Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and the gateway to the fjords of Western Norway. It’s squeezed in between seven mountains and the sea, and the colourful wooden houses on Bryggen, the fish market at Vågen and the view from Fløyen make it one of Norway’s most popular destinations. That’s why it pays to think carefully about where to stay in Bergen.
The centre is small, but where you choose to stay still makes a big difference. Bergen is an expensive city, it rains a lot and the streets are steep, so a good location saves you money, time and wet shoes. Here are my recommendations for six areas.
Contents
Where to Stay in Bergen: The Best Areas
- Bryggen and Bergenhus - best area for first-time visitors
- Torgallmenningen and Ole Bulls plass - best area for shopping, restaurants and nightlife
- Nordnes - best area for peace and quiet by the water and for families
- Marken and the Cathedral - best area for charming little streets and spas
- Bergen stasjon and Lille Lungegårdsvann - best area for trains and fjord trips
- Flesland by the airport - best area for early flights
Below, I go through the areas one by one with a map, practical facts and three hotels in each, so you can find the base that suits your trip. Hotel prices are given in pounds, while tickets and transport are listed in Norwegian kroner with an approximate amount in pounds.
1. Bryggen and Bergenhus - best area for first-time visitors 🏘️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re right in the middle of the historic centre, about 300 metres from the fish market at Torget.
- 🚶 Getting around: Everything in the centre is within walking distance, and the lower station of the Fløibanen funicular is just a few minutes’ walk from Bryggen.
- ✈️ Time from Bergen Airport Flesland: About 45 minutes on the Bybanen light rail (51 NOK, around £4) or 20 to 30 minutes on the Flybussen.
- 💰 Price level: €€€ to €€€€. The three hotels below cost around £200 to £290 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
- 👮 Safety: Very safe. The main things to watch out for are pickpockets in the summer crowds and the slippery cobbles after it’s rained.
Bryggen is the image most people have in mind when they think of Bergen. The row of pointed wooden houses along the eastern side of the Vågen harbour was part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire, and according to UNESCO, Bryggen has been on the World Heritage List since 1979. The houses have burnt down many times, but each time they’ve been rebuilt to the old plan.
I’d choose Bryggen if it’s your first time in Bergen and you only have a couple of days. You can wander through the narrow passages between the wooden houses early in the morning before the tour groups arrive, and you have the fish market, Bergenhus Fortress and the restaurants along the quayside right on your doorstep.
See hotels in Bryggen and Bergenhus here.
From Bryggen it’s also a short walk to the Fløibanen, which runs up to the viewpoint on Fløyen. A return ticket costs 200 NOK (around £16) in the app or from the ticket machine from April to September and 145 NOK (around £12) the rest of the year, and the ride up takes about six minutes. Go early or late in the day, as the queue can be long around midday.
If you want to get out on the fjord, a fjord cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen is an easy half-day trip that takes you through the narrow sounds north of the city without having to hire a car.
The downside of Bryggen is that it’s the most expensive and most visited area in the city. On days when cruise ships are in port, the quayside gets very busy, and the hotels are often fully booked in summer, so book well in advance.
Hotels in Bryggen and Bergenhus
Home Hotel Havnekontoret - best luxury hotel with dinner included
Havnekontoret is in a neoclassical building from the 1920s at the end of Bryggen and was the most expensive of my three picks here. Breakfast and a light evening meal are included, and there are views over the harbour from the roof. Guests mention that the choice at the evening meal is limited, and parking has to be booked in advance.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location, beautiful building, friendly staff and lovely food.”
See photos and book Home Hotel Havnekontoret here.
Det Hanseatiske Hotel - best hotel in the old Bryggen houses
Det Hanseatiske Hotel is on Finnegaardsgaten at the southern end of Bryggen, in one of the old buildings, with rustic-style rooms. Breakfast is included, but there’s no restaurant and the hotel has no parking. Several guests mention that the building shows its age and wear, so choose it for the atmosphere rather than modern comforts.
One guest highlights on Booking.com: “The location, the staff and the breakfast.”
See photos and book Det Hanseatiske Hotel here.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - cheapest large hotel right behind Bryggen
Radisson Blu Royal is on Dreggsallmenningen just behind the wooden houses and was the cheapest of my three picks in the area. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a gym, and a high guest rating of 8.4 from many thousands of reviews. Breakfast isn’t always included in the price, and some guests find the rooms small.
