Things To Do
in Bergen

A beloved Dutch specialty — raw herring served with chopped onions (often available at beach fish stands and markets during the summer months). Try it at a fish stall near the coast or market in Bergen or neighboring seaside towns.

Must-Try!

Chunks of battered and fried North Sea fish, typically cod, served with garlic or tartar dip — a popular street-food snack sold at beach kiosks and fish stalls in Bergen aan Zee.

Large Dutch pancakes (sweet or savory) found across cafés and family restaurants — a comforting choice for lunch or a light dinner in town.

Local cheeses from North Holland (Gouda-style and farm cheeses) paired with crusty breads; available at specialty shops and markets in Bergen.

The Dutch are known for being direct and straightforward — clear communication is valued and not considered rude.

Arriving on time for meetings, tours and social engagements is expected.

Bikes have priority on cycle paths — always check for cyclists before stepping onto cycle lanes and be aware at crossings.

Many residential areas observe quieter evenings and Sundays may be slower — keep noise to a minimum late at night, especially in neighborhoods.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in the Netherlands. In restaurants people commonly round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service; small tips for café baristas or taxi drivers are acceptable. Large service charges are not usually added automatically.

Debit card (Maestro/VPAY) and contactless payments are widely used; credit cards are accepted but some smaller vendors may prefer PIN or contactless. Mobile payments and iDEAL are common for online purchases; cash is still accepted but less frequent.

Warmest and sunniest months (June–August) with beach life, outdoor terraces and festival activity; expect crowds on weekends and pack windbreaks as the coast is often breezy.

Crisp, atmospheric days with colorful dunes and fewer tourists — great for photography and hiking, though rain and wind increase as the season progresses.

Cool and damp with short daylight hours; quieter town with dramatic winter seascapes. Bring warm, waterproof layers and be cautious of strong coastal winds.

Mild temperatures, blooming dune flora and returning birdlife make it an excellent time for outdoor activities; unpredictable weather means layering is key.

Largest and highest dune area in the country with varied trails, boardwalks and panoramic viewpoints — suitable for hikes of any length and great for photography.

Extensive protected dune landscapes stretching along the coast with marked routes for walking, cycling and wildlife viewing; easy access from Bergen and nearby beach entrances.

Flat coastal walks along the shoreline ideal for birdwatching, sunset strolls and accessible walking with parking and facilities nearby.

A longer coastal route linking nearby seaside towns — good for multi-kilometer walks or cycling with varied seaside scenery and occasional beach cafés.

Year-round inhabitants include families, working professionals and long-term residents involved in local trades, tourism and services.

Bergen has a long-standing artists’ colony tradition and continues to attract painters, sculptors and gallery owners — visible in the strong cultural scene.

The coastal setting and tranquil lifestyle attract retirees and owners of holiday homes, particularly from other parts of the Netherlands.

Visitors from across the Netherlands and abroad swelling numbers in summer for beaches, festivals and cultural events.

A national pastime and primary way to get around locally — scenic routes and marked cycle lanes are everywhere.

Widely played and followed across the Netherlands, with local amateur clubs active in Bergen and neighboring towns.

Popular at the coast where steady winds and open water provide good conditions, especially in spring and summer.

Dune trails and beach paths attract runners year-round; events and local running clubs are common.