Every November, the schoolchildren of Bergen start baking. By mid-month, their 2,000 gingerbread creations form Pepperkakebyen, the world’s largest gingerbread city, a miniature Bergen complete with tiny ships, trams and a gingerbread replica of the Bryggen wharf. The Bergen Christmas Market runs alongside it, but honestly, the gingerbread city is the main event here.
Bergen Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Confirmed
Bergen dates: 20th November to 22nd December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Bergen Julemarked
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Location: Festplassen, Bergen Sentrum (City Centre).
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights switch-on: No date announced.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Vestkanten ice skating rink.
Vegetarian: Plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes.
Gluten-free: Limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Not recommended.
Reason to visit: Fun Norwegian festive jumpers and the stunning nearby nature.
Recommended tour: Take a cruise around the fjords.
Specialities: Ribs (called Pinnekjøtt) and persetorsk, a traditional Norwegian fish dish originating from Bergen.
Where to stay: Opus 16 is a cosy hotel that is 4 minutes from the square.
Convenient Hotels
Sentrum is the name of Bergen’s city centre. Although Bergen has many beautiful neighbourhoods, I suggest staying in the centre at this time of year, as it can be quite cold to walk around. Opus 16 is a great choice in this area as it’s also a short walk to the famous Bryggen Wharf district.
If you would prefer to stay directly in Bryggen, Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is excellent value.
Interesting Tours
I recommend starting your visit with this walking tour of Bergen. It will allow you to discover many of the city’s top attractions, including Bryggen Wharf, the Fish Market, and Bergenhus Fortress.
You’ll probably also want to take a cruise to see Norway’s stunning fjords. This cruise is particularly popular, lasting 3.5 hours and travelling through Osterfjord.
Event Location
What to Expect
As you explore Bergen, you’ll be greeted with rows of chalets and tents in the square by the lake. You could start your visit by sampling traditional Norwegian cuisine, such as rakfisk (fermented fish) and lutefisk (dried whitefish), or sweet treats like krumkake (waffle-like cookies) and julekake (Christmas bread).
Browse the market stalls for handmade gifts, including classic Norwegian woollen knitwear, wooden toys and unique decorations. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the Ferris wheel for breathtaking views of the snow-covered city.
Regional Specialties
- Pinnekjøtt: This dish consists of salted, dried mutton or lamb ribs that are rehydrated and steamed. The dish originates from western Norway, specifically the region around Bergen.
- Lutefisk: If you’re adventurous with your food choices (for those of us who are not Nordic), you might consider trying it. It’s made from dried whitefish, typically cod, and then treated with lye for preservation. After rinsing, the fish is boiled or baked and served with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Riskrem: After a hearty main course, you could try some Riskrem. This sweet rice pudding is often served with a tart red berry sauce called ‘rød saus’. It’s also customary to hide one whole almond in the pudding, and the person who finds it in their serving wins a small prize.
- Multekrem: This dessert is often enjoyed during the festive period. It is a simple yet sweet dish made with cloudberries, a fruit native to Norway, and topped with whipped cream.
- Pepperkaker: You’ll be drawn to the sweet smell of pepperkaker, Norwegian gingerbread cookies. These thin, crisp cookies are a holiday staple in Norwegian homes and are available throughout Bergen.
- Krumkaker: For another sweet treat, try krumkaker. These thin, delicate waffle cookies are rolled into cones and often filled with whipped cream or other sweet fillings.
At the Food Stalls
- Pølse i Lompe: A popular Norwegian snack of hot dogs wrapped in potato flatbread, often served with different condiments. It’s a staple street food that is quick and convenient to eat.
- Rakfisk: Try a traditional Norwegian delicacy. It’s fermented trout, typically served with flatbread, onions and sour cream. While it may not be for everyone due to its strong flavour and aroma, it’s a distinctive part of Norwegian culinary tradition.
- Kjøttkaker: Much like meatballs, kjøttkaker is a beloved Norwegian comfort food. Made from ground meat with breadcrumbs, onions and spices, they’re often served with potatoes and peas.
- Akevitt: Warm yourself with a shot of akevitt, a traditional Norwegian spirit. Distilled from potatoes and often spiced with caraway, anise and fennel, akevitt is a potent drink. This one’s not for me, that’s for sure, but you might like it!
- Glühwein: Of course, a winter market isn’t complete without glühwein.
What to Buy
- Norwegian Knitwear: Traditional designs such as the Marius pattern are instantly recognisable by their distinctive geometric motifs. They make for a cosy and stylish gift and are a fun addition to the seasonal wardrobe.
- Decorations: From beautifully carved wooden ornaments to intricately painted baubles, these pieces can serve as a reminder of Bergen.
- Viking Jewellery: The market offers Viking-inspired jewellery in tribute to Norway’s rich history. Crafted by local artisans, these pieces feature traditional Norse designs and symbols.
- Cloudberry Jam: Sweet tooths might want to pick up a jar of cloudberry jam. Cloudberries are a distinctive Nordic fruit often made into a delicious jam, perfect on toast or as an accompaniment to cheese.
- Norwegian Flatbread (Lefse): Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread sometimes packaged in beautiful gift-ready presentations.
- Norsk Folkemuseum: Look out for gifts from the Norsk Folkemuseum, one of Norway’s most significant cultural history museums. Replicas of historical artefacts, books on Norwegian culture, and traditional costumes (bunads) are among the unique items available for purchase.
Sustainability
- Hotels: As you plan your stay, consider selecting a hotel that prioritises sustainability.
- Ethical Businesses: Consider buying from local artisans and producers.
- Reduce Food Waste: Mindful eating goes a long way.
- Sustainable Dining: Norway’s love of seafood is well known, so consider the day’s fresh catch or opt for a plant-based option to reduce your emissions.
- Green Transport: Consider using Bergen’s excellent public transportation system. The city’s light rail system, Bybanen, and local buses run on electricity or biofuel, providing a greener way to get around.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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