Where to Stay in Bergen: The 11 Best Hotels
Are you wondering where to stay in Bergen? These are our favourite areas of the city and the 11 best hotels to help you plan your trip.
Bergen is one of those cities that immediately captures your heart. Surrounded by fjords and mountains, and filled with colourful houses, it’s the perfect base for either a city break or if you’re planning on road tripping around Norway’s incredible landscapes.
We stayed in Bergen for 5 days and absolutely fell in love with the city and the surrounding landscapes. Plus, we had the absolute perfect place to stay for our trip.. It was centrally located, comfortable, and the breakfast was so delicious!
But here’s the thing: choosing where to stay in Bergen can feel a little overwhelming. The city isn’t huge, but there is a lot of choice when it comes to accommodation, and each hotel and neighbourhood has its own charm.
Plus, the type of trip you’re planning will make a big difference. Do you want to wake up right on the waterfront? Be close to the train station for day trips? Or maybe stay somewhere a little quieter with a more local feel?
In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Bergen, along with our top hotel recommendations, from budget-friendly options to stylish boutique stays and luxury hotels.
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In a hurry?
These are our favourite hotels in Bergen, Norway!
- HIGH END: Bergen Børs Hotel
- MID-RANGE: Clarion Hotrl Admiral
- AFFORDABLE LUXURY: Magic Hotel
- BUDGET: Scandic Ornen
What are the best areas to stay in Bergen?
Bergen is compact and very walkable, so wherever you stay, you’ll never be far from the city’s highlights. That said, some areas will be more suitable than others depending on what you want out of your trip.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Bryggen & Vågen (Historic Centre)
If it’s your first time in Bergen, in our opinion, the best option is to stay near Bryggen. This is the colourful UNESCO-listed waterfront you’ve probably seen on every postcard of the city.
You’ll be steps away from restaurants, shops, museums, and the famous Fish Market. It’s the most atmospheric (and photogenic!) area, though hotels here do tend to be on the pricier side.
Sentrum (City Centre)
The city centre is a fantastic all-rounder. It’s still very close to Bryggen but often a little more affordable. You’ll find lots of hotels, shopping streets, and easy access to public transport, including the light rail to the airport.
If you want convenience without being right in the middle of the tourist crowds, this is a smart choice.
Nygårdshøyden & University Area
For a more local vibe, head slightly south to the university district. It’s quieter, has a younger feel thanks to all the students, and you’ll find some budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses here.
It’s still walkable to the centre, but with more of a laid-back feel.
Near the Train Station (Bergen Stasjon)
If you’re planning day trips – for example, on the famous Bergen Railway – or you want easy airport access, staying near the train station is really convenient. Hotels here are generally more affordable, and you’re still only about a 10-minute walk from Bryggen.
The Best Hotels in Bergen:
So, below, we’ve listed all of the best hotels in Bergen. These include the places we’ve stayed at before, visited while in the city, and a few recommendations from friends and locals.
1. Clarion Hotel Admiral
We stayed at the Clarion Hotel Admiral during our last trip to Bergen, and we absolutely loved it. It’s located right on the waterfront opposite Bryggen, so you arguably get the best view in Bergen right from your hotel room.
The rooms are large and comfortable, and ours had a balcony overlooking the waterfront. There was a large bed, a cosy seating area with a TV, and an en-suite bathroom.
They offer free tea, coffee, and flavoured water during the day down in reception, give you discounts on parking if you’re driving in Norway, and umbrellas to hire because, let’s face it, Bergen can be rather wet!
There is also a restaurant that serves delicious evening meals and a very scrummy buffet breakfast in the morning.
We stayed here for all of our 5-night trip to Bergen and absolutely loved it. If you’re looking for a very nice hotel in a fantastic location, we cannot recommend this enough.
❤️ Check prices and book a room at the Clarion Hotel Admiral
2. Scandic Ornen
Located close to the centre of the city, the Scandic Ornen is another great hotel in a fantastic place to stay in Bergen.
You’ll be within easy walking distance of many of the best things to do in Bergen, so perfect for sightseeing. Plus, if you want to hire a car and explore beyond the city centre, the hotel is right next to one of the largest car parks in the city.
