Don’t let a little rainfall ruin your Norwegian adventure. With its dramatic fjord setting, charming streets and rich cultural life, Bergen still shines, even when the skies don’t cooperate.
Wander through the cobbled lanes of the historic harbour, listen to the cry of gulls above the fishing boats, and admire the colourful wooden houses that line the waterfront. It’s no wonder so many travellers fall in love with the city at first sight.
Take a look at almost any travel brochure or blog posts about Bergen and you’ll likely see locals and tourists basking under blue skies. Even many of our own articles feature cloudless scenes.
But first-time visitors may be in for a surprise: Bergen is one of the wettest cities in Europe.
Rain days in Bergen
On average, Bergen records at least some rainfall on 239 days each year. Of course, that doesn’t mean it pours from morning to night on all of those days. It just means that rain is observed at some point.
For comparison, Seattle, which has a reputation for being a rainy city, typically records rainfall on around 150 to 160 days a year.
Is there a dry season in Bergen? Not really. You might have slightly better luck with the weather from April to June, but even that is far from guaranteed.
On the other hand, the period from September to November is usually the wettest. Whenever you visit, it’s best to come prepared with waterproof shoes and a proper rain jacket.
Whenever I write about Norway’s weather, someone usually emails to say I’m trying to put people off visiting. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Bergen is a fantastic destination, and if it does rain, there’s no reason to let it spoil your plans.
Here’s just a few ideas for what you can do in Norway's second city when it rains.
Discover Bergen’s Trading Past at Bryggen
Bergen’s rise as a powerful trading city is one of the most fascinating chapters in Norwegian history. When German merchants arrived in the 14th century, they could hardly have imagined the lasting influence they would have on the city.
As a key part of the Hanseatic League, Bergen became one of Scandinavia’s most important cities. That influence is still visible today, and nowhere more clearly than at Bryggen, the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The colourful wooden buildings lining the harbour are instantly recognisable and frequently appear in postcards and travel guides. These former trading houses now host a variety of shops, galleries and studios.
Exploring the narrow alleyways and tucked-away courtyards is a highlight for many visitors, although admittedly it’s more enjoyable on a dry day.
If the weather turns, you can still explore the area’s rich history by stepping inside one of the museums located at Bryggen.
At the far end of the site, close to the cruise ship terminal, Bryggens Museum presents the archaeological story of the area. Following a major fire in 1955, excavations uncovered thousands of artefacts from the Middle Ages.
The museum, built on the remains of buildings dating back as far as the 1100s, helps piece together Bergen’s early story.
The Hanseatic Museum, which explores the impact of the merchants on Bergen’s economy and culture, is currently undergoing extensive renovation.
In the meantime, the exhibition is being hosted in the Hanseatic Assembly Rooms known as Schøtstuene. This temporary relocation not only gives you a glimpse into merchant life, but also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing restoration project.
Explore Norwegian Art History
Bergen’s KODE art museums are among the city’s cultural highlights, offering an ideal way to spend a rainy day indoors.
Spread across several buildings clustered around Lille Lungegårdsvann lake in the city centre, the vast KODE collection includes more than 50,000 works of art, from classical paintings to contemporary installations.
A standout is the Rasmus Meyer Collection, which focuses on the so-called golden age of Norwegian painting. Here, you’ll find pieces by national icons such as J.C. Dahl and Edvard Munch.
Even if you’re only vaguely familiar with Norwegian art, seeing Munch’s haunting brushwork up close is a memorable experience.
The galleries are not limited to Norwegian works. One of the more unusual exhibits is the Chinese Collection, a selection of thousands of objects including decorative art and traditional crafts. It’s a surprisingly diverse offering that adds a global perspective to the otherwise Nordic-heavy collection.
Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, it’s easy to lose track of time here. And if you’re in need of a break, KODE 2 houses Smakverket, a stylish café that serves up good-value lunches and coffee in elegant surroundings.
While you’ll have to briefly step outside to move between the museum buildings, you’re never far from shelter.
Not Everyone Hates the Water
When the rain’s pouring down outside, head to the Bergen Aquarium for a splash of fun indoors. Located on the Nordnes peninsula, the aquarium is much bigger than it first appears and offers a welcome escape from the weather.
Although some animals such as sea lions and penguins live outside, most of the exhibits are under cover. Inside, daily film screenings and feeding sessions help bring the exhibits to life.
The aquarium’s focus is largely on local marine life, but there’s also a tropical zone where you can meet creatures from warmer climates, including geckos, snakes, spiders and even Philippine crocodiles.
The aquarium also plays an active role in conservation efforts. It works closely with the Mabuwaya Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting the critically endangered Philippine crocodile.
