A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Tromso vs. Bergen for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tromso or Bergen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tromso and Bergen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tromso

Tromso is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

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.

Tromso and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tromso or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bergen than Tromso. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bergen is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Tromso attracts visitors for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. It is also well known for Bryggen.

How is Tromso different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

Is the Food Better in Tromso or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tromso 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 Tromso is an experience not to be missed. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Tromso and Bergen.

If you're looking for night time activities Tromso has a few options to choose from. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Tromso or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Bergen has an old town worth visiting. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Tromso or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Tromso is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Bergen?

Bergen is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Tromso or Bergen Better for Families?

Both Tromso and Bergen are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tromso. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Bergen is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tromso or Bergen Better for Couples?

Both Tromso and Bergen are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tromso is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tromso and Bergen are nice places to visit.

Tromso is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

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

Is Tromso or Bergen Better for Students?

For students, both Tromso and Bergen are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Tromso. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Bergen is a good town to visit for students. 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 Tromso or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bergen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Tromso or Bergen a more walkable city?

Tromso and Bergen are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or 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 Tromso Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tromso and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Bergen. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Tromso, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Tromso. 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 Tromso. 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 Bergen than Tromso 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 Tromso or Bergen?

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Tromso or Bergen?

Tromso 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 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.

Five days in Tromso or Bergen?

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

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

A week in Tromso or Bergen?

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Tromso or Bergen?

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

Both Bergen and Tromso during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Tromso is cooler than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tromso usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Bergen. Many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Tromso is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tromso in October average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tromso usually receives less rain than Bergen. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tromso or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. Tromso can be very cold during winter. In January, Tromso is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around -4°C (25°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Tromso usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Tromso is much colder than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around 1°C (33°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Tromso usually receives less rain than Bergen. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Tromso