The buffet breakfast here is huge, with over 100 different items, and most are organic products.
There are also 2 restaurants within this hotel for evening meals – one that serves a range of different dishes, and a second that serves grilled meats and seafood.
You can hire bikes from within the hotel itself, which makes it really easy to get around, and there’s an on-site fitness suite where you can even hire a personal trainer!
The rooms are very stylish and comfortable with large double beds, fluffy towels, and some have fantastic views over Bergen. You can also get family rooms here with a bunk bed for children, or larger suites with a bath and a seating area.
3. Thon Hotel Rozenkrantz
Located close to the famous Bryggen area, this hotel is perfect for those who want to be right in the centre of the action. It’s just 100 meters from Bryggen Wharf and a 3-minute walk from the funicular up Mount Floyen, so it’s perfect for exploring.
You’ll find modern rooms with a bright and colourful design, and large, comfy beds, a flat screen TV, a Bose sound system and a mini bar.
This fab hotel also has a fitness suite, a lounge offering complimentary drinks and fresh fruit and a 24-hour reception, ideal if you have a late flight. It also has very good public transport links as the train station is just a 10-minute walk away.
❤️ Check prices and book a room at the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
4. Comfort Hotel
For an affordable hotel right around the corner from the city centre, Comfort Hotel is a great option. You’ll find a stylish lobby area with squashy sofas, a small gym, and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy views over Bergen.
It’s just a short 5-minute walk to the waterfront, so you’ll have easy access to many of Bergen’s top attractions. There’s a delicious buffet breakfast served every morning and a bar where you can grab a drink in the evening.
The rooms are simple yet comfortable, with large double beds, en-suite bathrooms, and some have views over the city centre.
5. Bergen Børs Hotel
If you’re looking tos splash out on luxury while in Bergen, you can’t go wrong with Bergen Børs Hotel. This incredibly luxurious hotel is located at the far side of the Bryggen Wharf, near the Bergenhus Fortress.
It’s beautifully designed with an elegant lobby area with stunning architecture, a stylish bar with hundreds of wine bottles, and a beautiful lounge and restaurant area.
You’ll find huge rooms with underfloor heating in the bathroom and some with free-standing baths, and views over the city. Or you can opt for their loft suite if you really want to go all out!
It’s very centrally located, with Bryggen just minutes away on foot.
6. Hotel Heimen
Just a 5-minute walk from the fish market, this 4* hotel is another great option in the city centre of Bergen. The rooms are large and unique, with cute wall panelling, pastel colours, and chandeliers, and you’ll find comfy beds with soft throws at the foot.
Despite the central location, it’s quite quiet in the evenings and, in the morning, you’ll be served a delicious buffet breakfast down in the restaurant.
There’s also a cosy lounge area, bike hire from just outside the hotel, and a fitness suite. The hotel also features original paintings and sculptures by various local artists, which is a lovely touch.
7. Magic Hotel
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bergen for modern design and the option of self-catering, this hotel is easily one of the best options! Located in Kløverhuset, just a short walk from Bryggen Wharf, Magic Hotel is an absolutely beautiful property.
It features modern designer rooms, which all have a very unique design.
You’ll find large mirrors, flat screen televisions, large double beds, coffee machines, and a unique pop of colour! Some rooms even have views over Bryggen and additional seating areas.
Plus, if you’d rather stay in a self-catering apartment, they offer one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all with private kitchenettes, seating area, and some feature a terrace.
The lobby is unique and modern with squashy sofas and indoor plants creating a beautiful atmosphere, plus, the lighting around the bar gives it a really unique look.
You can enjoy both dinner and breakfast in the on-site restaurant, which serves a delicious range of dishes.
8. Scandic Torget
Located literally along the waterfront in Bergen, this wonderful hotel is right outside the famous fish market, and you can see across the waterfront from many of the rooms.
You’ll find simple yet stylish modern rooms, with flat screen TVs, complimentary toiletries, and some with scenic views.
The hotel also serves a delicious buffet breakfast in the downstairs restaurant, which transforms into a cosy bar in the evening.
