Some sure signs of spring in Bergen are when the beautiful cherry blossom trees around Festplassen bloom, when the city mountains slowly but surely turn green, outdoor seating starts appearing and when you hear people shouting “Hurrah!” on the 17th of May.
Spring is also the time of year for exciting annual events like the Fish Market finally opening and Bergen International Festival kicks off.
This time of year fills the locals with optimism and excitement for the warmer days ahead. After enduring long, dark months, the daylight lingers a little longer each day. While Bergen experiences rain throughout the year, the anticipation of brighter skies, sunnier days, and the city in full bloom brings joy to everyone.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Bergen. With a bit of luck, you might enjoy some pleasantly warm days, and since it’s not peak tourist season yet, exploring the city feels more relaxed and enjoyable.
1. 17th of May
If you are visiting Bergen in the spring, experiencing the 17th of May celebrations is truly special. This day marks Norway’s Constitution Day, as the country got its own constitution on May 17, 1814. Every year, it is celebrated with Norwegian flags, lively parades, plenty of ice cream and hot dogs, and various activities—especially for children. It is often called Barnas dag (the Children’s Day) because of its focus on activities and fun for kids.
A big part of the celebration is wearing the bunad, Norway’s traditional attire, which is proudly worn by the Norwegian people. For those that do not have a bunad, it is normal to dress up a bit, with a nice dress or suit.
In Bergen, the festivities include the traditional buekorps (literally “Bow Corps” or “Archery Brigade”), parades, a fair at Festningskaien, entertainment at Torgallmenningen, live music, fireworks, and much more. It is a day of celebration and joy for both kids and adults.
The city is bustling with people on this lively day, so planning ahead can be helpful. Reserving a table at a café or restaurant in advance is a smart choice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
For the full program, check out this website.
2. Festspillene i Bergen & Nattjazz
Spring in Bergen brings two major annual festivals: Festspillene i Bergen and Nattjazz.
The Bergen International Festival, held from late May to early June, focuses on classical music and theatrical arts, with performances across various venues in the city. From free concerts at Torgallmenningen to ticketed events in Grieghallen, it offers a rich cultural experience.
Nattjazz, a must for jazz enthusiasts, takes place at USF Verftet in late May, featuring an exciting lineup of jazz performances in an intimate and vibrant setting.
3. Bergen Fish Market
Fisketorget, Bergen’s iconic Fish Market, has been a vital part of the city’s trade since the 13th century. Originally established in 1278 and relocated in 1558 to its current waterfront location, it remains a must-visit for fresh seafood with stunning views of Bryggen.
From May 1st-September 30th the square is full of different food stalls preparing fresh seafood, where you can browse the market and sit down to eat on the benches inside the tents.
Mathallen, the indoor market, offers top-quality ingredients and two excellent restaurants, Fjellskål and Fish Me.
On alternate Saturdays, a farmers’ market brings local cheeses, meats, baked goods, and seasonal produce, making Fisketorget much more than just a fish market—it’s a true taste of Bergen’s culinary heritage.
4. Bryggen
Bryggen, Bergen’s historic harbor district, was once a key hub for the Hanseatic League, making it one of Northern Europe’s most important trade centers. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and Norway’s third most-visited attraction. It truly is a must-see when in Bergen!
Wander through Bryggen’s narrow alleys, browse its charming shops, and snap photos of the iconic wooden buildings. It is a great spot for souvenir shopping, with everything from traditional Norwegian gifts to stylish finds at shops like for example Gløtt.
Cafés like Kaf Kafé are great to rest your legs and to grab something to eat. There are also museums worth checking out at Bryggen, such as the Bryggen Museum and the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene.
The best part of spring is the chance for warmer, sunnier days. By late spring, you might even experience true summer weather. When that happens, the bars along Bryggen often set up their outdoor seating. There’s something truly special about enjoying a drink at Bryggen, where the lively atmosphere and vibrant energy make for an unforgettable experience.
5. Mountain Hikes
Bergen, surrounded by seven mountains, offers plenty of opportunities for hiking. It’s a great way to experience the city’s beautiful nature and enjoy scenic views. Hiking in spring is a delightful experience. The days stay brighter for longer, and you’re more likely to enjoy blue skies and improved weather, though rain still makes an appearance. Whether you prefer a longer, more challenging hike or a shorter, more relaxed walk, there are options for everyone.
The seven mountains surrounding Bergen are:
- Sandviksfjellet
- Fløyfjellet
- Rundemanen
- Ulriken
- Løvstakken
- Damsgårdsfjellet
- Lyderhorn
Each of these mountains offers hikes of varying lengths to suit different preferences. For more details, Google maps can be a helpful resource, and the website ut.no is also a great place to explore. There, you’ll find a collection of hikes in the area, complete with photos, information, and trail lengths.
