A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Bergen for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Carcassonne or Bergen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Carcassonne and Bergen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Bergen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bergen than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bergen is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Also, Bergen is famous for Bryggen.

How is Carcassonne different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne
Bergen

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is an experience not to be missed. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Bergen is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Carcassonne and Bergen.

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.


Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Bergen?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Bergen is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Bergen Better for Families?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Bergen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Bergen Better for Couples?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Bergen is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Carcassonne or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Carcassonne is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Carcassonne or Bergen Better for Students?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Bergen is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Carcassonne
Bergen

Bergen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Carcassonne or Bergen a more walkable city?

Carcassonne
Bergen

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Bergen?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.


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

One day in Carcassonne or Bergen?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nostalgic city of Bergen. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Bergen?

Carcassonne 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Carcassonne or Bergen?

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

The nostalgic city of Bergen offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Carcassonne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Carcassonne is €106, 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 Carcassonne and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Carcassonne 61
    Bergen 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Carcassonne 122
    Bergen 126
Compare Hotels in Carcassonne and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne


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: Carcassonne Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Carcassonne 7.14
    Bergen 9.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Solstrand Hotel transfer: $286
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Panorama Hotel & Resort transfer: $286
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $192
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $177
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $233
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $142
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $172
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $49
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer - Bergen Hotels & Cruise Ports - Bergen Airport: $112
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Carcassonne or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39
    Bergen 29

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.
    Carcassonne 14
    Bergen 15

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Bergen: $55
  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $121
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $148
  • Authentic Private Walking Tour of Bergen: $96
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Bergen Cruise - Guided City & Harbor Sightseeing: $36
  • Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $206
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $55
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $55
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $84
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Bergen Guided Tour by Minibus (with Photo stops) & Bryggen Walk: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Carcassonne 13
    Bergen 6.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When comparing the travel costs between Carcassonne and Bergen, we can see that Carcassonne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Carcassonne Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Bergen?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Bergen. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Carcassonne is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 24°C (75°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Carcassonne is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bergen. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Carcassonne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Carcassonne is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carcassonne in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Bergen. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

In April, Carcassonne is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 14°C (56°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bergen. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Carcassonne

Carcassonne Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)