Sunset in Bergen: Times Through the Year and the Best Viewpoints

Sunset in Bergen can come as early as 15:27 in December and as late as 23:11 around midsummer. In mid June there are almost 19 hours between sunrise and sunset, in December less than six. Here are the times for every month, the best viewpoints and tips for your photos.

Stay in the city centre, close to the views

When is sunset in Bergen? Times by month

Times are for around the 15th of each month, in local time including daylight saving. They shift by a minute or two from year to year.

• January: sunrise 09:30, sunset 16:06 (6 h 36 min of daylight)

• February: sunrise 08:19, sunset 17:27 (9 h 8 min)

• March: sunrise 06:56, sunset 18:39 (11 h 42 min)

• April: sunrise 06:21, sunset 20:57 (14 h 36 min)

• May: sunrise 04:58, sunset 22:12 (17 h 13 min)

• June: sunrise 04:10, sunset 23:08 (18 h 57 min)

• July: sunrise 04:37, sunset 22:50 (18 h 12 min)

• August: sunrise 05:50, sunset 21:35 (15 h 44 min)

• September: sunrise 07:05, sunset 20:00 (12 h 54 min)

• October: sunrise 08:17, sunset 18:29 (10 h 12 min)

• November: sunrise 08:37, sunset 16:07 (7 h 29 min)

• December: sunrise 09:39, sunset 15:27 (5 h 48 min)

The longest day is around 21 June, with sunrise at 04:09 and sunset at 23:11. The shortest is around 21 December, with less than six hours of daylight.

Light nights in June, short days in December

Bergen does not have the midnight sun. For that you need to travel north of the Arctic Circle. But around midsummer the sun dips so little below the horizon that it never gets truly dark. The sky stays blue all night, with a long, soft twilight after sunset.

In June the sun sets in the northwest, out towards the sea and the islands. In December it sets in the southwest, low over the mountains. The winter sun stays so low all day that the light turns golden from morning to evening, and the blue hour after sunset lasts a long time.

Sunrise comes from behind the mountains to the east, so the city centre stays in shade for a while after the sun is up. To see the sunrise itself, head up high. In winter that is easy: the sun rises after 09:00 and the Fløibanen funicular runs from 07:30 on weekdays, so you can be on top of Mount Fløyen without an early alarm. In summer it takes a very early start, or a very late night.

The best places to watch the sunset in Bergen

Mount Fløyen (320 m): The classic. You see the whole city, the harbour and the fjord to the west. The Fløibanen funicular runs until midnight, so you can stay long after sunset and ride down.

Mount Ulriken (643 m): The highest of Bergen's mountains, with city, fjord and ocean views at once. Check when the last cable car goes down so you do not have to walk in the dark. [SJEKK: siste avgang Ulriksbanen sommer og vinter]

Nordnes Park: At the tip of the Nordnes peninsula, with open views over the fjord to the west. Bring a blanket and a picnic. The totem pole here was a gift from Bergen's sister city Seattle in 1970.

Skansen and Skansedammen: A short walk uphill from the lower Fløibanen station. Views over the rooftops of Bryggen, and on still evenings the sunset is reflected in the pond.

Mount Sandviksfjellet (417 m): For those who want a hike. Climb the steep Stoltzekleiven trail for views over Sandviken and the fjord. Bring a head torch and start down before it gets fully dark.

More favourites close to the centre

• Fjellveien: This walking road along the side of Mount Fløyen has city views most of the way. Pick a bench and stay put.

• Skuteviken: Old wooden houses and boathouses, looking across the fjord to the island of Askøy.

• Bergenhus Fortress: The top of Sverresborg is a viewpoint many locals forget.

• Bryggen: The easiest of all. The wooden wharf glows in the evening light, but it is busy in summer.

For more green spaces, see our guide to parks in Bergen. Heading up a mountain? Find routes and timetables in our guide to the Bergen city mountains.

Sunset from your table: Bjerck and Villahagen

You do not have to climb a mountain to enjoy the evening light.

Bjerck Restaurant & Bar is one floor up on Torgallmenningen, with views over the harbour, the Fish Market, Bryggen and the slopes of Mount Fløyen. In summer the sun sets in the northwest, roughly towards the mouth of the harbour, and the light falls across the water while you eat.

Villahagen at Villa Terminus is not a viewpoint but a green garden behind old walls in the heart of the city. It is where we hold open air summer concerts, and the place for long, light evenings in June. [SJEKK: om Villahagen er åpen for andre enn arrangementsgjester]

Tips for photographing the sunset

• Arrive early. The best light often starts half an hour before sunset and carries on into the blue hour.

• Watch the weather. Broken clouds after rain often give the most dramatic colours. A clear sky is not always best.

• Use reflections. The harbour, Skansedammen and the city lake Lille Lungegårdsvann all mirror the sky and the city lights.

• Bring a tripod. You need longer exposures in the blue hour and the December dark.

• Dress for the evening. It gets cold quickly on the mountain once the sun is gone, even in summer. Bring a head torch if you plan to walk down.

Frequently asked questions

What time is sunset in Bergen?

Sunset in Bergen varies a lot through the year. Around the middle of each month the sun sets at about 16:06 in January, 20:57 in April, 23:08 in June, 20:00 in September and 15:27 in December. See the monthly list at the top of the page. For an exact time on a specific date, use a sun calculator for Bergen.

What time is sunrise in Bergen?

Sunrise in Bergen is earliest around 21 June, at 04:09, and latest around New Year, at 09:45. In March the sun rises around 07:00 and in October around 08:15. Because the mountains lie east of the city centre, sunlight reaches the streets a while after sunrise itself.

Does Bergen have the midnight sun?

No, Bergen does not have the midnight sun. You only see it north of the Arctic Circle. But around midsummer the sun sets after 23:00 and rises again just after 04:00, and it never gets fully dark. Light summer nights with a long twilight are one of the best things about Bergen in June and July.

Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Bergen?

Mount Fløyen is the most popular place to watch the sunset in Bergen, with views over the city and the fjord to the west and the funicular running until midnight. Nordnes Park is best if you want to sit by the sea. Ulriken has the widest view, and Skansedammen near the lower funicular station is lovely when the pond reflects the sky.

When is the shortest day in Bergen?

The shortest day in Bergen is around 21 December. The sun rises at 09:44 and sets at 15:29, giving just 5 hours and 44 minutes of daylight. In return, the blue hour is long, and the city with its Christmas lights reflected in the harbour looks beautiful from mid afternoon.

Stay in central Bergen and Mount Fløyen, Nordnes and Bryggen are all a short walk away. Wait for the best light without worrying about how to get back.

See our six hotels in Bergen city centre