Hotels
Best hotels in Bergen: 9 places to stay between the seven mountains
Bergen is Norway's most charming city, with Bryggen, the fish market and mountains rising straight behind the houses. These are the hotels we would choose, from the old stock exchange to a new spa hotel in Skostredet.
It may rain a little more often in Bergen than elsewhere, but the city is as beautiful in drizzle as in sunshine. Colourful wooden houses climb the hillsides, the Fløibanen funicular takes you up to the view in five minutes, and the fish market serves seafood from morning to night.
Bergen is also compact, and most of the hotels worth staying in are within walking distance of Bryggen and the harbour. We have picked nine, from classics in historic buildings to new spa hotels.
The hotel links are affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
Where to stay in Bergen
Most of Bergen is gathered around Vågen, the harbour in the middle of town. Stay by Bryggen or Torget to be close to Fløibanen and the fish market. Around the railway station and Lille Lungegårdsvann you are close to the KODE museums and Grieghallen, and the airport bus stops right outside.
Bryggen and Torget for the classic Bergen experience
Ole Bulls plass and Festplassen for restaurants and nightlife
The railway station for trains, the airport bus and museums
Skostredet and Marken for small shops and cafés
De Bergenske: six hotels in the centre
De Bergenske is a local hotel group with six hotels in central Bergen, each with its own personality. We have picked five, from luxury in the old stock exchange to an affordable family hotel. Read more on Picolo's De Bergenske page.
Bergen Børs Hotel
Frescohallen at Bergen Børs Hotel.
Bergen Børs Hotel: in the old stock exchange
Bergen Børs Hotel occupies the old stock exchange building by Torget, a few minutes from the fish market and Bryggen. The Frescohallen restaurant sits beneath the great murals of the former trading hall, and the wine cellar holds around 1,300 labels.
There are three restaurants, including the tapas bar Fresquito and Áurea Nikkei, and the included breakfast is a guest favourite. This is the hotel for a special occasion in Bergen.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Bergen Børs Hotel
Skostredet Hotel & Spa
Plants and wood in the lobby at Skostredet.
Skostredet Hotel & Spa: Bergen's newest spa hotel
Skostredet Hotel & Spa is on one of the most charming streets in the centre, a few minutes from Fløibanen. It is inspired by Scandinavian craftsmanship and Japanese calm, with plenty of plants and its own florist next to reception.
Breakfast is included, and there are two restaurants, including the Japanese Izakaya Skostredet. Stay here for the spa, calm and a slightly different Bergen weekend.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Skostredet Hotel & Spa
Grand Hotel Terminus
Amundsen bar at Grand Hotel Terminus.
Grand Hotel Terminus: a classic by the station
Grand Hotel Terminus stands opposite the railway station and has welcomed travellers since the 1920s. The grand staircase doubles as an art gallery, and Amundsen bar is one of the most beautiful bars in town.
The KODE museums, Grieghallen and Bergen Kunsthall are a few minutes away. Next door is its sister, Villa Terminus, a small 18th century villa with its own garden.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Grand Hotel Terminus
Zander K Hotel
Matbaren at Zander K.
Zander K Hotel: modern and sociable
Zander K is by the railway station and the airport bus, with modern, minimalist rooms. The bar is one of the most popular in the area, and Matbaren serves organic food.
Breakfast is included and guests love it. A good choice for groups of friends and anyone arriving by train.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Zander K Hotel
Heimen Hotel
Reception at Heimen Hotel.
Heimen Hotel: affordable and family friendly
Heimen is the most affordable of the De Bergenske hotels and has family rooms for those travelling with children. Breakfast is included and guests praise it.
Fløibanen, Bryggen and the Bergen Aquarium are all close by.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Heimen Hotel
More favourites around the harbour
Det Hanseatiske Hotel
The lounge at Det Hanseatiske Hotel.
Det Hanseatiske Hotel: inside Bryggen
Det Hanseatiske Hotel is set in the old wooden buildings of Bryggen, the World Heritage wharf from the Hanseatic era. You sleep between crooked wooden floors and thick beams, with the harbour right outside.
Breakfast is included, and there is a bar.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Det Hanseatiske Hotel
Opus XVI
Opus XVI in the evening light.
Opus XVI: Grieg in an old bank
Opus XVI is in an old bank building a few minutes from Bryggen and is named after Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto, Opus 16. The interior is elegant and classic, with music as a common thread.
Breakfast is included, and guests especially love the location.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Opus XVI
Hotel Norge by Scandic
The restaurant at Hotel Norge.
Hotel Norge: the classic on Ole Bulls plass
Hotel Norge stands on Ole Bulls plass and has been a Bergen meeting place for more than a century. There are two restaurants and two bars, and Festplassen and Lille Lungegårdsvann are close by.
Guests praise the breakfast.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Norge by Scandic
Clarion Hotel Admiral
Views towards Bryggen from Clarion Hotel Admiral.
Clarion Hotel Admiral: views of Bryggen
Clarion Hotel Admiral sits on the water on the opposite side of the harbour from Bryggen, looking straight across at the colourful wooden houses. Ask for a harbour view room.
There is a restaurant and a bar, and guests praise the breakfast.
Book the hotel: See available rooms at Clarion Hotel Admiral
When to visit Bergen
Bergen has a mild coastal climate and is lovely all year. In December there is a Christmas market on Festplassen and the famous gingerbread town, and in spring and summer the fjord cruises begin. The Bergen International Festival in May and June fills the hotels, so book early.
Pack an umbrella whatever the season
Ride Fløibanen up and walk down through the forest
Book early for the festival and Christmas weekends
See also Hurtigruten fjord cruises from Bergen and our Christmas breaks.
FAQ: hotels in Bergen
Where should I stay in Bergen?
Stay by Bryggen or Torget to be close to Fløibanen and the fish market, or by the railway station if you arrive by train or airport bus. The centre is small and easy to explore on foot.
Which hotel in Bergen is on Bryggen?
Det Hanseatiske Hotel is set in the old wooden buildings of Bryggen. Clarion Hotel Admiral is on the opposite side of the harbour, with views straight across to Bryggen.
Which hotels belong to De Bergenske?
De Bergenske has six hotels in the centre: Bergen Børs Hotel, Grand Hotel Terminus, Villa Terminus, Zander K Hotel, Heimen Hotel and Skostredet Hotel & Spa.
How do I get from Bergen Airport to the city centre?
The airport bus and the Bybanen light rail run from Flesland to the centre. The light rail takes around 45 minutes, while the airport bus is a little quicker.
When is the Bergen gingerbread town open?
The gingerbread town usually opens in late November and stays open until after New Year. Check the dates before you travel.