One guest sums up their stay on Booking.com: “Location, location, location.”
See photos and book Radisson Blu Royal Hotel here.
2. Torgallmenningen and Ole Bulls plass - best area for shopping, restaurants and nightlife 🛍️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying in the heart of the city. From Torgallmenningen, it’s about 200 metres to the Fish Market.
- 🚋 Transport: Byparken, the terminus of the Bybanen light rail, is right by Ole Bulls plass, and line 1 runs directly from here to the airport.
- ✈️ Time from Bergen Airport Flesland: About 45 minutes on the Bybanen (51 NOK, around £4) or 20 to 30 minutes on the Flybussen.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £120 to £720 per night when I searched for a weekend in June.
- 👮 Safety: Safe. On Friday and Saturday evenings the streets around Ole Bulls plass are busy, so it can be noisy late at night.
Torgallmenningen is Bergen’s wide main street, running from Torget and the Fish Market up towards Ole Bulls plass and Den Nationale Scene. This is where you’ll find the shops, cafés and many of the city’s restaurants and bars, so it’s the area with the most going on in the evening.
I’d pick this area if you want as much as possible within walking distance and like to go out for dinner without having to think about getting home. You’ve got Bryggen and the Fløibanen funicular on one side and Lille Lungegårdsvann and the art museums on the other, and none of them is more than a ten-minute walk away.
See hotels in Torgallmenningen and Ole Bulls plass here.
The big advantage is transport. The Bybanen runs from Byparken to the airport in about 45 minutes, and a ticket costs 51 NOK (around £4) according to Visit Bergen. It’s one of the cheapest airport connections in Norway, and up to four children travel free on the same ticket. The Flybussen is quicker but costs 189 NOK (around £15) when you buy your ticket in advance.
The downside is the noise. Many hotels sit above or next to bars and restaurants, and in summer the streets stay packed until late into the night. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street, or choose Nordnes, just a few minutes’ walk away.
Hotels around Torgallmenningen and Ole Bulls plass
Opus XVI - best five-star hotel in the centre
Opus XVI is set in a historic building from 1876 on Vågsallmenningen, a few steps from Torget, and is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The rooms are individually decorated, and breakfast is included. It was by far the most expensive hotel in this guide, and some guests mention that the service in the bar doesn’t quite live up to the price.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location, comfortable bed, great facilities, fantastic breakfast.”
See photos and book Opus XVI here.
Hotel Norge by Scandic - best mid-range hotel with a spa by Byparken
Hotel Norge stands on Ole Bulls plass, right opposite Byparken and the Bybanen terminus. It’s officially a five-star hotel with several bars, a spa and an indoor pool, but access to the spa and pool costs extra, and breakfast isn’t always included. On the other hand, the price was far below the other five-star hotels in the city when I searched.
One guest highlights the rooms on Booking.com: “Perfect location and rooms, and the breakfast buffet was fantastic.”
See photos and book Hotel Norge by Scandic here.
Vestre Torggaten 20 - cheapest option with your own kitchen
Vestre Torggaten 20 is an aparthotel a few minutes’ walk from Torgallmenningen and was the cheapest of my three picks in the centre. You get space to cook your own meals, which can save you a lot of money in Bergen. There’s no breakfast and no parking, and some guests mention noise from the pub next door.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location. Supermarket just around the corner.”
See photos and book Vestre Torggaten 20 here.
3. Nordnes - best area for peace and quiet by the water and for families 🐧
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The hotels are in the inner part of Nordnes, 300 to 550 metres from the Fish Market. The Aquarium at the tip is around 1.3 km from Torget.
- 🚶 Transport: You can walk to most places. From Torget it’s about a 20-minute walk to the Aquarium at the tip of the peninsula.
- ✈️ Time from Bergen Airport Flesland: Around 45 minutes on the Bybanen light rail (51 NOK, around £4) or 20 to 30 minutes on the Flybussen followed by a 5 to 10-minute walk.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. The three hotels below cost around £180 to £275 per night when I searched for a weekend in June.
- 👮 Safety: Very safe. Nordnes is a quiet residential area, and the little streets are peaceful in the evening.
