The 6 Best Hotels in Bergen

Bergen Børs Hotel

With a red-carpeted entrance, the Bergen Børs Hotel resides in the city's former stock exchange building dating to 1862. New owners have modernized the interiors while paying attention to the original details that have been thoughtfully preserved throughout the property. It also has a prime location on a pedestrian plaza that holds the Fish Market across the street from the main harbor (and a few steps from one of our other favorite luxury hotels, Opus XVI, which is well worth a look). 

Dining is a major selling point, and the hotel's newest gem is an impressive bi-level seafood restaurant called Fresco Hall, with restored murals painted by Alex Revold in the 1920s. Meanwhile, on the hotel's third floor is Bergen's only Michelin-starred restaurant, Bare, with multicourse Nordic menus and caviar upgrades that change with the seasons (an elegant breakfast is also served each morning). Next to the restaurant is the Chamber of Commerce Bar in a dark-lit space with mirrored walls and Tudor-style windows, which is said to have the best cocktail program in the city. 

The hotel has 127 rooms and suites in various categories with bespoke furnishings and either soft gray carpeting or herringbone wood floors. What they do have in common are high ceilings and soundproof windows, as well as minibars, Nespresso machines, and bathrobes. Bathrooms have luxury touches like heated floors and natural bath products from the Norwegian brand, Fitjar in eco-friendly pumps. The superior, deluxe, and suite options are perhaps worth the splurge for more space and potential views of Bergen's colorful harbor and forested mountains. Learn more

Hotel Norge by Scandic
LUXURY

Opened in 2018, the Hotel Norge by Scandic is a trendier option on this list with a sleek, Nordic design. A major perk for guests and locals is the buzzy lobby taking up three floors accessed by escalators that can feel like an expensive coworking club. On the street level is a bright and spacious all-day café serving upscale Scandinavian fare, with an adjacent event space and DJ booth. The front desk is on the second floor and offers lounge seating for sipping signature cocktails, while open meeting spaces are available on the third floor. 

Another unique feature of the hotel is the indoor tranquility pool and full-service spa located on the lower level with nine treatment rooms, including one for couples. Keep in mind that guests are requested to book the pool in advance due to the limited capacity of 15 guests at a time. The swimming pool also requires a daily fee, and kids under 16 have restricted morning hours (until 10 am only), hence the tranquil environment.

There are 415 rooms in 13 distinct categories decorated in modern Nordic design with light wood floors and furnishings and neutral tones, save for the occasional deep-red accent. The floor-to-ceiling windows have blackout shades, while mosaic tile bathrooms have Swedish bath products in eco-friendly pumps. All rooms have mini-fridges and kettles with coffee and tea, while higher categories come with Nespresso machines. Room service is available 24/7. Learn more

Hotel Oleana

MID-RANGE

In a restored 20th-century building, Hotel Oleana's concept is inspired by the tree-lined street, Ole Bull, named after a local Norwegian violinist and composer born near the hotel. Look for nods to the musician throughout the property with violin motifs in the branding as well as musical notes splashed across some of the interiors. 

The bold colors may not appeal to everyone, but rooms are well-kept, and blackout shades and double-paned windows keep external noises at bay. Rooms have either carpet or herringbone wood floors, minibars, and silvery mosaic bathrooms with local bath products in eco-friendly pumps. Deluxe and superior rooms are bigger than the standard size, while some suites have balconies with possible views.

When not in the rooms, head for the bright and cheerful lobby that has an all-day menu featuring small organic plates, wines by the glass, and signature cocktails. Each morning a breakfast buffet is served here with a variety of healthy choices and gluten-free items. Friendly staff members are happy to assist with local recommendations, including treatments at a spa across the street and free passes to a nearby fitness center. Learn more

Clarion Hotel Admiral

MID-RANGE

Though it's a bit farther of a walk to the UNESCO-listed wharf, the Clarion Hotel Admiral boasts the best view of it from the other side of the harbor. The lobby's upscale restaurant takes advantage of this setting with a menu designed by Swedish-American celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, which focuses on local seafood. Breakfast is also served in this space, and there's seasonal outdoor dining during the summer months (you will likely want to bring your camera on every occasion).

All 209 guest rooms offer simple, contemporary decor, with either carpeting or hardwood-style floors, as well as flat-screen TVs, kettles, minibars, and walk-in showers with Rituals bath products. Standard rooms in the rear may feel dark, but the superior and deluxe rooms have seating areas and large windows with balconies (shared or private) with potential views of the harbor and surrounding mountains. 

The spacious lobby offers seating areas for lounging and working remotely, as well as complimentary all-day coffee, tea, and water. A massage room is available for booking appointments, and a polished 24-hour front desk staff can assist with taxis, reservations, and special requests. Learn more

Zander K Hotel

STANDARD

With its deep-blue and glass facade, the 249-room Zander K Hotel is a newer addition across the street from Bergen's central train and bus station for easy arrivals and departures. While on the eastern side of the city center and close to an indoor shopping center, it's only about a 10-minute walk to the Bryggen waterfront. Though the hotel has a younger vibe, all ages are welcome, and it can even bring in older tourist groups who appreciate modern rooms with moderate prices. 

The hotel wins points for its Nordic-style rooms, tall ceilings, blond wood furnishings, tile bathrooms with heated floors, walk-in showers, and upscale bath amenities. Keep in mind that service is minimal, and rooms are cleaned every third day. The lobby is peaceful in the afternoon, with a long communal table and lounge areas for sipping local beers and wines by the glass. At the same time, a photogenic restaurant space serves upscale food in the evening. This is also where the breakfast buffet is located, but prepare for chaotic crowds during peak morning hours. Learn more

Augustin Hotel
STANDARD

The Augustin Hotel pulls in repeat guests thanks to personal touches, including an impressive collection of local artwork and sculptures by Norwegian artists in the common spaces. It's also a short walk to the Fish Market and other major attractions, and guests can easily walk to the Flybussen stop for regular trips to and from the airport.

The spacious, slightly dated rooms have tall ceilings, mini-fridges, and local bath products in eco-friendly pumps (including conditioner). You can also opt for higher room categories that offer Nespresso machines and possible Juliette balconies with views of the harbor on higher floors. There's also complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and a book exchange.

Though the hotel dates to 1919, it connects to a romantic restaurant called Altuna, located in an even more historic 400-year-old stone cellar with original cave walls, tiny doorways, and flickering candles after dark. The menu offers steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list with over 1,000 labels, and you'll want to make reservations in advance due to its popularity with couples and business groups. Learn more