Where to Stay in Bergen – A Guide to This Ancient City
Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway and one of the most visited destinations in Scandinavia.
This city is the capital of Hordaland and is located on the southwestern coast of the country, near the North Sea, surrounded by hillsides called Syv Fjell or seven mountains.
The architecture of Bergen has a colonial aspect mixed with buildings alluding to the Viking culture, craft shops, traditional bars, and several museums.
The historic side of Bergen, known as Bryggen, is located in the north of Vågen Bay, home to Norway’s largest port.
Part of its historical past is well-represented by monuments such as the Church of the Holy Cross, the Bergenhus Fortress and the Rosenkrantz Tower.
One of the main things to do when visiting Bergen is the cable car ride to the top of Mount Floyen, where you can get the best views of the city and its mountains.
If you want to enjoy the coolest version of Bergen, December is the ideal month to visit the city, but if you want to enjoy a moderate climate, it is advisable to travel to Bergen between May and August.
The city of seven mountains is well-connected to the rest of Europe through the Bergen-Flesland Airport, the second-largest in Norway.
Other alternatives to travel to Berger are trains from cities such as Oslo or arriving by ferry from Denmark, through the Fjord Line system.
To move around Berger, there is a good bus system that runs through every corner of the city, as well as trains and ferries.
Among the best areas to stay in Berger, the City Centre stands out for its growing cultural scene and multiple attractions. See accommodation in Bergen City Centre.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Bergen, Norway.
The best areas to stay in Bergen, Norway
1. Our favourite area: Bergen City Centre
Bergen City Centre, better known as Sentrum, houses the most emblematic monuments of the city, as well as small but attractive areas such as Møhlenpris, Nordnes, and Skostredet.
Despite being the centre of the city, the atmosphere of the area is that of a charming coastal village where there are many art galleries, museums, theatres and old buildings such as the Fest Plassen, the Bergen Kunsthall, the Old Town Hall and the Hagerup Garden.
The Sentrum also concentrates the best shopping centres in Bergen, such as the Kløverhuset, the oldest in the city, and the Bergen Storsenter, with many stores.
Close to the Storsenter shopping centre is the Bergen Stasjon train station, from which it is possible to reach any corner of the city and even catch a train to other neighbouring cities.
The City Centre is the best area to stay in Bergen due to its privileged location, proximity to the main attractions of the city, varied entertainment and wide hotel offer.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bergen, Norway:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area for shopping
- Best area for business travellers
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Augustin Hotel
The Augustin Hotel is located in the centre of Bergen, a 5-minute walk from the fish market. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and has original paintings and sculptures by Norwegian artists.
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Budget
Bergen Budget Hotel
This self-service budget hotel is a 3-minute walk from Bergen’s famous fish market and the 14th-century Bryggen district. It offers rooms with a kettle, a TV with a DVD player and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Hotel Norge by Scandic
Hotel Norge is located in the centre of Bergen, next to the Byparken municipal park. There are 3 floors of bars, lounge areas and restaurants. The bus to the airport and the light rail are right next to the hotel.
2. Bergenhus
Bergenhus is located northwest of the centre of Bergen and is a district formed by Sandviken, Kalfaret and the northern mountains.
The heart of the district is the Bergenhus Festning, located at the entrance to the harbour, a prominent stone castle that is an important icon of Medieval Norway.
In the vicinity of the castle, there is the largest number of Museums of Bergen, a variety of coffee shops, pizzerias and typical restaurants. In addition, it is in this area that the Bergen Olfestival takes place, an event dedicated to whisky and beer.
Bergenhus lacks bus stops, so it is recommended to have a car, either owned or rented when staying in this area, especially if you want to get to the funicular to move to the top of Mount Floyen.
Its proximity to the castle, museums and medieval environment of Bergenhus make it one of the best areas to stay in Bergen, especially for its luxury hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bergen, Norway:
- Relatively central
- Bergenhus Festning
- Great area for sightseeing
3. Årstad
Årstad is located south of Bergen City Centre, where it borders Laksevåg to the west and Bergenhus to the north.
This district is known for displaying the largest collection of churches in Bergen, including the Hellig Korskirken, the parish of Birkeland and the new parish of Årstad, in neoclassical style.
Årstad attracts athletes for a large number of sports centres, tennis courts and gyms in the area. In addition, this is where the Brann stadium is located.
The area is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Bergen. However, it is advisable to take a taxi to move to other districts since public transport stops in the area are not exactly abundant.
Arstad is the best area to stay in Bergen for sports lovers, to enjoy quiet walks and to contemplate the architecture of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bergen, NO:
- Brann Stadium
- Architecture
4. Laksevåg
Laksevåg is the great district of the southwest of Bergen, near Fyllingsdalen and the North Sea.
This district is one of the largest in the city and some visitors consider it a different city from Bergen due to its size and mixed environment.
On the one hand, Laksevåg is a residential area full of parks located on the side of the mountain, while, to the west, you can enjoy views of the sea and a coastal environment.
The bus station of Laksevåg is Stora Vatnet Terminal, located in the central area of the district, ideal to move to the Bergen Sentrum in a few minutes.
In Laksevåg there are many apartments with swimming pools and three-star hotels that make it one of the best areas to stay in Bergen for a quiet stay.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bergen:
- Stora Vatnet Terminal
- Beautiful views
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