A Frequent Visitor Shows You Where to Stay in Bergen, Norway

Bergen is an amazing city in and of itself, and its nearby fjords and mountains are another major appeal. Because of the latter, in particular, it’s usually where I base myself when visiting Western Norway. If you’re also visiting this part of the country, I recommend doing the latter. 

While Norway’s second-biggest city has a broad range of accommodation, choosing the best place to stay in Bergen depends on numerous factors. It attracts several kinds of visitors, and the type of place you stay—along with where in the city—won’t necessarily be the same as someone else. Though Bergen isn’t very big, the place you choose to stay can make a big difference. 

Fear not, though, because I’ll help you choose the best place for your needs today. Based on my several visits to Bergen, I’ll show you my overall top recommendations for accommodation. Alongside that, you’ll learn which areas will fit your needs best and what to expect when you book. 🇳🇴

Where to Stay in Bergen: A Map

If I could only recommend one place to stay when you visit Bergen, it would be the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. In my opinion, this is perfect for most types of travelers. 

I stayed here with my friend on a week-long trip to Norway in 2023, and I would happily return in the future. The location was the biggest selling point; it’s right in the city center and next to the iconic Bryggen wharf. Whether we were going for day hikes or to visit the city’s many great cafés and restaurants, it didn’t take us too long to get around. 

Beyond that, the rooms had more than enough space. This has not been the case for some places I’ve stayed in my 10+ visits to Norway, so it was a nice luxury.

Pricing was reasonable, and you can also get breakfast. This is a great way to save money on your visit, since eating out in Bergen—and Norway, by extension—is very expensive. If you’re planning to take any of the fjord tours from Bergen, you’re not too far from their starting point.

If I were to pick out some negatives, the seagulls were very loud in the morning. Then again, you’ll have that problem pretty much everywhere you visit in Bergen during the summer. I’d say for most people, though, it’s a great place to stay.

Where to Stay in Bergen: My Main Neighborhood Suggestions

Bergen isn’t a massive city. As a result, I recommend choosing accommodation in one of a handful of neighborhoods. Below, I’ve outlined the main ones you should consider. 

Bryggen & Close to the Harbor

Many of the main hotels in Bergen are close to the harbor, and it’s also where you’ll find the departure point for many tours. It’s within walking distance of the main train station and virtually everything else in the city. So, if you plan to take the train to or from Oslo, it’s worth looking for a place to stay here.

When I stayed in these parts of Bergen, I didn’t have too much of an issue with noise. However, you will find a few nightclubs here—and as a result, you should double-check that you aren’t staying too close to one if you’re sensitive to noise. 

You won’t need to use public transport to get anywhere from Bryggen or its nearby areas, with the exception of the airport, Ulriken, and Damsgårdsfjellet. Another advantage of staying here is that you can have some lovely morning walks. 

Besides Bryggen, you can easily get to the city’s main fish market when you stay here. I would recommend this part of Bergen to pretty much everyone who wants to pick a hotel specifically on their stay. One downside is that this part of the city gets very crowded during the day, so keep this in mind.

Bergen’s city center is compact and where you’ll find the bulk of its restaurants, shops, and bars. You will also find a number of museums here, including the various parts of the KODE museum complex. 

While not as pretty as Bryggen and the waterfront areas, I still think that the center of Bergen is relatively picturesque. Whereas the waterfront areas are mainly full of tourists, the city center itself is a mix of locals and visitors. 

If you base yourself in the center of town, you’ll be even closer to Festplassen. From here, you can take the tram to and from the airport. Convenience is the main reason to stay in this part of Bergen, in my opinion, and if you don’t mind missing out on views, it’s not a bad place to stay. 

Bergen’s city center can get a bit rowdy on Friday and Saturday night, so you should keep this in mind before booking your stay. 

Nordnes

Nordnes is more residential than the other two areas I’ve mentioned, and it’s one of the most picturesque parts of the city. You’ll find a number of cute wooden houses here, along with a good range of Art Nouveau architecture. It’s one of my favorite places to go for photography. 

Unlike Bryggen and other parts of Bergen’s city center, Nordnes does not have a huge range of hotels. You will almost certainly stay in a private rental if you book accommodation here, which can be ideal if you’re planning to self-cater when you visit Norway. 

