Bergen activities
Fitness Events in Bergen: Complete Guide (2025)
Bergen hosts over 30 fitness and wellness events annually. From Bergen City Marathon (May) with 10,000+ participants, Fløyen Opp (March, legendary hill race 400m elevation), Vidden Opp (August, 15 km from Fløyen to Ulriken), to weekly free parkrun events (Saturday 09:00, 5k), and 7-fjellsturen (summer, 30 km over 7 mountain peaks). The city also features Bergen Yoga Festival in summer, outdoor group classes in Nygård Park, CrossFit competitions, and wellness workshops (nutrition, mindfulness). Bergen is unique in its combination of city and mountain running—you can run from Bryggen to Fløyen summit (400m) in 30 minutes. Events suit all levels: beginners can join parkrun, 10k, or yoga workshops, while experienced mountain runners can test themselves in Fløyen Opp (15–45 min) or Vidden Opp (2–4 hours). Many events are free or cost 100–400 NOK for smaller events, 400–800 NOK for medium-sized (half-marathon, Fløyen Opp), and 700–1200 NOK for large (marathon, Vidden Opp). Be prepared for Bergen weather: rain, wind, and temperature drops in the mountains. This guide helps you find events based on type (running, mountain racing, yoga, CrossFit), level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and season (spring, summer, autumn).
Important Notice: Entry fees and dates may vary. Information verified December 2024 via organizer websites. Contact organizers directly to confirm current prices and registration deadlines.
30+
Annual events
From free
To 1200 NOK
Mountain racing
Fløyen & Ulriken
Year-round
Spring to autumn
Upcoming events in Bergen
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Major events in Bergen
Bergen City Marathon (May)
Bergen City Marathon is Western Norway's largest running event, held annually in May with 10,000+ participants. The race includes full marathon (42.2 km), half-marathon (21.1 km), 10k, and children's races (1 km, 3 km). The route goes through Bergen's historic center, along UNESCO-listed Bryggen, and includes spectacular fjord views. Start and finish at Festplassen. Entry fees: 10k 400–600 NOK, half-marathon 600–900 NOK, marathon 800–1200 NOK (early registration gives discount). Time limits: 6 hours for marathon, 3.5 hours for half-marathon. Perfect for combining running with Bergen tourism (May is beautiful with spring flowers and milder weather).
Fløyen Opp (March)
Fløyen Opp is Bergen's classic and toughest hill race, organized since 1981. Distance about 3 km from Vetrlidsallmenningen (city center) to Fløyen summit (400m) with 400m elevation gain. The race attracts 500+ participants annually and requires good cardio, leg strength, and mental toughness. Times vary: elite runners finish in 15–20 minutes, recreational runners 25–35 minutes, beginners 35–45 minutes. Entry fee 200–400 NOK. The race is held in March (spring), so be prepared for variable weather (rain, wind, possible snow at the summit). This is perfect training before marathon season and a tradition for Bergen runners.
Vidden Opp (August)
Vidden Opp is Bergen's most spectacular mountain race, 15 km from Fløyen (400m) to Ulriken (643m) via high mountain plateau. The race combines technical terrain (forest, rocks, roots), open mountain, and total elevation gain of ~800 meters. Times vary 1.5–4 hours depending on level. This is more than a race—it's a nature experience with views over Bergen, Byfjorden, and the mountains. Entry fee 700–1000 NOK. Held in August (summer), but weather can change quickly in the mountains (rain, wind, fog), so bring extra layers, water, and energy food. Requires good mountain running experience and fitness. Not for beginners—train on Fløyen loop or shorter trail races first.
Other events
Parkrun Bergen (every Saturday)
Parkrun Bergen is a free weekly 5k run held every Saturday at 09:00. Meeting location varies between Nygård Park and Fana (check website for this week's location). All levels welcome, from walking to sprinting. Requires one-time online registration (free barcode for timing). Parkrun is social, inclusive, and family-friendly. After the run, participants often gather for coffee and socializing. This is perfect for beginners, families, or those wanting free weekly running training without commitments.
Bergen Yoga Festival (summer)
Bergen Yoga Festival is held in summer (June–July) with 2–3 days of classes, workshops, and talks. The festival covers yoga styles like vinyasa, hatha, yin, ashtanga, and mindfulness. Local and international instructors lead sessions for all levels. Prices vary: day ticket 500–800 NOK, weekend pass 1200–2000 NOK. Many workshops focus on themes like backbends, arm balances, pranayama (breath), meditation, and yoga philosophy. The festival is held outdoors (weather permitting) or indoors in studios. Perfect for yoga practitioners wanting to deepen practice and meet the community.
7-fjellsturen (summer)
7-fjellsturen is Bergen's classic mountain hike/run where participants ascend all 7 mountain peaks around Bergen in one day: Ulriken (643m), Fløyen (400m), Løvstakken, Damsgårdsfjellet, Lyderhorn, Sandviksfjellet, and Rundemanen. Total distance ~30 km with ~2300m elevation. Times vary 6–12 hours depending on pace (walk vs. run). Held in June–August. Some do it as an organized event with food stations and timing (registration 300–600 NOK), others do it privately with friends. Requires good fitness, mountain experience, and planning (water, food, map). Spectacular experience for those wanting to explore Bergen from peak to peak.
