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BERGEN

Six things foreigners should expect if they live in Bergen

As the locals regularly boast, Bergen is a city with a host of unique traits. From its dialect to the weather, here's what you need to know if you plan to live in Bergen as a foreigner.

Bergen
If you plan to move to Bergen as a foreigner, this "no-nonsense" guide on living in the city will come in handy. Photo by Eirik Skarstein / Unsplash

So, you’ve decided to move to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. First of all, congratulations! With its reputation of being one of the safest cities in Norway and amazing, easily accessible nature, there are a lot of reasons why you’re more than likely to enjoy Bergen’s day-to-day life.

However, if you’re wondering which of Bergen’s attributes and quirks stand out the most for foreigners, we’ve got you covered with this guide on what to expect when you live in the “rain capital of Norway.”

The Bergen dialect

In a number of foreign language schools, the Norwegian language taught is very close to the Eastern, Oslo dialect.

There are stories of people investing as much as 40,000 kroner in Norwegian language courses, reaching B1/B2, and then having trouble understanding even basic conversation among Bergen locals after moving to the city.

Don’t expect the locals to switch to another dialect – they’re quite proud of the Bergen one. Therefore, you should take the time to upgrade your Norwegian language skills accordingly.

One of the key obstacles that can prevent you from making a smooth transition between the Oslo and the Bergen dialect is pronunciation. The Bergen dialect is more similar to Nynorsk (one of the two written standards of the Norwegian language, along with Bokmål) in pronunciation.

Furthermore, the Bergen dialect is one of two dialects in Norway with only two grammatical genders – other dialects in the country have three grammatical genders.

You should expect the transition to take (at least!) a couple of months and might even want to consider a local language course “booster” to make the entire process as painless as possible.

You can find a short primer on Bergen dialect slang and expressions here (in Norwegian).

Limited career opportunities without knowledge of the Norwegian language

Bergen – as is the case with cities in most of Norway – is not Oslo. Aside from the capital, expect to find limited opportunities to find work without speaking Norwegian. Running a business operation in Norway is an expensive affair, and multinational companies are well aware of this.

Therefore, there are limited career opportunities for English-only speakers in Bergen, and most people who move there tend to invest heavily in developing their language skills in the first two years of life in Bergen.

Some industries and specific sectors might have job opportunities for people who speak only English – including seafood, international sales, IT, and tourism – but as a general rule of thumb, you’ll struggle if you don’t become fluent in Norwegian quickly.

Additional note: If possible, try to secure a job before moving to Bergen, as the city – and the country – is very expensive.

The Bergen weather

No guide to Bergen is ever complete without a mention of Bergen’s key feature – rainy weather. On most days in the city, expect rain, as it rains more than 230 days a year!

Nestled on the seashore among seven mountains, the city has a unique microclimate which keeps temperature temperate and rainfall an everyday staple of life.

If you’re moving to Bergen from a sunnier/drier city (or country), the wet weather may even come as a shock. You’ll get used to it eventually. As the locals say, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.”

So, don’t forget to stock up on raincoats, umbrellas, and water-resistant clothing, and you’ll be fine!

Dynamic and international city

Aside from being a safe and wet city, Bergen is also known for its thriving community of international citizens.

A notable part of this community is related to the student population. As the University of Bergen (UiB) points out, Bergen is home to about 25,000 students – around 10 percent of the city’s overall population – during the academic year.

The city also has a notable community of international workers thanks to the career opportunities offered by Bergen’s tourism, seafood, and restaurant and bar sectors.

If you want to immerse yourself in this international atmosphere, take a simple walk to the city centre, where most of the UiB campus is located, or make your way to the Fishmarket and Old Town Bryggen area, where you’ll be able to witness Bergen’s vibrant city life firsthand.

Incredible seafood

Bergen’s culinary culture – and some of its traditional dishes, such as the Bergen fish soup – is characterized by high-quality seafood.

Situated on Norway’s western coast and surrounded by majestic fjords and deep sea, the city has a tradition of harvesting seafood that goes back centuries.

