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BERGEN

How much does a city break in Bergen cost in 2024?

If you're considering a city break to Bergen, you might be wondering about the expenses involved. We've prepared a breakdown of the essential costs during a break to the picturesque city.

Published: 31 January 2024 17:16 CET
Updated: 18 February 2024 18:30 CET
Bergen central
Whether you're visiting historical landmarks, indulging in the culinary delights of western Norway, or simply immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery, here's what you can anticipate in terms of prices for your 2024 Bergen experience. Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Bergen, renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty (nestled amidst seven majestic mountains) and cultural treasures (including the UNESCO-protected Bryggen wharf), promises an unforgettable city break.

READ MORE: 24 hours in Bergen: Everything you should see and do

Whether you’re visiting historical landmarks, indulging in the culinary delights of western Norway, or simply immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery, here’s what you can anticipate in terms of prices for your Bergen experience.

Accommodation and food expenses

Hotel prices in Bergen range from 1,200 to 1,500 kroner per night for mid-range options like the Ole Bull Hotel or Scandic Byparken in 2024, while more luxurious hotels – such as Hotel Norge by Scandic or Thon Hotel Orion – may cost around 2,000 kroner or more per night.

Budget-conscious travellers can always find hostels (such as City Hostel Bergen), apartments, or guesthouses for as low as 400 to 600 kroner per night.

Eating out in Bergen can be a delightful experience – though it’s rarely cheap.

You should expect to spend around 1,500 kroner per day on two meals if you dine in mid-range restaurants (such as Enhjørningen or Pingvinen in the centre).

Opting for budget-friendly eateries (Søstrene Hagelin in the city centre is a good example, especially if you want to try some local seafood specialties) may reduce your daily food expenses to around 400 to 600 kroner (if you’re gunning to eat out two times a day).

If you’re really looking to save money on food, one of the best value options in the city centre is the Sabrura sushi chain, which has an all you can eat buffet option for 279 kroner.

Getting around Bergen

Exploring Bergen is easy with its efficient and easily accessible public transportation system.

A single bus or light rail (Bybanen) ticket typically costs around 40 kroner (valid across the bus and light rail network for an hour and a half), and you can save with multi-day passes if you plan to use public transport frequently.

READ MORE: Oslo versus Bergen: Five big differences between Norway’s two largest cities

You can find more information about ticket options and current prices on Skyss’s website.

Taxis have a starting fare of roughly 100 kroner, with additional charges per kilometre/minute, as well as a minimum price, which differs on weekdays and weekends.

Bryggen winter

Bryggen, a UNESCO-protected wharf in Bergen, stands as an iconic testament to the city’s rich Hanseatic heritage, with its wooden buildings dating back to the medieval era. Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Activities and attractions

Bergen offers a number of attractions, including the iconic Bryggen Wharf (which you can visit without charge), the Bergen City Aquarium (230 kroner for a day ticket for children up to 15 years and 365 kroner for adults), numerous museums (such as the KODE Art Museum, where a ticket will cost you 150 kroner), and a selection of scenic fjord cruises.

Entrance fees to museums may range from 100 to 200 kroner, while fjord tours will set you back a lot more, anywhere from 450 to 900 kroner per person (for example, the Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams on the m/s Eric Bloodaxe sightseeing boat costs 590 kroner).

If, on the other hand, you want to take the Fløibanen funicular, one of Bergen’s best-known and most visited attractions, which takes you to the top of Mount Fløyen, expect to pay 130 kroner for a return ticket between January and March or 180 kroner between April and September.

Going out for drinks, grabbing a cup of coffee, and souvenir shopping

Nightlife aficionados can enjoy a night out at bars or clubs for around 400 to 700 kroner, which includes a couple of alcoholic drinks (a beer at a club or pub goes for anywhere from 80 to 130 kroner) and some salty snacks.

If you’re not a night owl and prefer to relax with a cup of coffee while soaking in a city’s vibe in broad daylight, you can expect to spend anywhere between 30 and 60 kroner for a cup in most of the cafes close to the city centre (you can get coffee cheaper at 7-Eleven or Narvesen kiosks though, starting from 20 kroner).

