I decided to take my furry best friend to the gateway of the fjords. This city is a place where urban life meets the wild beauty of nature. I am talking about Bergen, Norway. Many people ask me, is Norway dog friendly? I can tell you from my journey that it is a paradise for pets and their owners. You see mountains and the sea everywhere. My dog and I explored the narrow streets and high peaks. I want to share every detail of this trip with you.
First of all, you must plan your entry into the country carefully. I learned that you cannot just show up at the border. You must follow the norway dog entry requirements very strictly. My dog needed a microchip first. On top of that, he required a valid norway pet passport that is EU-approved. We had to get a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before we arrived. Your pup must be at least 12 weeks old before they get that first shot.
There is one more rule that is very important. You must treat your dog for tapeworm, specifically Echinococcus multilocularis. A veterinarian must do this 1 to 5 days (which is 24 to 120 hours) before you cross the border. The vet must sign the passport to prove it happened. When we arrived, I drove straight into the red channel at customs.
The officers checked my documents and my dog. Do not ignore these rules. I found out that failure to deworm your dog costs at least 7,000 NOK. If the rabies papers are wrong, you might pay between 8,700 NOK and 30,000 NOK. They might even quarantine or return your pet.
Finding a Place to Rest Our Paws
We needed a place to stay after our long journey. Pet Friendly Travel in Bergen, Norway is quite easy because many hotels welcome animals. I stayed at the Scandic Byparken. It is right in the center of the city.
The price was about $89 per night. The staff was very friendly and gave us a warm welcome. Additionally, I looked at the Grand Hotel Terminus. It has a 8.5 / 10 rating and costs around $122. It is a stately building with a historic feel.
Later, I visited the Clarion Hotel Admiral. This hotel is a polished waterfront spot. It sits in a building from the 15th century. The view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, is amazing from there. They even have a special menu for children and a gaming room. For those on a budget, the Citybox Bergen is a good choice.
It costs about $49 or $85 depending on the deal. They even provided a food bowl for my cat friend on a previous trip. Similarly, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is a great option. It has 342 rooms and sits right on the Bryggen Wharf.
Exploring the Great Outdoors
Bergen is the city among the mountains. It has seven main peaks that surround the center. First of all, we went to Fløyen. You can walk there from the Fish Market in about 1 hour and 5 minutes. However, we took the Fløibanen Funicular instead.
The round-trip ticket was 140 Norwegian Krone, which is about $4. The ride takes 5 to 8 minutes. The view from the top is beautiful. I could see the whole city of Bergen from the mountain. Plus, there is a great playground for kids with wooden climbing structures.
Gradually, we moved on to more challenging paths. We visited Ulriken. It is the highest of the seven mountains at 643 metres. I recommend that you walk the trails instead of the stairs with your dog. The stairs are not good for their paws.
The walk takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes one way. On top of that, we visited Gullfjellet. This is the highest point in the whole municipality at 987 metres. The weather there is very foggy and temperamental. Therefore, you must be prepared with good gear.
I also found some great forest areas. Hordnesskogen is perfect for dog walkers. It has many gravel roads and well-lit trails. Similarly, Løvstien is a newer trail that is wide and easy to walk. It has “nature rooms” with sculptures and play areas for children. If you want a shorter walk, try Sofusstien. This path is named after a terrier named Sofus who once chased a deer there. It leads up to Stangelifjellet and offers a great view of Eidsvåg.
Eating Out With My Dog
I was worried about food. Finding a dog friendly restaurant in Bergen, Norway was much easier than I thought. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority allows pets in places where food is served as long as they are not a risk to safety. I went to the Løvetann Café & Bistro in Nordnes. They focus on organic and local produce. They are very welcoming to dogs.
Also, I stopped at the Bergen Kaffebrenneri in Møhlenpris. We enjoyed a pastry and a coffee while my dog sat with me inside. Another great spot is Dirty Vegan. They serve amazing vegan burgers and let dogs come in too. On top of that, there is a bistro at the train station called Brgn Bistro. You should always ask the staff before you bring your dog inside. Some people have allergies or are afraid.
