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

Should you visit Turku or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku 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: Turku or Bergen?

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Turku?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €136, while the average daily cost in Bergen is €102. 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 Turku and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Bergen 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Bergen 126
Compare Hotels in Turku and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Turku 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 Turku


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: Turku Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Bergen 9.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

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

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $73
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $73
  • One-Way Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $2,102

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $448
  • From Private Transfer to Voss: $366
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Solstrand Hotel transfer: $285
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minibus: $197
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $197
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $191
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $155
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Minibus: $143
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $130
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $130
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Turku 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
    Turku 32
    Bergen 29

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: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Bergen 15

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $130
  • Turku Archipelago: Sea Kayaking Day Tour: $132
  • Archipelago tour with Soling sailboat: $309
  • Inspiring Turku - Walking Tour: $520
  • Turku Enchanting Romantic Walking Tour: $656
  • Turku Christmas Delights Walking Tour: $762

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $147
  • Authentic Private Walking Tour of Bergen: $96
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $205
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $84
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Bergen Guided Tour by Minibus (with Photo stops) & Bryggen Walk: $65
  • Bergen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour: $293
  • Bergen University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Bergen to Flam "The King of Fjords" One-Way or Round-Trip Cruise Ticket: $139
  • Øygarden Islets Guided Kayaking Tour: $173

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Bergen 6.44


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


Which is Bigger, Turku or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Turku. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Bergen in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Turku is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Turku in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Turku usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Turku or Bergen in the Autumn?

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

In October, Turku is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 6°C (43°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Turku usually receives less rain than Bergen. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Turku or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Turku as well as Bergen. Additionally, 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 Turku can be very cold. Turku is much colder than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Turku averages around -6°C (20°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Turku usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Turku or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Turku 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 Turku in the spring. In the spring, Turku is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Turku in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Turku usually receives less rain than Bergen. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Turku

Turku Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)