The best way to see the culture of a new destination is through its food, and we found that especially true in Norway. The Bergen Norway Fish Market is the heart of the city and is quite the spectacle to see. The smells, sounds, and overall energy felt as you walk through the fish market are almost indescribable. Not to mention, you’ll get to try all the delicacies and delicious food in Bergen Norway, too!
Norway Travel Inspiration
- Mostraumen Fjord: Tips for the Fun Boat Tour From Bergen Norway
- Bergen Norway Travel Guide: 13 Top Tips and Best Things to Do
- Hiking Mount Floyen Guide: Amazing Views of the City in Bergen Norway
- How to Plan a Trip Anywhere: 10 Step Easy to Follow Guide
History of Norway’s Bergen Fish Market
Dating back to the 13th century, the Bergen fish market has always been crucial to the local economy. For hundreds of years, it served not only as a place to eat but also as the center of social life in this beautiful city.
To this day, business is booming for fisherman and merchants alike. The Bergen fish market remains an important part of the 2nd largest city in Norway.
Dining Options at Bergen Fish Market
At the Bergen Fish Market, there are plenty of different ways for you to dine depending on what you’re in the mood for. As you walk through you’ll notice prepared plates at each stand. These range from seafood sandwiches to full-on plates of fried fish, and even massive snow crab legs and lobsters to enjoy.
In the back area of the Bergen Fish Market, you’ll find an indoor section called “Mathallen” with more fancy options if you so choose. This the Norwegian name for food hall, and there’s a great one to visit in Oslo as well.
Know that the prices are a little bit higher inside. Still, we can imagine it’d be a nice place to sit during the cold winter months.
Sampling Food at Bergen Fish Market in Norway
The best attribute of the Bergen Fish Market is all the incredible seafood samples offered as you stroll through. We literally tried EVERYTHING available. Below you’ll find exactly what we thought of food in Bergen Norway, and some the country’s most notable delicacies!
Reindeer Sausage
Reindeer has a spicy kick to it and was actually quite good smoked. It tasted like a slightly different version of pepperoni or salami if you need a comparison. We took ours out to the Bergen harbor to enjoy with a beautiful view.
Bergen Fish Market Caviar
Here’s where the food in Bergen Norway gets a little fancy. Caviar is one of Brigitte’s all-time favorites. So when she found out the Bergen Fish Market had multiple free taste tests of Caviar I think she almost fainted!
Offering hundreds of different types of Caviar, the attendants will ask you to hold up your hand as they delicately sprinkle each of the bubbled delights onto the back of your hand. For caviar fans this will definitely be a highlight of the Bergen Norway Fish Market.
Tasty Fish Cakes
Fish cakes anyone? We actually had no idea what these were, but are always on the hunt for a deal. In a slightly expensive place like the Bergen Fish Market in Norway, the 2 Euro sign quickly caught our eyes.
Served hot and fresh, fish cakes were the perfect treat as they can get quite cold and breezy on the water. I know a fish cake may not sound appetizing to most. Yet, if you’re a seafood lover then definitely give it a shot.
Bergen Fish Market Moose?
Okay, we know what you’re thinking by now. Is there any animal the Bergen Norway Fish Market doesn’t have?
Moose was another thing we had no idea people ate, but is actually quite popular in Norway and Scandinavia. It tasted a lot like the reindeer without the spicy kick. Overall, we thought it was pretty good.
Whale at the Bergen Norway Fish Market
The whale is the largest animal in the sea and by far the most contentious item on this list. Around the world (and countries like Norway, Japan, and Iceland) whaling has been protested and even outlawed for the nature in which these sea creatures are hunted.
At the same time, it is considered a big part of the culture and a popular thing to eat in Bergen Norway. We recommend skipping it, but everyone is welcome to do their own research and decide for themselves.
Whatever you’re looking for, the Bergen Fish Market is sure to impress! What was the best food in Bergen Norway you ate? Let us know in the comments below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay in Bergen Norway
Ultra Luxury – Bergen Børs Hotel – This beautiful hotel is set in the old stock exchange building in the historic center of the city. Everything you’ll need for a luxury stay in Bergen!
Fun Vacation – Scandic Torget Bergen – Just steps from the famous Bergen Warf, Scandic Torget has rooms overlooking Vagen Fjord and Mount Floyen! Perfect location to base yourself from.
Apartment Stay – Magic Hotel & Apartments Kløverhuset – If you’re a traveler that likes to have a little extra space than a typical hotel room this is a great pick. Different apartments are available ranging from studios to three bedrooms.
Hostel – City Hostel Bergen – There aren’t many low-priced hotels in Bergen so City Hostel will be a solid option if you’re traveling on a budget. There are both male and female dorm rooms, a shared kitchen, and is just a 5 minute walk to the city center.
For more places to stay in Bergen Norway you can explore the latest prices here!
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Norway Travel Planning
Flights: We always find great flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to rent vehicles on our travels. Norway is famous for its scenic road trips so having a set of wheels is a must!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. Book a private tour with a local in Bergen, go reindeer sledding in Tromsø, or take a 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise of Oslo!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
