Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Bergen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Bergen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Akureyri or Bergen?
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesBergen Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Bergen $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $144. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Akureyri and Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Bergen $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Bergen $148
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Bergen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Bergen $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $114
- Bergen Airport BGO Private Transfer to Starefossen Bergen Hotels: $85
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $115
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $115
- BGO Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport (BGO): $115
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $112
- Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $125
- From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen and Akureyri change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAkureyri $71Bergen $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
- Bergen Food Tour: $174
- Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Bergen $18
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
- War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
- Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $65
- Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $78
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $78
- Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour: $79
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $100
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
- Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- The Headless Horseman in A Self Guided Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $8.99
- Bergen's Landmarks and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $8.99
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
- Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
- Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
- Authentic Morning Walking Tour: $20
- Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Bergen $7.56
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Bergen, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Bergen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Bergen?
Bergen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Bergen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Akureyri or Bergen?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Akureyri or Bergen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Bergen. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Akureyri is generally cooler than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Bergen. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Bergen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Bergen. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Bergen in the Winter?
Both Bergen and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.
It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Bergen. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Bergen in the Spring?
Both Bergen and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.