3 Best Hostels in Bergen – Norway’s Gateway to the Fjords

3 Best Hostels in Bergen

A must-see Scandinavian destination, Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and former capital, is a charming and scenic town. As the “City of Rainbows,” travelers to Bergen will get lost wandering through the iconic UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, where centuries-old wooden houses transport you back in time.

Here are the best hostels in Bergen, allowing you to enjoy the city’s magnificent landscapes, thriving art scene, and the cleanest air you will possibly breathe during your city break in the country’s most western part.

We also have a guide on the best things to do in Bergen

Our favorite hostels in Bergen are:

  1. Bergen Hostel Montana - best for backpackers
  2. City Hostel Bergen - best for female solo travelers
  3. Intermission Hostel - best for solo travelers

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

Visitors are enchanted by this captivating city, surrounded by not one but seven mystical mountains. Adventurous travelers will especially enjoy Bergen, where they can hike to Mount Floyen and witness a spectacular view of the city and its glistening fjords, or simply take a relaxing city break in town and indulge in some of the best seafood in the world. 

We also have a hostel guide for Oslo: the best hostels in Oslo.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

  • are tired of crappy hostels!
  • want a social Hostel to actually meet people
  • are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

Quick Introduction to Bergen

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Bergen cost an average of $37 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $144 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.

Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.

Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

Prepare for rain: Bergen sees an average of 239 days of rain throughout the year. The summer months, from May to September, are the best time to visit Bergen for warmer, longer days.

Catch a music festival: During the summer months, you can enjoy a ton of music and cultural festivals, such as Bergenfest, an outdoor blues, country, and rock festival in June, and the Bergen International Festival, which showcases musical performances and other art exhibitions. It lasts for two weeks, from late May to early June.

Shops close on Sundays: Most shops are closed on Sundays, so make sure to do your grocery shopping beforehand.

The tap water is safe: Norway has some of the best water in Europe, and the tap water in Bergen is safe and extremely refreshing.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

The 3 Best Hostels in Bergen are …

Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Bergen.

  1. Bergen Hostel Montana – best for backpackers
  2. City Hostel Bergen – best for female solo travelers
  3. Intermission Hostel – best for solo travelers

These are our favorite hostels in Bergen. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler: Intermission Hostel
🙎‍♀️ Female Solo Traveler: City Hostel Bergen
👫 For Socializing:Intermission Hostel
🎒 for Backpacker:Bergen Hostel Montana
🧘 Cozy Hostel: City Hostel Bergen

1. Bergen Hostel Montana

Located on the hillside of Mount Ulriken is Bergen Hostel Montana, one of the best hostels in Bergen. It provides travelers with some of Bergen’s most spectacular views as well as a welcoming and comfortable international atmosphere.

Travelers appreciate the free, daily all-you-can-eat breakfast is one of the many ways the hostel provides travelers with a social atmosphere to enhance their trip. Every evening, expect group hikes, BBQs, and music sessions led by many local and international volunteers to keep you entertained for the entirety of your stay.

Book Bergen Hostel Montana here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Bergen Hostel Montana Lounge

The hostel has mixed as well as female-only dorm and private rooms. Ben linens are rentable for a small fee for the entire stay.

Bergen Hostel Montana welcomes travelers of all ages and is well-known for its close-knit, family-like atmosphere. This hostel is the best choice in Bergen for backpackers with an adventurous side. 

This hostel comes with the following:

  • Two Shared kitchens
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free all-you-can-eat breakfast (daily)
  • Onsite restaurant and bar
  • Shared lounge
  • A beautiful terrace overlooking Bergen
  • Laundry service
  • Gym
  • Outdoor BBQ and fireplace

Location: HI Bergen Hostel Montana is located on the hillside of Mount Ulriken. It is 3.6 kilometers from the Bergen city center and is e

The best choice in Bergen for

  • Backpackers
Book Bergen Hostel Montana here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Bergen Hostel Montana Bergen Hostel Montana Dorms

2. City Hostel Bergen

City Hostel Bergen is centrally located, close to Bergen’s famous attractions and sites, as well as restaurants, shops, and nightlife. This hostel welcomes all types of travelers and offers a variety of room options to accommodate everyone.

Everything is just a short walk away, so you won’t have to deal with public transportation or taxis. The colorful Bryggen houses, as well as the famous fish market, are only a ten-minute walk away.

Keep in mind that this hostel has seasonal reception hours, and travelers arriving outside of check-out hours will be charged for the first night in advance. 

Book City Hostel Bergen here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

City Hostel Bergen

Bed linen is provided, and a kitchen is available for travelers to prepare their own meals. Towels are provided with private rooms but can be rented for those staying in the dorms. City Hostel Bergen is a peaceful hostel ideal for a few nights’ rest while remaining centrally located.

This hostel comes with the following:

  • Shared kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Elevator
  • Common area with a TV

Location: This hostel is less than ten minutes away from the famous Bryggen houses and fish market. There are tons of nearby restaurants, shops, and public transport options.

A great choice for

  • Female solo travelers
Book City Hostel Bergen here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

City Hostel Bergen Lounge City Hostel Bergen

3. Intermission Hostel

Intermission Hostel is also located in the city center and is one of the best hostels in Bergen due to its low prices and proximity to Bryggen and the fish market; however, this hostel is only open during the summer, from mid-June to mid-August.

