Kate Fletcher 
So, if you’re looking for where to stay in Bergen, you’re in luck!
I lived in Norway for 2 years and I absolutely loved it! Bergen is a wonderful place to visit and to make it easier for you, I used my experience and I searched and compared pretty much all the accommodation options in the city reading through thousands of reviews to make a conclusion. So, I hand-picked 4 areas for different interests.
Sentrum is the best area to stay in in Bergen, recognizable for its breathtaking architecture and amazing hotels.
Read this post because it will give you a very easy and clear way to decide on your ideal accommodation (sorted by price for your convenience!) that you can book in literally just a couple of seconds!
Do yourself a favor and book asap as good hotels tend to be sold out fast!
If you are in a hurry
Here are the best hotels in Sentrum, the best area for first-timers:
Contents
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map of the 4 areas discussed in this post:
- Sentrum: for first-timers
- Bryggen: the coolest area
- Nordnes: for families
- Nygård: for budget travelers
1. Sentrum – where to stay in Bergen for the first time
Sentrum is the city center of Bergen, home to the most important landmarks and museums. Many Scandinavian restaurants, bars, and the best hotels in Bergen are within walking distance, too.
It’s home to key attractions like Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed old wharf, and the bustling Fish Market. The area is great for exploring on foot, with a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural sites like the Bergenhus Fortress.
At the center of Bergen, you’ll come upon Lille Lungegårdsvannet, a lovely little lake surrounded by green surfaces, great for a relaxing day outdoors.
I also recommend you visit the nearby museums, particularly the Rasmus Meyer, which boasts remarkable art collections! And even if you’re not going anywhere, stop by Bergen Station, the city’s main train station, situated in a beautiful building!
Since you are in Norway, I highly suggest you spend some time in the capital too, so to make your life easier, we’ve written you a list of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in Oslo as well.
Hotel Norge is one of the best luxury hotels in Bergen and the go-to choice in Sentrum. This 5-star Sentrum hotel offers contemporary rooms with a beautiful view, a fabulous breakfast, an indoor pool, and an upscale spa. The main attractions are within walking distance.
Other accommodation options in Sentrum
Centrally located in Sentrum, this designer hotel offers nice views, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a bar
The rooms are modern and bright, and the hostel is just a 5-minute walk from the Fish Market
This 2-bedroom Sentrum apartment is comfortable and newly renovated, but you’ll have to climb a narrow staircase to reach it
Things to do in Sentrum
- Embark on a walking tour of Bergen
- Stop by the Bergen Cathedral
- Grab breakfast at Godt Brød Marken
- Go shopping at Bergen Storsenter
- Relax at Festplassen
2. Bryggen – the coolest Bergen area
Bryggen (not to be confused with Bruges in Belgium) is located in the northern part of the city, just 15 minutes from the city center. It’s the most picturesque part of Bergen, with iconic, colorful wooden buildings lining the wharf.
This spot is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, so enjoy a walk by the wharf and stop to admire the beauty before you move on to explore the other attractions.
Bring an umbrella for your stay in Bergen! In Bergen, it rains, on average, 239 days a year, which is 50% more rain than the capital, Oslo.
During your stay here, you have to check out both the Bryggens Museum and The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene to learn more about the history of Bryggen. But since Bryggen is a small area, you’ll have to venture outside the neighborhood to see more attractions.
Pay a visit to the Bergenhus Fortress and climb to the top of the 13th-century tower, then move to explore The Rosenkrantz Tower and Håkon´s Hall.
While you’re in Bryggen, you must try traditional Norwegian food ( reindeer and whale is among those)! And the best place to try these dishes is Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant, the oldest Bergen restaurant!
The Clarion Collection is a luxurious hotel in Bryggen in a 1920s Neoclassical building. The Hotel Havnekontoret has a rooftop bar and a restaurant with spectacular harbor views. The hotel’s atmosphere is very romantic, so it’s the perfect spot for a couple’s getaway!
