7 free Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

Norway is one of the most beautiful but also most expensive countries in Europe. Therefore I'm excited to share a list of free things to do in Bergen which is also called the “Gateway to the Fjords of Norway”, provided by our local author Timo.

With around 270.000 inhabitants Bergen is the second largst city of the country and the port counts into the most busiest within Europe – it is also the starting point for the Hurtigruten cruise ships. Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains which offer an amazing outlook to the nearby Fjords!

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1) Bryggen

Would you believe it? The most important sight of Bergen is called “Bryggen” and is totally for free! These old houses have been warehouses in the era of the german Hanse and are well preserved.
 
Inside you can find cozy bars, art galleries and handcraft shops – Bryggen is a MUST-SEE when in Bergen!

2) Stoltzekleiven: workout with a view

What about some sport? Here in Bergen there is no need for a gym as they have the Sandviksfjellen which is one of the seven mountains. You can get up here by using the 801 steps!
 
The locals use the „Stoltzekleiven“ (this is how they call the steps) as their workout spot in the evening no matter if it is raining or not. From the top you will be rewarded with a great view!

3) Free concerts

One location you should definitely visit is the „Apollon“. This is not only a great pub with reasonable prices, it is also a cool record shop. Moreover there are free concerts every once in a while!
 
The style is quite mixed and bands are using this venue to promote themselves – find more information on Facebook or Twitter.

4) Bergen from above

The Fløyen is the most visited of the seven mountains that surround the city centre of Bergen. You can get to the top by using the cable car “Fløibanen” for 85 NOK (around 11€) or use the free option: a well marked path which leads up here.
 
The walk to the top is pretty relaxed and also doable for non-hikers within 45 minutes. At the top you'll find a viewpoint, a restaurant and a kiosk. Enjoy the sunset from there and treat yourself with a beer!

5) very typical: Pub Quiz

Another cool thing to do in Bergen is a very common thing in Norway: the Pub Quiz. Here different teams are competing against each other in a quiz where not only knowledge will decide who will be the winner.
 
If you don't have a team you'll be asked to join one team (mostly 4-6 members) – in most of the bars the quiz takes place in english so you won't have a problem in participating. You might have to tip to attend but you can win beers if you're good and get the money back that way ;)
 
Good location: every thursday at the Finnegans, Veiten 3, for 50 NOK (around 6 Euro)

6) Free Entrance to the KODE Museum

Every thursday the admission to the KODE Museum is free to students. KODE consists of the Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen, the Harald Sæverud Museum Siljustøl, the Ole Bull Museum Lysøen and the old institutions Bergen Art Museum and the West Norway Museum of Decorative Art.
 
The main attraction is the worlds largest Edward-Munch collection. If you're not a student you have to pay 100 NOK (around 12€) to enter all museums.

7) free festivals and concerts

Throughout the year you'll find various festivals and concerts in Bergen which are free of charge. One of the largest is on May 17th – the Norwegian Constitution Day with parties all over the city.
 
Another big event is the Bergen International Festival. Here you might have to buy tickets for the main acts, the smaller ones are free of charge. Around Christmas you can enjoy the Festival of lights also for free!
 
Bonus: free city map
The tourist office of Bergen offers free PDF-Maps and Guides to download with more cool spots to visit!

Get there & Accommodation

Within Europe you can get cheap flights with Norwegian, Germanwings and KLM – use this tool from Skyscanner to check the prices:

As prices are high I recommend staying in one of the hostels/guesthouses in Bergen.
 

More free things to do in Bergen?

Have you been to Bergen in Norway? Tell us your favorite spots and share your recommendations with the readers!
 
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This post is also available in: German