A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bamberg vs. Bergen for Old Town, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Bamberg or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bamberg 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.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a historic, beautiful, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bamberg and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bamberg or Bergen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bamberg than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Bamberg, Bamberg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bamberg is better known for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Bamberg is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. Also, Bamberg is famous for the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bamberg different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Bamberg and Bergen have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bamberg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bamberg and Bergen can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Bamberg offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Bergen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Bamberg or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Bamberg is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Is Bamberg or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bamberg 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.

Bamberg has a world-famous historical area. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Bamberg or Bergen?

Bergen is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bamberg. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Is Bamberg or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bergen is 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.

Bamberg is a family-friendly town. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Bamberg or Bergen Better for Couples?

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

Bamberg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

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 Bamberg or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bamberg and Bergen are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bamberg. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

Bergen is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bamberg or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for students. However, Bamberg is not popular with students.

Bergen is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Bamberg is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bergen. 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.

Bamberg has some public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

Is Bamberg or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bamberg is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Bamberg on foot. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Bamberg?

How long in Bamberg or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bamberg and Bergen. In our opinion, Bergen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bergen than Bamberg. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergen than Bamberg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bergen.

One day in Bamberg or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bamberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bamberg or Bergen?

Bamberg 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.

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Bamberg or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bamberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Bergen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bamberg or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bamberg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, 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 Bamberg and Bergen, we can see that Bamberg 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 Bamberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bamberg 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 Bamberg Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bamberg or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bamberg. When comparing the sizes of Bamberg 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 Bamberg 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 Bamberg or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Bamberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bamberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bamberg is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bamberg average around 19°C (67°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Bamberg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bamberg gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bamberg or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Bamberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bamberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Bamberg is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bamberg averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bamberg usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bamberg or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bamberg and Bergen. The winter months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Bamberg can be very cold. In the winter, Bamberg is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bamberg in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bamberg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bamberg or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bamberg as well as Bergen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bamberg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In April, Bamberg is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bamberg average around 10°C (50°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Bamberg usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Bamberg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Bamberg