Tips for events in Bergen
Be prepared for Bergen weather
Bergen has over 250 rainy days per year, so be prepared for wet conditions even if you sign up for a spring or summer event. Invest in waterproof or windproof jacket, cap (keeps rain out of eyes), and running shoes with good grip. For mountain races (Fløyen Opp, Vidden Opp, 7-fjellsturen): bring extra layers as temperature drops quickly with elevation (10–15 degrees colder at summit). Check weather forecast the day before, but be prepared that weather can change quickly in the mountains (fog, wind). Most events proceed as planned regardless of weather.
Train specifically for mountain races
Mountain races like Fløyen Opp and Vidden Opp require different training than flat road running. Train hill running (Fløyen loop, stairs, Stoltzekleiven), leg strength (squats, lunges, stair running), and technical terrain (roots, rocks). Start training 8–12 weeks before the event. Do at least one test run on the route (if allowed) to know the terrain and estimate time. Remember that mountain running is slower than flat running—calculate 50–100% longer time for the same distance.
Register early for discount
Most events increase prices closer to race day. Bergen City Marathon and Vidden Opp often have early registration (December–February) with 20–30% discount. Popular distances (half-marathon) fill up months ahead—sign up well in advance. Also check if you're a member of sports clubs or corporate sports clubs that can provide additional discounts.
Bergen events FAQ
What running events are there in Bergen?
Bergen hosts several major running events annually: Bergen City Marathon (May, 42.2 km/21.1 km/10 km), Fløyen Opp (March, hill race 400m elevation), Vidden Opp (August, 15 km mountain race Fløyen to Ulriken), parkrun Bergen (free 5k every Saturday 09:00), and 7-fjellsturen (summer, 7 mountain peaks in one day, ~30 km). Smaller events include Askøy Marathon, Fana Half Marathon, and local trail races. Check organizer sites for dates and registration.
When is Bergen City Marathon?
Bergen City Marathon is typically held in mid-May. The event includes full marathon (42.2 km), half-marathon (21.1 km), 10k, and children's races. Registration opens early in the year (January–February), and pricing increases closer to race day. The route goes through Bergen's historic center, along Bryggen, and includes beautiful fjord views. Popular distances fill up early, so sign up well in advance.
What is Fløyen Opp?
Fløyen Opp is Bergen's classic hill race (March) from city center (Vetrlidsallmenningen) to Fløyen summit (400m). Distance about 3 km with 400m elevation. The race attracts 500+ participants and has been a tradition since 1981. It requires good cardio and leg strength. Times vary 15–45 minutes depending on level. Entry fee 200–400 NOK. Perfect for those wanting to test themselves in hill racing before marathon season.
Are there yoga events in Bergen?
Yes. Bergen has yoga festivals, workshops, and retreats year-round. Popular events include Bergen Yoga Festival (summer), outdoor yoga in Nygård Park (summer, free or donation), and specialized workshops at Bergen Yoga Center, Yoga Bergen, and Sammen gyms. Many events are free or cost 100–500 NOK. Summer has most outdoor events. Check studios' calendars and social media for dates.
Are there CrossFit competitions in Bergen?
Yes. Bergen has CrossFit boxes like CrossFit Bergen and CrossFit Fana hosting local throwdowns and team competitions quarterly. CrossFit Open (March, online qualifier for CrossFit Games) is held annually with RX, Scaled, and Beginner divisions. Entry fees 300–600 NOK. Competitions test strength, endurance, and gymnastics. Beginners can participate in Scaled/Beginner categories.
How do I register for events in Bergen?
Most events use online registration via the organizer's website, Raceresult, or sports federation systems. Bergen City Marathon and larger races have their own registration pages. Check the event's official page for the link. Registration deadlines vary from weeks to months before the event. Pricing often increases closer to event day. Parkrun requires one-time registration (free barcode). Some free events (yoga classes) don't require registration.
What are the costs to participate?
Free events: parkrun, outdoor yoga, free classes at gyms. Small events (5k races, workshops): 100–400 NOK. Medium events (half-marathon, Fløyen Opp): 400–800 NOK. Large events (Bergen City Marathon, Vidden Opp): 700–1200 NOK. Early registration often provides 20–30% discount. Members of sports clubs may get additional discounts.
Can beginners participate?
Yes! Most events have beginner-friendly categories or distances. Parkrun Bergen (5k) is perfect for beginners. Bergen City Marathon has a 10k distance for those not wanting to run half or full marathon. Yoga workshops and wellness seminars are open to all levels. CrossFit competitions have Beginner and Scaled divisions. Fløyen Opp and trail races require good fitness—train beforehand! Check the event description for level requirements.
Are there family-friendly events in Bergen?
Yes. Bergen City Marathon has children's races (1 km, 3 km). Parkrun Bergen is family-friendly and includes children (often separate Junior parkrun). 7-fjellsturen has a family variant with fewer peaks. Outdoor yoga in Nygård Park allows children. Many gyms organize family training days. Fløyen Opp and Vidden Opp are more demanding and suit children over 10–12 years with good fitness.
What should I bring to mountain races?
For Fløyen Opp: running shoes with good grip, water, light windbreaker (weather can change quickly in mountains). For Vidden Opp and 7-fjellsturen: extra layers (temperature drops with elevation), waterproof jacket (Bergen rain!), water, energy food (gels, bars), map/GPS (downloaded offline), mobile phone, first aid. In winter: spikes for ice. Organizers often require minimum equipment—check the list beforehand. Be prepared for weather changes, fog, and wind in the mountains.