When choosing a hotel in Bergen, some travelers prefer to be as close to the UNESCO-listed wharf, Bryggen, as possible. Here, you'll have immediate access to the photogenic maze of multicolored wooden houses with museums, boutiques, and outdoor cafés spilling toward the waterfront. We've hand-picked three hotels that fit the bill—read on to learn more.

Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret

MID-RANGE

Relax in the lounge with a complimentary tea or coffee (photo courtesy of Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret)

The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret is in a neoclassical building from the 1920s, directly facing the harbor, adjacent to the Bryggen wharf, making it a cinch to get around. It's also convenient for getting to and from the airport thanks to the Flybussen, which stops right in front of the hotel. Though the interiors are contemporary, you'll find original details throughout the property, from the elegant murals in a lounge used for private Champagne receptions to the rooftop lookout tower (free for guests). 

The 113 rooms have wood-style floors and come with blackout shades, kettles, and minibars. Bathrooms have walk-in showers or bathtubs (request upon check-in) and offer Rituals bath products in eco-friendly pumps. For harbor views, the deluxe category is your best bet unless you decide to splurge on the large suite, which has attracted a steady stream of celebs on tour, like Jerry Seinfeld, Rihanna, and Sting (check out the lobby display for a complete list!)

Regular guests, for their part, can take advantage of the complimentary perks like the breakfast buffet, afternoon waffles, and a light evening buffet that changes nightly with soup, salad, and a hot dish. There's also an all-day bar and snacks for purchase, and you can sit anywhere in the spacious lobby and enjoy, which is especially lovely when the fireplace is lit. The hotel's lower level has a small fitness center with a sauna and steam room. Learn more

Plan your trip to Norway
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

The Hanseatic Hotel
MID-RANGE

Many rooms have original wood-beam ceilings (photo courtesy of The Hanseatic Hotel)

Aptly named, The Hanseatic Hotel is housed in an 18th-century building right next to the Hanseatic Museum. The structure would date even further back to the Middle Ages if it weren't for the great fire of 1702 that destroyed this part of Bryggen. Regardless, between the current centuries-old structure, and its convenient location next door to the museum, it suits travelers seeking a taste of Bryggen's important history.

Each of the 37 rooms is unique with original details, like timber walls and wood-beamed ceilings, complemented with rich contemporary tones, patterned wallpaper, thick textiles, and carpet or parquet floors. They all come with coffee makers and minibars. Families and friends can choose the standard twin bedrooms, while couples may opt for the deluxe rooms with more space and bigger bathrooms with showers and claw-foot tubs. 

For the size of the hotel, it is surprising that there are two restaurants and bars on-site. The FG Restaurant & Bar serves continental fare like mussels and filet mignon, while a more casual Tex-Mex restaurant (said to be the only one in Bergen) offers traditional food like fajitas and burritos. Both restaurants can accommodate vegetarians and kids. A breakfast buffet with a range of healthy options and espresso drinks is included in the room price. Learn more

Bergen Harbour Hotel
MID-RANGE

The hotel's charming pub serves a nice selection of Belgian beer (photo courtesy of Bergen Harbour Hotel)

The Bergen Harbour Hotel is a few blocks inland from Bryggen wharf and, like the Hanseatic Hotel listed above, has a more intimate vibe than other large hotels in the area that may attract tour groups. Though the lobby is compact, it connects to a charming little gastropub decorated with soft lighting, black and white photography, and tufted leather booths—perfect for sipping one of the Belgian beers on rotation. Guests also receive a discount at the modern Asian restaurant next door. Other perks include loaner bikes, laundry machines (for a fee), and free access to a nearby fitness center.

The hotel's 50 rooms are accessed by walking up the winding staircase or using the elevator. The decor is similar throughout, with bright and contemporary furnishings, blond wood floors, tall ceilings, and large windows that open for fresh air. They are equipped with Chromecast, mini-fridges, and kettles for coffee and tea. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and basic bath amenities in dispensers (guests may want to bring their own). Standard rooms are compact, while superior rooms offer more space and a better chance of snagging views of Bergen (and potentially Bryggen) from the front of the building. Learn more