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Discover Norway: Where to try winter sports in Bergen

Bergen, in western Norway, may not have the same winter sports pedigree as some other destinations in the country, but it does offer a great variety of activities – if you know where to look.

Published: 8 January 2024 10:54 CET

The Kvamskogen mountain plateau, located east of Bergen, is a popular winter sports area. Photo by Rune Haugseng on Unsplash

From skiing on breathtaking slopes, easily accessible from the city centre, to skating on ice rinks and frozen lakes, Bergen’s natural beauty and winter sports facilities make it an excellent destination for snowy adventures.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, don’t let the winter weather keep you indoors – with the proper clothes, the winter weather in the region is usually manageable.

Venture out and immerse yourself in the exciting world of winter sports that is often only a short bus ride away from Norway’s second-largest city.

Skiing (relatively) close to the city centre: Fløyen, Kvamskogen, Eikedalen…

We’re starting with a skiing spot closest to Bergen’s city centre (a 5-minute funicular ride from the Old Town) – the Fløyen ski trail, a beloved destination for skiing enthusiasts.

Spanning approximately 5 kilometres, this cross-country trail offers excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season.

The Fløyen ski trail is one of Bergen’s most frequented ski routes, and on sunny days, you can even extend your journey to Rundemanen mountain or embark on a challenging trek called Vidden, over the mountain plateau between Ulriken and Fløyen.

If you’re looking for a challenging skiing adventure, head to the Kvamskogen mountain plateau, situated east of Bergen. It offers both downhill and cross-country skiing at 1,300 meters above sea level.

During the season, you can also hop on a dedicated ski bus to Eikedalen Ski Centre (regular buses are available from the main bus station), which provides a combined 15 kilometres of slopes for skiing and snowboarding, with eight lifts at the disposal of visitors.

Totland, a mere 7-minute bus ride from Nesttun (located some 10 kilometres south of Bergen’s city centre), is another fantastic choice for people looking for a conveniently accessible cross-country skiing experience.

There, you can enjoy groomed trails covering a round trip of 9.8 kilometres, with the highest point of the Livarden mountain reaching 683 meters.

Ice skating in Bergen

There are a number of great ice skating locations in Bergen for both beginners and enthusiasts.

Bergen boasts four skating rinks: Bergenshallen, Slåtthaug, Åsane Arena, and Iskanten.

If you don’t skate frequently, rental skates and equipment are available at most locations.

During extended cold spells, numerous lakes in the Bergen region freeze over, offering a unique outdoor skating experience.

The municipality conducts regular ice measurements on 12 bodies of water to ensure safety.

Skansedammen, on the way to Fløyen, is a popular spot, providing captivating city and fjord views while you skate.

Voss gondola

Voss offers a plethora of winter sports options, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. Pictured is a gondola in Voss. Photo by Barnabas Davoti on Unsplash

Day trips from Bergen

To explore even more winter sports opportunities near Bergen, consider day trips to Voss or Myrkdalen.

READ MORE: Five great day trips from Bergen

Voss, located just a short distance from Bergen, is a year-round magnet for visitors, known for its exceptional skiing facilities and outdoor adventures.

You can reach Voss by bus, train, or dedicated ski buses during the winter season. Voss Resort is one of western Norway’s largest ski centres, featuring 11 lifts and 24 varied slopes.

Furthermore, it offers 18 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails, ensuring ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.

Located just 25 minutes from Voss, Myrkdalen is celebrated for its consistent snowfall, making it one of Norway’s most snow-sure areas.

With nine lifts, 22 varied pistes, and 28 kilometres of cross-country trails, Myrkdalen is also an excellent option for winter sports.

Borrowing equipment for free (or a small fee)

If you’re itching to hit the slopes or explore Norway’s winter terrain but don’t have the money for skis or other equipment, fear not.

Bergen offers options to rent equipment for free. Below, we’ve outlined a few resources to help you secure the necessary equipment without breaking the bank.

BUA: BUA, a national non-profit organisation, is on a mission to ensure that all children and young people in Norway have access to diverse activities. They offer free or cheap equipment rentals, and much of their inventory comprises new gear. With five locations scattered throughout Bergen municipality, BUA aims to make equipment rental convenient for residents and visitors alike. Remember that you’ll usually need a Norwegian phone number to rent equipment from BUA. Additionally, some fees may apply for rentals to people over 20.

Bergen Student Sports Team: This organisation provides free equipment loans to its members, extending the opportunity to students and non-students alike. Whether you require hiking boots for a scenic trek or other apparel for your outdoor adventure, they have you covered. Membership is open to everyone; you don’t have to be a student to join.

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The private and international school options in Bergen

For international parents moving to Bergen in western Norway, figuring out schooling options for their kids is a big deal.

Some lean towards private or international schools to keep things consistent, especially if they’re used to a particular teaching style or curriculum, in the hope of providing a familiar environment for their children amidst the changes.

Others appreciate the idea of private and international schools because they’re melting pots of cultures.

The International School of Bergen

The International School of Bergen (ISB) is located in the residential area of Sandsli, approximately 15 kilometres from Bergen’s city centre.

