A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Bergen for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Annecy or Bergen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a quaint, storybook, and charming alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Bergen are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its shopping. Annecy is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Annecy different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergen and Annecy. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Annecy or Bergen?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Annecy and Bergen.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Is the Food Better in Annecy or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Annecy and Bergen.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Annecy has a world-famous historical area. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Annecy is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Bergen?

Bergen is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Bergen is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Annecy or Bergen.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Bergen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for Couples?

Annecy is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Bergen are good places to visit.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Annecy or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bergen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Annecy or Bergen a more walkable city?

Annecy and Bergen are great when it comes to walkability.

Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Annecy Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Annecy and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Annecy than in Bergen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Bergen. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Annecy than Bergen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Annecy that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Annecy or Bergen?

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Bergen?

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Annecy or Bergen?

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Bergen, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy 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 Annecy or Bergen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Annecy or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Annecy during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Annecy is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Annecy usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Bergen. The autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In October, Annecy is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 14°C (56°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Bergen. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Bergen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. Annecy is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Annecy is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Annecy usually receives less rain than Bergen. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Annecy