Bergen International Festival – Norway 2026

Background & History

The Bergen International Festival (Festspillene i Bergen), founded in 1953, is the Nordic region’s premier music and performing arts festival, held annually in Bergen, Norway, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy nestled between seven mountains and fjords. For over 70 years, it has been a global hub for creative expression, uniting artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds. The festival, under the patronage of His Majesty King Harald V, showcases a vibrant program of classical music, opera, theatre, dance, visual arts, debates, and family events, blending tradition with innovation. Its 2026 edition, marking its 73rd year, will run from May 27 to June 10, continuing its legacy of fostering artistic encounters that spark reflection and celebration.

Directed by Lars Petter Hagen since 2022, the festival has grown from a local event into an international cultural cornerstone, attracting over 70,000 attendees in 2025 and employing 17.2 man-years across 21 permanent positions, supplemented by hundreds of volunteers. Bergen’s historic venues, including the 750-year-old Håkonshallen and Edvard Grieg’s Troldhaugen, provide a stunning backdrop, while contemporary spaces like Bergen Kunsthall and Studio Bergen highlight modern creativity. The festival’s commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement—through free events at Festival Square and international collaborations, such as 2025 guest appearances in Stockholm and New York—solidifies its role as a cultural beacon. In 2026, expect world-class performances, including Esa-Pekka Salonen as Artist in Residence and Anawana Haloba as Festival Exhibition Artist, alongside interdisciplinary storytelling and eco-conscious initiatives.

Event Highlights

Main Activities or Performances

The Bergen International Festival 2026, spanning 15 days from May 27 to June 10, will feature over 150 events across Bergen’s iconic venues, blending classical music, opera, theatre, dance, visual arts, and public debates. Highlights include the opening concerts on May 27 and 28, where Artist in Residence Esa-Pekka Salonen, a world-renowned conductor and composer, will lead the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Olivier Messiaen’s Turangalîla-Symphonie at Grieghallen. Anawana Haloba, the 2026 Festival Exhibition Artist, will present a contemporary art installation at Bergen Kunsthall, exploring cultural and social themes. The program will also feature emerging artists through the Festival Academy of Bergen, offering masterclasses with talents like mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, performances by Camerata Bergen, and concerts by young musicians.

Festival Square at Torgallmenningen will host free events from May 28 to June 7, including Herborg Kråkevik’s jubilee concert for Kråkeviks songbok with TrondheimSolistene and children’s choirs, folk music by Bjørn Tomren and Åse Britt Reme Jakobsen, and urban sports-inspired performances by Elements of Freestyle. Other highlights include the Bergen Children’s Choir Festival, a choral marathon, and the Festival Youth Day, showcasing cultural school students. Outdoor stages will offer family-friendly singalongs, pop-up concerts, and interactive art workshops, while intimate recitals at Troldhaugen and Håkonshallen will celebrate Bergen’s musical heritage, including works by Edvard Grieg and Harald Sæverud.

Special Traditions or Features

The festival transforms Torgallmenningen into Festival Square, a vibrant hub of free, open-air events supported by the Grieg Foundation, featuring a playground (Lekoteket), food stalls, and performances like the Møhlenpris school band playing Aurora’s music. A unique tradition is the “Fun Run,” a marathon-inspired performance combining dance, music, and community celebration, with athletes, drummers, and cheerleaders.

The festival’s commitment to sustainability includes waste reduction initiatives and partnerships with local organizations to promote eco-friendly practices. Volunteers play a vital role, with hundreds contributing to logistics, ticketing, and audience services, fostering a sense of community. The festival app provides real-time schedules, venue maps, and accessibility information, enhancing the attendee experience.

Unique Attractions for Visitors

Festival Square’s free events, from children’s choirs to high-energy brass ensembles, create an inclusive atmosphere. Art installations, like Haloba’s exhibition, offer immersive cultural experiences, while venues like Fløibanen funicular host unique performances with panoramic views of Bergen.

