🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Bergen, Norway, my home for several months. This charming city, nestled in the fjords of western Norway, has a unique vibe that’s hard to resist. Bergen digital nomads love it here for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and high standard of living. From hiking to the top of Mount Fløyen to exploring the colorful Bryggen Wharf, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Bergen. With a population of 285,911, Bergen feels like a small town, but it has all the amenities and services you’d expect from a larger city. As a remote worker, you’ll appreciate the city’s excellent internet infrastructure, with speeds of up to 43 Mbps, making it an ideal destination for Bergen digital nomads and remote workers alike.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Bergen, there are several options to consider. Here are three of my favorites:
- Løvstakken: This charming neighborhood is located just a short walk from the city center and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Rent prices are relatively high, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 9,500 NOK (approximately $1,054 USD) per month.
- Årstad: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just south of the city center and is home to a growing community of young professionals and families. Årstad is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore. Rent prices are slightly lower than in Løvstakken, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 8,500 NOK (approximately $945 USD) per month.
- Sentrum: If you want to be right in the heart of the action, Sentrum is the neighborhood for you. This bustling area is home to many of Bergen’s main attractions, including the famous Fish Market and the Bryggen Wharf. Rent prices are higher in Sentrum, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around 11,000 NOK (approximately $1,222 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Bergen can be steep, but it’s worth it for the high standard of living and stunning natural beauty. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent prices vary depending on the neighborhood, but you can expect to pay around 9,500 NOK (approximately $1,054 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Food: Eating out in Bergen can be expensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around 200-300 NOK (approximately $22-33 USD) per person. Groceries are also pricey, with a basket of basic items (milk, bread, eggs, etc.) costing around 500-600 NOK (approximately $55-66 USD) per week.
- Transport: Bergen has an excellent public transportation system, with a single ticket costing around 35 NOK (approximately $3.85 USD). You can also buy a monthly pass for around 700 NOK (approximately $77 USD).
- Coworking: There are several coworking spaces in Bergen, with prices starting from around 2,000 NOK (approximately $220 USD) per month for a hot desk.
Internet & Coworking
As a digital nomad, you’ll be pleased to know that Bergen has excellent internet infrastructure, with speeds of up to 43 Mbps. There are several coworking spaces to choose from, including:
- Bergen Coworking: Located in the heart of Sentrum, this coworking space offers hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms. Prices start from around 2,000 NOK (approximately $220 USD) per month.
- MESH: This coworking space is located in the Løvstakken neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, including hot desks and private offices. Prices start from around 1,500 NOK (approximately $165 USD) per month.
- Kafé Mølle: This cozy cafe is a popular spot for remote workers and offers excellent coffee and Wi-Fi. You can work here for free, but it’s customary to buy a coffee or snack to support the business.
Bergen has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events taking place throughout the year. Some popular groups to join include:
- Bergen Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other remote workers and find out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Nomad List Bergen: This group is part of the larger Nomad List community and offers a range of resources and information for digital nomads in Bergen.
- Bergen Expats: This group is aimed at expats living in Bergen, but it’s also a great place to connect with other international remote workers.
Culture & Lifestyle
Bergen has a rich cultural heritage, with a range of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Some highlights include:
- Bergen International Festival: This festival takes place in May and features a range of music, theater, and dance performances.
- Bergen Food Festival: This festival takes place in September and celebrates the city’s vibrant food scene.
- Christmas Market: Bergen’s Christmas market is a must-visit during the holiday season, with a range of stalls selling traditional Norwegian foods and crafts.
The food scene in Bergen is also worth exploring, with a range of traditional Norwegian dishes to try, including seafood, meatballs, and brown cheese. Some popular restaurants include:
- Fisketorget: This seafood restaurant is located in the heart of Sentrum and offers a range of fresh seafood dishes.
- Lysverket: This restaurant is located in the Årstad neighborhood and offers a range of traditional Norwegian dishes with a modern twist.
- Bryggen Tracteursted: This restaurant is located in the historic Bryggen Wharf and offers a range of traditional Norwegian dishes, including seafood and meatballs.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct visa to live and work in Norway. The country offers a range of visa options, including:
- Tourist visa: This visa is valid for up to 90 days and allows you to stay in Norway for tourism or business purposes.
- Work visa: This visa is required if you plan to work in Norway, either as an employee or as a self-employed individual.
- Digital nomad visa: Unfortunately, Norway does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but you may be eligible for a work visa or a residence permit as a self-employed individual.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate life in Bergen:
- SIM cards: You can buy a SIM card at most convenience stores or supermarkets, with prices starting from around 100 NOK (approximately $11 USD) per month.
- Transport: Bergen has an excellent public transportation system, with buses and trams connecting the city center to the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Safety: Bergen is a very safe city, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community.
- Weather: Bergen is known for its rainy weather, with an average of 225 rainy days per year. Be sure to pack waterproof clothing and umbrellas to keep you dry.