If you’re planning a trip and wondering whether you should spend more time in Oslo or Bergen, you’re not alone – this is a common question for travelers visiting Norway.
Norway’s two biggest cities, Oslo and Bergen, offer completely different experiences, and I’m here to break it down for you!
Oslo is Norway’s cosmopolitan capital, full of culture, museums, and a buzzing food scene. Bergen, on the other hand, is almost literally the gateway to the fjords, with a charming small-town feel, historic waterfront, and easy access to Norway’s stunning natural beauty.
So, should you spend more time in Oslo or Bergen? Here’s how the two cities compare and which one might be the better fit for your itinerary – according to a local (that’s me)!
Table of Contents
Oslo vs Bergen – The Differences Between the Cities
While both are incredible destinations, Oslo and Bergen have distinct personalities. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in each city:
- Oslo: Norway’s biggest city, with a modern, multicultural vibe. It’s packed with great museums, a variety restaurants, and urban parks.
- Bergen: A historic harbor city with a small-town feel. Surrounded by fjords and mountains, it’s the best place to experience Norway’s natural beauty.
If you’re looking for big city culture, Oslo is your best bet. But if you want classic Norwegian scenery, Bergen is the place to be.
Keep reading for my personal favorite!
Should I Fly Into Oslo or Bergen?
Most international travelers fly into Oslo, as it has Norway’s largest airport (Gardermoen, OSL) with the most flight options. It’s also often cheaper than flying directly into Bergen (Flesland, BGO).
However, if your main goal is to see the fjords, you might want to fly straight to Bergen instead of spending extra time and money getting there later. The city center is very close to the airport, and from there you’ll have a multitude of ways to see the fjords.
If you arrive in Oslo, you’ll need to take the Oslo to Bergen train (one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys, but an 8-hour trip) or fly domestically to get to Bergen.
Where Should You Spend More Time?
If you have extra days to spare, I personally recommend spending them in Bergen.
While Oslo is a fantastic city, Bergen offers a more “Norwegian” experience – a historic waterfront, stunning fjords, and charming cobblestone streets.
I love being in Oslo, as there is no other city in Norway that feels quite like a real city. However, most travelers come from countries with bigger cities than Oslo – so this probably won’t be enticing enough for you.
Having grown up by the fjords, in a tiny village nonetheless, visiting Oslo is so much fun to me. The diversity, the traffic, all the people – it’s all very exciting.
But, if you are on vacation in Norway, you should aim towards what’s unique about the country – and it isn’t the cities.
If your itinerary includes only one Norwegian city, Bergen is the best choice for an authentic Norwegian experience – and my personal recommendation.
In Bergen, you can:
- Wander through Bryggen, the historic UNESCO-listed Hanseatic Wharf.
- Take the Fløibanen funicular for an epic city view with little to no effort.
- Go on a fjord cruise or day trip to see Norway’s most famous landscapes.
- Hike one of the 7 mountains surrounding the city, such as Fløyen or Mount Ulriken.
Read more things to do in Bergen here!
Quick Bergen Travel Guide
Where to stay: Hotel Norge is a centrally located, higher-end hotel that is perfect for any traveler – and my favorite (their scrambled eggs at breakfast are the best in Norway). If you are looking for something in the historic city center, Clarion Havnekontoret is just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen. For something more budget-friendly, CityBox and Moxy are great alternatives!
Where to eat: I have so many favourite restaurants in Bergen, and have covered them all in this guide. Don’t miss Bryggeloftet (traditional, Norwegian), Poca Madre (Mexican), Boccone (Italian) and JAJA (International Street Food).
Top activities and tours in Bergen:
- Mostraumen Fjord Cruise from Bergen (check out the best fjord cruises from Bergen in this guide)
- Seeing the UNESCO listed Bryggen (on your own or on a walking tour)
- Viking ship fjord cruise
- Hiking or taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen
- Going on a day trip to Flåm and the Nærøyfjord
Packing for Bergen: My golden rule when packing and dressing for any destination in Norway is layers. Layers, layers, layers – and Bergen is no different. Additionally, Bergen can be quite a rainy city, so a waterproof jacket such as this one is ideal. Good shoes for walking around the city is a must too (the city is very walkable). Going on a cruise? Don’t miss my packing list for going on a cruise to Norway!
Getting to Bergen: I have covered how to get from the airport to the city center in detail here.
Getting Around: Skyss is the official public transportation system in Bergen. Download the app Skyss Billett (ticket) to have tickets on your phone.
In Oslo, you can:
- Visit the Nobel Peace Center or the Viking Ship Museum (reopening in 2026).
