Comparison · Bergen vs Oslo · Norway
Bergen vs Oslo
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Bergen for Bryggen and Fjords; choose Oslo for Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch, beaches and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 305 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 305 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Bergen
- May–August
- Best time for Oslo
- May–September
Side by side
| Bergen | Oslo | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Norway | Norway |
| Known for | Bryggen, Fjords and Fløyen funicular | Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch and Vigeland sculptures |
| Best time to visit | May–August | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $250–$400 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, 0°C (32°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 3 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 6 |
| Beaches | Nordnes sea pool and rocks | Huk |
| Airports | BGO | OSL, TRF |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bergen for…
Bryggen and Fjords. Bergen is Norway's second city, wedged between the sea and seven mountains on the west coast, and the traditional gateway to the fjords. The colourful wooden merchants' houses of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the days of the Hanseatic League…
Choose Oslo for…
Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch, beaches and free sights. Oslo sits at the head of the Oslofjord, with a compact centre running from the Central Station along Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace. The waterfront has been rebuilt over the past two decades: the marble Opera House, the MUNCH museum and the Deichman…
Top sights compared
| # | Bergen | Oslo |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryggen | Oslo Opera House |
| 2 | Bryggens Museum | MUNCH |
| 3 | Fløibanen and Mount Fløyen | National Museum |
| 4 | Ulriken cable car | Vigeland Park |
| 5 | Fish Market | Akershus Fortress |
Food compared
| Bergen | Oslo |
|---|---|
| Bergen fish soup | Brown cheese |
| Skillingsbolle | Norwegian waffles |
| Raspeballer | Fish soup |
| Fish cakes | Shrimp sandwich |
Which is cheaper?
Bergen and Oslo cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $250–$400 in Bergen and $250–$400 in Oslo (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Bergen on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Bergen and Oslo are about 305 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Bergen and 3 in Oslo.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bergen or Oslo cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $250–$400 in Bergen and $250–$400 in Oslo (estimates).
+Is Bergen or Oslo better for a first trip?
Pick Bergen for Bryggen and Fjords, or Oslo for Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch, beaches and free sights.
+How far is Bergen from Oslo?
About 305 km in a straight line.