READ MORE: A beginner’s guide to the Bergen dialect

Don’t forget to budget for miscellaneous expenses, including souvenirs and shopping. You’ll be able to find small Bergen-themed souvenirs for 50 to 100 kroner in gift shops in the Old Town. Bigger souvenirs and shirts can go for 200 to 600 kroner if they’re not branded. If you’re looking for quality and a local or Norwegian brand, such as a sweater from Dale of Norway, don’t be surprised to find pieces in the price range north of 1,000 kroner.

Total estimated cost

For a comfortable two-day weekend city break in Bergen in 2024, with mid-level accommodation, you can expect to spend roughly between 1,500 and 3,000 kroner per day, depending on your choices and preferences.

Keep in mind that these are approximate prices at the time of writing and may vary based on your personal preferences and circumstances, especially when it comes to items such as accommodation and food.

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PROPERTY

Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Of course not every home in Norway is identical but there are several major trends that are easily identifiable in most cities that might give you the impression that they all look the same.

Published: 25 June 2024 12:47 CEST
Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Before we explain the similarities there is plenty of variety among homes in Norway.

Different regions in Norway have their own styles, and people’s personal tastes and modern trends also play a role.

Furthermore, urban areas are way more eclectic compared to rural and more isolated regions, and at the same time, the biggest cities need to deal with population pressure.

READ MORE: What you need to know about the Norwegian housing model

However, it is undeniable that a few significant trends dominate the landscape in most of Norway’s towns and cities.

The traditional wooden house

The first trend is the traditional wooden house, which is often medium-sized and square.

These homes, painted in classic colours such as white, dark red, ochre yellow, or brown, are omnipresent across Norway.

While you will easily spot them in any smaller town, even the two largest cities – Oslo and Bergen – still boast many traditional wooden houses.

READ MORE: Oslo versus Bergen: Five big differences between Norway’s two largest cities

If you take a walk to Bergen’s Old Town, you’ll find an array of traditional wooden houses in the area behind the UNESCO-protected Bryggen Wharf. Many wooden houses can also be found in the centrally located Verftet neighbourhood on the Nordnes peninsula.

Their uniform appearance stems from historical building practices and the practicality of using wood as a primary construction material in a forest-rich country.

These homes not only serve as a testament to Norway’s architectural heritage but also adapt well to the country’s climate, providing insulation against the cold.

Additionally, local building regulations often dictate specific architectural styles to preserve the cultural heritage of Norwegian towns and villages – especially in neighbourhoods with a rich past.

Lofoten houses

Wooden houses in Reine, Lofoten Islands, northern Norway. Photo by Jonas Geschke on Unsplash

Modern Norwegian housing

The second trend includes more modern housing solutions, such as terraced houses, new builds, and apartment blocks.

These structures are increasingly common in urban areas where space is at a premium. Many construction projects in the outskirts of Bergen feature this kind of development as the city expands to accommodate its growing population.

This trend reflects contemporary architectural styles and is often designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind.

The uniformity here is driven by modern urban planning in cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

Aker Brygge

The Aker Brygge wharf area in central Oslo. Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

Traditional vs modern: What advocates of the two styles say

Supporters of traditional Norwegian homes argue that these old structures are very durable. They point out that the wood used in homes from 40 to over 80 years ago comes from slow-growing trees, making it dense and rot-resistant.

Compared to modern building materials, which they often view as inferior, they claim that wood in these older homes ensures longevity – as long as the house has been adequately maintained.

READ MORE: What you should know before buying a house in rural Norway

Furthermore, the longevity of old wooden houses in Norway is well-documented. Many homes built in the early 20th century still retain their original structure despite multiple renovations.

As long as the wood remains dry, it can last for decades – or even centuries.

On the other hand, with advancements in building technology, modern houses are designed to minimise heat loss, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills – particularly relevant in the cost-of-living crisis plaguing Norway and Europe in recent years.

These homes often feature high-level insulation, double or triple-glazed windows, and advanced heating systems, which make them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Another key advantage of modern homes is their adherence to strict building codes and standards.

Today, Norwegian houses are built to high specifications, ensuring safety, comfort, and durability. Mandated ventilation systems improve indoor air quality and prevent issues like mould and dampness.

In addition to technical improvements, modern homes are also designed with contemporary lifestyles in mind. Open floor plans and larger windows create bright and adaptable living spaces.

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