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

Should you visit Salzburg or Bergen?

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

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

Salzburg

Salzburg is a musical, cultural, and recognizable city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Salzburg and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Bergen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salzburg than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salzburg is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Salzburg is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also well known for The Salzburg Old Town. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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 Salzburg or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Bergen are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

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 Salzburg or Bergen Better for Music?

Salzburg is very popular for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

In Salzburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg has a world-famous historical area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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 Salzburg or Bergen?

Salzburg is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Salzburg is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

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 Salzburg or Bergen Better for Families?

Salzburg and Bergen are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

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 Salzburg or Bergen Better for Couples?

Salzburg is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Salzburg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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.

Is Salzburg or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Salzburg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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

Is Salzburg or Bergen Better for Students?

Salzburg is very popular for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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.

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

Both Salzburg and Bergen offer very good public transit options.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Visitors to Bergen can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Salzburg or Bergen a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Bergen both are very good when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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 Salzburg Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Bergen. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Salzburg. 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.

The city of Bergen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salzburg or Bergen?

Salzburg is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Salzburg. 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.

Bergen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, 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 Salzburg and Bergen, we can see that Salzburg 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Salzburg is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Salzburg is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salzburg in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Bergen. The winter months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Salzburg can be very cold. In January, Salzburg is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around -0°C (31°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

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

Should I visit Salzburg or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Bergen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

Salzburg is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Salzburg usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Salzburg