I’d recommend staying in Nordnes if that’s your primary reason. You won’t necessarily save money on accommodation, since private rentals in Bergen are also quite expensive. However, you will reduce your food budget. 

The Area Close to Bergen University (UiB)

Bergen University (UiB) is on the outskirts of the city center, and you can very easily walk from here to pretty much all of the major attractions. Like Nordnes, you’ll mainly find private rentals here; I actually stayed here on a summer trip to Bergen in 2025. I’m mainly talking about the Nygård neighborhood here, but also its adjacent districts.

This part of Bergen is worth considering if you want to stay close to the center but prefer to be in a more peaceful district. When we stayed here, the majority of people we saw were locals. At the same time, we only needed to use public transport to get to the starting point for the Damsgårdsfjellet hike (and also to go to the airport).

While most of the accommodation close to UiB will be private rentals, you’ll also find a handful of hotels. 

HI Hostel Bergen Montana Is a Good Option for Hikers & Budget Travelers

If you’re planning to spend more time in Bergen’s mountainous surroundings than the city itself, I’d also recommend taking a look at HI Hostel Bergen Montana. I stayed here on a trip to Bergen in 2019 for this specific reason. It’s at the foot of Ulriken, which is the tallest of the seven peaks surrounding the city. 

HI Hostel Montana has a lot going for it, in my opinion. My main goal was not to meet people, but I still met some interesting travelers. You’ll also find cooking facilities, and the breakfast was pretty good.

The rooms were relatively small but comfortable enough. Since you’re up in the mountains, you can also get some amazing views of Bergen. This is particularly true at sunset, and I would honestly stay here again if not just for that. 

HI Hostel Bergen Montana is also very affordable if you specifically want budget accommodation. However, the downside is that you need to take a bus into Bergen—otherwise, it’s an hour-long walk down the mountain. Which means that yes, you’ll need to walk back up if you choose not to take the bus. 

Camping Is Also an Option

Given its location close to some of Norway’s most beautiful nature, you can also camp around the city. You’ll find a number of campsites, and this is perfect if Bergen is mainly a base for the nearby mountains more than anything else. 

If you stay at a campsite in or around Bergen, you can often get public transportation to these. However, they can be up to an hour from the city center—so they’re not the most convenient in terms of location. If you stay in a campsite and want to also explore the nearby areas, I’d recommend renting a car for maximum freedom. Otherwise, getting into town for tours and the like will be time-consuming. 

Campsites in Bergen (and Norway) are clean and basic. They’re a solid option if you’re not that much of a city person. 

What to Expect When You Book Accommodation in Bergen

To help you prepare even more for your trip to Bergen, I’ll now go over the main things you should expect when booking accommodation in the city. 

1. Book Far in Advance if You’re Visiting During the Summer or on the 17th May

17th May is Norway’s national day, and to say that the entire country puts on a show would be an understatement. This is especially true in Bergen, and I can confirm that it’s a super fun time to visit. However, accommodation is also in high demand if you visit at this time. 

The same goes for the summer. Bergen is one of Norway’s main tourist hubs, and it gets really crowded at this time of the year. As a result, many of the best hotels will be a) more expensive, and b) more likely to sell out. 

I recommend booking as far in advance as you can if you’re visiting at these times of the year. 

2. Bergen Has a Lot of Mid-Range Hotels

Compared to some Scandinavian cities I’ve visited, Bergen has a lot of “in-the-middle” hotels. Most of the places to stay are hotel chains like Scandic, Thon Hotels, and Radisson. In my opinion, Norway’s second-biggest city very much caters to mid-range travelers the most. 

You will find a handful of luxury hotels, and the same goes for budget stays. But for the most part, your options will be in the middle. Their pricing ranges won’t vary a huge amount, either. 

3. … and Yes, It Is Expensive

That brings me nicely onto my next point. I won’t sugarcoat this: Accommodation in Bergen is expensive. This is particularly true during the peak season. 

I’d recommend budgeting at least 1,000 NOK (c. $108) per night for a mid-range place to stay in the city, and around 400 NOK (c. $43) per night for budget accommodation. Many mid-range places will cost more than the above-mentioned figure, too, especially during the summer. 

