Bergen Børs Hotel, Bergen

Pros  

• Enjoy a beautifully restored boutique hotel in central Bergen, steps from the bustling Fish Market and UNESCO-listed wharf.
• All guest rooms have bespoke furnishings, soundproof windows, Nespresso machines, and heated bathroom floors.
• A stunning seafood restaurant—restored as of 2022—with an impressive wine cellar draws locals and celebs, while the Michelin-starred restaurant, Bare, requires advance reservations.
• Other notable amenities include a bar with one of the best cocktail programs in the city and a gin distillery based on the ground floor.
• Breakfast is included, and there's a 24-hour fitness center on-site.

Cons

• The moderate and standard rooms are compact and likely lack views; couples may want to upgrade to the superior rooms, which have more space.

Authenticity

Bergen Børs' neo-Renaissance architecture dates to 1862, when the building housed Bergen's stock exchange. Today, new owners have modernized the interiors while paying attention to the original details thoughtfully preserved throughout the property, from the expansive arched windows to the bank vaults on the third floor. Around the corner from the marble lobby is the hotel's new gem, an enormous bi-level seafood restaurant, Fresco Hall, with restored murals painted by Alex Revold in the 1920s. 

Location

The hotel is truly in the heart of Bergen, set on a picturesque pedestrian plaza adorned with monuments across the street from the main harbor. The front entrance meets up with the city's daily Fish Market. Hotel guests are in a prime position to walk 5-15 minutes to major attractions like museums, the Fløyen mountain funicular, and the historic and colorful Bryggen wharf. It's also only a five-minute walk to the nearest Flybussen coach with regular trips to and from the airport. Parking is available at the KlosterGarasjen garage, a 10-minute walk away. Guests receive a 15% discount (register at the front desk), and city bikes are available for hire near the entrance.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has 127 rooms and suites in a variety of 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 walk-in showers (bathtubs can be requested), and all have luxury touches like heated floors and natural bath products from Norwegian brand Fitjar in eco-friendly pumps. The moderate and standard rooms are compact and more affordable, while 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.

Other Highlights

The hotel operates two standout restaurants. Fresco Hall offers all-day seafood dining (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with various seating areas, including a private lounge for 38 people. On the third floor is Bergen's only Michelin-starred restaurant, Bare, with multicourse Nordic menus—and caviar upgrades—that change with the seasons. Next to the restaurant is the Chamber of Commerce Bar, which is in a dark-lit space with mirrored walls and Tudor-style windows. It's said to have the best cocktail program in the city. Whether you have a reservation at Bare or not, you'll dine here every morning at the elegant breakfast buffet, which is included in the price, with fresh-baked pastries and organic items. The hotel also has a lounge space for remote workers with self-serve coffee and tea.