Bergen, Norway 🇳🇴
#536
60.394305, 5.325919
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, known for its historic wharf, vibrant culture, and stunning surrounding mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 280,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 90 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NOK ≈ 0.09 USD; major banks include DNB and Sparebanken Vest, ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of excellent quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telenor, Telia, and Ice. Cost-effective plans are available for tourists. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Revolut and Wise, which provide easy solutions for expat banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and hostels like Bergen Hostel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and mobile payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Bergen Hostel and Marken Guesthouse offer affordable lodging solutions. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Dwell is a popular coworking space known for its friendly environment and good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Ciel is a cozy spot offering great coffee and Wi-Fi, perfect for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and local events can be found on platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook host regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Bergen, alongside local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bergen Bycykler provides bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sotra Island, about 30 mins away, features beautiful beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Widerøe is a local airline providing regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and SAS operate several international flights from Bergen. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E39 highway connects by car to major regions in Norway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bergen Station is the main hub for trains and regional transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Skyss offers various public transport passes for easy travel around the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Bergen to nearby cities such as Oslo and Stavanger. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Haukeland University Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Bergen. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Huset offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | SATSA gym provides modern fitness facilities across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and cleaning services are available, such as Nattaya Vaskeri. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Just Eat provide delivery services from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Bergen's famous seafood, particularly fish soup and fresh salmon. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kafé spesial and Ramen Yamato offer great vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baker Hansen, known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Fish Market Bergen provides great local food at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shops include Komplett.no for electronics and other goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | ASKO offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bergenhus Fortress area has numerous bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bergen Mikrobryggeri offers local craft beer tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Amalie Restaurant has a nice selection of wines and spirits. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found at food trucks near the waterfront. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mandu offers Korean food, while Colonialen serves a mix of global flavors. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bryggen Wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hallmark of Bergen. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | KODE Art Museums, featuring a variety of art collections. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Bergenhus Fortress showcases the city’s medieval history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Bergen Cathedral, an iconic landmark worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bergenfest is a popular music festival held each summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Zonen neighborhood is known for its artistic vibe and cultural offerings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Den Nationale Scene is a prominent theater showcasing local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bergen Fish Market is a must-visit for fresh seafood and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bergen hosts various music events and concerts year-round. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the funky street art in the Sandviken area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join classes at Bergen Cooking for traditional Norwegian culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleri 3. Etage features local artists and contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Troldhaugen is the former home of composer Edvard Grieg. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bergen's history is preserved in its hanseatic architecture and folk traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Fløyen offers hiking and stunning views of the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hardangervidda National Park is about 2 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront promenade along Vågen is ideal for a scenic stroll. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Floibanen funicular provides incredible views from Mount Fløyen. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching along the coast near Nordnes is popular. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks allow bonfires, especially in Nordnes Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posten Norge offers comprehensive parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers device repair services in Bergen. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Bergen is a fun place to play table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Speak Norwegian offers courses for learners of all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bergen Public Library is a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Bergen Community Center hosts various cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a great venue for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Cosmopol offers gaming experiences in a vibrant setting. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €180,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €288,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 22% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max rate of 38.2% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Norway has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% applied during property purchases. |