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

Should you visit Bremen 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 Bremen and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bremen

Bremen is a historic, beautiful, and colorful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bremen and Bergen: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bremen or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bremen than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bremen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Bremen is famous for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. It is also well known for The Historic Marktplatz. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Bremen different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bremen
Bergen

Bremen is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Bremen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.


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

Bremen
Bergen

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bremen area. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

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 Bremen or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Bremen
Bergen

Bremen is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Bremen has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Bremen or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bremen
Bergen

Bremen 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.

Bremen has a world-famous historical area. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

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 Bremen or Bergen?

Bremen
Bergen

Both Bremen and Bergen are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Bremen or Bergen Better for Families?

Bremen
Bergen

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

Bremen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Bergen is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Bremen or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bremen
Bergen

Bergen is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.


Is Bremen or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bremen
Bergen

Both Bremen and Bergen are nice destinations for backpackers.

Bremen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

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

Is Bremen or Bergen Better for Students?

Bremen
Bergen

Bergen is very good for students. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Bremen
Bergen

Both Bremen and Bergen offer great public transit options.

Bremen offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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.


Is Bremen or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bremen
Bergen

Bremen 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 Bremen on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Bremen?

How long in Bremen or Bergen?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bremen or Bergen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bremen 2-4 
    Bergen 1-3

One day in Bremen or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bremen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bremen or Bergen?

Bremen 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.

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 Bremen or Bergen?

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

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 Bremen or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bremen. This city 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back 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 Music Tours in Germany, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Bremen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bremen is €147, while the average daily cost in Bergen is €102. 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 Bremen and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bremen 76
    Bergen 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bremen 152
    Bergen 126
Compare Hotels in Bremen and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Bremen 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.

Hotels in Bremen


Hotels in Bergen


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: Bremen Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bremen 45
    Bergen 9.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Sedan: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $80
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen city by luxury van: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $92
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by business sedan: $98
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen to Bergen Airport BGO by business sedan: $98
  • Bergen International Airport: Private One Way Transfer: $100
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Bremen or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Bremen 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
    Bremen 36
    Bergen 29
Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bremen 34
    Bergen 15

Tours and Activities in Bremen

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

  • Exploration Game & City Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Centre Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Public Tour of the Town Hall in English: $9.62
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bremen : $11
  • Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District: $13
  • Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German): $13
  • Guided Tour of City Center: $13
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Detective Trail 2.5-hour puzzle tour for families: $16
  • Experience Bremen by bike: $16

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
    Bremen 34
    Bergen 6.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


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


Which is Bigger, Bremen or Bergen?

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

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

Bremen is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Bremen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Bremen usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bremen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bremen 17°C (63°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Bremen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bremen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In the autumn, Bremen is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bremen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bremen usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Bremen gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bremen 10°C (50°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bremen and Bergen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bremen this time of year. Also, 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 Bremen in the winter. In January, Bremen is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bremen average around 1°C (33°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bremen usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bremen gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bremen 1°C (33°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bremen as well as Bergen. Many travelers come to Bremen for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

Bremen is a little warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Bremen averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Bremen usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Bremen gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bremen 8°C (46°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Bremen

Bremen Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)