Visitors can explore Bergen’s UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the historic Fish Market, or take guided tours to sites like Ole Bull’s Villa in Valestrand. Family-friendly attractions include art workshops, storytelling sessions, and interactive playgrounds, while food markets showcase Norwegian seafood and local delicacies. The festival’s international outreach, including 2025 events at Stockholm’s Royal Palace and New York’s Norwegian emigration anniversary, underscores its global cultural impact.

Date & Duration

Festival Dates

• 2026 Dates: Wednesday, May 27 – Wednesday, June 10, 2026
• Future Dates: Wednesday, May 26 – Wednesday, June 9, 2027

Duration

• 15 days, with over 150 events across multiple venues.

Opening Hours

• Performances: Vary by venue; typically 10:00 AM–11:00 PM daily, with evening concerts extending later.
• Festival Square: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (May 28–June 7), free events daily.
• Ticket Booth: Open during festival period, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily; phone support (10:00 AM–2:00 PM, Mon–Fri).
• Chat Support: Available via fib.no during festival hours (8:00 AM–10:00 PM).

Venue / Location

Primary Venues

The festival spans Bergen’s historic and modern venues, each offering unique atmospheres:

• Grieghallen: Main stage with 1,434 seats (Griegsalen) and 600 seats (Peer Gynt-salen), hosting major concerts and opening/closing ceremonies.
• Håkonshallen: 750-year-old royal hall, built by Håkon Håkonsson, ideal for chamber music and recitals.
• Troldhaugen: Edvard Grieg’s former home, now a museum with Troldsalen concert hall (200 seats) for intimate performances.
• Den Nationale Scene: Norway’s oldest permanent theatre (Art Nouveau building), featuring Store Scene (Main Stage) and Teaterkjelleren for theatre and opera.
• Bergen Kunsthall: Contemporary art venue hosting Anawana Haloba’s 2026 exhibition, with Landmark Café for club events.
• Festival Square (Torgallmenningen): Central open-air hub for free concerts, family activities, and art installations.
• Fløibanen Funicular: Performances at Mount Fløyen with panoramic views; wheelchair-accessible.
• Siljustøl: Harald Sæverud’s home, hosting indoor and outdoor concerts with limited accessibility.
• Other Venues: Bergen Cathedral (church music), Litteraturhuset (debates, podcasts), Universitetsaulaen (University of Bergen’s main hall), Studio Bergen (contemporary dance), Korskirken, Fana Kulturhus, Det Vestnorske Teateret, Østre (electronic music), and Ole Bull’s Villa in Valestrand.

Location Details

• Address: Primary office at Vaskerelvsmauet 6, 5014 Bergen, Norway
• Postal Address: Pb. 183 Sentrum, 5804 Bergen, Norway
• Google Maps: Vaskerelvsmauet 6, Bergen
• Bergen’s compact city center, surrounded by fjords and mountains, ensures venues are within walking distance or accessible via public transport. The UNESCO-listed Bryggen and Fish Market are nearby, enhancing the cultural experience.

Ticket Information

Sales Channels

• Tickets available via fib.no and authorized ticket offices (e.g., Ticketmaster Norway).
• Email: billett@fib.no for ticketing queries; phone: +47 55 21 06 30 (10:00 AM–2:00 PM, Mon–Fri).
• Festival passes and individual event tickets available; early booking recommended due to high demand.

Ticket Exchange

• Non-transferable tickets; refunds only for canceled events (force majeure). Contact billett@fib.no for refund requests or issues.
• Lost tickets can be reissued with proof of purchase; contact the ticket office for assistance.

Admission Type

• Paid admission for most events; free events at Festival Square. All ages welcome; under-16s require adult supervision (18+). Service/guide dogs permitted with documentation.