These kinds of partnerships highlight the aquarium’s role beyond entertainment and offer educational value for all ages.
Embrace the Weather
Ask a local what to do when it rains in Bergen, and you’re likely to be met with a shrug and a smile.
Rain is simply part of life here, and it doesn’t stop people from heading outdoors. With the right gear, namely waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear, there’s no reason to stay inside.
Hiking remains one of the most popular pastimes, rain or shine. In fact, a wet day has its advantages, as the hiking trails and scenic viewpoints are likely to be much quieter.
The Fløibanen funicular offers a quick route to the top of Mount Fløyen, where you’ll find several well-marked trails. One of the most popular is the short and manageable walk to Brushytten, a cosy cabin located about two kilometres from the summit station.
Learn Something New Indoors
If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of Bergen’s maritime identity, consider visiting the Norwegian Fisheries Museum.
Housed in a former warehouse a short bus or boat ride from the city centre, this engaging museum covers the history of Norway’s fishing industry. There are hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, making it a great option for families. Best of all, it’s almost entirely indoors.
Another option for curious minds is the VilVite science centre. Geared towards kids but just as fun for grown-ups, VilVite is packed with interactive exhibits covering science, technology and the natural world.
It’s a perfect choice for a rainy afternoon, particularly if you’re travelling with children or have a soft spot for hands-on learning.
For a more contemplative experience, consider visiting Bergen Cathedral. While the outside may look modest compared to other European churches, the interior reveals layers of history dating back to the 12th century, including a dramatic altarpiece and remnants of medieval architecture.
Music lovers might enjoy a visit to Troldhaugen, the former home of composer Edvard Grieg.
Although reaching it requires a short journey from the city centre, the house, museum and concert hall are all indoors and offer a glimpse into the life and work of one of Norway’s most celebrated cultural figures.
Rainy days often make the visit even more atmospheric, especially if you attend one of the lunchtime piano recitals.
Don’t Forget to Just Relax
Sometimes the best way to enjoy a rainy day in Bergen is to slow down. Seek out a warm café, watch the raindrops hit the windows, and enjoy a cinnamon bun with a freshly brewed coffee.
Bergen has no shortage of cosy spots to hide away in, whether it’s one of the stylish cafés on Marken, a rustic coffee shop in Sandviken, or a hotel lounge with views of the harbour.
Many locals take a rainy day as an opportunity to unwind. You could visit a spa, catch a film at Bergen Kino, or browse independent bookshops. Norway’s approach to weather is all about adapting, not avoiding.
I hope this guide has shown you that there’s no need to fear the forecast in Bergen. From museums and aquariums to mountain hikes and peaceful cafés, the city has plenty to offer whatever the weather.
And who knows? You may just find the sun breaking through the clouds. A few years ago, Bergen basked in a rare heatwave with temperatures hitting a record 33.3 degrees Celsius.
Now it’s over to you. What’s your favourite thing to do in Bergen when it rains? Let me know down in the comments.
I am reminded of the old story of the tourist who having spent several days in Bergen with nothing but rain each day stopped a young man on the street and asked if it always rained in Bergen? The young man replied ‘I don’t know, I’m onlyfourteen’
We loved our three days in Bergen about 7 years ago. The first afternoon was dry enough for us to go up the funicular and get some very pretty views of the area. Then the rain started and did not stop, but between the museums and concerts we did not mind at all. Great city to visit.
I visited friends in Bergen in 2015 and 2017. The most beautiful country and people I have ever experienced. Very little rain and spectacular views in both Bergen and the countryside. Loved the food too.
Norway In A Nutshell is a must see day trip.
When we lived in Norway, one of the first pieces of advice; “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing “. That is so true, be prepared! I’ve only been to Bergen three times, and I have to go back, we haven’t seen it all. We have experienced all summer weather there. Our first trip it rained so hard!! And I was too cool to put on my rain pants, huge mistake; I was soaked.
Thank you for your site, I love it.
We were in Bergen in 2022 and loved it. It was the first time for me across the “big pond” and the rain was part of the enchantment of Norway. After being dropped off at the wrong hotel, my boyfriend and I, ran through the cobblestone streets, dodging the downpours of rain in doorway with our luggage. We never laughed so hard. We going again in Aug 2025.
Thanks very much for trying, but the truth is that, other than changing the name of its arts museums, Bergen hasn’t made any significant addition to its limited cultural offer in ages. Shopping is plain (well, as anywhere else in Norway), almost all coffee shops are chains, the outdoors fish market is a tourist trap of the worst kind, the restaurant scene is lagging light years behind those of Oslo or Stavanger and the Hanseatic Museum has been closed for almost seven years now. Bergen is pretty but has been lacking vibe for a few decades now.