Using Public Transportation
We did not have a car, so we used the local transport. In the Skyss system, pets travel for free. This includes buses, the light rail, and boats. However, you must follow the rules. Your dog must be on a leash or in a cage. They should sit on your lap or on the floor. Do not let them sit on the seats.
Later, we took the Vy train. On the Bergen Line, there are specific areas for pets. If your dog is taller than 40 centimetres, you must pay 50 percent of an adult ticket. You get an extra seat so the dog can lie on the floor by the window.
Smaller dogs travel for free but must stay at your feet. Additionally, I looked into the dog friendly ferry to Norway. Many ferries and express boats allow dogs, but they often have designated rooms or cages. Some fjord cruises in Bergen allow a maximum of 3 dogs per trip. You must book your dog at the same time as your ticket.
Rules and Safety
You must know the båndtvang rules. This is the national leash law. From April 1 to August 20, dogs must be on a leash everywhere. This protects wild animals and livestock. In Bergen, there are also permanent leash zones in many parks. However, there are official dog parks where they can run free. We visited the one at Løvstien and Tveitevannet.
I also made sure to have the number for an emergency vet. There are no 24-hour clinics that are open all the time. Instead, the vets in Bergen take turns on an emergency shift. You can call the emergency line at (+47) 820 90 060. It costs 26 NOK per minute.
I heard good things about AniCura Bergen Nord and Bergen Smådyrklinikk. The pet norway police or authority dogs like guide dogs and police dogs are usually exempt from many rules on transport.
Moving and Comparing Cities
If you are moving to Norway with a dog, you will find that the community is very helpful. Many people on Reddit share tips about the best vets and neighborhoods. I also wondered, is Oslo dog friendly? Yes, it is! Oslo has many parks like Vigeland Park with a designated dog area. They even have a cafe called BrewDog that has a dog menu with “Dog Burgers” and “Dog Beer”.
Finally, our trip was a success. Bergen is a city of rain and mountains, but it is also a city of warmth for our pets. My dog loved the fresh air of the forests and the views from the peaks. Though it takes some planning, the reward is a “pawsome” vacation. Do not leave your best friend behind. Norway is waiting for both of you.
Summary of Important Data for Your Trip
- Deworming Cost (Fine): Minimum 7,000 NOK.
- Rabies Issue Cost (Fine): 8,700 to 30,000 NOK.
- Funicular Price: 140 NOK for a round trip.
- Funicular Capacity: 120 passengers.
- Mountain Heights: Ulriken (643m) and Gullfjellet (987m).
- Leash Period: April 1 to August 20.
- Emergency Vet Number: (+47) 820 90 060.
Bergen is a magical place. The green plains and round peaks stay in your memory forever. I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure. Safe travels to you and your pup!
FAQ
Is Bergen, Norway dog friendly?
I found that Bergen is extremely welcoming to dogs. You can take your pet to the high mountains or enjoy the city parks. Plus, most outdoor activities make it easy for your dog to tag along.
Are dogs allowed on buses in Bergen?
They are allowed on buses operated by Skyss. They travel for free as long as there is enough space on board. However, you must keep your dog on a lead or in a cage.
How pet friendly is Norway?
Norway is a dream for animal lovers. Most hotels have rooms just for dogs. Additionally, the country has many open spaces for outdoor adventures.
Is Norwegian pet friendly?
The airline Norwegian allows you to travel with your furry friends. They are one of several companies that help you bring your pet on vacation.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Norway?
Dogs can go to the beach, but you must keep them on a leash during spring and summer. On top of that, you should stay away from “wild” beaches where birds are nesting.
Are dogs allowed on trains in Norway?
Dogs are welcome on Vy trains. Large dogs pay 50 percent of a ticket, but small dogs under 40 centimetres travel for free. They must stay on the floor and not sit on the seats.
What is not allowed to bring to Norway?
You cannot bring certain banned breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier. Additionally, you are not allowed to bring animals that lack proper deworming or rabies shots.
Concluding Words
Bergen is a wonderful place for a fur-cation with your best friend. I loved the balance between city life and the beautiful seven mountains.
You must remember to follow the entry rules and the leash laws. You should plan ahead to make the trip smooth for everyone. Norway offers a special experience that you and your pet will never forget.