Nordnes is the peninsula between the Vågen harbour and Puddefjorden, just west of the centre. According to Store norske leksikon, it’s one of the oldest areas in Bergen, with lots of old, picturesque houses, and the narrow streets lined with white wooden houses make for a lovely stroll once you’ve seen Bryggen.
I’d choose Nordnes if you’re travelling with children or simply want a good night’s sleep. Out at the tip is the Bergen Aquarium with sea lions, penguins and otters, and it’s open every day. Right next to it is Nordnesparken, with views across the fjord.
In summer you can swim at Nordnes Sjøbad, a heated 25-metre outdoor saltwater pool where the water is kept at 30 degrees. You can also jump straight into the sea from the diving board, and there’s a sauna, so it’s a great place to unwind after a long day on your feet.
The hotels on Nordnes are in the inner part of the peninsula along C. Sundts gate and Strandgaten, so you’re still only a short walk from Torget and the restaurants. From the quayside on this side of the harbour, you look out across Vågen to the wooden houses of Bryggen.
The downside is the hills. Nordnes is hilly, and the further out towards the tip you go, the further you are from the centre. There are also fewer restaurants than around Torgallmenningen, so most evenings you’ll need to walk into town to eat.
Hotels on Nordnes
Heimen Hotel - the priciest option, with Norwegian art on the walls
Heimen Hotel is on C. Sundts gate in the inner part of Nordnes, and the hotel is decorated with paintings and sculptures by Norwegian artists. Breakfast is included, and parking can be booked for a fee. There’s no restaurant, and some guests find the rooms rather basic.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location, close to everything, yet quiet.”
See photos and book Heimen Hotel here.
Clarion Hotel Admiral - best waterfront hotel with views of Bryggen
Clarion Hotel Admiral sits right on Vågen on the Nordnes side of the harbour, looking across the water towards Bryggen. The breakfast buffet is included and is praised for its choice. On the other hand, guests mention that the restaurant has few dishes to choose from in the evening, and parking is in a nearby multi-storey car park.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location, friendly staff, the room is okay.”
See photos and book Clarion Hotel Admiral here.
Comfort Hotel Bergen - the cheapest hotel option on Nordnes
Comfort Hotel Bergen is on Strandgaten, around 550 metres from the Fish Market, and was the cheapest of the three hotels on Nordnes. There’s a Scandinavian breakfast buffet, a bar and a gym, plus a limited number of paid parking spaces. The rooms are small, so the hotel suits you best if you’ll mostly be out and about.
One guest highlights the staff on Booking.com: “The location was fantastic, and the staff were incredibly helpful.”
See photos and book Comfort Hotel Bergen here.
4. Marken and the Cathedral - best area for charming little streets and spa ☕
- 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying between Torget and the railway station, around 250 to 500 metres from the fish market.
- 🚶 Transport: You can walk to both Bryggen and Bergen stasjon in under ten minutes, and the lower station of the Fløibanen funicular is just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral.
- ✈️ Time from Bergen Airport Flesland: Around 45 minutes on the Bybanen light rail (51 NOK, around £4) or 20 to 30 minutes on the Flybussen.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £130 to £600 per night when I searched for a weekend in June.
- 👮 Safety: Safe. The streets are small and charming, but bear in mind that the cobblestones get slippery when it rains.
Marken is a narrow, cobbled pedestrian street lined with low wooden houses, running from the area around Lille Lungegårdsvann up towards Kong Oscars gate and the cathedral. It’s packed with little cafés, shops and places to eat, and it’s one of the cosiest places for a stroll in Bergen, especially on a rainy day.
I’d choose Marken if you want to stay centrally but a little away from the crowds at Bryggen. The area sits between the railway station and Torget, so you can walk to both the train and the harbour, and the cathedral and the lower Fløibanen station are only a few minutes away on foot.
See hotels in Marken and around the cathedral here.
It’s also a good area if you’re arriving by train from Oslo and heading on to the fjords. You won’t have to drag your suitcase up the hills, and in the morning you can grab coffee and pastries at one of the little cafés in Marken before walking down to the station.
Around the cathedral there are several small streets with old wooden houses, and from here it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the Fløibanen. If you stay in the area, you can easily pop up Mount Fløyen early in the morning before the queue for the funicular gets long, and be back in Marken in time for your morning coffee.
The downside is that there are few large hotels in the area, and the budget options are very basic. Some of the houses are uphill, and in the evening it’s quieter than around Torgallmenningen.
