Bergen is a walking cityBryggen is about 2 min from the hotel; Fløibanen roughly 8.
28 DEC 2026 — 1 JAN 2027 · BERGEN, NORWAY
Welcome to Bergen.
Your guide to the city.
Your starting point for exploring Bergen: weather, airport transport, walkable sights and local updates. The guide also covers alcohol rules, local essentials, apps, shopping and prices. For restaurants and wine bars, explore Food & Drink.
—days
—hours
—minutes
until the adventure begins
Cards are kingVisa/Mastercard and contactless are routine. Cash is rarely necessary.
Dress for BergenWaterproof outer layer, warm layers and shoes with grip beat optimism.
Buy alcohol earlySales are regulated, with special limits around New Year.
BERGEN, WITHOUT THE SCROLLING MARATHON
Choose what you came for.
Everything you need for Bergen is on this page: arrival, local tips, weather, alcohol, prices, apps and shopping. Only the restaurant and wine guide has its own page.
Arrival & getting aroundAirport, Bybanen, walking and local transportGet oriented →
See BergenBryggen, mountains, museums and highlightsFind your next stop →
Food, wine & hidden streetsRestaurants, inexpensive bites, wine bars and SkostredetEat & explore →
Practical BergenAlcohol hours, shopping, prices, apps and everyday adviceJump to essentials →
LIVE BERGEN WEATHER
Optimism is not rain gear.
Live five-day Bergen forecast with a highly scientific Silvensa verdict on umbrellas, layers and whether your shoes should be waterproof.
BERGEN NOW
Loading Bergen weather…
Fetching forecast
—°Feels like —°
☔—precipitation now
🍃—wind
🌬️—gusts
UMBRELLA VERDICT
Consulting Bergen…
The city is considering its options.
WHAT TO WEAR
Layers. Probably.
Loading the forecast before judging your wardrobe.
Loading the five-day forecast…
Forecast data: Open-Meteo ↗ · automatically refreshed when the page loads.Detailed Bergen forecast on Yr ↗
GETTING HERE & AROUND
From Flesland to the harbour.
Thon Hotel Orion is Silvensa’s main hotel and event base, right beside Bryggen and Bergenhus Fortress. For most central destinations, walking is still the easiest option; use Skyss when you are heading further out.
SILVENSA MAIN HOTEL & EVENT BASE
Thon Hotel Orion
Bradbenken 3 · beside Bryggen and Bergenhus Fortress, with breakfast included, free Wi‑Fi and a 24-hour gym. Fløibanen and the Fish Market are about a 10-minute walk away.
Backup hotel: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen · Rosenkrantzgaten 7.
Bybanen light rail
≈45 min · NOK 51 (≈ €5)
The cheapest straightforward option. Ride to Byparken in the city centre, then walk roughly 12–15 minutes to Thon Hotel Orion. Buy before boarding using the Skyss app or ticket machine.
Airport transport guide ↗Airport bus
≈30 min · NOK 189 (≈ €18)
Flybussen is faster than the light rail and stops at Bryggen. A surcharge can apply if you buy on board.
Flybussen ↗Taxi
≈20–30 min · NOK 580–890 (≈ €54–83)
Bergen Taxi’s 2026 airport maximum fares vary by time and group size, plus small airport/toll charges. Splitting one can make sense for a group.
Airport taxi fares ↗🚋NOK 51 (≈ €5)Skyss Zone A single
🕐NOK 136 (≈ €13)Skyss Zone A 24-hour
🚌NOK 189 (≈ €18)Airport bus
🚕NOK 580+ (≈ €54+)Airport taxi, 1–4 people
🎫NOK 400 (≈ €37)Bergen Card, 24h adult
Prices & exchange rates: NOK transport prices may change; € equivalents are estimates. Check current fares and your bank/card rate and fees. Currency calculator ↗
Holiday timetables may differ; check Skyss for live departures.
Staying a little longer?
Bergen Card ↗
The Bergen Card includes local Skyss transport and gives free or discounted entry to many attractions. The 2026 adult price starts at NOK 400 (≈ €37) for 24 hours.
FROM THE HOTEL
You probably do not need transport.
Bergen’s centre is compact. These are approximate walking times from Thon Hotel Orion; tap any destination to let Google Maps route you from the hotel.
