Comparison · Bergen vs Tromsø · Norway
Bergen vs Tromsø
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 Tromsø for Northern lights, Midnight sun and beaches. Bergen is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,206 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,206 km
- Less expensive
- Bergen
- Best time for Bergen
- May–August
- Best time for Tromsø
- January–March and June–July
Side by side
| Bergen | Tromsø | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Norway | Norway |
| Known for | Bryggen, Fjords and Fløyen funicular | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Polar night |
| Best time to visit | May–August | January–March and June–July |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $280–$450 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 15°C (59°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 3 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 4 |
| Beaches | Nordnes sea pool and rocks | Telegrafbukta |
| Airports | BGO | TOS |
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…
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Choose Tromsø for…
Northern lights, Midnight sun and beaches. Tromsø sits on the island of Tromsøya about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, ringed by snowy mountains and fjords, and is the largest city in northern Norway. From about September to early April it is one of the most popular bases in the world for chasing…
Top sights compared
| # | Bergen | Tromsø |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryggen | Northern lights tours |
| 2 | Bryggens Museum | Arctic Cathedral |
| 3 | Fløibanen and Mount Fløyen | Fjellheisen cable car |
| 4 | Ulriken cable car | Sherpa steps |
| 5 | Fish Market | Polaria |
Food compared
| Bergen | Tromsø |
|---|---|
| Bergen fish soup | Arctic char |
| Skillingsbolle | Skrei and mølje |
| Raspeballer | King crab |
| Fish cakes | Sautéed reindeer |
Which is cheaper?
Bergen is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $250–$400 per person there, against $280–$450 in Tromsø (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Bergen on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,206 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bergen or Tromsø cheaper?
Bergen is usually less expensive: about $250–$400 a day mid-range against $280–$450 (estimates).
+Is Bergen or Tromsø better for a first trip?
Pick Bergen for Bryggen and Fjords, or Tromsø for Northern lights, Midnight sun and beaches.
+How far is Bergen from Tromsø?
About 1,206 km in a straight line.