In Bergen, a terrace is not just a summer thing. The village lies a few kilometres from the sea, so it can be windy, and in October it can be chilly. Yet the terrace opposite the Ruïnekerk is full almost all year round. That is partly down to the heating, but above all to the location: in the heart of the village, with the church as a backdrop.
In short
- Where: at the front of Fabel’s, directly opposite the Ruïnekerk
- When: all year round; heated in spring and autumn
- Menu: the same as indoors, from breakfast to dinner
- Dogs: welcome on a lead
- Booking: not necessary; for six or more, please do
Why this terrace
You look out onto the old walls of the Ruïnekerk and onto the village passing by: locals catching up, tourists fresh out of the museum, walkers on their way to the dunes. You order a coffee, and before you know it, it has turned into drinks. On Saturdays the weekly market sets up around the church, and in the evening the church is illuminated.
From morning to evening
- 09:30 · coffee with cake from Patisserie Roos (Saturday from 09:00, Sunday from 10:00)
- 10:30 · lunch: salads, wraps, sandwiches and soup
- Afternoon · drinks with something from the menu, for example an antipasti board to share
- Evening · dinner; the kitchen is open until 22:00, on Fridays and Saturdays until 22:30
Outside in November, with an onion soup and the church lit up.
When it gets cold
The terrace is heated, so with a coat and a warm soup, the classic onion soup with a cheese-and-thyme crouton or the homemade tomato soup, you are perfectly comfortable in spring and autumn too. If it turns really bleak, move indoors: to the big reading table or the conservatory at the back, with a view of the garden and changing art on the walls. Raining all day? Read things to do in Bergen when it rains.
Something for every season
- Spring: King’s Day, the first terrace party of the year; in 2027 on Tuesday 27 April
- Summer: Lichtjesavond, when the whole village is filled with little lights
- Autumn: the Kunst10Daagse: ten days of art, then warming up
- Winter: Christmas, with the church in festive mood and something warm in your hands
With children and dogs
Children are welcome: there is a children’s menu, and we have colouring books and games. Dogs are welcome on the terrace on a lead.
Fabel’s tip
The best moments: Saturday morning, when the market is set up around the church, and late afternoon, when the sun falls on the church walls and then the lights come on. Coming with six or more? Book ahead and we will keep a table for you.
Good to know
Is Fabel’s terrace heated?
Yes. That means you can sit outside in spring and autumn too, with a view of the Ruïnekerk.
Do you need to book for the terrace?
No: first come, first served. For six people or more we do ask you to book, so we can keep a table free.
Can you have lunch and dinner on the terrace?
Yes, outside you get the same menu as indoors, from breakfast to dinner. The kitchen is open until 22:00, on Fridays and Saturdays until 22:30.
Are dogs welcome on the terrace?
Yes, on a lead. Children too: there is a children’s menu, and colouring books and games are at the ready.
Written by the team at Fabel’s eten & drinken, Oude Prinsweg 9, Bergen (NH), the Netherlands. Last updated on 9 November 2026.