Fresh fish, crabs, prawns, scallops, and crawfish are local go-tos for many Bergen residents. Expect to find seasonally available seafood on every corner – from general stores and fishmongers to sushi places and established restaurants.

As the state-funded Visit Norway guide points out, some of the best seafood restaurants in Norway are located in Bergen, and the city’s chefs are well-respected both at home and abroad.

So, save up, and treat yourself to some of this fantastic seafood every now and then!

Not as expensive as Oslo – but expensive nonetheless

While housing prices and overall living expenses might be somewhat lower in Bergen compared to Oslo, don’t be fooled – the city is extravagantly expensive.

According to the latest rental housing statistics, a 3-room apartment in Bergen cost an average of 13,795 kroner in October. Compared to the same month in 2021, the price increased by 4.8 percent.

READ MORE: ‘Landlords market’: Rent prices in Norway’s biggest cities continue to rise

Two other major expense items to watch out for are food and drinks – it’s very hard not to have your jaw drop after getting a 1,200 kroner bill for dinner for two (drinks included) in a regular restaurant close to the city centre.

Many students and international citizens opt for money-saving hacks such as eating at sushi buffets (Sabrura is a local favourite) or using Too Good To Go, a surplus food app that offers excellent prices on food that stores and restaurants would otherwise throw in the bin.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Five great restaurants for a dinner date in Bergen

Bergen, located on Norway's beautiful west coast, is known for its vibrant culinary scene. Here are The Local's top picks for a dinner date.

Five great restaurants for a dinner date in Bergen

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to get better acquainted with Bergen’s restaurant scene.

READ MORE: Norway’s food calendar: 12 events for foodies to look forward to in 2024 

If you’re visiting for a short period of time, you might only have time to visit one or two, and you don’t want to end up in an establishment that doesn’t meet your expectations.

On the other hand, if you’ve (just) moved to the city, you’ll want a good overview of its top restaurants so that you can safely take your significant other, friends, family, or business partners there for special occasions – or just a nice dinner.

Having a good overview of Bergen’s top restaurants not only helps you avoid dining disappointments but also enables you to confidently recommend places to others.

And while there are many great restaurants in the city, we’ve singled out our top five spots to wine and dine in Norway’s “Rain Capital.”

Moon dish

A dish from one of Moon’s multi-course menu. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Moon (Marken Street 33)

Nestled in the heart of Bergen, Moon is a must-visit for foodies. At the time of writing, it is considered one of the best – if not the best – restaurants in the city. Be warned – the status comes with a hefty price tag attached.

Moon was launched by twin brothers Jules and Nicolas, who brought their passion for French cuisine and hospitality to life in the charming Marken Street near the Bergen central train station.

Jules is the head chef, while Nicolas is the restaurant manager and sommelier. Together, they have curated a dining experience that reflects their diverse backgrounds.

Since opening its doors in April 2021, Moon has quickly become a beacon for food enthusiasts and romantics alike.

To enhance the dining experience, Moon introduced a revamped menu layout in 2024, offering guests the choice of a 3-course (750 kroner per person + 600 kroner for wine pairing), 4-course (900 kroner per person + 780 kroner for wine pairing), 5-course (1,050 kroner per person + 960 kroner for wine pairing), or 6-course (1,200 kroner per person + 1,120 kroner for wine pairing) culinary experience.

Moon’s commitment to quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has earned praise from Michelin for its honest, classically based French cooking that incorporates locally sourced produce.

Enhjorningen dish

Bergen fish soup at Enhjørningen, photographed in January of 2024. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Enhjørningen (Bryggen)

Enhjørningen is a beloved seafood restaurant, located along the lively (and very popular) Bryggen waterfront.

This seafood haven offers patrons a journey into Norway’s coastal cuisine, boasting a menu full of freshly caught delicacies.

The restaurant’s cosy, candlelit atmosphere sets the stage for an intimate dining experience, perfect for dates or gatherings with loved ones.

