Bergen Christmas Market 2024 Dates in the City Centre

Bergen turns into a snowy wonderland in winter, with the Bergen Christmas Market as its main attraction.

This guide covers dates, opening times, locations, and what to expect during your visit.

Bergen Christmas Market and Winter Events in 2024

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Bergen dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Festplassen, Bergen Sentrum (City Centre).
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date announced.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at the Vestkanten ice skating rink.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Not recommended.
Reason to visit: Fun Norwegian festive jumpers and the stunning nearby nature.
Recommended tour: Take a cruise around the fjords.
Specialities: Ribs (called Pinnekjøtt) and persetorsk, a traditional Norwegian fish dish originating from Bergen.
Where to stay: Opus 16 is a cosy hotel that is 4 minutes from the square.

Convenient Hotels

Sentrum is the name of Bergen’s city centre. Although Bergen has many beautiful neighbourhoods, I suggest staying in the centre at this time of year when it can get quite cold walking around.

Opus 16 is a great choice in this area as it’s also a short walk to the famous Bryggen Wharf district.

If you would prefer to stay directly in Bryggen, Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is excellent value.

Interesting Tours

I recommend starting your visit with this walking tour of Bergen. It will allow you to discover many of the city’s top attractions, such as Bryggen Wharf, the Fish Market and Bergenhus Fortress.

You’ll probably also want to take a cruise to see Norway’s stunning fjords. This cruise is particularly popular, going for 3.5 hours through Osterfjord.

Event Location

What to Expect

As you explore Bergen, you’ll be greeted with rows of chalets and tents in the square by the lake.

You could start your visit by indulging in some traditional Norwegian cuisine, such as rakfisk (fermented fish) and lutefisk (dried whitefish), or sweet treats like krumkake (waffle-like cookies) and julekake (Christmas bread).

Browse the market stalls for handmade gifts, including classic Norwegian woollen knitwear, wooden toys and unique decorations.

Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the Ferris wheel for breathtaking views of the snow-covered city.

Regional Specialties

• Pinnekjøtt: This dish is essentially mutton or lamb ribs that have been salted and dried, then rehydrated and steamed. The dish originates from the western parts of Norway, which includes Bergen.
• Lutefisk: If you’re adventurous with your food choices (for us non-Nordic people), you might try lutefisk. It’s made from dried whitefish, commonly cod, which is then treated with lye in preservation. After a rinsing process, the fish is boiled or baked and served with butter, salt and pepper.
• Riskrem: After a hearty main course, you could try some Riskrem. This sweet rice pudding is often served with a tart red berry sauce called ‘rød saus’. It’s also customary to hide one whole almond in the pudding, and the person who finds it in their serving wins a small prize.
• Multekrem: This dessert is often enjoyed during the festive period. It is a simple, sweet dish made with cloudberries, a fruit native to Norway, and whipped cream.
• Pepperkaker: You’ll be drawn to the sweet smell of pepperkaker, Norwegian gingerbread cookies. These thin, crisp cookies are a holiday staple in Norwegian homes and can be found across Bergen.
• Krumkaker: For another sweet treat, try krumkaker. These thin, delicate waffle cookies are rolled into a cone shape and often filled with whipped cream or other sweet fillings.

At the Food Stalls

• Pølse i Lompe: A popular Norwegian snack of hot dogs wrapped in potato flatbread, often served with different condiments. It’s a staple street food that is quick and convenient to eat.
• Rakfisk: To taste a traditional Norwegian delicacy, consider trying rakfisk. It’s fermented trout, typically served with flatbread, onions and sour cream. While it may not be for everyone due to its strong flavour and aroma, it’s a distinctive part of Norwegian culinary tradition.
• Kjøttkaker: Much like meatballs, kjøttkaker is a beloved Norwegian comfort food. Made from ground meat with breadcrumbs, onions and spices, they’re often served with potatoes and peas
• Akevitt: Warm yourself with a shot of akevitt, a traditional Norwegian spirit. Distilled from potatoes and often spiced with caraway, anise and fennel, akevitt is a potent drink. This one’s not for me, that’s for sure, but you might like it!
• Glühwein: Of course, a winter market isn’t complete without glühwein.

What to Buy

• Norwegian Knitwear: Traditional designs such as the Marius pattern are instantly recognisable by their distinctive geometric motifs. They make for a cosy and stylish gift and are a fun addition to the seasonal wardrobe.
• Decorations: From beautifully carved wooden ornaments to intricately painted baubles, these decorations can be a reminder of Bergen.
• Viking Jewellery: The market offers Viking-inspired jewellery in tribute to Norway’s rich history. Crafted by local artisans, these pieces feature traditional Norse designs and symbols.
• Cloudberry Jam: Sweet tooths might want to pick up a jar of cloudberry jam. Cloudberries are a unique and interesting Nordic fruit often made into a delicious jam, perfect on toast or as an accompaniment to cheese.
• Norwegian Flatbread (Lefse): Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread sometimes packaged in beautiful gift-ready presentations.
• Norsk Folkemuseum: Look out for gifts from the Norsk Folkemuseum, one of Norway’s largest cultural history museums. Replicas of historical artefacts, books about Norwegian culture, and traditional costumes (bunads) are among the unique items you can purchase.

Sustainability

• Hotels: As you plan your stay, consider selecting a hotel that uses renewable energy.
• Ethical Businesses: Try to buy from local artisans and producers.
• Reduce Food Waste: Mindful eating goes a long way.
• Sustainable Dining: The Norwegian love for seafood is well-known, so try the day’s fresh catch or limit your emissions by choosing a plant-based option.
• Green Transport: Consider taking advantage of Bergen’s excellent public transportation system. The city’s light rail system, Bybanen, and local buses run on electricity or biofuel, providing a greener way to get around.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.