Norway's second-largest city has many unique hotels, big and small, for travelers who want to explore major highlights like the UNESCO-listed wharf and nearby fjords. A step above standard, these seven mid-range options are well located in central Bergen and offer modern rooms, free breakfasts, and comfy lounge areas or restaurants. Read on to learn more.

Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret

This historic property is steps from the waterfront (photo courtesy of Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret)

It's a mouthful, but the Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret is a kimkim favorite, located in a neoclassical building from the 1920s directly facing the harbor, adjacent to the Bryggen wharf. 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 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 enjoyable when the fireplace is lit. On the lower level of the hotel is a small fitness center with a sauna and steam room. Learn more

Hotel Oleana

Rooms have bright pops of color and mosaic bathrooms (photo courtesy of Hotel Oleana)

In a restored 20th-century building, Hotel Oleana's concept is inspired by the 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

Ask for a window seat at this seafood restaurant (photo courtesy of Clarion Hotel Admiral)

The waterfront Clarion Hotel Admiral boasts a direct view—the best of any hotel in Bergen—of the colorful Bryggen wharf. The lobby's upscale restaurant takes advantage of this setting with a menu designed by Swedish-American celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, focusing on local seafood. Breakfast is also served in the space, and there's seasonal outdoor dining during the summer months (in other words, 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 and complimentary all-day coffee, tea, and water. A massage room is available by appointment, and a polished 24-hour front desk staff can assist with taxis, reservations, and special requests. Learn more

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Bergen Harbour Hotel

Front-facing rooms have balconies and city views (photo courtesy of Bergen Harbour Hotel)

The Bergen Harbour Hotel is a few blocks behind Bryggen wharf and has a more intimate vibe than some of the more prominent hotels in the area. Though the lobby is compact, it has a charming little gastropub decorated with soft lighting, black and white photography, and tufted leather booths—perfect for sipping a Belgian beer. 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 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, minifridges, 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 from the front of the building. Learn more

Grand Hotel Terminus

Sip a drink at this atmospheric bar before dinner (photo courtesy of Grand Hotel Terminus)

Situated between two sister properties—a standard hotel and a luxury hotelGrand Hotel Terminus is somewhere in the middle. The hotel dates back to 1928, and many of the details have been kept intact, thanks to the current owners. They spent over a decade returning the hotel to its original glory with a refurbishment completed in 2019. Enter the lobby to find black and white tiling that contrasts against the dark-paneled wood walls. Across from the entrance is a whiskey bar with stained glass windows that could have been plucked from an Ivy League university.

The 131 rooms come in four categories with either parquet wood floors or fresh carpet, as well as stocked minibars and local bath products in eco-friendly pumps. The standard rooms and bathrooms are relatively compact but have tall ceilings and windows for natural light. For more space and amenities, opt for the superior rooms that offer additional seating areas, larger bathrooms, and Nespresso machines.

If arriving by railway, the hotel's location is right across the street from the city's train station. This transportation hub also connects to the main bus station and the light rail, with easy access to and from the airport. As for getting to the Bryggen waterfront, it's about 10 minutes on foot. Learn more

Hotel No13

Brightly-colored interiors are a hotel trademark (photo courtesy of Hotel No13)

The eclectic Hotel No13 is on Bergen's main pedestrian plaza, a few blocks from the waterfront and top attractions. Though it's a bustling location, the lobby is an oasis of calm with black and white tiles and a stunning stained glass ceiling purchased at an auction from Amsterdam. Guests can help themselves to the bookshelves and cozy seating areas topped with candles and order an espresso or something stronger from the front desk.

An elevator and stairwell reach the 34 modern rooms with hardwood-style flooring, white walls, and accents in a rainbow of bold colors. Though the decor scheme may not appeal to everyone, the rooms are clean and well cared for. Standard rooms face the rear courtyard and have minifridges, while superior rooms have plaza views and kettles for coffee and tea. Deluxe rooms have additional seating areas and might include bathtubs and/or seated balconies facing the street for people watching on the plaza below. 

Complimentary breakfast is served each morning on the French-inspired lower level, with thoughtful presentations and quality pastries baked in-house. There are also options that appeal to a range of dietary restrictions. Ask the friendly staff for free passes to a nearby fitness center. Learn more

The Hanseatic Hotel

Deluxe rooms have separate showers and claw-foot tubs (photo courtesy of The Hanseatic Hotel)

The Hanseatic Hotel is housed in an 18th-century building 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 location next door to the museum, it suits travelers seeking a taste of local history.

Each of the 37 rooms is unique with original details, like timber walls and wood-beamed ceilings, which are 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 larger bathrooms with showers and claw-foot tubs. 

For the size of the hotel, it's surprising 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 meals like fajitas and burritos. Both restaurants can accommodate vegetarians and kids. A breakfast buffet with a range of healthy options and espresso is included in the room price. Learn more