaten and into Nygårdsparken, the largest public park in Bergen. The baked goods are impossible to resist, whether it’s the buttery croissants fresh out of the oven or the divine chocolate chip cookies, which dare we say, rival our favorite cookie by Jacques Torres!
Kaffemisjonen
Kaffemisjonen is centrally located, and probably offers the most “modern coffee shop” experience in Bergen. Its sleek cafe offers ample seating and free WiFi, along with a small selection of food. It rotates its coffee selection on a regular basis based on blind cuppings, so you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of beans.
Best Things to Do in Bergen
Explore Bergen’s magnificent fjords
Dyrdal, a quaint village on Nærøyfjord
A windy, rainy day makes for dramatic skies and moody vistas on the fjord cruise!
Bergen is on Norway’s southwestern coast, nestled among its magnificent mountains and fjords. Like other popular summer destinations, many activities in Bergen shut down at the end of the peak tourist season as demand dwindles. Visiting in autumn means there are fewer tours or excursions to choose from, but there are several excellent off-peak options that won't leave you feeling shortchanged. Our favorite is Norway in a Nutshell, an all-in-one solution to enjoying Norway’s scenic fjords, waterfalls, mountains and scenery in a seamless combination of train, coach and ferry travel. It offers peace of mind by eliminating the cumbersome exercise of carefully planning the intertwining arrivals and departures. You can also complete it in a day, which removes the commitment of overnight stays.'
There’s also a 3.5-hour fjord cruise that leaves from the Bergen Fish Market year-round which travels northeast along the Osterford, and a day trip that travels to Rosendal, a quaint village situated on Hardangerfjord. Both are operated year-round by Rødne, a reliable name in fjord cruises.
Enjoy breathtaking views from Bergen’s mountains
Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen offers unparalleled opportunities to take in magnificent views. Leaf peeping has also become a popular seasonal activity, with many traveling far and wide to enjoy the changing colors of autumn. Much of Bergen’s charm lies in its lush surroundings, which take on beautiful shades of red and gold in autumn. Hiking trails and scenic overlooks are clearly marked, but we recommend picking a trail in advance so you’re aware of the level of difficulty as well as the time required, especially accounting for sudden changes in weather.
If hiking isn't your thing, the Fløibanen funicular offers an accessible way to get to the top of Mount Fløyen in a matter of minutes. As soon as you exit, you'll find incredible panoramic views over the city, fjord and mountains. You can explore more of the area, or go further afield by visiting neighboring Mount Ulriken. For children, there's a large playground and an obstacle course in the Troll Forest. The Bergen Card offers a 50% discount on return trips through the summer, but another advantage to off-peak travel is that rides to and from the top are free October through March.
Pro Tip: Discounted or free tickets must be obtained at the ticket office at the bottom station or at the Tourist Information office in advance of your ride. The ticket office is only open weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (October - April).
Travel back in time at the Bryggen Historic District
Håkon’s Hall at the Bergen City Museum
Bergen's historic harbor district is one of northern Europe's oldest port cities, earning it a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Bryggen is one of the best known urban areas from the Middle Ages. The German Hanseatic League established one of its import and export offices there in 1360, dominating trade in the region for almost 400 years. The site includes a row of colorful buildings, selling traditional and unique crafts, as well as the old Hanseatic wharf. We recommend exploring the narrow alleys and passageways between the structures, too, where you’ll find jewelers, textile designers, and artists’ studios. And, of course, ensure you wander the surrounding historical area, which spans the Bergen Fish Market and Bergenhus Fortress.
The Bergen City Museum offers additional insight into Bergen’s storied history. In Håkon’s Hall, it’s easy to imagine a royal banquet taking place. Rosenkrantz Tower can be challenging to navigate, but offers spectacular views if you find your way to the roof.
Discover Bergen’s best museums and cultural attractions
Bergen has earned a reputation as a cultural hotspot, thanks to its varied and innovative music, film, theater, dance, and arts scene. Near Lille Lungegårdsvannet, an octagonal-shaped, 5-acre lake in the heart of Bergen Centre, you'll find Bergen's Museum Row, featuring a number of excellent museums focusing on art and music.
KODE, an institution including four museums and three composers' homes and boasting the second largest art collection in Norway, has four locations along the stretch. KODE 3 offers Rasmus Meyer's Collection, which among others, includes major works from the Norwegian Golden Age and a large collection of works by Edvard Munch. Nearby, KODE 4 resides in a structure designed by the architects Fredrik Arnesen and Arthur Darre Kaarbø, that was completed in 1938. On the contemporary-art side of the spectrum, Bergen Kunsthall has an incredible collection of international works. Set aside plenty of time to visit them throughout your stay or, if so inclined, all in one shot and make a day of it.