You are also able to use the fitness suite at the Scandic Neptun (another great hotel), which is just a short walk away.
9. Hotel Bristol
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bergen for a central location, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Bristol. Located right in Torgalmenningen Square, this hotel will put you right in the centre of all the action, but still quiet enough not to feel too chaotic.
The rooms are playfully designed with bright colours and are very modern and cosy. You’ll find a mini bar in each and an en-suite bathroom.
Breakfast is served in the rooftop restaurant with fantastic views over the city, and you’ll find free tea and coffee in reception.
There’s also a fitness centre, some rooms have balconies, and you’ll be just a short walk from the waterfront.
10. Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
If you fancy staying literally within the Bryggen area, head to Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. This hotel is literally next to the famous colourful houses along the waterfront and is one of the best places to stay in Bergen.
Considering its historic location, the inside is fairly modern. You’ll find an outdoor seating area with benches and greenery, and an indoor lobby with colourful chairs.
The rooms are large with squashy beds, and some have freestanding baths in the en-suite. There’s a range of different room options here, including a large suite with a seating area or just a more affordable double room.
Downstairs, you’ll also find a restaurant, a social club, and a fitness suite, which also offers a sauna and steam bath.
11. Hotel Norge
A stunning 5-star hotel in the centre of the city, Hotel Norge is one of the best hotels in Bergen.
You’ll find very impressive rooms with huge beds, modern design, seating areas, desks, and large windows with views over the city and Mount Ulriken.
This hotel has 2 restaurants where you can dine on a delicious range of local and international cuisine, along with bars and lounge areas for relaxing after a day’s exploring.
You’ll also find an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, and a delicious buffet breakfast. The location is fantastic and the light rail station stop, airport shuttle bus, and the famous Bryggen, just a short 10-minute walk.
How Far in Advance Should I Book Hotels in Bergen?
Bergen might feel like a small city, but it’s one of the most popular destinations in Norway, and in the summer months, when cruise ships dock and the fjords are at their busiest.
If you’re visiting between June and August, we highly recommend booking your accommodation at least 2–3 months in advance to get the best choice of hotels and prices.
To be perfectly honest, to get the cheapest deals, you might want to consider booking as far as 6 months ahead, especially for hotels in the city centre.
A lot of people who visit spend at least 2 days in Bergen, typically weekends, so these also tend to sell out very fast.
Winter tends to be quieter, but Bergen is still a year-round city, so if you have your eye on a particular hotel, it’s always worth booking early.
Is it Easy to Find Parking in Bergen?
Parking in Bergen can be tricky, especially if you’re staying right in the historic centre. Some hotels do offer private parking (usually for an extra fee), so it’s worth checking before you book if you’ll be driving.
If your hotel doesn’t provide it, there are several paid parking garages around the city centre. ByGarasjen is the largest and most convenient. We parked here on several nights, and it was easy to reach and not too far to walk to the city centre.
Honestly, though, unless you’re planning to road trip through Norway, you won’t need a car while staying in Bergen itself. The city is super walkable, and public transport is excellent.
Final Thoughts
Bergen is close to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Norway, so even if you’re only in Bergen for 1 day, the type of trip you’re planning can make a huge difference to the type of accommodation you need.
If you’re after charm and atmosphere, nothing beats the Bryggen area. If convenience is your priority, the city centre has plenty of modern hotels within walking distance of all the main attractions.
If you’d prefer a quieter, more local feel, head towards the university district or slightly outside the centre for more space and better value. You’re much more likely to find somewhere with free parking in this area, too!
Overall, deciding where to stay in Bergen comes down to the kind of experience you want. If you want a stylish hotel in a central location, we recommend this one.
For a more budget-friendly option, this place is fantastic, and for luxury, we love this fabulous hotel.
Our best advice? Decide what kind of trip you want, whether you’ll be staying in the city or exploring the surroundings, and pick your hotel accordingly.
We hope this article has given you plenty of help and inspiration for planning your trip to Bergen, but if you have any questions, ask in our Facebook Group!
👉 For all our recommendations for the top things to do in Bergen, check out this guide!
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