Pricing Range

• Minimum: Single event tickets ~$20–$50 USD (€18–€46, based on 1.09 USD/€).
• Maximum: Festival passes or premium concert tickets ~$100–$200 USD (€92–€183).
• Breakdown:
  • Single event (e.g., recitals, debates): ~$20–$60 USD (€18–€55).
  • Major concerts (e.g., Grieghallen): ~$50–$150 USD (€46–€138).
  • Festival pass (full access): ~$150–$250 USD (€138–€229).
  • Family events: Free or ~$10–$30 USD (€9–€28).
  • Discounts: Students (30% off), seniors (20% off), groups (10+ tickets, 15% off).
• VIP Options: Limited VIP packages for major concerts (~$200–$300 USD), including premium seating, backstage tours, and catering at Grieghallen or Håkonshallen.

Payment Methods

• Online: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, Vipps (Norway).
• On-site: Card payments only; cash accepted at select ticket booths. Festival app supports digital ticketing and QR code scanning.

Contact Information

General Contact

• Tel: +47 55 21 06 30 (Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM; extended hours during festival)
• Email:
  • General: info@fib.no
  • Tickets: billett@fib.no
  • Program Suggestions: program@fib.no
  • Feedback: respons@fib.no
• Chat: Available via fib.no (bottom-right corner), 8:00 AM–10:00 PM during festival.
• Website: https://www.fib.no (English, Norwegian, German)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @bergeninternationalfestival
  • Facebook: @Festspillene
  • X/Twitter: @Festspillene
  • Hashtag: #BergenFestival2026
• Newsletter: Sign up at fib.no (name@email.com, requires acceptance of terms).

Key Staff

• Lars Petter Hagen: Artistic Director and Chief Executive since 2022, known for innovative programming and international collaborations.
• Board: Oversees the Foundation Bergen International Festival, ensuring high artistic standards.
• Volunteers: Hundreds contribute to ticketing, ushering, and logistics; apply via fib.no.

Organization

• Legal Name: Foundation Bergen International Festival
• Organization Number: 955 599 535
• Staff: 17.2 man-years, 21 permanent positions (as of Dec 31, 2023), plus seasonal volunteers.

Cultural Experience

Artistic Diversity

The Bergen International Festival embodies Norway’s rich cultural heritage, blending Nordic traditions with global influences in Bergen’s UNESCO-recognized setting. The program celebrates classical music (e.g., Grieg, Messiaen), contemporary dance, experimental theatre, and visual arts, with venues like Troldhaugen and Håkonshallen evoking historical resonance. Performances by Esa-Pekka Salonen and Anawana Haloba highlight the festival’s commitment to bridging tradition and innovation, while debates and workshops engage local communities.

Community Engagement

Festival Square’s free events foster inclusivity, drawing families, tourists, and locals for singalongs, folk music, and children’s activities. The festival collaborates with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Carte Blanche (Norway’s contemporary dance company), and local schools, nurturing young talent through the Festival Academy. International outreach, like 2025 performances at Stockholm’s Royal Palace, enhances Bergen’s global cultural profile.

Culinary and Local Traditions

Food stalls at Festival Square and venues like Grieghallen’s café offer Norwegian specialties (e.g., fresh seafood, reindeer stew, ~$10–$20 USD) and vegetarian/gluten-free options (e.g., cloudberry desserts, ~$5–$10 USD). Bergen’s Fish Market, a short walk from venues, showcases local gastronomy. Traditional Norwegian crafts, like rosemaling displays, and folk music performances, enrich the cultural experience.

Sustainability and Inclusivity

The festival promotes eco-friendly practices, including waste recycling and digital ticketing. The Violet/Rainbow Dot program ensures safe spaces for LGBTQ+ attendees, with trained staff and zero tolerance for harassment. Guided tours of Bergen’s Bryggen and fjord hikes (via Visit Bergen) offer cultural immersion beyond performances.