Bergen isn’t as pricey as Stavanger, and I think it’s marginally cheaper than accommodation in Oslo. Still, it’s hardly the most budget-friendly destination. 

You can find some excellent deals during the off-season, though. Many of the fjord tours run year-round, so if you want to save some money and are flexible, visiting Bergen at a quieter time is a good idea. The weather won’t be ideal, but the pros of it being quieter outweigh the cons, IMO. 

4. Norwegian Hotels Generally Have Nice Breakfasts

Maybe it’ll happen at some point, but I have yet to stay in a Norwegian hotel or hostel that serves a bad breakfast. Even for the cheaper places I’ve stayed in, this has been true. Bergen is no different in this respect. 

Breakfast at your accommodation will likely include smoked salmon, pickled herring, and other Scandinavian niceties. You’ll also get the standard continental options, such as cheese and salami. 

Many hotels in Bergen and Norway are also accommodating to vegetarians and vegans. Having breakfast at your accommodation is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to start your adventure; if yours has it included, I’d recommend choosing the option.  

5. Washing Facilities Are Ideal if You’re Hiking a Lot

If you’re into hiking and being outdoors, Bergen is perfect for you. Fløyen is a pretty easy hike for most people, and I also recommend Ulriken and Damsgårdsfjellet if you visit in the summer. 

However, you will probably want access to washing facilities if you’re going to do a lot of hiking. This is particularly true if you’re doing an extended trip in Norway. So, I’d recommend checking to see if your accommodation has the option to do this. 

You shouldn’t have issues finding a washing machine at hostels, and many hotels will also be accommodating in this respect. 

6. I Wouldn’t Bother Renting a Car, Unless You’re Staying Really Far Out of Town

I’ve already said that I recommend renting a car if you’re going to be camping and also want to explore the rest of Western Norway. This is true, but I would not recommend renting one if you’re staying in the city center. 

Bergen’s city center is very compact, and driving is quite frankly a nightmare. To get to the fjords, I’d recommend taking tours anyway; this is what I usually do when I visit the city. For example, I can recommend sailing along the Osterfjord. 

As for Bergen itself, walking and public transport are more than good enough. You only really need a car if you’re staying far out of town and also if you’re planning to visit places that aren’t accessible by tours or public transport. 

7. … If You Do Rent a Car, Check That Your Hotel Has Parking Options

You may still decide that you want to rent a car, and in that case, fair enough. Many hotels do offer parking spots in Bergen, but these will often be for an additional fee. 

Parking in Downtown Bergen is otherwise not so ideal, so it’s definitely worth checking to ensure that you can specifically park at your hotel. 

8. Facilities Are Often Clean, Albeit Largely Unexciting

Bergen’s accommodation is consistently good, in my opinion. But for the most part, I’d say it’s pretty utilitarian. You’ll find some unique places to stay, but many are minimalistic and designed for function more than anything else. 

This isn’t so much of an issue for me, personally. I visit Bergen mainly to enjoy the nature, rather than because I want to stay in a fancy hotel. There are better cities in Scandinavia for this, such as Stockholm. 

Again, it’s about setting your expectations. If you simply want somewhere pleasant and clean to stay, Bergen will more than have you covered. 

Everything You Need to Know About Booking Accommodation in Bergen

Choosing a place to stay in Bergen is both easy and difficult. It’s easy because the city isn’t so big and you’ll find plenty of options. It’s difficult, however, because the place you should choose will depend on your specific needs. 

Whether you want to base yourself in the city or be in the mountains, there are plenty of options to choose from in and around Bergen. Now that you’ve read this guide, you should have everything you need to find the perfect accommodation for you. 

Be sure to book in advance if you’re visiting during the peak season. I’d also recommend increasing your budget, since Bergen is an expensive city to visit. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll do what I can to help. 

Extra Resources for Your Bergen Trip:

Read My Full Bergen Itinerary

Get a Norway eSIM (and 10% off with my discount code: DANNYCPH)

Browse Bergen Tours & Excursions: GetYourGuide / Viator

Browse My Travel Guides for Bergen / Norway / Oslo

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