Bergen on a budget

Finding free things to do in Bergen might seem hard, but if you know where to start, it's easier than you might think. We’ve collected 6 free things to do in Bergen, the city also known as the “gateway to the fjords in Norway”.

1. Bryggen

Yes, the most important sight in Bergen is for free! It consists of beautiful 14th century Hanseatic buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some great photo opportunities are waiting for you here. A lot of the other medieval buildings of Bergen can also be seen for free, like the Håkonshallen. 

2. Bergen’s Fisketorget

Bergen’s free fish market offers a sound, sight & smell experience at zero cost. It’s open in June, July and August everyday 7am – 7pm, and between September and May it’s open Monday to Saturday 7am – 4pm.

3. Parks and gardens

Why not go for a walk in one of Bergen’s parks and gardens? In Nordnesparken you’ll find an open-air swimming pool and you’ll get a great view of the fjord. In the heart of Bergen you’ll find Byparken; and if you are interested in botanics and rare plants, check out Muséhagen.

4. Hiking

Bergen is called ‘the city among the seven mountains’. Guess why! In Bergen there is no need for a gym… You can for instance climb the 801 steps in the Sandviksfjellet and get ready for a breathtaking view. The most famous view of the Bergen skyline you'll get from mountain Fløyen. There's a lift that takes you up (you have to pay for this), but you can also take the path and the stairs through the forest in stead! Can't get enough of hiking? At our hostel in Bergen, we regularly organize free hikes to the top of the Ulriken mountain. 

5. Free concerts:

As it is a student city, you will never be bored in Bergen at night. You should definitely go to the “Apollon” record shop and pub where there are sometimes free concerts organised. “Hulen” is a club located in a cave and run by volunteer students where there’re a lot of concerts playing – these are not free but worth the visit.

6. Pub quiz:

Why not join this popular Norwegian tradition? Different teams compete answering knowledge questions. By the way, one of them takes place in English in Bergen – see which one here!

Ready to visit this amazing city? Book your stay at Bergen Hostel Montana!