Find captivating and thought-provoking street art
Mural by NIMI on Østre Skostredet (Instagram: @nimistreetart)
Street art by AFK on Chr. Michelsens Gate (Instagram: @afk_artworks)
We’ve made it a point to seek out street art everywhere we go. Whether we’re searching for the newest street art in NYC, highlighting local street artists in Baltimore or hunting down amazing murals in Lisbon, we’ve learned about how street art can say so much about a city and its people. Fitting in with its role as a city of the arts, Bergen has embraced street art with an impressive enthusiasm. In fact, many of the most famous Norwegian street artists, such as Dolk, AFK, Argus and TEG, all call Bergen home.
There is enough street art around Kong Oscarsgate to fill your camera roll. But there are also fun surprises on storefronts and buildings around The National Stage, Bergen’s Art Nouveau theater. And if you venture towards Nygårdshøyden, where the University of Bergen is located, there are some incredible murals there as well.
Best Places to Eat in Bergen for All Budgets
For a splurge
Visiting Bergen in the off-peak travel season might give you a leg up if you’re trying to get a reservation at one of its Michelin-starred restaurants, BARE and Lysverket. And though Restaurant 1877 and Colonialen 44 don’t bear any stars, they are often regarded as restaurants of similar caliber. If you have an excuse to treat yourself to a luxurious meal, one of these restaurants will definitely do the trick.
For something a little more whimsical, you can opt to enjoy afternoon tea at Opus XVI, part of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” consortium. The boutique hotel is run by Alexander Grieg, a relative of the composer Edvard Grieg, and on Saturdays they offer a decadent afternoon tea. Pick from the classic, nordic or vegetarian menus, and enjoy the extensive tea offerings.
For casual dining
We love to eat, but casual dining is far more our speed when we travel. For a taste of traditional Norwegian fare made with local ingredients, consider Pingvinen. The casual gastropub accommodates walk-ins (and even relocated us once better seats opened up!). It’s a great spot to try persetorsk, the pressed cod dish that is a well-known Bergen specialty. Bien Basar is another good place to sample the local delicacy.
When the weather is rainy and chilly, we tend to gravitate towards soups and stews. The Daily Pot has several fantastic options, and its cozy space was full both times we visited, so we weren’t alone in that line of thought.
Vanilla kanelbolle and coffee at Solros
Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies at Fjåk chocolate shop & café
If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, Solros is an absolutely delightful detour. The blue building is a cheery sight even on the rainiest of days, but if the cute corner cafe isn’t enough to win you over, then the mind blowing pastries absolutely will. It also offers amazing sandwiches, making it a great lunch option as well. Fjåk chocolate shop & café is another candidate for an afternoon treat. A true bean-to-bar Norwegian chocolate maker, Fjåk offers an incredible variety of chocolates, from fancy bonbons to the basics, using cocoa beans sourced from around the globe. The cafe serves excellent coffee and sublime hot chocolate, paired with cookies, brownies and other delectable sweets.
For a budget-friendly meal
Trekroneren hot dog stand on Kong Oscarsgate
We love street food, and the fact that it’s a wallet-friendly option in a generally expensive city is simply the icing on the cake. Right by the McDonald’s on Kong Oscarsgate, Trekroneren is a beloved hot dog stand that never needs to advertise, as satisfied customers devouring hot dogs in the street do all the selling for them. Trekroneren offers unique sausage options and even more unique toppings, and it’s a low-risk way of sampling yet another Norwegian delicacy: reindeer meat. Though it’s a traditional Norwegian Christmas meal, reindeer meat is a fairly ubiquitous staple, much of it sourced from the pastures of the indigenous Sámi people in northern Norway. Try it here with a dose of spicy brown mustard, lingonberry sauce, and fried onions.
Fish sandwich from Bernard Torghandel outside Bergen Fish Market
Although the Bergen Fish Market is an obvious stop for seafood lovers, right outside the market along the harbor, you’ll find a row of stalls selling fresh seafood. Bernard Torghandel offers a small menu, but the takeout counter is where you’ll find a range of seafood sandwiches that offer excellent value. It is open from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm daily except Sunday, so it’s an economical grab-and-go option in the heart of the historic district.
Conclusion
Smaller crowds and affordability are distinct advantages to off-peak travel. But the experience itself can also vary in remarkable ways. Bergen is a year-round destination, with myriad things to see and do and unique experiences no matter what time of year you visit. But if you happen to catch that sweet spot between the summer cruise crowds and the Northern Lights enthusiasts, you’ll discover, just as we did, that in the autumn you get more of Bergen to yourself.