Food & Drinks

Culinary Offerings

Food and drink options, available at Festival Square, Grieghallen, Bergen Kunsthall, and other venues, emphasize Norway’s culinary heritage and accommodate diverse diets. Payments are via card or mobile apps (e.g., Vipps). Highlights include:

• Norwegian Classics:
  • Fresh seafood: Gravlaks (cured salmon), fish soup, shrimp sandwiches (~$8–$15 USD).
  • Reindeer stew with lingonberries (~$12–$20 USD).
  • Brunost (brown cheese) platters with flatbread (~$6–$12 USD).
  • Klippfisk (dried cod) dishes (~$10–$18 USD).
• Vegetarian/Gluten-Free:
  • Root vegetable stew with wild herbs (~$8–$14 USD).
  • Gluten-free waffles with cloudberries or sour cream (~$4–$8 USD).
  • Vegan quinoa salads with local greens (~$7–$12 USD).
• International:
  • Italian-inspired dishes at Landmark Café (pasta, pizza, ~$10–$18 USD).
  • Asian fusion bowls (e.g., miso salmon, ~$12–$20 USD) at Festival Square.
• Desserts:
  • Krumkake (waffle cookies) with whipped cream (~$3–$6 USD).
  • Multekrem (cloudberry cream) or trollkrem (~$5–$8 USD).
• Beverages:
  • Local craft beers (Hansa, Ringnes, ~$6–$10 USD).
  • Aquavit-based cocktails (~$8–$12 USD).
  • Non-alcoholic options: Lingonberry juice, herbal teas (~$3–$6 USD).
  • Coffee from Bergen’s micro-roasters (~$3–$5 USD).

Dining Logistics

• Allergen Info: Menus at Grieghallen, Bergen Kunsthall, and Festival Square clearly label allergens; staff trained to assist with dietary needs.
• Sustainability: Reusable cups and compostable plates; recycling stations at all venues.
• Hours: Food stalls open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; Grieghallen and Landmark Café extend to midnight for evening events. Free water stations available at all venues.

Getting There

By Air

• Bergen Airport (BGO): 15 km from city center (~20 min drive, ~$30–$40 USD taxi). Flights from Europe (e.g., London, ~$100–$300 USD), USA (via Oslo, ~$400–$800 USD). Light rail (Bybane) from BGO to Byparken (~25 min, ~$5 USD).
• Oslo Airport (OSL): 400 km; flights to Bergen (~50 min, ~$50–$150 USD) or train to Bergen (~7 hr, ~$80–$150 USD).

By Train

• Bergen Station: Direct trains from Oslo (~7 hr, ~$80–$150 USD) or Voss (~1 hr, ~$20–$40 USD). Station is near Grieghallen and Festival Square (~5–10 min walk).

By Public Transport

• Light Rail (Bybane): Line 1 (Bergen Airport to Byparken, ~25 min, ~$5 USD); Line 2 (Fyllingsdalen to Byparken, ~15 min, ~$3 USD). Stops near venues: Byparken (~350 m to Bergen Kunsthall), Kaigaten (~150 m to Den Nationale Scene).
• Buses: Stops at Lars Hilles Gate (~130 m to Kunsthall), Festplassen (~150 m to Festival Square), Bergen Bus Station (~400 m to Grieghallen). Fares ~$3–$6 USD; Skyss app for tickets.
• Taxis: Stands at Øvre Ole Bulls plass, Bystasjonen, Vetrlidsallmenning (~$10–$20 USD to venues). Book via Bergen Taxi (+47 55 99 70 00).

By Car

• From Oslo: E16 (~7 hr, ~400 km); parking at Klostergarasjen or ByGarasjen (~$20–$40 USD/day). Handicapped parking at Stenersen Museum, Valkendorftsgaten, or Rosenkrantzgaten.
• Car Rentals: Available at BGO (Hertz, Avis, ~$50–$100 USD/day).

