Bergen may be pretty as a postcard, but it’s definitely not two-dimensional – after all, it has served as the background for The Snowman, Jo Nesbø’s murder mystery-cum-movie adaptation. The city’s grittier side can be evident (in a good way) when it comes to shopping as well: there are many places where you can find unique, vintage treasures – from clothing, to music, to bric-a-brac for the home, to lovely and well-loved furniture. And in many of these places, you will be contributing to a good cause by shopping. Ready to do some serious thrifting?
1. Lokalt
Run by Bærekraftige Liv, an NGO that promotes sustainable and green living, Lokalt is a bohemian artistic space in Løvstakken. You can buy clothing or books for as cheap as 5 NOK, but more importantly you can discover ways to consume less by taking part in one of their events or workshops where you’ll get to share food, culture and ideas.
Rogagaten 26,Løvstakken, Bergen, Norway, +47 465 61 904
Lokalt | Courtesy of Bærekraftige Liv Løvstakken
2. Fretex
Store
Norway’s biggest second-hand chain and an important part of the Salvation Army, in Fretex you can get anything from clothes and furniture to books, records and homeware (and also some redesigned items by the Fretex team), for prices that will make you wonder if you read the price tag right. There are two Fretex stores in Bergen, and you can use their store locator to find the one nearest to you. Whichever location you visit though, be aware that the merchandise changes literally every day – so if you find something you love, don’t wait until the next day to think it through, because it probably won’t be there.
Lars Hillesgate 14, Bergen, +47 55 32 14 86
Strandgaten 90-92, Bergen, + 47 55 23 23 66
Fretex boutique | Courtesy of Fretex
3. Bergensmarkedet
Market
Taking place every Sunday (from noon to 5pm) at the parking lot outside Kaffebreneriet in Møhlenpris, Bergen’s Flea Market is the perfect place to buy or sell used items, art or crafts. On a good day you may find up to 100 different stalls, so keep your eyes peeled: you never know when you may stumble upon some vintage treasure.
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5. Miljømarkedet Bruktbygg
Shop, Store
Tucked inside an unassuming house lies Bergen’s most varied second-hand store. In Miljømarkedet Bruktbygg, you can shop everything from clothes and furniture to TVs and stereos, mirrors, windows and doors, and every small decorative item you can think of in between. It’s also possible to donate your own items.
6. Kleskapet
Shop
Skostredet in Bergen is a bit like Markveien in Oslo: a street that is blessed with quite a few vintage and second-hand options. One of them is Kleskapet, a beautiful vintage clothing shop that will awaken your inner pinup (or inner dandy gentleman). Browse through its careful selection of dresses, shoes, suits and ties and get ready to revamp your style without breaking the bank.
7. Misjonssentralen Gjenbruk
Shop
The Norwegian Lutheran Mission (NLM) is an international mission, working under the motto “the world for Christ” and carries out charity work in four continents. In their consignment shop in Bergen, you will find a wide selection of goods, from furniture and tableware to paintings and baby strollers – and all proceeds go to missionary work.
8. Harald Mikkelsen Anubis Antikvariat
Harald Mikkelsen Anubis Antikvariat is one of the oldest antique shops (it was established in 1998) but still carries an impressive selection of books and objects that you really need to see to believe.
Kong Oscars Gate 43, Bergen, +47 55 56 02 08
9. The Armadillo
Shop
This bike shop and service will keep your wheels spinning long after you’ve left the premises. Here, you can find vintage bikes (and bike parts) so beautiful that they look as if they’ve come out from a 1950s fashion editorial – but you can also find brand new options, or just ask them to fix your bike.
Steinkjellergaten 8, Bergen, +47 55 31 23 63
The Armadillo | Courtesy of The Armadillo
10. Samleren
If you’re a music lover, Samleren is going to be your new favourite place. Here, you can buy and sell CDs and LPs, browse through their extensive record collection and, of course, listen to some great music while you’re at it.
Nygårdsgaten 33, Bergen, +47 55 96 25 40
Samleren | Courtesy of Samleren
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