From budget-friendly beds to stylish stays in historic buildings, here are my top hotel picks based on years of travel experience.
As someone who regularly travels around Norway for work, I’ve stayed in all kinds of hotels, from stylish city pads to places I wouldn’t recommend to my worst enemy.
The truth is, hotel quality in Norway can vary a lot, even within the same chain, so it really pays to do your homework before booking.
This is especially true in bigger cities like Bergen. The rise of budget hotels has opened up more affordable options, but despite the lower prices, not all of them deliver value. Meanwhile, some mid-range and even high-end hotels can fall short of expectations if you're not careful.
Whether you're visiting Bergen for a quick overnight stay or settling in for a longer break, there's a hotel here to match your needs and budget. Below, I’ve handpicked some of the best options from affordable and convenient to indulgent and unforgettable.
And if you're still planning your trip, be sure to check out our full Bergen city guide for travel tips, things to do, and local insight.
Best for Modern Luxury: Hotel Norge by Scandic
Following an extensive NOK 750 million renovation, Hotel Norge by Scandic has reclaimed its status as Bergen’s premier luxury hotel.
A local landmark since 1885, this grand property reopened in 2018 with a sleek, modern design and 411 stylish rooms, making it the largest hotel—and the largest building—in the city centre.
It’s a popular choice for those looking to treat themselves, with standout features including a lavish spa, multiple dining options, and a buzzing lobby with striking interior design.
Breakfast is served in the Nova restaurant on the third floor, where a tempting display of sweet treats greets you before you even reach the main buffet. The breakfast itself is a cut above the typical Norwegian offering, with plenty of variety and flair.
Although the bar and street-level restaurant lean toward the pricier side, they’re busy and atmospheric, especially in the evenings when a live DJ sets the tone.
Read our full hotel review or go ahead and check rates and availability on Booking.com.
Best for Tradition: Grand Terminus Hotel
If you want a taste of Bergen’s old-world charm, the Grand Terminus is a classic choice. Located right next to the main railway station, this elegant hotel has been welcoming travellers since 1928 and is renowned for its rich heritage and timeless style.
The 131 rooms blend traditional design with modern comforts, featuring satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars.
The highlight for many guests is the atmospheric Whiskey Bar downstairs—one of the best-stocked in Norway—where you can enjoy everything from casual snacks to a full meal, alongside a curated list of fine whiskies from around the world.
The hotel also offers free bicycle rental from its 24-hour reception, making it easy to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you're arriving by train or simply drawn to historic ambiance, the Grand Terminus offers a distinctive and memorable stay in Bergen.
Read our full hotel review or go ahead and check rates and availability on Booking.com.
Best for Location: Radisson Blu Royal
I’ve stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel many times, and it’s become my go-to hotel in Bergen. I often describe it as having the best location in the city, but of course, that depends on what you want to do.
If you're in town to explore historic Bryggen, take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen, or stroll along the harbourfront, then you really can’t beat it. It’s nestled right at the end of Bryggen, so you’re steps from the postcard-perfect wharf and just a couple of minutes’ walk from many of Bergen’s main attractions.
That said, it may not be ideal for everyone. If you’re here on business with meetings in other parts of town, or you're focused on nightlife and modern shopping areas, you might prefer to stay closer to Torgallmenningen or the train station.
The rooms are spacious, quiet, and well-equipped, and especially good if you’re staying more than a night or two. Some rooms even have a charming view of Bryggen rooftops.
One big convenience: the airport bus starts and ends its route right outside the main entrance, which makes arrival and departure a breeze, especially if you’ve got luggage or the Bergen weather isn’t playing nicely.
Read our full hotel review or go ahead and check rates and availability on Booking.com.
Budget Accommodation Options in Bergen
Bergen has some great hostels to make staying in Norway’s second city a little more affordable for the budget-conscious traveller.
A trip to Norway can be expensive compared with other European destinations. It’s worth it for the spectacular sights and scenery that the country has to offer but can challenge tight budgets. One way to save money is to check out the range of hostels that are on offer to ensure your accommodation doesn’t break the bank.
Marken Gjesthus
Located right in the middle of Bergen, just 250 yards from the train station, Merken Gjesthus provides the perfect base to explore all that Bergen has to offer.
With 29 rooms ranging from single to 10-person, there are styles and prices to suit everyone from the lone traveller to tourist groups. Bed linen is provided, and towels are available to hire if you don’t have your own.
A shared kitchen has the facilities required to cook your own meals and staff are always willing to help you find places to dine that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. There’s a café bar and a supermarket just around the corner, as well as other amenities.
HI Bergen Hostel Montana
If you fancy a spot of hiking then the HI Bergen Hostel Montana is your best bet. Located within 100 yards of Mount Ulriken, the highest mountain in Bergen, Montana is your base for the outdoors life. But a 15-minute bus ride gets you into central Bergen, so it works for the city life too.
Boasting a range of shared and solo rooms, some with private bathrooms, Montana can accommodate families, groups and solo travellers alike. With free wifi throughout you can stay connected to home if you need to.
To prepare you for your hiking, the hostel has a fitness centre so you can tone up those calves! The hostel also includes a varied buffet breakfast in the price to set you up for the day ahead.
Packed lunches can also be bought to take with you if you’re exploring away from civilisation. Otherwise, the shared kitchen facilities will allow you to cook your own food from the nearby supermarket. Montana also has BBQ facilities for the summer.
Bergen YMCA Hostel
Another centrally-located hostel, the Bergen YMCA Hostel will provide a great base for exploring the city of Bergen. It’s just 100 yards from the famous fish market and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen Wharf is less than a 5-minute walk away.
With the typical range of rooms, both shared and solo, no traveller should have any trouble finding something that fits their needs. The hostel has lockers and luggage storage as well as free wifi so you can plan your days with help from the internet.
There’s a supermarket close by so you can make full use of the shared kitchen. No food is provided but there is also a café on hand to purchase prepared food if you need to. Also, all of Bergen is at your disposal so it’s not difficult to find food to suit!
Bergen Budget Hostel
Another city centre location, the Bergen Budget Hostel will allow you to experience all of the delights of the city known as the ‘gateway to the fjords’. Most of the best known attractions, such as the Hanseatic-era warehouses of Bryggen Wharf, are within easy walking distance.
Bed linen is included with all of the Budget’s range of private and shared accommodation. Free wifi will help if you need to access the internet during your stay. Neither children nor pets are allowed so if you’re travelling with your extended family then you’ll need to look elsewhere.
The shared kitchen will allow you to cook food from the nearby supermarket or there’s a pub right next door to meet your food requirements.