READ MORE: Five Norwegian food mistakes you only make once

As part of the Smak av Kysten culinary network, Enhjørningen is committed to showcasing the best of Norwegian seafood while supporting local producers and fishermen.

Among the restaurant’s offerings, you can expect an array of tasty main courses: from the No Fish Olsen, featuring entrecote of beef paired with pickled vegetables and a luscious port wine sauce, to the delicate Oven-baked Monkfish served with mushroom sauce and truffle gnocchi, there’s something for everyone here.

Main courses range from 395 to 450 kroner per person, while starters and soups are generally around the 200 kroner price point.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Enhjørningen boasts panoramic views of Bergen’s bustling harbour, adding an extra layer of ambience to the dining experience.

Agave dish

A dish in Agave photographed in 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Agave (Kong Oscars gate 2A)

Agave, just a 60-second walk from the Fish Market, is widely considered the best Mexican restaurant in Bergen.

With a glowing reputation that precedes it, Agave has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, drawing diners back repeatedly with its irresistible combination of great food, fantastic atmosphere, and professional service.

Whether you’re a seasoned Mexican cuisine aficionado or a newcomer to the flavours of Mexico, Agave will likely hold up – and surpass – your expectations.

From the moment you enter the restaurant, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming ambience. Agave boasts charming decor and friendly staff eager to guide you through the menu and share their passion for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Diners rave about the Mole Agave, a standout dish featuring a rich and complex mole sauce. The tender and juicy venison is also popular, as is the ceviche rojo starter.

What sets Agave apart from other Mexican cuisine establishments in Bergen is its dedication to authenticity, with a focus on traditional Mexican recipes prepared from scratch using fresh local produce.

The menu (which you can check out here) also features classics like carne asada and tacos, all offered at mid-level prices.

Bryggeloftet dish

A meat dish photographed at Bryggeloftet & Stuene during the 2023 winter season. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant (Bryggen 11)

Tucked away in Bergen’s old town, Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant offers an indulgent and authentic dining experience.

While it may lean towards the pricier side, with dinners ranging from 700 to 900 kroner per person, the splurge is justified for those craving a taste of traditional Bergen (and Norwegian) cuisine at its finest.

Situated along the historic Bryggen Wharf, this restaurant has become a beloved destination known for its commitment to heritage, making it a go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking a classier dining experience.

Whether you’re visiting during the winter months or any other time of year, you’ll find a menu filled with classic dishes that capture the essence of Norwegian cuisine.

READ MORE: Where to find Norwegian Christmas food in Bergen

One of the highlights of Bryggeloftet & Stuene is its traditional Norwegian Christmas menu, featuring favourites like reindeer steak and pinnekjøtt (salt-cured lamb ribs).

For those visiting outside of the holiday season, the Bergen fish soup is a popular choice, showcasing the region’s freshest seafood and flavours.

Beyond the food, Bryggeloftet & Stuene provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal in company.

1877 dish

A meat dish as a part of a multi-course menu at the 1877 Restaurant in May of 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Restaurant 1877 (Vetrlidsallmenningen 2, Kjøttbasaren)

Opened in 2013 by Christer Økland and his wife Ragnhild Børven, Restaurant 1877 occupies a storied location just below the iconic Fløibanen tourist attraction in Bergen’s historical Kjøttbasaren.

It offers a semi-fine dining experience with a seasonal and modern twist.

From the well-used copper pots adorning the walls to the vintage dishes, every detail of the restaurant evokes a sense of history and tradition.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen, ensuring that the dishes tell the story of the region’s gastronomic landscape.

For dinner, which is served Tuesday-Friday from 4 pm and Saturday from 6 pm, it provides guests with an à la carte option.

Additionally, guests can select “The kitchen’s choice,” a set menu comprising dishes curated by our kitchen.

This menu includes multiple courses and is intended for sharing. The starting price is 895 kroner per person.

READ MORE: 24 hours in Bergen: Everything you should see and do

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