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

Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a scenic, active, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Bergen?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lucerne is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucerne 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.

Lucerne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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 Lucerne or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lucerne and Bergen offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Lucerne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Bergen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Lucerne or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Lucerne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

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 Lucerne or Bergen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Bergen both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Lucerne or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bergen. 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.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Bergen Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Bergen both superb destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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.

Is Lucerne or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Bergen Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to 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.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

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

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

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.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Bergen. In our opinion, Bergen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bergen than Lucerne. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Lucerne or Bergen?

Lucerne 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.

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Bergen?

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

Bergen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Lucerne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Bergen?

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

Both Bergen and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lucerne usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Bergen. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, 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.

In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Lucerne usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

Lucerne is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Lucerne