Few cities feel more like our magic idea of the north than Bergen. With its colourful wooden houses, old harbour, and surrounding mountains and fjords, it’s easy to imagine the time when it was the hub to the medieval trading body the Hanseatic League and a jumping off point to adventure the very furthest reaches of the globe.
Bergen Børs Hotel (Photo: Bergen Børs Hotel Courtesy Booking.com)
Today, Bergen welcomes tourists from all over the world, often here to explore the town’s surrounding beauty. Its hotels are mostly warm, functional, and full of Scandi charm, though with a handful that really stand out. Here are some of the top end best.
Bergen Børs Hotel
In what was once Bergen’s old stock exchange, this imposing hotel is characterised by high ceilings and lavish details from the 19th, 20th, and 21st Centuries. The vaulted ceilings of the bar are a particular high point (no pun intended), though the rooms with their tall windows and hard wood floors come a close second. There’s a whole cornucopia of local beers on tap at the bar, an onsite restaurant boasting some fantastic Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, plus a gym to work off any indulgences. From 222 euros per night
Opus 16
Opus 16 (Photo: Opus 16 Courtesy Booking.com)
With every room boasting stylish contemporary designs, the Opus 16 is a hotel on a large scale located in the heart of downtown Bergen. The owners have made full use of this historic premises with communal interiors that prioritise space, light, and old fashioned elegance. Breakfast and high tea, in particular, are not to be missed, served as they are in the ear shot of live piano music, and with friendly deference from the efficient staff. As in the Bergen Bors, there’s also an onsite gym. From 289 euros per night
Hotel Norge
The most luxurious big hotel in Bergen, the Hotel Nors offers a contemporary, if Art Deco influenced, design, which permeates throughout its communal areas and its rooms alike. There’s plenty of shared public space here, with three separate lounges located across three floors. Next door to Byparken city park, along with its exemplary service, the hotel is pushed fully into the high end bracket by having an onsite spa and a heated indoor swimming pool – perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the local historic sites. From 220 euros a night
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (Photo: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Courtesy Booking.com)
Right next door to Bergen’s historic wharf area, this thoroughly modern hotel is a superb base for exploring the city. The style is colourful and fresh and full of nods to Scandinavian design, reflecting the buildings outside, albeit in a contemporary fashion – it can feel a little ‘business centre’ in parts, however. Like all the other hotels so far on this list, there is an onsite restaurant and a gym; and, even better at this price point, a sauna and steam room too. From 164 euros per night
Scandic Torget Bergen
Inner-city charm with some great views out of Bergen’s wharf and to the fjords beyond, there are few hotels that will make you feel more of the town than this one. Housed in a historic building, room design is on the classical minimalist model – they’re not trying anything too special, but boy are they succeeding at what they do. There’s a lobby bar and lounge, where they also offer light meals, plus the all-important onsite gym! From 130 euros a night