Fish Market in Bergen

Bergen’s famous Fish Market sits at the very end of Vågen, only a few minutes’ walk from the colourful wooden buildings of Bryggen.

Today, it is one of Bergen’s best-known tourist attractions. However, people have been trading fish here for centuries. The market tradition dates back to the 1200s, when Bergen was developing into one of Northern Europe’s most important trading cities.

More than 700 years of trade

For centuries, Bergen depended heavily on the sea. Fishermen and farmers travelled into the city to sell their catch and produce. Some fishermen even sold fresh fish directly from their boats along the quay.
The market wasn’t always exactly where you find it today. The medieval marketplace originally stood elsewhere around Vågen. In 1558, it was moved closer to its present location.
Over the following centuries, the waterfront itself changed considerably. Parts of Vågen were filled in, new quays were built and the market gradually developed into the Torget we know today.

Still, its basic purpose remained remarkably similar: this was where the city met the people who supplied its food.

Fish, seafood – and lunch

The outdoor Fish Market remains the most atmospheric part of the experience.

During summer, stalls sell fresh fish and shellfish alongside fruit, vegetables and other local products. It’s colourful, busy and usually packed with visitors. You can also sit down for lunch or dinner and try Norwegian seafood right beside the harbour.

In 2012, the modern indoor market, Mathallen, opened next to the traditional marketplace. Here, fishmongers have permanent shops and restaurants which remain open throughout the year.
That makes the Fish Market worth visiting even outside the summer season.

In the heart of Bergen

Part of the attraction is simply its location. Stand at the Fish Market and you are surrounded by some of Bergen’s most famous sights. Bryggen is just across Vågen, while the Fløibanen funicular is only a short walk away.

The harbour is also a great place to simply stop and watch Bergen go by. Fishing boats have largely been replaced by sightseeing boats, yachts and cruise traffic. Yet seafood is still being sold beside the water more than 700 years after Bergen’s market tradition began.

That’s quite a long opening day.

YouTube video by ‘allthegoodies TRAVEL‘