Comparison · Bergen vs Reykjavík · Norway / Iceland
Bergen vs Reykjavík
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, Fjords and a short break; choose Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun, beaches and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 1,458 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,458 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Bergen
- May–August
- Best time for Reykjavík
- June–September
Side by side
| Bergen | Reykjavík | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Norway | Iceland |
| Known for | Bryggen, Fjords and Fløyen funicular | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Hallgrímskirkja |
| Best time to visit | May–August | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $220–$400 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 14°C (57°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 3 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 5 |
| Beaches | Nordnes sea pool and rocks | Nauthólsvík geothermal beach |
| Airports | BGO | KEF, RKV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bergen for…
Bryggen, Fjords and a short break. 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…
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Choose Reykjavík for…
Northern lights, Midnight sun, beaches and free sights. Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and home to about a third of Iceland's population, but its centre is small enough to walk across in 20 minutes, from Hallgrímskirkja church down Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur to the Old Harbour and Harpa…
Top sights compared
| # | Bergen | Reykjavík |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryggen | Hallgrímskirkja |
| 2 | Bryggens Museum | Harpa Concert Hall |
| 3 | Fløibanen and Mount Fløyen | Sun Voyager |
| 4 | Ulriken cable car | National Museum of Iceland |
| 5 | Fish Market | Perlan |
Food compared
| Bergen | Reykjavík |
|---|---|
| Bergen fish soup | Icelandic lamb soup |
| Skillingsbolle | Fish stew |
| Raspeballer | Icelandic hot dog |
| Fish cakes | Skyr |
Which is cheaper?
Bergen and Reykjavík cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $250–$400 in Bergen and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Reykjavík on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,458 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bergen or Reykjavík cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $250–$400 in Bergen and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (estimates).
+Is Bergen or Reykjavík better for a first trip?
Pick Bergen for Bryggen, Fjords and a short break, or Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun, beaches and free sights.
+How far is Bergen from Reykjavík?
About 1,458 km in a straight line.