Things to do in Bergen in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Bergen. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 42—52°F (5—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Bergen during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the surrounding nature reserves and hiking trails for a peaceful escape from the city, take a guided tour of the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene, hike to the top of Mount Fløyen for stunning views of the city, and more!

Bergen has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Bergen. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Bergen in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Bergen in May

Top experiences in May
Explore the surrounding nature reserves and hiking trails for a peaceful escape from the city
Bergen is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including nature reserves, forests, and hiking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. In May, the countryside is alive with the sights and sounds of spring, making it an ideal time to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the tranquility of the Norwegian wilderness. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the region.
Take a guided tour of the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene offer a fascinating glimpse into Bergen's history as a key trading hub during the Hanseatic period. In May, the museum offers guided tours that provide in-depth insights into the daily life and customs of the Hanseatic merchants, as well as the history of the iconic wooden buildings that make up the museum complex. It's a unique and educational experience that allows you to step back in time and learn about the rich heritage of Bergen.
Hike to the top of Mount Fløyen for stunning views of the city
Mount Fløyen offers some of the best panoramic views of Bergen, and in May, the surrounding landscape is transformed by the arrival of spring. The hike to the top is a popular activity for both locals and visitors, and the reward of reaching the summit is well worth the effort. From the top, you can take in the sweeping vistas of the city, the surrounding fjords, and the distant mountains, making it a must-see experience for anyone visiting Bergen in May.
Visit the Bergen International Festival
The Bergen International Festival is a major cultural event in Norway, featuring a diverse range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts. In May, the festival showcases the best of Norwegian and international talent, with performances taking place in various venues throughout the city. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene of Bergen and experience the creativity and talent of artists from around the world.
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Sample traditional Norwegian cuisine at local restaurants and markets
May is a great time to indulge in the flavors of Norwegian cuisine, with an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available. From seafood to traditional dishes like "rømmegrøt" and "lutefisk," there are plenty of opportunities to savor the unique flavors of the region. Visiting local restaurants and markets allows you to experience the culinary traditions of Bergen and to taste the best of what the city has to offer.
Take a scenic train ride on the Bergen Line
The Bergen Line is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, and in May, the landscape is particularly stunning as it comes to life with the colors of spring. The train journey takes you through dramatic mountain scenery, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside crystal-clear fjords, offering a unique and unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Norway.
Take a fjord cruise to see the spring blossoms
In May, the fjords around Bergen come alive with the vibrant colors of spring blossoms. Taking a fjord cruise allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian landscape, with its cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and lush green valleys. It's a unique opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the region at a time when the landscape is bursting with new life.
Visit the Edvard Grieg Museum at Troldhaugen
The Edvard Grieg Museum at Troldhaugen is dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. In May, the museum offers a range of special events and concerts to commemorate Grieg's legacy, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the music and history of one of Norway's most celebrated cultural figures.
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Holidays in Bergen in May
May
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Liberation Day (May 8)
  • Ascension Day (May 9)
  • 17 May Constitution Day (May 17)
  • Whit Saturday (May 18)
  • Whit Sunday (May 19)
  • Whit Monday (May 20)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Bergen in May

Temperatures on an average day in Bergen in May

The average temperature in Bergen in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 42°F (5°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Bergen, July, has days with highs of 62°F (17°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 35°F (1°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Bergen in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
52°F
highs
42°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
38%
Chance of rain
0.164 in
Amount
11.2 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
17.2 hrs
Daylight length
4:59 AM
Sunrise
10:11 PM
Sunset
40%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 42°F (5°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Bergen in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Bergen has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Bergen that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Bergen for May.
Fløibanen - mountain cable car
1. Fløibanen - mountain cable car
4.7
(2689)
Mountain cable car
Nature & Parks
Funicular, with a 5 to 8 minute journey to the top station offering far reaching views over Bergen.
Fishmarket in Bergen
2. Fishmarket in Bergen
4.1
(12278)
Seafood market
Sights & Landmarks
Bryggen
3. Bryggen
4.7
(2584)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
A medieval wharf in the historic harbor district known for its colorful, wooden-clad boat houses.
Tourist Information in Bergen
4. Tourist Information in Bergen
4.3
(1401)
Tourist information center
Visitor center
Ulriken
5. Ulriken
4.8
(524)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
An aerial tramway travels to this mountain peak offering a restaurant & telescopes for scenic views.
Hanseatic Museum
6. Hanseatic Museum
4.2
(464)
Museum
History Museums
Wooden 1704 house, depicting the life of German Hanseatic merchants, plus their nearby meeting hall.
Troldhaugen
7. Troldhaugen
4.6
(1570)
Museum
Concert hall
Former villa of the famous composer with a museum containing concert spaces & his personal effects.
Akvariet i Bergen - The National Aquarium
8. Akvariet i Bergen - The National Aquarium
4.2
(6270)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Tropical fish, seals & sea lion shows in an aquarium with penguin feeding & crocodiles.
Lysverket
9. Lysverket
4.3
(448)
Art museum
Museums
Art museum with paintings by Munch, Astrup, Dahl & other Norwegians, plus work by Picasso.
Fantoft Stave Church
10. Fantoft Stave Church
4.3
(2033)
Church
Sights & Landmarks
Early medieval wooden church, built in the village of Fortun & moved here, with carved dragon heads.
Rosenkrantztårnet - Bymuseet i Bergen
11. Rosenkrantztårnet - Bymuseet i Bergen
4.3
(392)
Museum
Nature & Parks
13th-century tower, once home to King Eric Magnusson, with relics & city & harbor views.
Stoltzekleiven
12. Stoltzekleiven
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Walking Areas
Popular walking route with stairways rising to a peaceful lakeshore, overlooking the city & fjords.
Bergenhus Fortress
13. Bergenhus Fortress
4.4
(6942)
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Waterfront, stone-built fortress with 13th-century origins & a museum about Bergen during WWII.
Bryggens Museum
14. Bryggens Museum
4.3
(653)
Museum
Cafeteria
Excavated city artifacts exhibited in a small, contemporary building with a gift shop & cafe.
Ulriken
15. Ulriken
4.8
(524)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
An aerial tramway travels to this mountain peak offering a restaurant & telescopes for scenic views.
Leprosy Museum St. Jørgen's Hospital
16. Leprosy Museum St. Jørgen's Hospital
4.4
(289)
Museum
Nature & Parks
Preserved 18th-century hospital complex exploring Norway's leprosy history & research contributions.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Bergen?

Get inspired for your trip to Bergen with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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