The hostel has a modern design and facilities, as well as a pleasant common room where travelers can mingle. Travelers enjoy this hostel’s homey atmosphere, especially on free waffle evenings every Tuesday and Thursday.

Every day, the hostel also serves coffee, tea, and biscuits. You can also walk to several beautiful mountain points in the area, such as Mount Floyen, or take the bus to Mount Ulriken, which is conveniently located right outside the hostel.

Book Intermission Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Intermission Hostel Garden

The hostel offers free laundry and an affordable daily breakfast. To maintain the hostel’s peaceful, family-friendly environment, drinking, and smoking are prohibited. It is a wonderful hostel in Bergen for a relaxing stay during the beautiful summer months!

This hostel comes with the following:

  • Shared kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free waffles every Tuesday and Thursday
  • Free tea, coffee, and biscuits
  • Common area

Location: This hostel is less than ten minutes away from the Bryggen houses and the fish market. There are several shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area, as well as public transportation options. 

This is one of the best hostels in Bergen for

  • Solo travelers
  • Social butterflies
Book Intermission Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Intermission Hostel Intermission Hostel Dorms

Best Hostels in Bergen for Solo Travelers? 

We think that the best hostel in Bergen is Intermission Hostel. It has all the amenities you’d need for a comfortable stay and provides plenty of social interactions so that you won’t feel lonely during your trip.

Book Intermission Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Party Hostels in Bergen 

We don’t really have a party hostel in Bergen to recommend, but here are a few highlights of the nightlife in Bergen:

With Bergen being a smaller city, there is no particular nightlife area, and everything is spread out. Bars and clubs close earlier than in most European cities, typically around 3 AM.

Additionally, Norway’s high cost of living means higher prices for drinks. However, with a few pregame drinks before heading out, you’ll find that Bergen has a vibrant music and arts scene, with many nightlife venues catering to live music, rock, jazz, and classical music.

Bergen is also a student city, so with the help of a few local friends, you can easily find cheap beer throughout the city. Here are a few of the best bars and clubs in Bergen to keep you entertained after hours:

  • No Stress: Home to many crafty cocktails, No Stress is a favorite bar among locals for drinking and hanging out in an easygoing atmosphere.
  • Apollon: Norway’s oldest record store, rock and metal fans will enjoy this bar, which occasionally features live music performances.
  • Fincken: Fincken is one of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the city. Everyone is welcome, and the venue hosts a variety of themed nights, from reggae to hip-hop.
  • Magic Ice Bar: This ice art gallery is one of the coolest bars in Bergen, famous for its ice sculptures, music, and vibrant lights that create a boozy, winter wonderland atmosphere.
  • Vaskeriet: One of the best nightclubs in Bergen, dance the night away to a variety of music played by live DJs while enjoying delicious drinks.

Most places in Bergen are walkable, but prepare to catch a taxi after midnight if you find yourself far away, as most buses stop running even on the weekends. 

More Hostels worth a mention

At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.

What about the cheapest hostels in Bergen?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Bergen.

  1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Bergen
  2. add your dates
  3. Order the listings by price

Simple as that.

Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

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How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Bergen best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.

Download the Hostelworld App here

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The best way to find hostels: Hostelgeeks website and Hostelworld App

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Our Favorite Hostels in Bergen put on a map + sights

We’re listing all the three best Bergen hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.

We dedicated an entire post on the 27 best things to do in Bergen, but here is a short snippet: 

See the Bryggen: The most iconic staple of the city, these colorful houses made of painted wood date back to the 14th century. You can easily get here from anywhere in the city center.

Visit the Bergen Fish Market: Of course, being surrounded by water, Norway has some of the best seafood in the world. Try the freshest fish you will ever have by visiting the famous Bergen Fish Market, located near the port.

Ride the Floibanen to Mount Floyen: One of the best things to do in Bergen is to ride the Floibanen, a funicular railway, to Mount Floyen, where you’ll be met with stunning views of Bergen and the nearby fjords. There are also several hiking trails to enjoy on a warm, dry day.

Hike Mount Ulriken: Bergen’s highest mountain offers great trails for advanced hikers and can even be accessed by trail from Mount Floyen. You can also take a bus from the city center to get there.

Visit the Hanseatic Museum: The city’s prime museum, a visit to the Hanseatic Museum will teach you all about the history of Bergen as one of the most important trading hubs in Europe.

Marvel at the Bergenhus Fortress: Located in the city center, Bergenhus Fortress is Norway’s oldest fortification and has served as a royal and military residence. It has endured many attacks throughout the centuries, including World War II. Today, it functions as a government building and often hosts events, festivals, and concerts on its grounds.

Visit the Troldhaugen Museum: Home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg; the home-turned-museum Troldhaugen offers an exhibition of Grieg’s life. The museum is a great way to gain some insight into Norway’s musical culture of the past.

Kayak in the fjords: Fjords, long and narrow bodies of water, are one of Norway’s most famous geographical features. Popular in the summer months, many visitors enjoy taking kayaking tours to explore the numerous fjords in the area.

Take a cruise: Experience the breathtaking North Sea from above, along with its accompanying waterfalls and mountains, by going on one of the many day cruises offered in the city—a perfect opportunity to witness the spectacular fjords.

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FAQs

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Flights to Bergen?

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

review of Skyscanner flight searches

Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Bergen.

We did the leg work for you and brought you more hostel guides to destinations:

You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.

We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.

Over to you

Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

Your question will help us to improve this Bergen guide.

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks

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