Other accommodation options in Bryggen
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz is steps away from Bryggen Wharf, with a guest lounge offering complimentary drinks and a 24-hour reception
This house is one of the best affordable places in Bryggen, Bergen, in a central location and fully furnished rooms
Studio in the Very Best Location
A traditionally decorated Airbnb 7-min walk from Bryggen, with a comfortable bed, a functional kitchen, and a dedicated laundry area
Things to do in Bryggen
- Have a walk by the wharf and take a lot of photos of the iconic colorful houses
- Climb up to the top of the 13th-century tower, the Rosenkrantz
- Book the Queen of the Fjords tour
- Try the delicious seafood at The Unicorn Fish Restaurant
3. Nordnes – where to stay in Bergen on a family trip
Nordnes is a peninsula 2 km (1 mi) from the city center, just across Bryggen. You can enjoy the quiet atmosphere, beautiful parks, and family-friendly hotels here.
Start your day by walking in Nordnes Park or through the narrow, cobbled streets of Klosteret district. You can also hike up to the Frederiksberg Fort and marvel at Bergen from above.
The Nordnes area offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, but the most exciting one by far is the Bergen Aquarium. You should also consider going for a swim at Nordnes Sjøbad, the neighborhood’s heated saltwater pool.
Bergen Harbor is actually environmentally friendly, it reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to over 500 liters (132 gallons) of gasoline per hour!
And if you’re unsure where to stay in Bergen for fjord exploration, Nordnes is by far the best choice! You can book a tour departing from this area – there are plenty, so you’ll surely find something to your liking!
The Clarion Hotel Admiral is one of the best luxury hotels outside the Bergen city center. The rooms offer a harbor view and a great restaurant, too. The hotel has family rooms and provides board games and puzzles for entertaining the kids. So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Bergen with your family, this is my no.1 recommendation.
Other accommodation options in Nordnes
This pet-friendly hotel has a garden and offers laundry/dry cleaning services, which is great if you’re traveling with kids
Conveniently situated apartments with free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry services, and a nearby car park for guests
An authentic wooden house, an example of Bergen architecture, with trademark Norwegian design and fully furnished rooms
Things to do in Nordnes
- Have a nice family dinner at the Horn of Africa
- Have a walk by the waterfront at Verftet
- Take a bus to Sandviken and hike on the trails
- Embark on a fjord cruise to Mostraumen
4. Nygård – where to stay in Bergen on a budget
Located just south of the city center, Nygård is Bergen’s student neighborhood. Besides Bergen University, you’ll find many pubs, cafés, cheaper food options, and more affordable hotels – perfect if you’re looking for where to stay in Bergen on a budget.
Start your day exploring museums such as the Maritime Museum and The Museum Garden, one of the 3 botanical gardens at Bergen University. If you love green surfaces, you can spend your time in the Nygårdsparken, a wonderful park on the edge of the neighborhood.
TIP: visit the Leprosy Museum, located in an old hospital. It may not be the most pleasant experience, but it’s an important part of Bergen’s history as the city had the highest concentration of leprosy patients in Europe!
Nygård is quite a small area of Bergen, so you’ll probably be in and out of the neighborhood the entire time. You can easily hop into the Sentrum area, or you can get on a bus to Sandviken to see the traditional Norwegian wooden houses.
A family-owned hotel in two 19th-century buildings, where each room is individually decorated and furnished in classic style. Each room has a private bathroom and a TV with cable channels. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and personal service, and guests get the opportunity to explore their unique antique collection.
Other accommodation options in Nygård
CityBox Bergen has a rooftop terrace and spacious rooms; children stay for free, which is great for budget travelers
A comfortable room right next to Nygårdsbark, flexible check-in, and access to a shared kitchen and bathroom
This Airbnb apartment has amazing decoration, a fully furnished kitchen, and easy access to the main attractions
Things to do in Nygård
- Have a walk at the gardens of the University of Bergen
- Visit St. Jacob’s Church
- Go to the 100 years old, Bergen Maritime Museum
- Visit the Museum Of History
| 👑 Luxury price: | €180 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €130 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €80 |
| 📍 Best area: | Sentrum |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Norge by Scandic |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Zander K Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | City Hostel Bergen |
BONUS: 4 unique places to stay in Bergen
Bergen is a historic city and the fjord capital of Norway, so thousands of tourists flock there every year to embark on a fjord adventure or just enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city.