By Bike/Walking

• Bergen’s compact center allows walking between venues (~5–15 min). Bike rentals via Bergen Bysykkel (~$5–$10 USD/day); paths connect Festival Square, Grieghallen, and Bryggen.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• Bergen Børs Hotel (0.5 km from Festival Square): 5-star, historic building, ~$150–$350 USD/night; bergenbors.no.
• Opus XVI (0.3 km): Boutique hotel with Grieg-inspired decor, ~$140–$320 USD/night; opusxvi.com.
• Hotel Norge by Scandic (0.4 km): Modern luxury, spa, ~$130–$300 USD/night; scandichotels.com.

Mid-Range

• Thon Hotel Orion (0.5 km): Harbor views, ~$80–$180 USD/night; thonhotels.com.
• Scandic Ørnen (0.6 km): Near Grieghallen, ~$70–$160 USD/night; scandichotels.com.
• Grand Hotel Terminus (0.3 km): Historic, near train station, ~$60–$150 USD/night; grandterminus.no.

Budget

• Citybox Bergen City (0.5 km): Minimalist, near venues, ~$40–$100 USD/night; citybox.no.
• Bergen YMCA Hostel (0.7 km): Dorms (~$20–$50 USD/night), private rooms (~$50–$80 USD/night); bergenhostel.no.
• Airbnb: Apartments near city center, ~$50–$200 USD/night; book 6–12 months early due to festival demand.

Camping

• Bratland Camping (15 km): Tent pitches, cabins, ~$20–$80 USD/night; shuttle to Bergen (~$10 USD); bratlandcamping.no.
• Lone Camping (20 km): Lakeside, ~$25–$90 USD/night; lonecamping.no.

Accessibility

Overview

The festival prioritizes inclusivity, with venues adhering to Norwegian accessibility standards. Contact billett@fib.no or +47 55 21 06 30 for support; applications for accommodations open spring 2026 via fib.no.

Accessible Tickets

• Purchase standard tickets; apply for free companion passes (1+1 policy) or priority seating. Evidence required (e.g., European Disability Card, medical summary). Email billett@fib.no for assistance.

Venue Accessibility

• Grieghallen: Step-free access, induction loops, accessible toilets, clear signage, allergen-labeled food. Handicapped parking in elevator-accessible facilities. Taxi booking via entrance screen.
• Bergen Kunsthall: Step-free entry via doorbell; elevator (130 cm) to exhibition spaces and Landmark Café. Gender-neutral accessible toilets (110 cm door). Service dogs welcome (except club nights). Parking at Stenersen Museum.
• Den Nationale Scene: Step-free access via automatic doors; wheelchair lift to HC toilet. Induction loop available. Taxi stand ~200 m; light rail at Kaigaten (~350 m).
• Festival Square: Ramp to ticket booth; accessible toilets nearby. Bus/light rail stops at Festplassen (~150 m).
• Fløibanen: Wheelchair/stroller-friendly stations; elevator access. Free toilets with changing tables. Handicapped parking at Rosenkrantzgaten.
• Troldhaugen: Limited indoor accessibility (stairs to Troldsalen); outdoor paths wheelchair-friendly. Accessible toilet on 1st floor.
• Siljustøl: Outdoor gravel paths accessible; indoor limited by stairs. Accessible toilet on 1st floor; parking distant but drop-off available (+47 55 13 60 00).
• Litteraturhuset: Elevator from Vestre Skostredet; accessible toilets in basement. Induction loop available.

Transport Accessibility

• Light Rail: Bybane Lines 1 and 2 are wheelchair-accessible; stops at Byparken/Kaigaten.
• Buses: Low-floor buses at Lars Hilles Gate, Festplassen, Bergen Bus Station.
• Taxis: Wheelchair-accessible options at Bystasjonen, Øvre Ole Bulls plass.
• Parking: Handicapped spaces near venues; apply via fib.no for permits.

On-Site Support

• Accessibility team at ticket booths and info points; multilingual staff (English, Norwegian, German). Sign language interpreters available on request (apply by May 1, 2026). Sensory calm spaces at Grieghallen and Festival Square. Service dogs permitted with ID harnesses.