Here are five excellent reasons to choose Bergen as your next coolcation destination.
"There have been record-high temperatures in large parts of Europe.
Many people are tired of the heat and are looking for cooler places for their holiday," says Christine Baglo, editor-in-chief of VisitNorway.
What is a coolcation?
A coolcation is a holiday enjoyed in a place with a cooler climate than back home, where the aim is to escape the heat while exploring new places and attractions. In the summer of 2024, Norway saw a big increase in visitors from abroad who are seeking to escape the summer heat and enjoy comfortable temperatures.
Bloomberg writes that Northern Europe is experiencing a "busy moment": while southern Europe is boiling in extreme heat exacerbated by climate change, travellers are increasingly searching for cooler summer vacations in Scandinavia. The Washington Post has also written about the trend of searching for cooler weather, often in more remote and less crowded areas.
Bryggen in Bergen is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Baglo believes that although there is a great variety of visitors who come to Norway, those who like to be a little active during their holiday and those who love the outdoors are especially keen to experience the country.
"In Norway, you can be outdoors all day in comfortable temperatures. We are seeing visitors from southern Europe who are tired of the heat, but also northern Europeans and Norwegians themselves, who are steering clear of the Mediterranean countries when there is a risk of heat waves in the summer."
Coolcations in Bergen
One city that is a coolcation winner is Bergen, located on the west coast of Norway. The city is known for its beautiful coastline, historic, UNESCO- listed medieval wharf, Bryggen, and is the gateway to the Norwegian fjords.
"Bergen has the perfect climate for a coolcation! Rainy and grey days act as a balm for the soul for travellers who have been experiencing dry weather and scorching heat for a long time," says Baglo.
De Bergenske has six central hotels in downtown Bergen
Five reasons to have your coolcation holiday in Bergen:
1. The Bergen weather
In Bergen:
The summers are often mild and variable. It can be a little cooler in the evenings, but the days are often pleasant with mild weather – often around 20 degrees Celsius. Rain is common but can feel refreshing in the summer months and provides precisely the coolcation feeling visitors are seeking.
2. Early sunrises and long days
Bergen has long, bright days in the summer - with the sun rising at around 05:00 and setting after 22:00 in June. You can therefore get enough daylight to do everything you want to do during your vacation.
3. Bergen is a popular destination
With its proximity fjords, location nestled between seven mountains and easy hikes to spectacular panoramic views of the city, Bergen attracts many visitors in summer. In addition, the city is home to the historic Bryggen wharf, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Even though the city is compact, and you can walk to most attractions, it still doesn't feel crowded, as there are many activities for visitors to choose from.
4. Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken
No coolcation is complete without outdoor activities. And here Bergen really ticks all the boxes for nature and outdoor experiences. From the city centre, you can take the Fløibanen funicular (or hike) to the top of Mount Fløyen, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the fjords, and the surrounding mountains. Mount Ulriken is the highest of the seven mountains around Bergen, providing impressive views. You can get here by cable car or by hiking (you can also ride up and walk back down or vice versa).
5. Hotels in Bergen city centre
Bergen is a city where you can walk to everything you want - both in terms of shopping, restaurants, museums, or up the mountains. The city also has excellent, centrally located hotels. De Bergenske offers six distinctive hotels right in the city centre.
The hotels are owned and run by a Bergen family with a long history and a real love for the city. You can check in at Bergen Børs Hotel to stay right by the Fish Market and dine at the exquisite Frescohallen. If you desire some green tranquillity and delicious Asian food from a Michelin-starred chef, then head to Skostredet Hotel. Regardless of whether you would like a good family room at Heimen Hotel, or to sip a drink in the bar at the urban Zander K Hotel or wish to stay right by the train station and have access to the lovely garden at Grand Hotel Terminus – the staff at our hotels will share their very best recommendations on what to do on your coolcation!
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