Why you should visit Bergen in spring

Bergen in spring is a colourful awakening after the long winter. In the period between April and June, the city is brought to life with fresh colours, mild temperatures and an energy that can only be felt when nature bursts into full bloom.

This is the time of year when Bergen locals head out into the city streets, urban mountains and outdoor cafés. Whether you are looking for exciting activities, culinary experiences or just want to experience Bergen at its most beautiful, spring is the right time!

Experience Bergen in spring dress

When spring arrives in Bergen, something happens. The city's parks provide a myriad of green and yellow shader, the cherry trees bloom in numerous small gardens, and the sunlight lingers a little longer over the mountain tops with each passing evening.

The cherry trees bloom along Lille Lungegårdsvannet, signaling that Bergen is awakening to new life. Photo: Endre Knudsen - Visit Norway

The historic Bryggen wharf, Festplassen square and the narrow lanes between the old houses on Nordnes are suddenly bustling with life. Make sure to ride the funicular up to Mount Fløyen or the gondola to the top of Mount Ulriken and take in the spring all around.

Spring cultural highlights

Bergen in spring is all about atmosphere. Cultural life flourishes just as surely as the cherry trees that line the lake in the city centre called Lille Lungegårdsvannet.

The Bergen International Festival

Each May, Bergen is transformed into the Nordic capital of culture. The Bergen International Festival brings together the world's leading artists in opera, theatre, dance and contemporary art for a range of performances in the city's most exciting venues, from the Grieg Hall to historic churches and open air events. For many Bergen residents, this is the cultural highlight of the year. For visitors, it is a rare opportunity to experience world-class art in a city that is a work of art in itself.

National Day May 17th

Nowhere in Norway is Constitution Day celebrated with greater pride than in Bergen. The parade winds through the streets, the sound of marching bands fills the air and the whole city dresses in its finest clothes. The streets are packed and the atmosphere is electric. Young drummers marching in groups with banners and uniforms is a local tradition only found in Bergen.

Nattjazz in Bergen

In late May, when the evening light lasts for a long time and Bergen never wants the night to end, Nattjazz takes over the city. One of Europe's longest-running jazz festivals fills concert venues and streets with everything from traditional jazz to free improvisation.

SK Brann at Brann Stadium

When the football season starts and the horde of red-clad fans fills the stands, there is something primal and authentic about Bergen. Attending a match with SK Brann gives you a close up to the city's soul, to the community and passion that the residents of Bergen carry with them. Book your tickets well in advance and see why football in is like nowhere else. May 16 is football's big day when the whole city is dressed in red for the traditional match before the national day.

Bergen awaits. Book your hotel with De Bergenske

Activities and experiences that are perfect for spring

Spring is an excellent time to visit Bergen and Western Norway. The transition to the warmer season happens quickly and spring brings the most beautiful and contrasting scenery.

The Norwegian fjords

Spring is wonderful for experiencing Western Norway's magnificent scenery. The fjords are calm and clear, the waterfalls roar with meltwater, and the mountain peaks are still capped with snow well into June – a contrast that will take your breath away. Visit www.fjordtours.com to find the tour that suits you best.

Hardanger and the city mountains in bloom

Take a day trip to the Hardangerfjord when the fruit trees are in bloom, or explore the Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord on a guided boat trip. Want something more active? Hike Stoltzekleiven, Fløyen or Rundemanen. Bergen's mountain hikes are even more accessible in the spring, and the views are just as spectacular every time.

Kayaking on the fjord

In spring, Byfjorden is calm and inviting. Experience Bergen from the water on a guided kayak tour from the city center. Photo: Terje Rakke - VisitNorway.com

In the spring, the city fjord is calm and glittering. This fjord stretches all the way to the city centre, and spring is the season when a kayak gives you a unique view of Bergen from a completely different angle: close to the water and bird life, with the city skyline and mountains as a backdrop. Guided tours start as early as April from the city centre.

City walks in historic quarters

Bergen is a compact city best explored on foot. In spring, when the light is soft and the streets are not yet filled with the summer crowds, you can wander through Bryggen, up the narrow stairs on the western side of the harbour and into the lanes lined with traditional wooden houses have withstood both fires and passing centuries. Every street has a story, and spring gives you the time to listen. You can hike with or without a guide.

Taste spring on your plate

The best ingredients of spring from the fjords around Bergen – fresh seafood prepared with care and served at De Bergenske’s restaurants.

Spring is also about fresh flavours. At De Bergenske's many restaurants, seasonal ingredients are celebrated – fresh asparagus, Norwegian salmon, berries and green herbs from local farms. Feel free to enjoy lunch out at Haven, Bergen's most central outdoor dining area all year round, or book a table at Frescohallen for an elegant dinner under Axel Revold's frescoes. Fresquito offers Spanish tapas with sun-soaked flavours, while Bjerck Restaurant & Bar gives you the best views of the harbour and Bryggen – perfect on a warm spring evening.

Your table awaits – explore our restaurants