Established in 1975 to cater to the needs of international families, the school’s modernised and renovated building, completed in 2019, serves as a hub for learning and community building.

In addition to traditional classrooms, the school boasts facilities including a library, art rooms, a well-equipped science laboratory, and a gymnasium.

Beyond the school gates, ISB students have access to amenities, including a swimming pool, ice rink, and various sports facilities, which complement the school’s educational programs.

Regular field trips to local science discovery centres, museums, art galleries, and historical sites enrich students’ learning experiences, while Bergen’s countryside serves as an extended classroom for outdoor exploration.

You can find more information on tuition and fees for the school year 2024-2025 on the school’s website.

Møllebakken Private School

Møllebakken School caters to students across the region, from Åsane in the north to Os in the south and from Sotra in the west to Arna in the east.

With its doors open to learners from diverse backgrounds, the school prides itself on fostering a vibrant and inclusive educational environment.

In the academic year 2023 – 2024, Møllebakken School had an enrollment of approximately 73 students.

Beyond academics, Møllebakken School cultivates a sense of community through several annual school events – such as fundraising for humanitarian causes and ski camps – that bring together students, parents, and educators.

School and parental after-school fees are payable for 11 months each year. When it comes to pricing, for children in levels 1st to 6th grade, the general school fee amounts to 1,250 kroner per month.

For youth in levels 7th to 10th grade, the price is set at 1,650 kroner per month. A separate fee, referred to as “capital costs,” is allocated for maintaining the school. This amounts to 1,000 kroner per year per pupil.

The Montessori School in Bergen

The Montessori School in Bergen offers primary education from the 1st to 10th grades, guided by the principles of Montessori pedagogy.

As Bergen’s oldest and largest Montessori institution, it prides itself on providing a nurturing and empowering educational environment.

As a private school, the Montessori School offers an alternative to traditional public education. The teachers act as guides and facilitators, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and learn through trial and error.

Central to its approach is the belief in fostering independence, self-reliance, and a sense of contribution in each child.

The school ensures that Montessori pedagogy remains at the forefront of its teaching practices while aligning with key Norwegian competency goals.

You can learn more about the application process on the school’s website.

Metis Private School

Metis Private School is centrally located at Lars Hilles gate 17, between Grieg Hall and Bergen’s main bus station.

The school prides itself on having a 99 percent graduation rate among its upper secondary school students.

It charges a standard cost for all pupils, totalling 18,400 per year (as per 2023/2024 prices), which is invoiced at a rate of 1,840 kroner per month for ten months.

The second part of the school fees is flexible and varies based on the specific educational activities in a student’s program.

Metis also offers additional benefits to its students, which include a MacBook with Office and Adobe Suite, a school bag, and a school jumper, all provided without extra charges.

St. Paul’s Catholic School

Since its establishment in 1873, St. Paul’s Catholic School has been a cornerstone of Catholic primary and lower secondary education in Bergen.

The school welcomes approximately 340 students annually, spanning from 1st to 10th grade.

The school is a member of the Association of Christian Free Schools (KFF) and operates under public supervision by the Norwegian Directorate of Education.

Public grants, in accordance with the Private Schools Act, cover a significant portion of operating expenses, though tuition is generally considered quite expensive (the school does have a reputation of being among Bergen’s best, after all).

The school’s students often rank among the top Bergen schools when it comes to national-level performance in subjects such as English, reflecting its dedication to educational excellence.

You can find out more about St. Paul’s admission rules and tuition on the school’s website.

Rudolf Steiner School

In 1929, Bergen became home to one of Norway’s earliest Rudolf Steiner Schools, marking the city’s introduction to Steiner education.

At the heart of the Steiner pedagogy lies a commitment to nurturing the whole person, encompassing intellectual, emotional, and practical development.

In Steiner schools, subjects such as art and practical skills are equally important alongside traditional academic disciplines, fostering an engaging learning environment.

The school combines state funding (85 percent) with parental contributions (15 percent) to sustain its operations. At the time of writing, the parental contribution rates were as follows:

For a single child in grades 1 to 4: 34,000 kroner per year, divided into ten semesters.
For a single child in grades 5 to 7: 35,000 kroner per year, divided into ten semesters.
For a single child in grades 8 to 10: 36,160 kroner per year, divided into ten semesters.

Parents have the option to apply for reduced parental payments. To do so, they must submit their application by July 1st for the following school year.

Bergen Private Gymnasium

Situated at Lars Hilles gate 15, Bergen Private Gymnasium (BPG) offers state-supported upper secondary schooling for up to 525 students.

Conveniently located just a short stroll from the central bus station, the school enjoys easy access from all directions, making it a convenient choice for students across Bergen.

BPG recently renovated its premises, and its classrooms are equipped with adjacent group rooms that facilitate both independent study and collaborative projects.

The school also features designated zones for socialising, and its auditorium provides a space for hosting lectures, concerts, and other events.

For the school year 2023/2024, Bergen Private Gymnasium has outlined a two-part fee structure.

The first part of the school fees is uniform for all students and amounts to 18,400 kroner per year.

The second part of the school fees varies depending on the specific educational activities a student participates in.

These activities can include theatre visits, cinema outings, skiing days, activity days, field trips, and study trips abroad.

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