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

Should you visit Hofn or Bergen?

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

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

Where Should I go: Hofn or Bergen?

Hofn

Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Hofn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $144. 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 Hofn and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $113
    Bergen $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $226
    Bergen $148
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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 Hofn


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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    Bergen $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Helicopter transfer Bergen - Rosendal: $4,438
  • Powerboat transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
  • Helicopter transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
  • From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
  • From Private Transfer to Voss: $403
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $257
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $200
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer - Hotels & Cruise Ports - Airport 1-14 pax: $175
  • Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Hofn 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
    Hofn $73
    Bergen $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

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

  • Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
  • Bergen Food Tour: $174
  • Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    Bergen $18

Tours and Activities in Hofn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.

  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
  • Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
  • Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
  • 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $214
  • Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • 1 hour Tour for Herdla Walking: $103
  • 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $145
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $167
  • Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
  • Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $225
  • Bergen Floibanen Funicular Ticket: $31
  • Bergen Magical Nature Tour | ViFlowExperience: $243
  • Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Local Guide: $86
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour: $325
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour of Historic Sites: $256
  • Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    Bergen $7.56


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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn 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 Hofn or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Hofn during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hofn usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Bergen. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives less rain than Bergen. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Bergen. Also, 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 Hofn can be very cold. Hofn is much colder than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Hofn usually receives less rain than Bergen. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Hofn

Hofn Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)