Bergen Fish Market, known locally as Fisketorget, is one of Bergen’s biggest tourist attractions. This huge fish market has long historical roots spanning hundreds of years, and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to see the selection of fresh fish, fruits, vegetables and souvenirs.
You’ll find Bergen Fish Market right besides Bryggen, the seaside wharf that has been protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list! It’s definitely a place you want to stop by if you’re ever in Bergen, so keep reading to learn all you need to know about the fish market in our Bergen Fish Market travel guide!
We’ve going to be looking closer at what to expect from Bergen Fish Market, how to get there, when it’s open, and whether or not you should prioritize to visit the Bergen Fish Market on your next trip to Norway.
What to expect at Bergen Fish Market
The Bergen Fish Market is a big outdoor marketplace where vendors have set up permanent stalls. The main focus of Bergen Fish Market is obviously the fresh seafood, but it’s also possible to buy fruits, vegetables, souvenirs and other goods at the market.
It’s a big plaza with lots of different stalls. It’s usually filled to the brim with tourists (especially when the cruise ships are in town), so it’s a crowded and busy plaza with lots of different smells and noises.
It’s a nice place to stop by if you’re interested in buying seafood, or if you’re hungry and interested in a bite. Most stalls sell both fresh food that you can bring along, as well as prepared street food for you to enjoy right then and there.
There’s generally a nice and relaxed atmosphere at the fish market despite it’s lively and busy crowds, so it’s a pretty cool place to spend 30 minutes if you’re in Bergen.
I want to point out that many people consider Bergen Fish Market to be a tourist trap, seeing as it’s mainly selling regular goods at a “tourist price”, and its main clientele are tourists who are willing to spend a premium.
Mathallen
Mathallen can be translated to “The Food Court”, and it’s exactly what you expect; an indoor avenue where you can buy different meals to enjoy.
The indoor Mathallen opened in 2012, aiming to gather all the restaurants close to each other, while also providing shelter for the rain (yes, it’s gonna rain a lot in Bergen!).
It’s a good mix of vendors who sell street food snacks and real restaurants, so you can enjoy everyhing from a full dinner to Norway’s version of fast food – the hot dog.
Keep in mind that the prices in Mathallen are on the high side, so don’t be surprised to pay premium to eat here.
What to eat at Bergen Fish Market
There are so many different food stalls at Bergen Fish Market, and I urge you to taste a few different things. Seafood are obviously most popular, but you can also buy snack portions of other food.
Some popular dishes to try at Bergen Fish Market are:
- Fish cakes (fiskekaker).
- Norwegian style hot dogs.
- Whale meat (if you’re into that sort of things).
- Reindeer sausage.
- Sea cucumber.
What to buy at Bergen Fish Market
There are not really any “must buy” items at Bergen Fish Market, so it’s up to you. Pretty much all the seafood can be bought for cheaper if you go to a real fishmonger (there are multiple in Bergen), and most of the stalls are super touristy.
There are lots of cool things you can buy if you are comfortable buying things for “tourist prices”, so just buy whatever you want. It’s a decent place to pick up souvenirs from Norway, or to buy gifts for those back home.
However, I do urge you to try some of the food while you are at Bergen Fish Market, and there are lots of great snacks to taste.
Bergen Fish Market opening hours
Bergen Fish Market is open during the summer months from April 15 and onward, but Mathallen food court is open all year round.
The general opening hours for the Bergen Fish Market is from 09:000 to 21:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 09:00 to 22:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Mathallen is open between 10:00 and 22:00 every day.
How to get to Bergen Fish Market
Bergen Fish Market is right in Bergen’s city center, so it’s very easy to get to. The best option is to ride Bybanen straight to the end up called Torget (seen on the photo below), then go for a short 2 minute walk towards the harbor to get to Bryggen and the fish market.
Since it’s right in the middle of the city center, most buses also stop very close to the fish market. The nearest bus stop is called Strandgaten (right at the end of the fish market), and Torget (a short 2 to 3 minute walk).
If you’re already close to Bergen’s city center, you’re likely within walking distance to the fish market.
How is it easiest for a family of 11, with 3 grandkids at age 2 years, to get from a residential location like Storetveitasen, Arstad, Vestland to Bryggen/Fish market
What is the best way to get from a residential location like Storetsveitsen to Bryggen/Fish market?