Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bergen is Norway's second-largest city, known for its historical significance, stunning fjord landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 280,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speeds of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NOK ≈ 0.09 USD; banks like DNB and Nordea are widely accessible. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telenor, Telia, and Ice.net, with prepaid plans starting at 150 NOK. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Norwegian banks mostly accept debit/credit cards; international services like Revolut and Wise are also popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local options available, with price ranges typically between 800 and 1500 NOK per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bergen offers dorm beds starting at 350 NOK. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Bryggen, the historic wharf, is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nygårdshøyden and the city center are favored for their amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bergen Workstyle offers flexible spaces with a focus on community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | KODE Art Café provides a cozy atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Bergen Tech Meetup organized monthly for local tech professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Bergen Expat Group hosts regular meetups and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxibil is the preferred local app for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bergen Bysykkel offers bike rentals at various stations in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Badeplassen Beach is approximately 15 minutes away by public transport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Widerøe is the regional airline connecting Bergen to various Norwegian destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E39 and E16 highways offer access to surrounding regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bergen central station (Bergen stasjon) serves as the main transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Skyss offers daily and monthly passes for buses and light rail. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bergen can be accessed via train from Oslo and other major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Haukeland University Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bergen offers a variety of classes across different styles. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fresh Fitness and SATS are popular fitness centers with affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Bergen Laundromat provides self-service laundry options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Wolt are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Raspeball, a traditional potato dumpling dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kafe Kysten offers excellent vegetarian cuisine. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baker Brun is famous for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bergen Fish Market offers fresh local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Elkjøp and Komplett.no for electronics and other goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Oda offers convenient grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Bryggen area has lively bars and pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bergen Mikrobryggeri produces a variety of craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinbaren is a cozy spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for food stalls at MDG hall for tasty local delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta and Pizza Fresca serve delightful international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mount Fløyen offers breathtaking views over the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | KODE Art Museums showcases a wide collection of art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is vital in Bergen's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Church is one of the oldest buildings in Bergen. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bergen International Festival offers performing arts events every spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Fish Market area is vibrant and depicts local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Den Nationale Scene is the main theater in Bergen. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bergen's Fish Market is famous for seafood and local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bergen has a lively music scene with venues like Hulen and Kvarteret hosting local acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found in the Skuteviken area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bergen Cooking School offers engaging culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery M is a notable space for contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Hanseatic Museum showcases Bergen's trading past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bergen's wooden houses are a symbol of its maritime heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hardangervidda National Park is approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bergen is close to Folgefonna National Park, famous for glaciers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal paths around Bergen provide scenic views for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Mount Fløyen is breathtaking and popular among tourists. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lille Lungegårdsvann offers birdwatching spots in the city. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Fløien's open spaces allow designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bring offers delivery and shipping services throughout Norway. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Smart Repair provides tech repair services in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Bergen Table Tennis Club hosts regular games and events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Bergen Language School offers courses in Norwegian and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bergen Public Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Bergen kommune offers various community engagement activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Hub Bergen offers a place to socialize and play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Bergen offers a variety of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 50,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,000,000 NOK) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 35,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,400,000 NOK) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 55,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 NOK) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 40,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 2,400,000 NOK) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 52,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,160,000 NOK) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 38,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,040,000 NOK) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Norwegian residents are taxed based on global income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 46.4% |
| 🧾 VAT | 25% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Norway has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No general property tax; a municipal tax may apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% transaction tax when purchasing property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits; comply with local tax regulations. |