Bergen has long been a trading town and its shops range from the small and specialized to large department stores. Visitors should not expect too many bargains, however, and many locals regularly travel by ferry to shop in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, because it is cheaper.
The pedestrianized streets of Gamle Strandgaten, Marken and Torgalmenningen have shops selling everything from trolls to antiques, handicrafts to Norwegian sweaters and ceramics to silver jewelry.
Husfliden, in Vågsallmenningen, is one of the leading gift shops.
Normal shopping hours are weekdays
0900-1630 and Saturdays 0900-1500, although some shops stay open later (until around 1900) on Thursdays. During December, many shops also open on Sundays. Late-opening shopping centers include
Bergen Storsenter,
Kløverhuset and
Galleriet, which are open weekdays until 2000 and Saturdays until 1800. At Galleriet, 70 shops and restaurants offer a wide choice of goods and menus at all price levels, while live music, entertainment and exhibitions are staged on the fifth floor.
Torget, where fish, fruit, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs are sold, is open Monday to Friday 0700-1600 and Saturday 0700-1500 (Thursday until 1900 in the summer).
Kjøttbasaren, Bergen’s restored meat market, dating back to 1887, is the city’s epicurean center, with various places to eat and nine delicatessens.
There is also a shopping complex at
Vestkanten, next to the
Vannkanten leisure center, about 20 minutes by bus to the west of Bergen city center.
VAT, known as
Merverdiavgift (MVA) in Norway, is currently charged at 24% and is included in all retail prices (a reduced rate applies to food items). Many shops in Bergen offer VAT refunds for overseas visitors, of up to 50%. To claim a refund, visitors need to collect a form from the shop at the time of purchase then submit this either at the tax refund office in the airport or at the bureau de change on the ferry.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Norway Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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