So, it should come as no surprise that the city offers plenty of unique places to stay.
The following list contains Bergen hotels (and 1 Airbnb) that stand out from the rest with their uniqueness and will definitely make your Bergen stay more memorable!
- Bergen Børs Hotel – I firmly believe this is one the best places to stay in Bergen! It’s situated in a stock exchange building from 1862! However, if this is not enough to tempt you, this luxury hotel has all the modern amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
- Opus 16 – one of the most well-known Bergen hotels, located in a historic building from the 19th century. But what makes this luxurious hotel even more unique is the in-house exhibition and the fact each room is individually designed.
- Hôtel Charmante – Boutique Hotel – what singles out Hôtel Charmante from other luxury hotels? The French decor and ambiance! The furnishings echo early 20th-century Paris, the music selection is exclusively French, and the wallpaper is…unlike anything else.
- Adorable, Charming, Rare Historic House – an Airbnb set in a charming house from 1780. You’ll have this cozy house all to yourself, including the lovely little terrace. It’s in a superb Sandviken location and close to public transport posts, so you get around easily.
FAQs about where to stay in Bergen
🕐 How many days do you need in Bergen Norway?
To explore the city of Bergen, you need at least 2 days, but if you also want to go on a fjord excursion, I suggest you stay in Bergen for 3 days.
🤔 Which is better, Oslo or Bergen?
Oslo and Bergen have totally different vibes. If you want to explore the fjords, go hiking, and spend some time in nature, Bergen is the better option. And if you want that big city hustle and bustle, Oslo should be your first stop.
💰 How expensive is Bergen Norway?
Bergen is a relatively expensive city. Your budget should be around €250 – €300 per day for a couple. This budget should cover a stay in a mid-range hotel, food, and activities for your stay in Bergen.
👨👩👧👦 Where to stay in Bergen for families?
The best area to stay in Bergen for families is Nordnes. Some of the best family-friendly Bergen hotels are Clarion Hotel Admiral and Comfort Hotel Bergen.
🏔️ Is Bergen Norway worth visiting?
Yes, Bergen is totally worth visiting. It’s a gateway to the fjords, and has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Besides that, it’s home to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, Bryggen.
🌝 What is the best time to visit Bergen Norway?
The best time to stay in Bergen is between June and August. During this period, the weather is warm, and you can expect fewer rainy days – perfect for outdoor activities and taking a fjord tour!
📍 What is the best area of Bergen to stay in?
The ultimate area for a stay in Bergen is Sentrum. You’ll be just a couple of minutes walk from the main tourist spots, and you can choose among the best places to stay in the Sentrum area – from luxury hotels to budget apartments and Airbnbs.
🚶 Is Bergen a walkable city?
Bergen is a walkable city, especially the city center. However, if you can’t (don’t want to) walk, you can rely on public transportation. You can get anywhere by bus or by train, i.e., the Bergen Light Rail.
📆 Is 2 days in Bergen enough?
Yes, if you want to explore the central city area, 2 days are enough for a stay in Bergen. But the Vestland area has much more to offer, so I suggest you stay an extra night and explore the beautiful nature surrounding Bergen.
🌌 Can I see northern lights in Bergen?
It is possible to see the Northern Lights in Bergen, but this is a rare occurrence. If you want to see the Northern Lights, you can book a tour from Tromso and have that once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Conclusion
In this blog post, I presented the best places to stay in Bergen, Norway, including luxury hotels and budget options. So, you should already have an idea of where to stay in Bergen.
If you don’t, these 2 are my favorite Bergen hotels:
- Hotel Norge by Scandic – one of the best luxury hotels, with 3 floors of bars, restaurants, and lounges
- Zander K Hotel – in a central location, offering designer rooms and indoor bike parking
Just a quick reminder – to get a better deal on your hotel in Bergen, make a reservation in advance!
If you have any other suggestions or questions about where to stay in Bergen, do not hesitate to leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to reply!
Enjoy your time in Bergen, Norway!
Kate
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