The polar bear that brought Bergen’s harbour to a halt
A ship transfer in 1953 turned into an unlikely chase through the waters of Vågen.
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Stories from Bergen
Experiences from life here, ideas for exploring and discoveries in Norway.
Curiosities
The explosion that threw an anchor into the mountains
In 1944, a ship carrying explosives blew up in Bergen’s harbour. A fragment of its anchor still tells the story high above the city.
Read the story ↗The drums that announce spring in Bergen
The buekorps look like miniature military parades, but they are children’s and youth organizations rooted in neighbourhood history.
Read the story ↗7-fjellsturen: the day Bergen crosses its seven mountains
A group hike through the city’s mountains, with a choice of 3, 4 or 7 peaks. The next edition is scheduled for 30 May 2027.
Read the story ↗Grieg, Bergen and the Mountain King
One of classical music’s most recognizable melodies came from a Bergen composer’s work on an Ibsen play.
Read the story ↗Bryggen’s houses are not all medieval — and the real story is even better
The neighbourhood preserves an ancient layout despite having been rebuilt several times.
Read the story ↗The day “Tyskebryggen” became Bryggen again
A name change approved in May 1945 reveals how a city handles its own memory.
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CuriositiesNorthern lights in Bergen: the nights I photographed
Photos from Løvstien and Sotra, taken with an iPhone 16 Pro, and what I learned watching the sky.
Read the story ↗The chocolate for your suitcase — and the one for the mountains
Freia to take home; Kvikk Lunsj to open at the top of the trail.
Read the story ↗Is Bergen really Europe’s rainiest city?
Its reputation has a basis. The superlative, however, calls for an umbrella of caution.
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Bryggen almost became modern buildings and a car park
Bergen’s most photographed place could have looked radically different.
Read the story ↗Anne Pedersdotter: the woman behind the “witches’ stone”
A memorial in Nordnes remembers victims of witchcraft trials. One of them was executed in Bergen in 1590.
Read the story ↗The afternoon a fire reshaped Bergen
On 15 January 1916, a fire started in a waterfront warehouse and spread through the city’s commercial centre.
Read the story ↗Why is leprosy also called Hansen’s disease?
The answer leads to research carried out in Bergen in 1873, and a human story far larger than one scientific discovery.
Read the story ↗Bergen ranks No. 1 in Europe for quality of life — and No. 2 worldwide!
Mountains, sea and a reason to celebrate: Bergen shone in Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index 2026.
Read the story ↗Brann: Bergen’s football passion, with a Brazilian connection
A club founded in 1908, passionate stands and a remarkable player called Kniksen.
Read the story ↗The prime minister who was born in Bergen
Erna Solberg was born in Bergen and led Norway’s government for eight years.
Read the story ↗Bjørgvin: when Bergen was the seat of Norway’s kings
Its old name and royal past offer a different way to look at Bergenhus and Bryggen.
Read the story ↗Where to park a motorhome in Bergen
Dedicated motorhome areas, access to the centre and camping: check what is confirmed before you park.
Read the story ↗Where to charge an electric car in Bergen
Two large rapid-charging sites and practical advice for charging without a monthly subscription.
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