2 minBryggenUNESCO wharf
~10 minFish MarketTorget / harbour
~8 minFløibanenFunicular station
2 minBergenhusFortress
~15 minKODEArt museums
~17 minTrain stationBergen stasjon
~20 minBus stationBystasjonen
The useful rule: if your destination is in central Bergen, walk first and check transport second. For Flesland, Ulriken, Troldhaugen, Fyllingsdalen and destinations outside the centre, Skyss becomes useful. Get the Skyss app and other useful travel apps →
BERGEN BETWEEN SILVENSA ACTIVITIES
Things worth leaving the hotel for.
Start with the classics, then wander. Bergen's centre packs UNESCO history, mountains, museums and harbour life into a very small area.
UNESCO
Bryggen
The city's iconic Hanseatic wharf — narrow wooden passages, history, shops and cafés.
Explore ↗ VIEWPOINTFløyen
Funicular from the centre or walk up for one of Bergen's best views.
Explore ↗ MOUNTAINUlriken
Bergen's highest of the famous seven mountains, reached by cable car.
Explore ↗ HARBOURFish Market
Right beside the tourist information centre and Vågen harbour.
Explore ↗ MOREVisit Bergen
KODE, museums, the aquarium, fortress, Grieg's home, fjords and more.
Explore ↗BERGEN, WITHOUT THE SURPRISES
Know before you go.
Alcohol opening hours, local essentials, useful apps, prices and shopping. Everything you need in Bergen is right here — including a few rules you probably would not guess.
NORWAY'S ALCOHOL RULES
Yes, this section really matters.
Norway does alcohol differently. Knowing the rules before you land can save money, disappointment and a very dry New Year's Eve.
CHECK THE CLOCK BEFORE YOU SHOP
When can you buy a drink?
In Norway, the clock — and where you buy — matters just as much as the drink.
Supermarkets
08:00–20:00Monday–Friday
08:00–18:00Saturday and New Year's Eve (31 Dec)
Beer, cider and similar drinks up to 4.7% ABV. No sales on Sundays or public holidays, including 1 January. Individual shops may close earlier.Vinmonopolet
10:00–18:00Monday–Friday
10:00–16:00Saturday
Wine, spirits and stronger beer. Closed Sundays and public holidays, including 1 January. 31 December has special hours: check the exact local shop before travelling. Check shop opening hours ↗Bars & hotel bars
Until 02:00Normal licensed serving limit
Until 03:00Only where extended serving is approved
This is when alcohol service must stop, not a promise that the venue stays open. A bar, restaurant or hotel may stop earlier. Outdoor seating often has shorter hours.New Year's tip: On 31 December, supermarket alcohol sales stop at 18:00. Buy wine and spirits ahead of time and check your Vinmonopolet's special opening hours. On 1 January, both supermarkets' alcohol sales and Vinmonopolet are closed.
Sources: Bergen's 2024–2028 sales and serving regulations ↗ · Vinmonopolet standard hours ↗. Check local holiday schedules before relying on a closing time.
DUTY-FREE IMPORT QUOTA · PER PERSON
The classic combination
For travellers entering Norway, the alcohol quota is the same for tourists and Norwegian residents.
🥃1 Lspirits
>22–60%
>22–60%
+
🍷1.5 Lwine etc.
>2.5–22%
>2.5–22%
+
🍺2 Lbeer/cider
>2.5–4.7%
>2.5–4.7%
You can exchange the spirits quota for 1.5 L of wine/beer, and the wine quota for the same amount of beer/cider. You cannot trade weaker-drink quota upward into spirits.
18 / 20
18+ for beer, wine and drinks below 22%. 20+ for spirits and drinks at 22% or more. The same thresholds apply to importing alcohol.
Supermarket ≠ wine shop
Supermarkets can sell drinks up to 4.7%. Wine, spirits and stronger beer are sold by the state monopoly Vinmonopolet.
Nearest central Vinmonopolet on Maps ↗More rules international guests should know +
Public drinking
Drinking alcohol in streets, squares, parks and other public places is generally prohibited unless the place/event is licensed.
Bars and restaurants
Bergen's ordinary licensed serving time can run to 02:00, with some approved venues able to serve to 03:00. Individual venues can stop earlier.
Over your import quota?
You may bring more than the duty-free quota if you declare the excess and pay the applicable duties/taxes. Norwegian Customs provides guidance and a declaration app for eligible amounts.
