Although Bergen is incredibly beautiful and relatively safe to visit, it does have its strange quirks. one of these being the rain.

They have a saying in Bergen that the reason it's so clean is because the rain washes it down everyday. You don't know how true this is hahaha

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Weather

Bergen is beautiful and green but this comes at a cost, the rain. It rains on average  231 days per year in Bergen. This is throughout the year and not set to seasons.. Once you have lived here you will know that sunshine in the morning doesn't mean it's staying all day, or even for the next hour. It changes so much on a daily basis that most people have an umbrella or jacket with them at all times. There are sunny days, and when the sun does shine and the heat comes, then what a fantastic, beautiful, happy city, Bergen becomes. Bergen really is magical all year round but in the sunshine Bergen has a totally different vibe to it, and everyone is smiling..

 

Other tips.

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Alcohol, for instance; is not only expensive but it is also confusing trying to buy it. Most places in Europe you can go to the local supermarket and buy wine, spirits and Beer, but in Norway it's not that straightforward.

Its actually that confusing to people that ive dedicated a full page on the rules around alcohol, you can find the link here.

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Sundays

This is like the older days in the Uk where everything was closed. It's the same here. Bars, restaurants and coffee shops are open but thats it. All supermarkets over a certain size and all shops and shopping centres are closed on a Sunday. If the Center has a food place, such as a McDonalds, then there will be access to this via its own entrance attached to the center,  but other than that it's closed. No alcohol can be purchased unless it's from a Licensed place such as a bar or Restaurant. ( I go more into detail on Alcohol Rules here ).

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Red days, or Bank Holidays / Public Holidays as they are called in England / USA.

Be aware that literally everything closes and all transport is Sunday service. The red day is also taken on the day it falls unlike the Uk where it is taken on the Monday. So for instance, if May 1st is a Wednesday then thats the Red day and everything is closed. You will find normal service at most bars and restaurants and some small convenience stores may be open, but you won't be able to buy alcohol unless it's in a Bar or Restaurant. All the supermarkets are closed and convenience stores are not allowed to sell it.

 

See at the bottom of the page for the red days.

 

Easter is the same.

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday are all red days so get your groceries Wednesday or join the mad dash for supplies on the Saturday. Same as alcohol. Make sure you have it in your hotel room or Motor home before Thursday as its impossible to buy again until the Saturday or Tuesday after Easter.

 

Cash or Card

Cash and Cards are acceptable in most places in bergen including the Fish Market. However, as with many other cities, the preference is card. You can use any ATM in the city to take out NOK and im sure you will be charged a nominal fee by your bank. If you decide to do this then always take the local currency rate as opposed to the bank rate.

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There are a few currency exchange places in Bergen and the most popular one seems to be the one opposite the Bergen Fish market called Ria Money Exchange, but ive no experience in using any off them so I cant personally recommend any. There is no minimum limit either in Norway so you can purchase small goods via Card. The majority of places is also Contactless but some will require a none Norwegian card to use the chip and pin machine.

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Transport

If your Visiting Bergen for the day then its very walking friendly though it does have many steep hills. It is set up to be able to walk most of the city centre quite easily but as I say, be aware of the small steep hills dotted around everywhere. If you do happen to find yourself lost just as for the Fisketorget ( fish Market ) and anyone living here will happily point you in the right direction.

 

There's also Den Blå Steinen ( The Blue stone ), which is a local meeting point for many people who live here. Both the FiskeTorget and the Blå Steinen will be on all local tourist maps so just remember to circle these when you arrive so you can see how far you are to your Crusie Ship or hotel. 

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A Little extra​

Bergen does have the major places like McDonalds, Burger King and Sarbucks but why not try to go local and visit the many locally owned coffee shops, Restaurants and Bars.

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There are lots of small independents selling various things and trust me, you won't be disappointed. You must try the many bakeries dotted around Bergen and have some of the local Skillingsbolle ( cinnamon rolls ). These are perfectly complimented with a coffee as you take a short break whilst your taking in the fantastic Bergen Atmosphere. Click the link below to see a price overview.

Average prices

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Although Bergen is a very Friendly city, people tend to keep themselves to themselves, so be warned that it's not so easy to get into a friendly conversation with a local here. They just don't do chit chat.

And a final piece of advice is to remember you're the visitor here. Be polite and courteous and most importantly, patient.

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now go and enjoy Bergen, 

Billy