Hotels near Marken and the cathedral
Skostredet Hotel & Spa - best five-star spa hotel
Skostredet Hotel & Spa is on Domkirkegaten and has a spa, a gym and a Japanese restaurant. It’s a five-star hotel with high guest ratings, and breakfast is included. The price is high, and some guests feel the rooms are small for what they pay.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything was perfect.”
See photos and book Skostredet Hotel & Spa here.
BREEZE Hotel Victoria - mid-range self-service hotel
BREEZE Hotel Victoria is on Kong Oscars gate close to the cathedral and runs on a self-service basis, so you check in and out without a staffed reception. All rooms have private bathrooms, but there’s no breakfast. Some guests miss having staff on site, and others mention noise from the bar downstairs.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location, there’s a storage room, and a perfect view from the room.”
See photos and book BREEZE Hotel Victoria here.
City Hostel Bergen - cheapest option near the station
City Hostel Bergen sits on the corner of Kong Oscars gate and Tverrgaten close to Marken, and it was the cheapest place in the whole guide. As well as dorms, there are private rooms with either a private or shared bathroom, and there’s a shared kitchen. Breakfast isn’t included, and some guests mention noise from the entrance and bathrooms that weren’t entirely clean.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Very central, excellent location!”
See photos and book City Hostel Bergen here.
5. Bergen stasjon and Lille Lungegårdsvann - best area for trains and fjord trips 🚆
- 📍 Distance to the centre: About 650 metres from the Fish Market and under ten minutes’ walk from Torgallmenningen.
- 🚆 Transport: The Bergensbanen line to Oslo and Myrdal starts here, and the bus station and Bybanen are just nearby.
- ✈️ Time from Bergen Airport Flesland: About 45 minutes on the Bybanen (51 NOK, around £4) or 20 to 30 minutes on the Flybussen.
- 💰 Price level: €€€. The three hotels below cost around £225 to £320 per night when I searched for a weekend in June.
- 👮 Safety: Safe, but as at most railway stations, there are more people just hanging around in the evening. Keep an eye on your belongings.
Bergen stasjon sits in the south-eastern part of the centre, right by Lille Lungegårdsvann, the octagonal lake in the middle of Byparken. From here it’s a short walk to the art museums along the lake, and the whole centre is within walking distance.
I’d choose this area if you’re arriving or travelling on by train. According to Store norske leksikon, the fastest trains on the Bergensbanen take around 6.5 hours between Oslo and Bergen, and from Myrdal the branch line runs down to Flåm. If you stay by the station, you can catch an early train without any stress.
See hotels around Bergen stasjon and Lille Lungegårdsvann here.
Many people combine Bergen with a couple of days in the capital. If you haven’t decided yet, you can read my guide to where to stay in Oslo and see my picks for the best things to see in Oslo before you take the train over the mountains.
The area is also handy if you’re going on one of the popular fjord trips that start with a train from Bergen, or if you’re moving on by bus. The bus station is a few minutes’ walk from the railway station, and the Bybanen passes by on its way to the airport.
The downside is that the area around the station is busier with traffic and doesn’t have the same charm as Bryggen and Nordnes. On the other hand, the hotels are on flat ground, so you avoid the steep hills with your suitcase.
Hotels near Bergen stasjon
Zander K Hotel - best design hotel by the platforms
Zander K is right next to the railway station and is a modern design hotel with a restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included, and the hotel was the most expensive of my three picks near the station. Some guests mention that the rooms can get warm because there’s no air conditioning, and that breakfast can be busy.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel was central and everything was within walking distance.”
See photos and book Zander K Hotel here.
Grand Hotel Terminus - best classic hotel with a whisky bar
Grand Hotel Terminus is on Zander Kaaes gate opposite the station and is a classic hotel with a restaurant, a whisky bar and a terrace in the garden. Breakfast is included. Guests mention that the hotel can feel busy at breakfast and that some rooms could do with some maintenance.
One guest highlights the atmosphere on Booking.com: “It feels luxurious from the moment you step inside.”
See photos and book Grand Hotel Terminus here.
Citybox Bergen City - cheapest hotel option by Byparken
Citybox is on Nygårdsgaten near Byparken and the art museums, and it was the cheapest of my three picks near the station. The concept is simple, with self-service, a shared kitchen and a private bathroom in every room. There’s no breakfast, the rooms are small and there aren’t many staff on site.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Clean, quiet and comfortable with a fantastic location.”
