Was this page helpful?
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Bergen Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Norway – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Norwegian Krone (NOK) £1 ≈ NOK 12.42 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Norway is a highly cashless society. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and many places even prefer card payments over cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not obligatory in Norway, though it is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers expect small tips, and hotel staff appreciate small gratuities. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Norway in some areas, such as designated outdoor events. However, it is prohibited in public places like parks and streets in many cities. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in all public places, including restaurants and public transport. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available in most public spaces. |
| Norwegian Constitution Day (May) |
A national holiday with celebrations, especially in Oslo, expect crowded areas and festivities. |
|---|---|
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas celebrations are widespread, with Christmas markets and festive events, but expect crowded cities and higher accommodation prices. |
| Midsummer (June) |
Midsummer celebrations take place with outdoor events, festivals, and celebrations. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt |
| Other: | Norway is a beautiful country with extensive natural landscapes. Be prepared for variable weather and pack accordingly, especially if you plan to explore the outdoors. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Bergen, Norway
Bergen has rain about 200 days a year; April to May are the driest months
Fjord cruises, mountain trails and many boat tours run mainly mid May to September, with reduced services the rest of the year
Cruise ships crowd the harbour from May to September
Don't miss
- 🚡 Ride the Fløibanen funicular for stunning views over Bergen
- 🏘️ Stroll through Bryggen’s colorful wooden Hanseatic Wharf
- 🐟 Visit the lively Fish Market and taste local seafood
- 🛥️ Cruise through the majestic Norwegian fjords from the harbor
- 🥾 Hike Mount Ulriken for panoramic mountain and sea vistas
- 🎼 Explore the Edvard Grieg Museum at Troldhaugen
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Bergen?
Bergen is the perfect blend of nature and culture. Stroll through the historic Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before hopping on a fjord cruise through some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes. With its lively music scene, cozy cafés and easy access to hiking trails, Bergen is an unforgettable destination for all kinds of travelers.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Hardangerfjord
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Bergen International Festival
-
Bergen Food Festival
-
Nattjazz Festival
-
Bergen Beer Festival
-
Bergen Light Festival
-
Bergen International Film Festival
-
Bergenfest Music Festival
-
Pepperkakebyen (Gingerbread Town)
-
Norwegian Constitution Day (17th May)
-
Bergen Marathon
Knowledge before you go
- Expect frequent rain; pack waterproof jacket, shoes and quick-drying layers.
- The compact center is very walkable, but steep streets and cobblestones mean comfortable, grippy footwear is essential in wet weather.
- Use the Bybanen light rail and buses for airport transfers and hillier neighborhoods, then explore Bryggen and harbor areas entirely on foot.
- Ride the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen, then follow marked forest trails to quieter viewpoints overlooking fjords, islands and colorful wooden houses below.
How to travel to Bergen
Bergen Airport (BGO) connects to major European cities. The scenic Bergen Railway from Oslo is an experience itself and ferries from Denmark or the Hurtigruten coastal express offer alternative routes.
Access summary
- From Bergen Airport (BGO): Bybanen light rail to centre, about 40–45 minutes.
- From Oslo: Scenic VY trains to Bergen, usually around 6.5–7.5 hours.
- Fjord cruises: Popular day trips to nearby fjords depart directly from Bergen.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Bergen
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in the city center to cozy mountain cabins. Budget travelers can find hostels, but Norway's prices are generally high.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Bergen
Bergen is very walkable, but public transport (buses and light rail) is reliable. The Bybanen light rail is great for getting around the city. Fjord ferries are also a scenic way to travel further.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Bergen are around 55% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to NOK) is 1% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Bergen is very safe, with low crime rates. Pickpocketing is rare but can occur in tourist areas. Be careful on slippery mountain trails, especially in rainy weather.
Health & Medical
High-quality healthcare is available, but medical services can be expensive without insurance. Pharmacies are well-stocked and emergency care is reliable.
Accessibility
Public transport is wheelchair-friendly and many tourist sites are accessible. However, some historic areas like Bryggen have uneven surfaces that may be difficult to navigate.
Tap water
Tap water is excellent, among the cleanest in the world. Bring a reusable bottle, as bottled water is expensive and unnecessary.
Packing recommendations for Bergen
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
for stunning landscapes
⛰️
Trekking poles
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🔋
Power bank
👟
Waterproof shoes
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type F
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Related articles & guides for Bergen
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies in Europe
Europe is one of the more manageable continents for allergy conscious travelers, thanks to strict food labeling rules that apply across the entire European Union. Restaurants…
Read more
Discover
Best hiking destinations in Europe
Europe has one of the most developed long distance hiking cultures in the world, with a network of waymarked trails covering everything from high alpine routes and coastal paths to…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies
Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…
Read more
Discover
Top boating destinations and cruising waters
Boating travel encompasses an enormous range of experiences from river cruising and canal boating to motor yacht charter, liveaboard diving and the growing circuit of destinations…
Read more
Discover
Top digital nomad destinations and remote work hubs in Europe
Europe offers remote workers a level of infrastructure that is hard to beat, along with enough cultural variety to keep even a long stay interesting. City based nomads can hop…
Read more
Discover
Top hiking destinations and famous trails
Hiking at its best is one of the most direct ways to engage with a landscape. The pace forces a relationship with terrain, weather and distance that faster forms of travel rarely…
Read more
Discover
Top fishing destinations and angling hotspots
Fishing travel has developed a dedicated circuit built around the world's most significant game fishing destinations, fly fishing rivers and deep sea charter operations that draw…
Read more
Discover
Best solo travel destinations in Europe
Europe is where most people start, and for good reason. The trains connect cities across borders, the hostels have been running for decades, and the distances between completely…
Read more
Discover
Top solo travel destinations and safe hubs
Travelling alone sounds like a bigger deal than it is. The first day feels strange – eating dinner by yourself, navigating without someone to double-check the map with, making…
Read more
Discover
Best aquarium destinations in Europe
Europe's aquarium sector ranges from the world-class marine research institutions and large public oceanariums of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts to specialist freshwater and…
Read more
Discover
Best fishing destinations in Europe
Europe's fishing destinations are anchored by the continent's renowned fly fishing rivers, deep sea charter operations and coastal fishing environments that have sustained…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in May in Europe
May is widely considered one of Europe's best travel months, with mild weather and blooming gardens well before the summer rush arrives. Southern Europe warms up nicely without…
Read more
Discover
Top digital nomad destinations and remote work hubs in 2026
Working from anywhere in the world sounds simple until you actually try it and the best digital nomad destinations look different depending on what kind of remote worker you are.…
Read more
Discover
Best couple holiday destinations
Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple holiday destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel like…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations in Europe
Europe has been the backdrop for love stories for centuries, and for couples it remains one of the easiest continents to feel romantic in without even trying. The choice of…
Read more
