Of course Bergen has always been one of Norway’s most popular destinations, but since moving from Tromsø to Bergen almost three years ago I’ve still been surprised by how many acquaintances and friends of friends have visited this city just in the time I’ve lived here. It feels like every week I’m getting a message from someone whose friend is heading to Bergen and asking for tips.
And the first question everyone asks is where to stay in Bergen.
And I get it, while Bergen isn’t a huge city we do have so many accommodation options here, spread over different areas of the city, and it can be confusing deciding on the best place to stay. On top of that, accommodation in Bergen is generally quite expensive, so you definitely don’t want to choose the wrong place! Or if you’re trying to visit on a smaller budget, you’ll need some insider tips.
After years living in Bergen and years before that visiting Bergen I’m happy to share all my advice for traveling to this lovely home of mine.
And since my apartment is quite small my parents always stay in a hotel while visiting me, so through them I’ve also gotten to know all the best hotels in the city (the nicest and the best deals).
I’ve also shared my complete guide to things to do in Bergen here, best day trips from Bergen here, and best road trips from Bergen here.
My biggest tip for booking accommodation in Bergen is to book as early as possible! Prices go up with demand and it’s not uncommon for the entire city to be booked out in the summer, so try to book your hotel soon – or right now!
City center
The city center is home to Bergen’s nicest luxury hotels, so if you’re looking for the most comfort and are willing to pay for it, definitely stay in the city center. We also have a few mid range and budget options here as well.
There are two main areas of the city center: the main square Torgallmenningen and the cute wharf area of Bryggen. Bryggen is just under a 10 minute walk from Torgallmenningen, so it doesn’t make a huge difference which of the two you choose.
Alternatively you could stay by the Bergen train station, which is right on the edge of the city center, also about a 10 minute walk from the main square. However you’ll probably want to spend most of your time in Bergen closer to Torgallmenningen and Bryggen, so I would only really recommend staying by the train station if you’ll be arriving/leaving by train or long distance bus.
Torgallmenningen
The main square is the center of Bergen’s shopping area, and there are also lots of museums, bars and restaurants here. This is also right by the city center light rail stop (Byparken), so if you plan on taking the Bergen light rail from the airport (which I recommend!) this will be the easiest place to stay.
The Bergen light railway is the easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center.
LUXURY
Opus XVI
Housed in a historic building from 1876, Opus XVI, is an Edvard Grieg Heritage Hotel and one of the most beautiful hotels in Bergen. Each room is designed individually, but the highlight here must be the dining room, which often features live music. Opus XVI is equally well known in Bergen for its magnificent afternoon tea. Check current rates and availability here
Bergen Børs Hotel
Located in an old stock exchange building from 1862, Bergen Børs Hotel is right in the city center and home to the beautiful BARE and Frescohallen restaurants. My parents have stayed here many times while visiting me in Bergen and they always rave about the fantastic breakfast and attentive staff.
This is my personal top choice for a luxury hotel in Bergen. Check current rates and availability here
Hotel Norge
Hotel Norge has been an icon in Bergen since it first opened in 1885 and was then rebuilt in 1964. It is right in the city center and a favorite amongst celebrities visiting Bergen. They even have an indoor pool! If you book well in advance you can get a surprisingly good rate, considering how nice this hotel is. Check current rates and availability here
Hotel No13 & Hotel Oleana
I’m including Hotel No13 and Hotel Oleana together because they’re very similar boutique hotels right by each other. Both are smaller hotels with a modern interior and they’re right in the heart of the restaurant area by the main square. Check current rates at Hotel No13 here and check current rates at Hotel Oleana here
Hotel Charmante
I’ve never stayed at the Hotel Charmante, but I love going there for cocktails. They have a beautiful bar downstairs as well as a really special “hidden” bar upstairs that you have to ask specially to visit. The hotel itself has such a luxurious feminine design and it’s about halfway between the main square and Bryggen in Skostredet, where you’ll find many of Bergen’s best bars and restaurants. Check current rates and availability here
MID RANGE
Thon Hotel Bristol
I love staying at Thon hotels because they’re a beloved Norwegian hotel chain and they are incredibly competitive with their breakfasts, usually having far better breakfasts than even the fanciest hotels in town. The Thon Hotel Bristol is right off the main square and I’ve noticed that their rates vary a lot with demand, so if you book well in advance you might be able to get a really good deal here! Check current rates and availability here
Scandic Byparken
Scandic hotels also have excellent breakfasts, and the Scandic Byparken is right by the light rail stop in the city center, which is perfect if you’re taking the light rail to/from the airport. Check current rates and availability here
Scandic Bergen City
The Scandic Bergen City is a few more minutes walking from the light rail stop, so it isn’t quite as perfectly located but it’s a bit cheaper, especially if you book early! Check current rates and availability here
Scandic Torget
The Scandic Torget is halfway between Torgallmenningen and Bryggen, so you’ll be right in the heart of the city here. Check current rates and availability here
BUDGET
Budgetel
The Budgetel on Kong Oscar’s street is very basic but offers budget friendly private rooms. Check current rates and availability here
Bryggen
If you’ve seen one photo of Bergen, it’s probably been a photo of Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf of Bergen. While Bryggen has been rebuilt after several fires, it still has its old foundations dating all the way back to the 12th century.