See photos and book Citybox Bergen City here.
6. Flesland by the airport - best area for early flights ✈️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The airport is around 16 km south-west of the centre, according to Avinor.
- 🚋 Transport: Bybanen light rail line 1 runs from the airport to Byparken in the centre, and the Flybussen airport coach goes to the centre and the bus station.
- ✈️ Time from Bergen Airport Flesland: The hotels are roughly 600 metres to 1.5 km from the terminal as the crow flies.
- 💰 Price level: €€. The three hotels below cost around £125 to £140 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
- 👮 Safety: Very safe. The area is mostly hotels, offices and roads, so it’s quiet in the evening.
Flesland isn’t somewhere to stay if you want to see Bergen, but it’s a practical choice for your first or last night. If you have an early morning flight or land late in the evening, you save yourself the trip in and out of the city and get a bit more sleep.
I’d only choose the airport for one night. The hotels here are modern and a little cheaper than in the centre, and all three below serve breakfast very early, so you have time to eat before checking in for a morning flight.
See hotels in Flesland by the airport here.
Lots of people fly to Bergen via Oslo. If you’re changing planes or starting your trip in the capital, you can read my guide to getting from Oslo Airport. According to Avinor, a taxi to Bergen city centre takes around 18 minutes in normal traffic, but it’s expensive, so Bybanen is usually the best option.
Bybanen is also a good solution if you stay at the airport on your first night and want to head into the city the next day. It runs all the way to Byparken, and you can buy your ticket in the Skyss app or from the machine on the platform.
The downside is that there’s nothing to see or do in the area in the evening, and you’ll spend around an hour there and back if you want to go into the city. If you’re staying several nights, it’s almost always better to pay a little more for a hotel in the centre.
Hotels near Bergen Airport Flesland
Scandic Flesland Airport - best airport hotel with spacious rooms
Scandic Flesland Airport is around 1.5 km from the terminal as the crow flies and has a restaurant, bar and gym. Breakfast is served from 4am, and parking is available on site. The price difference between the airport hotels is small, and some guests mention that the cleaning wasn’t always up to scratch.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location. Good breakfast. Spacious room. Modern style.”
See photos and book Scandic Flesland Airport here.
Clarion Hotel Bergen Airport - closest hotel to the terminal
Clarion Hotel Bergen Airport is only around 600 metres from the terminal and had the highest guest rating of the three, at 8.6. Breakfast is served from 4am, and there’s a restaurant and bar. Some guests feel the glass-walled bathrooms give too little privacy and that the restaurant menu is short.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location, nice, clean and tidy rooms, helpful staff.”
See photos and book Clarion Hotel Bergen Airport here.
Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport - cheapest airport hotel
Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport is around 1.1 km from the terminal and was the cheapest of my three picks at the airport. Breakfast is served from 4.30am, and there’s paid parking on site. Some guests find the facilities limited, and a few mention the cleaning.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location for our late arrival in the evening.”
See photos and book Comfort Hotel Bergen Airport here.
Where not to stay in Bergen?
I wouldn’t stay in the suburbs south of the centre, for example around Kokstad and the big shopping centres, even though the hotels there are often cheaper. You’ll need to take Bybanen or the bus into the city every day, and you’ll miss out on the evenings by the harbour. Kokstad is fine for a single night before a flight, but not as a base for a whole holiday.
Be careful, too, with cheap flats high up on the mountainside above the centre and in Sandviken. On the map they look close to Bryggen, but the way home often goes up very steep streets and steps, which is hard work with a suitcase and in the rain. Always check the difference in elevation on the map before you book.
If you’re visiting Bergen for the first time and have two or three nights, I’d stay by Bryggen or around Torgallmenningen. If you’re travelling with children or want more peace and quiet, Nordnes is the best choice, and if you’d like somewhere cosy between the train and the harbour, Marken is a good compromise. If you’re arriving by train or heading on towards the fjords, stay near Bergen stasjon, and if you have an early flight, you can spend your last night at Flesland.
If you want to combine Bergen with more of Norway, you can also read my guide to where to stay in Tromsø if you’re dreaming of the northern lights or the midnight sun.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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