Bergen is Europe’s rainiest city with an average of 240 rainy days a year. When a city is as rainy as Bergen, there is a need for cozy cafes, strong coffee, and cinnamon buns. Especially as a university student, I often find myself in cafes both to study and to meet with friends. In Bergen, cafes are not just places to get coffee, they are places for concerts, quizzes, mini pop-up art galleries, and so much more.
Please note that not all of the cafes are in the city center, but I will mention if they are a little more tucked into the suburbs. But all these cafes are worth a visit if you have the time!
Of course, the perfect cafe is subjective. However, with over 50 cafes in the city to choose from, here are my personal recommendations.
Did you know? We pass many of these cafes on our popular “Bergen Past & Present” tour. You can take a look at the tour by clicking here.
Vågal
Address: Kong Oscars Gate 10 | Click here to view Facebook Page | Click here to view Instagram
In English, Vågal translates to daring, which captures the spirit of the cafe by day and wine bar by night. Vågal is famous among my friends for their homemade toast, soups, and variety of cakes.
The ambience is enhanced by vintage furniture, origami decorations, and a cozy backyard for when the sun is out. The cafe additionally has a gallery space hosting international artists. The owner, Egle Stockute, is also a knitting enthusiast and hosts knitting events, which are posted on the cafe’s Instagram.
Det Lille Kaffekompaniet
Address: Nedre Fjellsmauet 2 | Click here to view Facebook Page | European Coffee Trip Awards
Established in 1996, this intimate spot is renowned for its artisanal coffee. The European Coffee Trip listed Det Lille Kaffekompaniet as one of the top coffee shops in Norway in 2024. The baked goods and cakes only add to the experience.
Located near the Funicular station for riding up Mount Fløyen, Det Lille Kaffekompaniet is a popular place for hiking, returning from or before their
summit. I recommend the Macadamia cappuccino and a slice of cheesecake, if there’s any left.
Fjåk Chocolate Shop & Cafe
Address: Skostredet 5 | Click here to view their website
Fjåk is a place most chocolate lovers could only dream of. In Norwegian, “fjåk” means lovable in the Hardanger dialect, and it sums up my feelings about chocolate. Fjåk offers bean-to-bar chocolates from Hardanger, along with customizable hot chocolates.
My favourite treat is their gluten-free Brunost cookie if you’re looking for something notably Norwegian. Brunost is a sweet brown cheese created from caramelised whey, often put on waffles, but Fjåk has proven it belongs in cookies.
Cafe Opera
Address: Engen 18 | Click here to view their website
This classic spot has been established since 1985. Café Opera is famed for serving Bergen’s first cappuccino and offers a diverse brunch menu in a retro ambiance.
Café Opera prides itself on being at the heart of the Bergen community, a place where all walks of life can meet and chat. Personally, in my heart, is their hot chocolate and student-priced beer.
Kaffemisjonen
Address: Øvre Korskirkeallmenningen 5 | Click here to view their website
A beloved coffee shop known for its outstanding customer experience, offering freshly roasted coffee beans sourced from all over the world. The baristas are skilled at creating artisanal blends that capture the nuanced flavours and aromas of each region.
Kaf Kafe Bryggen
Address: Jacobsfjorden 4 | Click here to view their Facebook Page
Located within a 300-year-old wooden building in the historic Bryggen area, this charming café offers traditional Norwegian waffles topped with brown cheese, set against a unique ambiance.
It should not be too difficult to find this spot despite being tucked away in one of Bryggens’ alleyways, the smell of freshly-baked goods will draw you in!
Nobel Bopel
Address: Wellhavens gate 64 | Click here to view their website
This retro-inspired café located in Møhlenpris has a reputation, and for good reason. Nobel Bopel combines a wonderful ambience and a beautiful selection of natural wines. Nobel Bopel is where I go when I want to feel like I’m in an award-winning indie film.
You can never go wrong with a cappuccino and a brownie here on a rainy day. Nopel Bopel additionally has a small store selling crafts and prints from local artists, making it a special place to find unique souvenirs.
Albatrossen Kaffe
Address: Inndalsveien 47C | Click here to view their website
A cozy café tucked in the suburbs of Bergen, Albatrossen Café is worth the 15-minute light rail ride from the city center. At Albatrossen, the cinnamon buns are always baked fresh, and the chai latte will heal your soul. Albatrossen emphasizes sustainability and collaborates with Bergen Kaffebrenneri for its coffee beans.
My favourite bonus is the beautiful view of Bergen’s largest mountain, Ulriken.
Hope you enjoyed our guide for the best cafes in Bergen!