Be sure to take some time to look up maps, weather forecasts, and additional details before setting out. And most importantly, always follow the Fjellvettreglene(The Norwegian Mountain Code) to stay safe on your hike!
6. Picnic in the park
Enjoying a picnic in one of Bergen’s parks is a great way to unwind. Visiting a new country can mean a lot of exploring and sightseeing, and slowing down the pace a bit with an enjoyable lunch in pretty surroundings is a good idea to soak in the new experiences.
Muséhagen
- A botanical garden located outside Universitetsmuséet
- Right next to the café Godt Brød
- Toilets available inside the building
- Many people hang out on the lawn
- Close to the church Johanneskirken
Nygårdsparken
- Not many benches—bring something to sit on
- Spacious, with a pond
- Not far from the museum Vil Vite
- Limited views, but a great place to hang out
Nordnesparken
- Close to the Aquarium
- A short walk from Nordnes Sjøbad
- Has a few benches, but it’s best to bring something to sit on in case they’re occupied
- Temporary toilets are usually set up in the park from May to September
- Many trees provide shade, so bring a sweater to stay warm. On warmer days, this park is fantastic for relaxing
- Offers a lovely view of Laksevåg, Askøy, and Sandviken
- Popular for swimming on warm days
Byparken & Lille Lungegårdsvann
- Byparken is the first stop on Bergen’s light rail system, Bybanen
- Benches are available around the area
- Features a beautiful pavilion
- Around the pond Lille Lungegårdsvann (also called Lillelungeren), you’ll find seating areas, and on sunny days, people also relax on the grass
- Swans, ducks, seagulls, and pigeons are commonly seen around Lille Lungegårdsvann
7. Fløyen
Fløyen is one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, standing 400 meters above sea level. It is possible to take the funicular railway called Fløibanen up to the mountain, where you will get a great view of the city. The railway takes between 4-8 minutes. It is also a great hike if you want to stay active on your trip. Fløyen is open all year round and is a great place to visit during spring.
Fløyen also has a café and a restaurant if you want to enjoy the view more calmly or you want to grab a bite to eat. Grab a cup of coffee. Bring a book. Or maybe eat today’s dinner at their restaurant?
Fløyen is also a great place to bring your kids. You will find lovely playgrounds there, there are toilets easily available, places to sit down and rest and different hikes you can choose from. They also host different events every now and then worth checking out.
8. Ulriken
Ulriken is Bergen’s highest peak, standing majestically at 643 meters above sea level and offering panoramic views of the city and nearby fjords. Reach the summit effortlessly with the Ulriksbanen gondola, or for the more adventurous, choose from multiple scenic hiking trails leading to the top.
While Ulriken may not have as many events and activities as Fløyen, both offer stunning views of Bergen. What sets Ulriken apart is its gondola ride and the scenic Skyskraperen Restaurant. They also have a café called Ulriken café.
This mountain top spot occasionally hosts special events like Paint ’n Sip nights, Easter events & 17th of May events.
9. Easter in Bergen
Spring brings Easter, and what better way to enjoy Bergen than by celebrating it like a local? In Norway—and in Bergen—Easter traditions include:
Påskekrim (Easter Crime Stories)
During Easter, many Norwegians indulge in crime entertainment, whether through TV series or novels. Why not pick up a crime novel by the famous Norwegian author Jo Nesbø at Ark or Norli?
Solo, Oranges & Kvikk-Lunsj
No Easter hike or ski trip is complete without these essentials! Solo (a popular Norwegian orange soda), fresh oranges, and Kvikk-Lunsj (a chocolate-covered wafer similar to KitKat) are must-haves for any outdoor adventure.
Påskeegg (Easter Eggs)
For many Norwegian kids, this is the highlight of Easter. Parents across the country fill a “påskeegg” (Easter egg) with plenty of candy. If you want an authentic experience, fill it with “smågodt,” the loose-weight pick-and-mix candy that is a staple in Norway.
Skiing & Cabin Trips
Skiing is a huge part of Norwegian culture, and the Easter holiday means thousands of families head to their cabins or the slopes. If you want to experience Bergen and its surroundings the Norwegian way, skiing is a fantastic option—and so much fun! If the weather allows it, of course. Great nearby ski destinations include Voss, Myrkdalen, and Eikedalen.
For an extra cozy experience, consider spending a night in The Cone at Fløyen to get that authentic cabin feeling.
“Bypåske” (City Easter)
Not everyone heads to the mountains for Easter. Many choose to stay in the city and enjoy a “Bypåske”. This is basically what you are already doing: exploring the city. For locals this means acting like a tourist in your own town—visiting cafés, going on hikes, exploring places around town, relaxing in parks, or planning some activities with the family, like for example stopping by The Aquarium for a fun day out.
For more information and tips on Bergen, check out our archive.