Easter Opening Hours in Bergen, Norway: An Insider's Guide

Easter is a vibrant season in Bergen, Norway, as the city awakens to the beauty of spring. Both locals and visitors embrace the lively atmosphere, but it is vital to keep in mind that holiday periods can lead to changes in shopping and service hours. This guide will help you navigate Easter opening hours in Bergen, ensuring you maximize your holiday enjoyment.

Understanding the Easter Period

Easter in Norway spans a few significant days, starting with Maundy Thursday and lasting until Easter Monday. Many businesses in Bergen modify their hours during this festive time. For example, local grocery stores often close early on Maundy Thursday to allow employees to celebrate with family. If you're looking to shop or engage in activities during this period, knowing the public holidays is essential:

Maundy Thursday (Skjærtorsdag)
Good Friday (Langfredag)
Easter Sunday (Første påskedag)
Easter Monday (Andre påskedag)

While some shops may remain open, it is common for many establishments to be closed on these holidays.

Here is a picture of a local Thai Takeaway place. As you see they are closed the whole of easter. Like so many places, they don't open on the Saturday.

So be aware.

Typical Store Hours

During the Easter holiday, retail stores in Bergen tend to operate under adjusted hours. Here's what to expect:

Maundy Thursday: Store hours often shift to close early, typically between 3 PM and 5 PM. For instance, high-traffic stores like Rema 1000 may close by 4 PM.
Good Friday: Most retailers will remain closed all day. A survey indicated that approximately 80% of businesses observe this holiday by not opening their doors.
Easter Saturday: While larger grocery stores might operate with reduced hours, many small shops will remain closed. About 40% of small businesses choose not to open.
Easter Sunday: Nearly all retail shops are closed, except for a few service stations and select tourist-oriented stores, which might open with limited services.
Easter Monday: Similar to Easter Sunday, the majority of businesses will be closed, but some restaurants and cafes may offer limited hours, often serving brunch.

Make sure to check the official websites or social media pages of specific stores for any updates, as hours can vary.

Buying alcohol in the Vinmonoplet is difficult too. They are open limted hours during Easter. So if you fancy a bottle of wine or a little whiskey over easter, be sure to get to the Vinmonopolet on time. See below the aopening hours:

Onsdag 16th April kl. 10 – 18:00
Tursday 17th April CLOSED
Friday 18th april CLOSED
Saturday 19th kl. 10 – 16:00
Sunday 20th April ClOSED
monday 21st APril CLOSED
Tuesday 22nd April Kl. 10 - 18.00

Restaurants and Cafés

Dining out in Bergen during Easter also requires some planning. Many popular restaurants close their doors on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Keep in mind that local favorites can fill up quickly, especially when they serve traditional Easter dishes. It's wise to make reservations ahead of time to ensure a table.

Attractions and Activities

If you are planning to explore Bergen during Easter, be aware that many attractions may also modify their hours. Famous spots like Bryggen Wharf and the Fish Market often have reduced hours or even close entirely on public holidays. For example, Bryggen might only be open for a few hours on Maundy Thursday and Easter Monday due to holiday schedules.

To ensure you get the most current information, check the official websites of attractions. This will help you align your plans with opening hours for museums, parks, and landmarks, allowing you to make the most of your visit.

High angle view of the colorful wooden buildings at Bryggen Wharf — Colorful wooden buildings at Bryggen Wharf during the day

Making the Most of Your Easter Experience

Planning your Easter visit in Bergen requires some foresight, but the rewards are plentiful. With fewer crowds in stores, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and partake in unique holiday experiences. Always verify specific hours before heading out, and soak in the beauty of Bergen as spring breathes new life into the city.

Enjoy your Easter adventures in this picturesque Norwegian town!

Billy