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

Should you visit Bergen or Bressanone?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Bressanone? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a charming, quaint, and picturesque town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Bergen and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bergen or Bressanone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bressanone. Although Bergen and Bressanone are popular destinations, Bressanone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bressanone is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting. It is also well known for The Bressanone/Brixen Cathedral.

How is Bergen different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen
Bressanone

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bergen or Bressanone.

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.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


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

Bergen
Bressanone

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

Dining out in Bressanone is an experience not to be missed. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

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 Bergen or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Bergen
Bressanone

Bergen is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Bergen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Bergen or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Bergen
Bressanone

Bressanone is notable 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

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


Is Bergen or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Bergen
Bressanone

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

Bressanone is a popular spot for hiking. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Bressanone?

Bergen
Bressanone

Bergen is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bergen. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Bergen or Bressanone Better for Families?

Bergen
Bressanone

Bergen is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Bergen or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Bergen
Bressanone

With fun activities for couples, both Bergen and Bressanone make for a excellent place to visit.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bressanone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Bergen or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen
Bressanone

Both Bergen and Bressanone are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Bressanone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Is Bergen or Bressanone Better for Students?

Bergen
Bressanone

Bergen is a city with good options for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Bergen is popular with 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.

Bressanone is not popular with students.


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

Bergen
Bressanone

Bergen is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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.

While Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Bergen or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Bergen
Bressanone

Bergen and Bressanone both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bergen or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bergen than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Bressanone. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergen than Bressanone 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.


  • How many days in Bergen or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bergen 1-3 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Bergen or Bressanone?

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Bergen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, one day is sufficent for most.

Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Bergen or Bressanone?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bergen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone 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 Bergen or Bressanone?

Bergen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bressanone. 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.

A week in Bergen or Bressanone?

Bergen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bressanone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Bergen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $108, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is $148. 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 Bergen and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bergen $67
    Bressanone $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bergen $134
    Bressanone $154
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Bergen or Bressanone? 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.

Hotels in Bergen


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Bergen Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bergen $9.65
    Bressanone $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $198
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by business sedan: $98
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $112
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Minibus: $143
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen city by luxury van: $92
  • Bergen International Airport: Private One Way Transfer: $100
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $131
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $83
  • Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $153
  • Private Transfer to/from Bergen Airport (BGO): $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Bergen or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Bergen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bergen $31
    Bressanone $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $180

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    $2.36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bergen $16
    Bressanone $21

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • Explore Bergen with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.21
  • Visita a pie Bergen NORDIC FREEDOM TOURS: $4.96
  • Guided Walking Tour: $4.96
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a witch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $6.99
  • Walking Tour of Central Bergen: $7.63
  • Pocket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Pocket Bryggen: A Self-Guided Audio tour in Bergen: $8.99
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bergen $6.87
    Bressanone $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    $9.64
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    $7.50


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


Which is Bigger, Bergen or Bressanone?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Bressanone, 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.