King Harald V’s Funeral – What Does It Mean for Visitors to Bergen?

Wednesday 9 September 2026 will be a very significant day in Norway as the country says its final farewell to King Harald V.

If you are visiting Bergen that day, you may be wondering what will be open, whether the city will shut down and whether you can still go sightseeing.

The short answer is: yes, Bergen will be open as normal.

When and where is the funeral?

The funeral of King Harald V will take place at Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke) on Wednesday 9 September at 13:00.

The service will be led by Olav Fykse Tveit, Preses of the Church of Norway, and will follow the Church of Norway's traditional funeral service. The funeral will also be broadcast on television.

The funeral itself is taking place in Oslo, not Bergen. There will be a procession in Oslo following the service, with King Harald ultimately being laid to rest at the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress.

Will Bergen shut down?

No.

The Norwegian Government has confirmed that 9 September is not an official public holiday. Norway will continue to function normally, and there is no requirement for businesses to close because of the funeral.

This means that if you are staying in Bergen, you can still enjoy the city as usual.

Shops, restaurants, cafés, museums and attractions can remain open, although individual businesses may choose to change their opening hours or close as a mark of respect.

Normal Bergen city-centre shopping hours are generally around 10:00–17:00 for smaller shops and up to 19:00 for larger shops, with shopping centres often open until around 21:00. Individual businesses may of course vary.

What will happen at 13:00?

There will be a nationwide minute of silence from 13:00 to 13:01 in memory of King Harald.

Three bells will ring from churches across Norway to mark the beginning of the minute's silence, followed by three bells at the end.

So if you're walking around Bergen at 13:00, don't be surprised if things suddenly become noticeably quieter for a minute.

It will also be a day of national mourning, with flags being flown at half-mast at royal residences, government buildings and military bases.

Should I change my plans?

Probably not.

If you're visiting Bergen, you can still explore Bryggen, take the Fløibanen, visit the museums, go shopping, eat out and enjoy the city.

Just remember that this is an important and emotional day for many people in Norway. If you happen to be in a café, shop or attraction when the minute's silence begins, simply pause and show respect.

The major road closures and public-transport changes announced for the funeral are in central Oslo, rather than Bergen.

In short

Wednesday 9 September 2026

Funeral: 13:00

Location: Oslo Cathedral

Bergen: Open as normal

Shops: Open, although individual businesses may choose to close

Restaurants & cafés: Generally open

Public holiday: No

Minute's silence: 13:00–13:01 nationwide

So, if you're visiting Bergen on 9 September, you don't need to cancel your plans. Just be aware that Norway will be marking a very significant national moment at 13:00.

Last updated: 31 August 2026. Further details of the funeral procession and ceremony may still be announced.

Billy