A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gothenburg vs. Bergen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gothenburg or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bergen? 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.

Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Bergen?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

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


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Gothenburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $100, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $110. 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 Gothenburg and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $41
    Bergen $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $82
    Bergen $136
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $19
    Bergen $9.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $33
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Goteborg Cruise Port to Gothenburg City: $65
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $103
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $114
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $116
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $121

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Solstrand Hotel transfer: $297
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Panorama Hotel & Resort transfer: $293
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $143
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $198
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $239
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $176
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Flesland Airport to Flam Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Bergen City Hotels to Flam Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $95
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $105
  • Private Bergen Airport Transfer to or from Bergen City: $257
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $39
    Bergen $31

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: $185

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $16
    Bergen $17

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $30
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $31
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off BusTour: $33
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $33
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $34
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $35
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $37

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $124
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $146
  • Authentic Private Walking Tour of Bergen: $88
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Bergen City 2-Hour Private Tour by Electric Car: $76
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $42
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $86
  • Bergen Guided Tour by Minibus (with Photo stops) & Bryggen Walk: $62
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour: $299
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $296
  • Bergen Shore Excursion: Bergen Walking Tour: $149
  • Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $21
    Bergen $6.98


When comparing the travel costs between Gothenburg and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Bergen?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Bergen in the Summer?

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

Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Gothenburg is around the same temperature as Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gothenburg in October average around 9°C (47°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Gothenburg. In January, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around -2°C (29°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Bergen. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

Gothenburg is cooler than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)