- Explore the modern Barcode district and Opera House.
- Take a walk through Ekebergparken, a scenic sculpture park with fjord views.
- Explore the National Museum or visit the MUNCH Museum, where you’ll find the famous Scream painting.
Read more things to do in Oslo here!
Quick Oslo Travel Guide
Where to stay: Most people stay in the city center, near the train station (Oslo S) or along the street called Karl Johan (the main pedestrian and shopping street of the city). My favorite hotel in Oslo is Amerikalinjen, dedicated to those crossing the Atlantic to emigrate to America from Norway). Budget options are Citybox and the Anker Hostel, and the Comfort Hotel Grand Central is a good mid-range hotel. Those looking to splurge should stay at the historic Grand Hotel, another one of my personal favorites.
Top activities and tours in Oslo:
- Akershus Fortress (free entry, tours at a cost)
- Oslo Highlights Bike Tour ($46)
- The Fram Museum
- Fjord Cruise on the Oslo fjord ($58)
- Taste of Oslo Food Tour ($131)
Packing for Oslo: In the winter months, Oslo is very cold – so I highly recommend checking out my complete packing guide for winter in Norway. In the summer, Oslo is usually sunny and comfortable, but as always when it comes to packing for Norway; bring layers. Whilst the days are warm, evenings can still be chilly, so a light puffer jacket like this one is key year-round in Norway.
Airport transfer: The most efficient way to get from Oslo to the city center is to travel by train. The airport express Flytoget has an app, and gets you straight to the main train station (Oslo S) in around 20 minutes. There are private transfer services available, perfect for those who want the luxury and convenience of heading straight to a car when arriving – but the drive to the city is actually longer than the train ride.
Common Misconceptions About Oslo and Bergen
I decided to add this section to hopefully help you avoid some common mistakes and assumptions about Oslo and Bergen.
Below are three thoughts you might have about either city – and why they’re wrong!
- “Oslo is surrounded by fjords.” Not really! The Oslofjord is technically not a real fjord (at least not in the way people expect), so if you want dramatic fjord landscapes, head to Bergen.
- “Bergen’s weather isn’t that bad.” Actually, it rains a lot – about 240 days a year! Don’t let this stop you though, we Norwegians have a saying that goes “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Just make sure you pack well.
- “Oslo is expensive, but Bergen is cheap.” Nope, both cities are pricey, but Bergen can be cheaper for fjord trips, since it’s already in the perfect location.
Read later: Is Bergen worth visiting?
Popular tours and activities in Oslo
Popular tours and activities in Bergen
Which City Has the Best Food Scene?
Oslo has a larger variety of international cuisine and some fantastic food markets like Mathallen and Torggata Bad Food Court. There are also a couple of great Oslo food tour for those wanting to explore local flavors – one focusing on street food and another on food and beer!
My favorite restaurants in Oslo are Girotondo (Italian), Dinner (Chinese) and Palate (French/Italian).
Bergen’s food scene is growing, and seafood lovers will love the Bergen Fish Market. The city also has an excellent food and culture tour of the city for those interested in Norwegian specialties.
Since I live in Bergen, you can bet that I have done my fair share to explore the city’s restaurants, and I have compiled a list of the 10 best ones in the city here, in addition to this guide to Italian restaurants only (my favorite cuisine).
Which City Is Better for Outdoor Activities?
- Oslo is great for easy outdoor adventures. You can hop on public transport and be in Nordmarka, a beautiful forested area, in no time. Perfect for hiking, biking, and skiing in winter. Sognsvann is a popular loop hike around a lake (called Sognsvann) for those that want to be outdoors without too much effort.
- Bergen is for the mountain lovers. The city is surrounded by seven mountains, offering some of the best hikes in Norway, including Mount Ulriken, Stoltzen and Mount Fløyen.
If you’re looking for challenging hikes with rewarding views, Bergen wins this category.
And, as mentioned before, if you are visiting Norway for the scenery and nature, Bergen should be your top choice for its proximity to the fjords.
Final Verdict: Oslo or Bergen?
I think it’s clear by now that I will always recommend Bergen if you have to choose. However, if you have enough time, adding a day in Oslo will definitely be worth it. It will give you a feel of a modern, Norwegian city.
If you love big cities, museums, and international food, you’ll enjoy Oslo. But if you want to experience fjords, hiking, and historic charm, Bergen is the better choice.
For me, Bergen is the best city for travelers – it feels more local, it has easier to access the fjords, and it’s a great base for exploring Norway.
If I had an extra day to spend in Norway? I’d spend it in Bergen.