One absolute limit
Alcohol above 60% ABV may not be imported into Norway.
DRUGS, MEDICINES & CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Legal elsewhere does not mean legal in Norway.
Do not bring cannabis, THC products, recreational drugs or other substances that are illegal or controlled under Norwegian law, even if they are legal where you live or bought them. Schengen does not make recreational drugs legal to carry across the Norwegian border. Illegal or restricted items can be stopped or seized by Norwegian Customs and may be referred to the police.
Prescription medicines are different: ordinary medicine allowances depend mainly on whether you arrive from within or outside the EEA. Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances have stricter rules. Visitors from another Schengen country may use a Schengen certificate as documentation for qualifying medicines, and Customs may also ask for a prescription, medical certificate or pharmacy documentation. Check the Norwegian rules before travelling.
PRACTICAL BERGEN
Things Norwegians forget to explain.
Small details that make an international trip easier, especially during the Christmas/New Year holiday week.
Weather & clothes
Winter weather changes quickly. Pack warm layers, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes with grip. Check our live Bergen forecast and umbrella verdict ↑
Cards, cash & tipping
NOK is the currency. Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is optional; if service is especially good, 5–15% is normal rather than mandatory.
Power
Norway uses 230 V / 50 Hz and continental European Type C/F plugs. Bring an adapter if your plugs are different.
Mobile data
EU/EEA mobile customers normally roam in Norway at domestic-plan rates, subject to fair-use limits. Visitors from elsewhere should check their carrier before arrival. Hotel Wi‑Fi is free.
Smoking
Indoor smoking is prohibited in public places including hotels, bars and restaurants. Tobacco sales are 18+.
Groceries
There are several supermarkets within an easy walk. Extra Øvregaten ↗ is a practical central option. Holiday and Sunday hours can differ.
Pharmacy
Ditt Apotek Brygge ↗ is close to the hotel. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical help, call 116 117; emergencies are 113.
Wine & spirits
The central Vinmonopolet in Valkendorfsgaten ↗ is useful for wine and spirits. Do not leave holiday shopping until the last minute.
New Year's week
1 January is a public holiday. Shops are commonly closed and public transport can run reduced service; restaurants and attractions vary. Re-check opening hours in the final days before travel.
CRITICALLY IMPORTANT CARTOGRAPHY
Public toilet map
Bergen municipality's map shows central public toilets, accessibility, baby-changing facilities, cost and opening hours.
Open the toilet map ↗OFFICIAL TOURISM
Visit Bergen
Attractions, fjord trips, opening hours, what's on and the Bergen Card.
Visit site ↗TRANSPORT
Skyss
Local buses, light rail, journey planning, live departures and tickets.
Plan a journey ↗BORDER RULES
Norwegian Customs
Alcohol, tobacco, medicines, food and other rules for entering Norway.
Check Customs ↗IN AN EMERGENCY
Save these numbers
110Fire112Police113Ambulance116 117Urgent medical care
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Apps that make Bergen easier.
Some are worth installing before you land. The rest are useful when you need them. Every card links directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Your Bergen survival kit
Local transport, directions and the weather. Three apps that save a surprising amount of wandering.
LOCAL TRANSPORT · THE ESSENTIAL
Skyss
Bergen's buses and light rail in one place: tickets, routes, live departures and service updates. Because the light rail is much easier when you know which direction it is going. Use the current Skyss app, not the retiring Skyss Billett.
MAPS · VERY HANDY
Google Maps
Walking directions, restaurants and landmarks. Save Thon Hotel Orion and download Bergen's map offline. Our charming narrow lanes are less charming when you're late for dinner.
WEATHER · VERY HANDY
Yr
Forecasts from NRK and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, including hourly rain and wind. Bergen likes to keep the weather interesting; check before leaving the hotel.
Exploring further?
For trips to Voss, across the mountains or elsewhere in Norway.
TRAINS · IF NEEDED
Vy
Rail timetables, tickets and disruption alerts, especially useful for the Bergen Railway and Voss. The views across the mountains are spectacular; missing the train is less so.
NORWAY-WIDE CONNECTIONS · OPTIONAL
Entur
Plan journeys across transport companies and regions in Norway, including combinations of train, bus and other services. Perfect when your itinerary looks like a railway enthusiast's puzzle. Ticket availability varies by operator.
