Dramatic Introduction of Bergen

Alright, gather ’round, fellow intellects and curious minds!

So, you’re coming to Bergen for CSCW 2025, eh? Excellent choice! You’re not just landing in a city; you’re stepping into a living, breathing historical epic. Forget textbooks; this place has seen more drama than your average Netflix series, and it’s been performing for over 950 years. Welcome to Bergen, one of Norway’s oldest and largest cities, known as the “Gateway to the Norwegian Fjord Kingdom” and the “City of 7 Mountains”.

This story begins (roughly) in 1070 AD, making Bergen one of Norway’s oldest cities. For centuries, it wasn’t just a capital; it was the capital, the vibrant heart of the Norwegian realm. And then came the Hanseatic League. Imagine the medieval equivalent of a global tech giant setting up shop – that was the German Kontor at Bryggen. This isn’t just a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site; it’s a testament to resilience. These iconic wooden buildings have burned down more times than a novice chef’s toast, yet they’ve always risen from the ashes, stubborn and charming, much like the locals. Beneath your feet, archaeologists are still digging, unearthing secrets that make our current data storage look rather simplistic.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the rain in the forecast. Yes, Bergen is famous for its “liquid sunshine.” We don’t complain; we consider it atmospheric. It’s part of our unique charm, cradled as we are by seven majestic mountains that guard our city like ancient, mossy giants. It’s why we’re the Gateway to the Fjords – Mother Nature practically built a highway system right to our doorstep. Just imagine, you’re about to deliberate on complex algorithms, and just a short walk away, you could be gazing at a panorama that makes your brain do a happy little reboot.

Culturally speaking, we’re not just about old timber and fresh fish. We’re the proud home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most famous composer. You can visit his beautiful villa, Troldhaugen, and perhaps even hear a concert in his purpose-built chamber. It’s where the melodies of the fjords met a genius’s pen. And if you think that’s all, you’re missing out. Bergen is a city of festivals, from the internationally acclaimed Bergen International Festival (Festspillene i Bergen), showcasing arts across the spectrum, to countless smaller celebrations that keep the streets buzzing. Fisketorget (Fish Market) isn’t just where you buy your dinner; it’s a centuries-old cultural crossroads where traders from across the globe have haggled and hailed.

So, as you prepare for CSCW 2025, know that you’re not just coming for a conference; you’re coming to a city that blends profound history with vibrant modern life, wrapped in a unique geographical embrace. We look forward to welcoming you – and yes, maybe bring an umbrella. Just in case.

(Foto: Onurati)

Practical Tips for CSCW 2025 Participants:

To make your trip to Bergen as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, consider the following recommendations:

Weather: October in Bergen can be rainy, so we recommend bringing an umbrella, raincoat and waterproof shoes, as was recommended for CSCW 2024.

The weather in Bergen in mid-October will be cool and rainy. Be prepared for frequent rain, variable cloud cover and moderate temperatures. It is recommended to dress in layers: warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, trousers and sturdy waterproof shoes. An umbrella will be very useful. Expect the average monthly temperature to be around +9°C (+48°F). Daytime highs usually range from +10°C to +11°C (+50°F to +52°F), and nighttime lows around +7°C ( +45°F).

“Bergen in the rain Rev 2.0” by Frank van Dongen, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The length of daylight in mid-October will be around 9.5 – 10.5 hours.

For example, on October 21, 2025, sunrise is expected to be around 08:21 and sunset around 18:24.

Always check the latest weather forecast closer to your travel date on the website, as weather conditions can change.

The official currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK).
Bank cards are accepted everywhere, cash is very rarely used and only Norwegian krone.
The official language is Norwegian. However, most Norwegians are fluent in English.
Norway uses type F (Schuko) and C power plugs and sockets with a voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. It is recommended to bring an appropriate adapter.
Time zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST) in October.
Apps: Download apps for public transport (Skyss Billett), taxis (Bergen Taxi) and online maps (Google Maps) to navigate the city. If you are from other Scandinavian countries, you can use Vipps for payments same as home.
Water: Tap water in Bergen is perfectly safe and tasty to drink.
Approximate prices in Bergen for accommodation, transport, food and entertainment