I'm just here for the Gastronomy...
The second largest city in Norway is known for its picturesque landscape and is also called "The City between the Seven Mountains".
It is one of the rainiest places in Europe and - attention "Fun Fact" - UNESCO's City of Gastronomy. Reason enough to visit Bergen.
Already during the research on site it became clear: fish and seafood play an overriding role in the city. What else was striking, you can find out here. :)
Classics of Norwegian cuisine:
Typical dishes in Bergen are fish soup, pickled herring, lutefisk, a watered stockfish, and smoked sheep's head. The country is characterized by the agricultural economy and thus animal products dominate on the plate. However, high-quality grain products and vegetables, as well as wild berries, are also considered staples of Norwegian cuisine. Here is a small selection of Norwegian delicacies:
Appetizer: Fishsoup, Rokelaks (Smoked salmon)
Main dish: Fårikål (Sheep dish with cabbage), Lapskaus (Stew with vegetables and meat), Kjøttkaker (Meatballs in brown sauce), Raspeballer (Potato dumplings) Dessert: Trollkrem (Whipped egg whites with berries), Brown cheese (boiled down whey that caramelizes and a solid cheese is formed), Cinnamon bun
Drinks: Aquavit (Schnapps made from potatoes and caraway seeds)
A trip to Bergen also includes a visit to the fish market. At the city's harbor there is a manageable selection of fish and sea delicacies, fruits and vegetables.
To be absolutely honest, I thought that the city would completely blow me away as a self-proclaimed "foodie". After all, it is designated UNESCO's City of Gastronomy. The reality?! I experienced a small selection of restaurants and "quite good" cuisine.
The city still swept me off my feet, but differently than I thought. I was surprised by the lived friendliness, the idyllic ambience and the sustainable use of resources (despite the high consumption of fish!).
I wonder if these are not incredibly important gastronomic cornerstones and Bergen has thus justly earned its title as "UNESCO's City of Gastronomy".
Michaelas-Must-Try: I like Norwegian cuisine especially for its sweet recipes. Instead of the classic cinnamon bun, here's my apple-cinnamon plucked bread with walnuts and raisins.
“Bergen City of Gastronomy – internationally recognized for sustainable and world class food experiences”.
© Bergen Creative City of Gastronomy
Michaelas Video-Message: In my TikTok video you can see a little summary about my stay in Bergen.
F&B offer: The variety is ok. Definitely book in advance for the fancy spots.
Meal times: Breakfast (6:00 - 9:00 o'clock): Usually only a quick coffee or a slice of bread is enough. Mittag (11:00 - 12:00 o'clock): A simple sandwich is legendary. Here, lunch is not eaten hot. Abendessen (ab 16:00 o'clock): A hot, albeit simple, meal is the norm. "Kveldsmat" (20:00 - 21:00 o'clock): Actually a breakfast with bread, various toppings, cereal, etc.
Price-performance ratio: Uiuiui. There was often fluttering with the ears when we took a look at the bill. Alcohol was the main culprit, as the country levies a relatively high tax rate depending on the alcohol content of the drinks.
Striking on site:
Since Norway is one of the few countries where whaling is legal, whale meat is also served. Ouch.
Restaurants & Hotel
If you like fish, seafood & unique moments, you will be happy at Cornelius. The restaurant is like an experience, the food is wonderful and the menu price includes a boat transport from the harbor to the restaurant.
Fish Me is located right by the harbor in Bergen and was a great first stop for us to immerse ourselves in the food culture of Norway. Even if the location was very touristy, we had a good experience and delicious cuisine.
We really wanted to enjoy an outstanding view of Brygge and thus decided on this hotel. We were rewarded with a fabulous view and felt very comfortable there. Unfortunately, the hotel has no spa & fitness facilities, but a top place to stay in Bergen.
My conclusion: I came for the fish. I liked the idyllic ambience of the city and while reminiscing I will think of the view from the opposite shore at Brygge.