The Hanseatic Hotel, Bergen

Pros  

• You'll enjoy a historic setting steps from Bergen's top sites, such as the Bryggen wharf and the Fløibanen funicular.
• Each of the 37 rooms is unique, with historic elements like timber walls and wood-beamed ceilings.
• The hotel offers two restaurant options and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Cons

• Some room furnishings and textiles show wear and tear and could use a refresh.
• The 18th-century building's original layout means some rooms can feel dark and small.

Authenticity

Located in an 18th-century building that was once used as a trading house during the Hanseatic period, the Hanseatic Hotel is steeped in character and history. The centuries-old red-and-green structure sits on a cobbled street next door to the Hanseatic Museum, and inside, you'll find a cozy, dimly lit lobby area that leads to rustic-style rooms with period features like creaky floors, timber walls, and original cross-beams.  

Location

The hotel is in a prime location for exploring the UNESCO-listed Bryggen waterfront wharf on foot, and the address on a side street keeps it feeling a bit removed from the cruise ship hubbub. It's just a short walk to hiking trails or the funicular, which takes you up to the top of the city, and Bergen's more modern city center is an easy 10-minute stroll away. You can also walk to the central train station, with its express 20-minute Flytoget service to the airport, in under 15 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each one of the 37 rooms at this hotel is unique, with various historic elements dedicated to its Hanseatic past that could range from a single wall containing original timber to a sloped ceiling crisscrossed with thick beams. The warm wood elements are complemented with rich contemporary tones, patterned wallpaper, thick textiles, and carpet or parquet floors. Families and friends can choose the Standard Twins tucked under the building's eaves, while couples may want to opt for the more spacious Deluxe rooms or Suites, the latter including seating areas and clawfoot tubs. 

Amenities

This is a small hotel and you won't find much in the way of extra amenities, though there are two restaurants on-site. The FG Restaurant & Bar serves modern, brasserie-style dishes in a cozy, colorful dining room, while Finnegaardsstuene has a more old-fashioned, formal vibe, complete with white tablecloths and candlelight. A breakfast buffet with a range of healthy options and espresso drinks is included in the room price, and the buffet and both restaurants offer vegetarian options.

Family-Friendliness

The Hanseatic Hotel welcomes families, though the limited room options may not suit larger groups. Extra beds can be added rooms for an extra fee, sleeping three comfortably, and there are kid-friendly options at the breakfast buffet and in both restaurants.