Where to stay in Bergen [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and the starting point of the popular “Norway in a Nutshell” tour. Set amidst a dramatic background of deep fjords and mountainous peaks, Bergen can be a jumping off point to exploring deeper into Norway, or your final destination in Norway.

View of the beautiful Bergen bay in autumn, Norway

Bergen city center is relatively compact, leaving most Bergen hotels within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Using our guide to Bergen accommodation, you can easily decide where to stay in Bergen, Norway.

We will cover off all types of accommodation in Bergen Norway; options from Hostels to luxury Bergen hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Bergen Norway 2024.

This guide shows off the best Bergen hotels, best places in Bergen to visit, the best places to stay in Bergen, hotels near Bergen attractions, Bergen neighborhood guide and many more.

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Bryggen – Where to stay in Bergen for first timers

If you’ve admired photos of colourful wooden buildings lined up along a wharf, chances are good that it’s a photo of Bryggen.

Bryggen, also known as Tyskebryggen, is a collection of commercial structures of Hanseatic heritage that line the eastern side of the Vågen harbour in Bergen, Norway. Bryggen has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO world heritage site.

Bryggen has been rebuilt several times due to fires, but the original foundation remains. Aside from the colourful waterfront buildings, the narrow alleys hide cafes, restaurants, and shops offering traditional souvenirs.

Bryggen is the best place to stay in Bergen if you only have a few days and want to see the highlights.  

Best places to stay in Bryggen

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bryggen

Budget accommodation in Bryggen

Mid range accommodation in Bryggen

Family Friendly accommodation in Bryggen

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Bryggen

Bergen, Norway. View of historical buildings in Bryggen- Hanseatic wharf in Bergen, Norway. UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sentrum – Where to stay in Bergen for tourist

Bergen City Center is ones of the best areas to stay in Bergen for tourists, thanks to a central location and plenty of things to see and do.

This is not a typical city center, but also a very lively residential area. The Nonneseter Abbey was founded in the 12th century, and the chapel remains today, tucked amidst modern buildings.

Many of the hotels in Bergen Norway can be found in Sentrum, including some of the best luxury hotels in Bergen Norway. If you are planning any day trips from Bergen by train, Sentrum is also the location of the main train station of Bergen.

Like Bryggen, much of this area has been burned down and rebuilt over the years, leaving an interesting mix of architecture.

Best places to stay in Sentrum

Budget accommodation in Sentrum

Mid range accommodation in Sentrum

Family Friendly accommodation in Sentrum

Bergen aerial panoramic view from Mount Floyen viewpoint. Bergen is a city and municipality in Hordaland, Norway.

Nordnes – Where to stay in Bergen with family

Across the harbour from Bryggen is the peninsula where Nordnes is located. This is a quieter area of Bergen, offering both family-friendly and budget-friendly accommodation options. Making it best area to stay in Bergen for Family.

Nordnes Park is a lovely city park with views to the south and is also home to the Aquarium and cultural house.

Nordnes sjøbad is a very popular public swimming pool that is open in the summer and links up with the fjord for wild swimming.

The residential nature of Nordnes means you’ll find conveniences like grocery stores and restaurants scattered about.

Best places to stay in Nordnes

Budget accommodation in Nordnes

Mid range accommodation in Nordnes

Family Friendly accommodation in Nordnes

The photo shows Bergen harbour a winter day

Nygårdshøyden – Where to stay in Bergen on a budget

Another hilly area of Bergen is the neighborhood of Nygårdshøyden. This is home to Bergen University, so there’s a distinctly young vibe in the area.

This translates to lots of bars, cheap eats, and unique shops. This Bergen neighborhood is also home of the Maritime Museum, which is over 100 years old.

The University also has the University Museum, which contains a Natural History Museum and a Historical Museum.

Best places to stay in Nygårdshøyden

Budget accommodation in Nygårdshøyden

Mid range accommodation in Nygårdshøyden

Family Friendly accommodation in Nygårdshøyden

Photo of the church , next to the university of Bergen

Årstad – Where to stay in Bergen for a suburban experience

Årstad includes a large suburban area just outside Bergen City Center. Once a royal estate and farm, this area merged with Bergen a long time ago, but has a population of nearly 40,000.

It’s a great place to stay near Bergen if you are looking for a suburban experience, and perhaps a long-term stay.

Commuting into Bergen is easy, with a tram or bus taking just ten minutes. This is also where you’ll find Brann Stadion, the city football stadium.

Best places to stay in Årstad

Budget accommodation in Årstad

Mid range accommodation in Årstad

Family Friendly accommodation in Årstad

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Årstad

Red stern of a large ship in Bergen harbor with hillside homes in the background, Norway

Sandviken – Where to stay near Bergen for outdoor lovers

Another Bergen neighborhood popular with students is the area called Sandviken. Just north of Bergen, nestled between the fjord and the mountains, this is the perfect area of Bergen for travelers seeking outdoor adventures such as hiking.

Everything in Sandviken is in walking distance of Bergen city center, but there are many budget friendly deals to be found, as well as amazing views.

Best places to stay in Sandviken

Mid range accommodation in Sandviken

Family Friendly accommodation in Sandviken

The old town of Bergen city in Norway

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Bergen

❤️ Best Area first timersBryggen
💸 Best Luxury HotelBergen Børs Hotel
👪 Best Hotel for For FamiliesScandic Neptun
🏨 Best Mid-Range HotelScandic Ørnen
🛏️ Best Budget HotelCitybox Bergen City
✨ Best HostelCity Hostel Bergen

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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