The Norwegian port city of Bergen as a business travel destination
No this is not a blog about the very Dutch village of Bergen, but about the idyllic city in Norway. You can see at a glance why this city is so named. After all, Bergen is also called the city between the seven mountains, the syv fjell. Due to its convenient location, Bergen has traditionally been one of Norway's most important harbor cities and therefore an important business destination for many organizations. Salmon and wood are still the main export products.
Getting to Bergen
Bergen is very easy to reach from Amsterdam with a direct KLM flight. In about 1.5 hours you will already be at Bergen airport. There are three daily flights: in the morning, early afternoon and late afternoon/early evening. Furthermore, there are many return connections between Bergen and Oslo ... as many as twenty flights a day! Once you land at Bergen airport, you have several options to continue your journey to downtown Bergen, located about 17 kilometers from the airport. Even if you arrive late, the city is still easy to reach by public transport. Prefer a rental car or private transfer to your accommodation? Then arrange we would be happy to do that for you, of course!
- Airport shuttle bus: Flybussen's shuttle bus can be found outside the terminal. This bus uses an express route that will get you to the center of Bergen in just 20 minutes. The last stop is in front of the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, in the Bryggen district. The stop in front of the center is called Festplassen. Tickets can be purchased either online or on the bus (online is cheaper).
- The streetcar: Since 2017, it has been possible to travel from the airport to the city center by streetcar. The streetcar is also called the Bergen Light Rail or the Bybanen. This form of transportation is relatively comfortable and cheap, but not really fast (about 45 min).
Stay comfortable during your business trip to Bergen
Bergen has a large number of hotels. Prices here are slightly higher than elsewhere in Europe, but rooms are clean, tidy and often with breathtaking views of the fjords or mountains. Hotel chains are dominant in Norway; most middle-class to luxury hotels are affiliated with a national or international chain. Several hotel chains in Norway have a loyalty program for guests who return regularly. You can become a member and get a free night when you accumulate a certain number of points. Handy if you plan to regularly sleep in a hotel of the same chain. ?
- One of the largest hotel chains is Scandic Hotels. Thus, it is Scandic Torget Bergen Hotel an ideal business hotel. The hotel is very centrally located, has meeting facilities and modern rooms with nice views. Furthermore, to relax, the hotel has a gym, swimming pool and sauna.
- Another hotel from a smaller chain is the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz. Recently renovated, this conference hotel is just 200 meters from the airport express bus stop and 1 kilometer from the train station. Furthermore, this hotel offers meeting facilities, a 24-hour reception and a gym. Those who want to explore the surrounding area are at the right place with this hotel, as Bryggen, the cable car Fløibanen and the fish market are less than 150 meters away!
Business manners in Norway
Every country has its customs and also within business negotiations there are some points that differ from what we are used to. Below I would like to give you some tips regarding Norwegian manners to apply during your business trip to Bergen:
- Be punctual. Norwegians are extremely punctual. They would rather arrive too early than too late. So plan your appointment well in advance, be on time and turn your phone off or on when you have a meeting. If you are unexpectedly late, let us know in time.
- Take your time. Norwegians consult a lot, just like the Dutch. Whereas the Dutch are used to being direct and also saying no, Norwegians are a little less direct. They sometimes need a little more time to tell their whole story. They would rather leave a decision hanging in the air than clearly indicate that they do not want something.
- Speak a little Norwegian. Although Norwegians generally speak English very well, they appreciate it if you speak a few sentences in Norwegian. When doing business, they prefer to speak Norwegian, followed by English and German. There are two forms of Norwegian: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is the most common.
- Schedule appointments within working hours. Norwegians value their leisure time. They do not work long hours, but are very efficient with their time. Plan your appointments between 09:00 and 15:00. In fact, many Norwegians go home at 16:00. In addition, it is also better not to schedule anything on Friday afternoons.
- Don't dress too formally. The clothing style when doing business is generally more informal than in the Netherlands. Also be sure to adjust your clothing to the weather. Especially in winter it can be treacherously slippery. Good shoes with profile soles are really a must then.
- Don't be hierarchical. Norwegian society is even less hierarchical than Dutch. Norwegian has no u-form. People quickly switch to first names and titles are almost never used. During a meeting, everyone who knows something about the subject participates actively. The role within the organization is less important.
Top 4 attractions in Bergen
Bergen is known for its many museums and art galleries, but you don't necessarily have to visit them to see great art. All over the city you can admire collections of graffiti art thanks to street artists from all over the world. Skostredet is perhaps Bergen's most charming shopping street, but is also an ideal starting point to go street-art hunting yourself. Some free time left over after business appointments? Then be sure to visit the following attractions:
- Bryggen (pier): is a medieval Hanseatic wharf and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is undoubtedly the most photographed part of Bergen and for good reason! The colored (trading) houses on the quay of the Bryggen district are beautiful to see. Nowadays you will find stores, galleries, restaurants and a museum. All in all, a vibrant center of the city.
- Troldhaugen: this was the home of Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) - for 22 years the most famous composer in Norway. Currently, the composer's house has been turned into a beautiful museum where you can see how he lived and where he worked. He and his wife are also buried near the house. With some regularity, concerts are still held at this special location for which you can make reservations.
- Ulriken: is the highest mountain of the 7 mountains (643 meters above sea level). This mountain peak is easily accessible by the Ulriken cable car. Once you stand at the top of the mountain overlooking Bergen, the fjords and the sea, you will understand why Bergen is also called the capital of the Fjords.
- Fish Market Fisketorget: this market has existed since 1276 and still provides residents and tourists with the best fresh fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts and souvenirs. Apart from tasting fish, there are other special dishes. For example, have you ever eaten a reindeer hot dog?
Visit these places to eat during your business trip to Bergen
Take a break with a cup of coffee on a terrace or enjoy a meal with your business partner at one of the many restaurants Bergen has to offer? Then be sure to read the restaurant suggestions below:
- Kafe Chaos: a cozy cafe with the possibility of sitting outside if the weather permits. This café serves hot and cold drinks plus some simple meals and sweets of good quality.
- Bryggen Tracteursted: a typical Norwegian restaurant in terms of styling and food. The restaurant serves great local dishes. Should you not be able to choose, the menu allows you to try something from each dish.
- Bryggeriet restaurant: This restaurant is located in one of the most beautiful locations in Bergen overlooking the harbor and is the only restaurant in Bergen with its own brewery. Of course, a fish meal is not to be missed here.
Experiencing the beauty of Bergen for yourself on your next business trip? Or do you have a business trip to another Norwegian destination coming up? Then feel free to contact our on for tips or organizing your business trip!
Travel Well!
Femke the Dog,
Business Travel Consultant