Bryggen is a must-see for every tourist visiting Bergen, as well as a popular place for locals to enjoy an utepils (Norwegian for “beer outside”) on a sunny day, as Bryggen gets the best afternoon sun in downtown Bergen.
Bryggen doesn’t have any budget options and it’s a bit of a walk (about 10 minutes) from the city center light rail stop, but it’s certainly the most special place you can stay in Bergen, with beautiful views out over the water.
Bryggen is also close to the start of the popular Fløibanen funicular and hike up Mt Fløyen.
If you stay in Bryggen you might want to travel to/from the airport with the Flybussen airport bus instead of the light rail, as the bus stops right at Bryggen.
Det Hanseatiske Hotel
Det Hanseatiske Hotel is definitely my favorite hotel I’ve stayed at in Bergen. It’s housed in a 16th century building in Bryggen, and I love all the little details here, like the bookshelves, artwork, leather couches, and deep bathtubs. I would say staying here is a cultural experience in itself.
Since the building is so old you do have to be prepared for some narrow corridors and low ceilings. It’s an incredibly unique hotel, but if you prefer modern luxury I would opt for Bergen Børs or Hotel Norge instead. Check current rates and availability here
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
If you want a modern luxury hotel in Bryggen, the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is perfect! It’s bright and beautifully furnished and again that Thon breakfast is always so incredible. Check current rates and availability here
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
A bit farther down Bryggen you’ll find the beautiful Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, which also offers modern luxury in the heart of Bryggen. Check current rates and availability here
Thon Hotel Orion
And then even farther down Bryggen you’ll find the Thon Hotel Orion. My only hesitation in staying here is that it’s a bit farther from the city center, but if you don’t mind walking a few extra minutes then this is a gorgeous hotel. Check current rates and availability
Bergen Station
Bergen Station isn’t quite in the heart of the city center, so if you stay here you will probably be walking (usually just 5 – 15 minutes) to get most places. But if you have an early or late train then this is a great place to stay, and it’s still quite central.
LUXURY
Grand Hotel Terminus
I really want to stay at the Grand Hotel Terminus someday, even though I live in Bergen. The building is beautiful and it’s right by the station. And even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth visiting their beautiful Bar Amundsen, especially if you want to grab a drink before your train. Check current rates and availability here
MID RANGE
Scandic Ørnen
Another wonderful option a five minute walk from the station is the Scandic Ørnen. Again, I would probably only stay here if I wanted to be near the station but it has an excellent breakfast and isn’t too expensive if you book early. Check current rates and availability here
BUDGET
Citybox Bergen City
Citybox is always a great mid range/budget option in Norway. The hotel has a self check in and you have to pay extra for breakfast, but it’s super clean, modern and budget friendly, and it’s a 6 minute walk from Bergen Station. My aunt has stayed here a few times with no complaints. Check current rates and availability here
City Hostel Bergen
City Hostel Bergen is a self-service hostel a 5 minute walk from Bergen Station. They have a kitchen so that you can cook for yourself (a huge money saver in Bergen!). They offer both dorm beds and private rooms, but you’ll need to book way in advance because this hostel books up very quickly. Check current rates and availability here
Nordnes
I live in Nordnes so you should know that I’m probably biased when saying that Nordnes is the prettiest neighborhood in Bergen. It’s also super close to the city center, just a 10 minute walk to the city center light rail stop Byparken.
LUXURY
Clarion Hotel Admiral
The Clarion Hotel Admiral lies directly across the water from Bryggen, right on the edge of Nordnes so you’re near both Bryggen and Torgallmenningen here. The interior is modern and they also serve an excellent breakfast. Check current rates and availability here
MID RANGE
Klosterhagen Hotel
I always pass by this hotel on my morning walks with my dog Alfie, and it looks really cosy inside. This is probably my very favorite area of Bergen with easy access to the sites and pretty views with lovely cobblestone streets and wooden houses. My parents will be staying here in August, so I’ll have to report back how it was! Check current rates and availability here
Comfort Hotel Bergen
I usually pass by this hotel on my evening walks with Alfie and again, it looks lovely inside! Plus it’s right by Nordnes’s beloved “Lamp Bar.” Check current rates and availability here
Danmarksplass
If you’re looking for a cheaper place to stay but still want easy access to the city center, Danmarksplass can be an excellent option. Here you can stay right by the light rail stop (Danmarksplass) and then you’ll be just an 8 minute light rail journey from the city center.
Danmarksplass is especially convenient if you’ll be using the light rail to get to and from the airport, as it’s right on the light rail line going from the city center to the airport.
Citybox Bergen Danmarksplass
The Citybox in Danmarksplass is excellent value and just a short light rail journey to the city center. And I love their partner restaurant JAJA. Check current rates and availability here
Bergen Airport
Clarion Hotel Bergen Airport
The Clarion Hotel is directly connected to the airport, so you won’t need to take a taxi or shuttle, and they serve breakfast from 4 am for early flights. Check current rates and availability here
Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport
The Comfort Hotel is a bit cheaper and also just a short walk from the airport, and their breakfast starts at 4:30. Check current rates and availability here
Scandic Flesland Airport
The Scandic is a bit farther but still walkable from the airport, and their early bird breakfast starts at 5 am.
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