Mathallen on Fisketorget

What it is for

Two things, mostly. It is where the fish market carries on when the weather or the calendar closes the outdoor stalls, and it is where the tourist information office sits — which is also why it turns up as a meeting point. The main Bergen food walk meets at the entrance to the tourist office, at the bottom of the stairs.

The trader count

The city publishes the stallholders by name: currently nine traders outdoors and two inside Mathallen. That is a small operation by the standards of the food halls other cities market, and it is worth adjusting your expectations to it. The outdoor mix also includes Greek and Thai food stands alongside the seafood. The market, and the argument about it.

Hours

They move with the season and the year. Check before you go rather than planning a day around a timetable you read somewhere. That applies to the outdoor market especially, which opens 1 May and runs through the summer.

Eating here versus eating elsewhere

Mathallen is convenient, sheltered and central, which is exactly what you want in Bergen rain and exactly why it carries a visitor premium in reputation. If you want the version of this city’s food that people here actually eat — the fishcake counter, the bakery at half past six — that is a different list. Where locals eat. Eating cheaply.

The walk that starts at the tourist office door

Meets at the entrance to the tourist office, at the bottom of the stairs. Three and a half hours, thirteen tastings across five cafés and restaurants, ending at Fløirestauranten on Mount Fløyen with return Fløibanen tickets included. Capped at eight, wheelchair accessible, gratuities not included. The listing is marked not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, and vegetarian and vegan options are available with 24 hours’ notice on an adjusted offering. Both halves of that are true and you need the second one before you book.

Frequently asked questions