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SKIING

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
Kvamskogen
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.

READ MORE: The best things to do in Bergen on a winter’s day

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.

READ MORE: How to have a fulfilling social life in Norway without breaking the bank

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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BERGEN

How Bergen puts its own spin on Norway’s May 17th traditions

Throughout Norway, May 17th is a highlight of the year, with millions celebrating Constitution Day. However, Bergen likes to do things a bit differently.

Published: 14 May 2024 13:08 CEST
How Bergen puts its own spin on Norway's May 17th traditions

Bergen in western Norway, the country’s second-largest city, takes on an especially festive atmosphere for the May 17th celebrations.

Streets and houses are dotted with Norwegian flags as far as the eye can see, and the city, known for its rich cultural scene, transforms into a bustling hub of national pride and joyous celebrations. 

READ MORE: Why does Norway celebrate May 17th?

This sort of approach to celebrating Norway’s big day isn’t unique to Bergen – most cities in the country have a special program in place to mark the occasion.

However, Bergen puts its own unique spin on this special occasion, featuring an air show, fireworks, parades with organisations unique to Bergen, and much more.

How the festivities start

Bergen celebrates Norway’s Constitution Day with several distinct local traditions.

The festivities kick off bright and early, with an opening ceremony, followed by a festive salute fired from Skansen, a historic site in the Bergenhus district.

Simultaneously, the morning procession, featuring the Sandviken’s Youth Corps and Lungegaarden’s Music Corps, starts from Dreggen and concludes at Festplassen Square in the city centre.

A highlight of this procession is the inclusion of the buekorps – traditional neighbourhood youth organisations that march through the streets, a feature unique to Bergen.

READ MORE: How Norway’s biggest cities will celebrate May 17th this year

As the city awakens, main procession attendees gather around 10am at Koengen, an open-air concert venue in the city centre.

The main procession begins between 10 and 11am. It is central to the day’s celebrations, and the fact that Bergen natives call this parade a prosesjon instead of tog (a word used in the rest of Norway), just goes to show how important having a distinct tradition is to Bergen. 

At the same time, a flag parade departs from Festplassen. While the main procession makes its way through the streets, the flag parade heads in the opposite direction. Having two parades heading in opposite directions is something that sets Bergen apart from other parts of the country, like Oslo. 

Furthermore, a boat parade also embarks from Hilleren at a similar time.

Norway flag 1

Flags are a central feature of Norway’s May 17th celebrations, symbolizing national unity – you’ll see them everywhere you turn. Photo by Peter Hansen on Unsplash

Midday: Continued processions, speeches, music performances – and the Viking Ship stage

Midday brings a flurry of activities, including a race rowing procession from Kaigaten close to noon, followed by speeches and musical performances on the Viking Ship stage at Festplassen – a special stage used for this occasion – featuring the Krohnengen Brass Band and the Bergen Opera Choir.

There, you’ll likely be able to hear Nystemten (Udsigter fra Ulrikken), Bergen’s own city anthem, alongside Norway’s national anthem – a tradition that isn’t that common outside of Bergen, where people tend to stick to the national anthem.

Around 1pm, dancing livens up Torgallmenningen and Ole Bull squares, complemented by concerts at nearby landmarks like Den blau steinen and Musikpaviljongen.

Later in the afternoon, a spectacular air show takes place over Vågen/Byfjorden, which always attracts a crowd.

The air show is also a special experience that doesn’t take place in all cities.

Evening: Gospel, torch parade, and fireworks

As evening sets in, a gospel night organised by local congregations offers a musical pause in St. John’s Church.

The celebrations conclude with a torch parade from Bergenhus leading to Festplassen between 10 and 11pm, capped off by a grand fireworks display.

READ MORE: Key things you absolutely shouldn’t do on May 17th in Norway

Locals and visitors alike converge on Festplassen and other key viewing spots around the city to see the fireworks.

Families, friends, and neighbours come together, many having spent the day enjoying the various parades and performances (as well as a glass or two of alcohol) to watch the sky light up in a dazzling array of colours.

And there you have it! If you’re planning to spend May 17th in Bergen, you now know what to expect and the must-see activities to catch throughout the day that are exclusive to the city.

To learn more about how Norway celebrates the signing of its constitution in 1814, which declared the country’s independence, be sure to check out The Local’s in-depth guide to May 17th.

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