When dinner should come to you
For a quiet night in, a cold, or simply after a long day of Silvensa. Neither app replaces the hotel's own arrangements.
FOOD & GROCERIES · OPTIONAL
Wolt
Restaurant meals, groceries and other essentials delivered where the service is available. Ideal if you're unwell, have tired feet or have declared your hotel bed the evening's main attraction. Compare delivery fees and times.
FOOD & GROCERIES · OPTIONAL
foodora
Another way to order takeaway, groceries and everyday supplies, without a committee meeting about coats and umbrellas. Check what's available at your hotel address and compare the total cost.
Having food delivered to the hotel? Enter Thon Hotel Orion, Bradbenken 3, Bergen and confirm the service covers the address. Ask reception whether delivery should be collected in the lobby; do not assume couriers can come to your room. Restaurant opening hours, delivery fees and availability may change over New Year.
Getting to the city: A Skyss bus/light-rail ticket is not a ticket for the separate airport express coach. Always check which service you're boarding and confirm holiday timetables.
WHAT DOES BERGEN COST?
Prepare your wallet emotionally.
Norway is expensive, but Bergen is easy to navigate on a budget if you know where the money disappears. These are indicative 2026 prices, not promises.
Need to convert Norwegian kroner and euros?
Open currency converter →Check the current NOK and EUR reference-rate estimate in the calculator.
More pricesSupermarket beer, Vinmonopolet wine and everyday groceries
A tiny Norwegian supermarket reality check. These are examples from published retailer listings, not national averages, live Bergen shelf quotes or December price guarantees. Brands, discounts and individual shops can vary considerably.
| What | Example product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket beer | Hansa Pilsner · 0.5 L can | NOK 34.90 + deposit |
| Vinmonopolet wine | 13% wine · 0.75 L (official pricing example) | NOK 199.90 |
| Soft drink | Coca-Cola · 1.5 L bottle | NOK 37.20 + NOK 3 deposit |
| Ground coffee | Friele · 250 g | NOK 69.90 |
| What | Example product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | TINE whole milk · 1 L | NOK 23.90 |
| Bread | Kneipp wholegrain loaf · 750 g | NOK 16.40 |
| Eggs | Eldorado Gårdsegg M/L · 12 | NOK 62.90 |
| Bananas | 1 kg | NOK 24.90 |
| Norwegian cheese | Norvegia · approximately 500 g | NOK 79.90 |
Published retail examples checked October 2026: MENY beer ↗, MENY eggs ↗, Oda groceries ↗ and Vinmonopolet's published 2026 wine price calculation ↗. The wine amount illustrates tax and mark-up, not the live price of a particular bottle. Drinks served in bars and restaurants are a different story.
Prices & exchange rates: NOK food and retail prices are examples; € equivalents are estimates. Rates and prices change. Check current prices and your bank/card rate and fees. Currency calculator ↗
BRING SOMETHING HOME
Bring a little Bergen home.
Bryggen is packed with souvenirs, but these are the stops with a little more personality — Christmas oddities, miniatures, Norwegian craft and locally made silver.
Julehuset
Norway’s year-round Christmas shop, hidden inside Bryggen. Decorations, miniature Santas and the obvious place for a Bergen Christmas bauble.
Google Maps ↗Norsemen Miniatures
A tiny craft shop on Bryggen specialising in miniatures — much more memorable than another fridge magnet.
Google Maps ↗Arven
Bergen silver and jewellery with a working silversmith tradition. The workshop/outlet is also an attraction in its own right.
Google Maps ↗Audhild Viken
Norwegian gifts, wool, interiors and themed collections on historic Bryggen — a useful one-stop shop for recognisably Norwegian gifts.
Google Maps ↗Bryggen Husflid
Norwegian knitwear, wool and traditional gift-shop territory right on Bryggen, with more craft focus than novelty focus.
Google Maps ↗Tax-free shopping for visitors: residents abroad may qualify for Norwegian VAT reimbursement on goods taken out of Norway. The process depends on where you live and whether the shop uses a private tax-refund operator, so ask the shop before paying. Norwegian Customs guide ↗
THE ACTUAL REASON YOU'RE HERE
Silvensa 2026
Five days of friendship, activities, games, conversations and a New Year's celebration in Bergen, organised by Mensa Norway.
Questions? 2026@silvensa.org