Along an arm of the North Sea, Bergen’s waterfront is recognizable for its colorful maze of wooden houses backed by forested mountains—you’ll likely want to spend quality time here when visiting. These five hotels are directly on the harbor or steps from it, with easy access to outdoor cafés, a fish market, hiking trails (with sea views), and fjord excursions.
## Exploring Bergen’s Finest Waterfront Hotels
Bergen, a city nestled amidst breathtaking fjords and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of accommodation options. For travelers seeking the ultimate experience, the waterfront hotels provide unparalleled access to the city’s charm and stunning views. Let’s delve into some of the best waterfront hotels that Bergen has to offer, each with its unique character and appeal.
### Bergen Børs Hotel
The **Bergen Børs Hotel**, a beacon of luxury and sophistication, proudly proclaims itself as the premier hotel in Bergen, and we wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Housed within the city’s former stock exchange building, a historical landmark dating back to 1862, this hotel commands a prime location that is simply unmatched. Situated adjacent to the bustling Fish Market, directly across from the main harbor, and a leisurely stroll away from the iconic Bryggen, the **Bergen Børs Hotel** places you at the heart of all the action. The new custodians of this esteemed establishment have masterfully modernized the interiors, seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with the building’s original architectural nuances. The result is a harmonious fusion of old-world charm and modern-day comfort, creating an ambiance that is both elegant and inviting. Every detail has been meticulously preserved, ensuring that the hotel’s rich history is celebrated throughout the property.
The dining experiences at the **Bergen Børs Hotel** are nothing short of extraordinary. The hotel boasts an array of culinary destinations, each offering a unique gastronomic journey. The newest gem is the magnificent bi-level seafood restaurant, **Fresco Hall**, a visual and culinary masterpiece. Here, guests can indulge in delectable seafood creations while admiring the meticulously restored murals painted by Alex Revold in the 1920s. The murals add an artistic touch, providing a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
For an even more refined dining experience, ascend to the hotel’s third floor, where you’ll discover **Bare**, the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. **Bare** offers a multi-course Nordic menu that showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients. The menu is a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can further elevate their experience with caviar upgrades, adding a touch of opulence to their meal. An equally elegant breakfast is served in **Bare** each morning, providing a perfect start to your day.
Adjacent to the restaurant lies the **Chamber of Commerce Bar**, a dimly lit sanctuary with mirrored walls and Tudor-style windows. This sophisticated bar is renowned for its innovative cocktail program. It’s said to be the best in all of Bergen. The bartenders are masters of their craft, creating cocktails that are both visually stunning and tantalizing to the taste buds.
The **Bergen Børs Hotel** offers a diverse selection of 127 rooms and suites, each meticulously designed with bespoke furnishings. Guests can choose from various categories, each offering a unique ambiance. Some rooms feature soft gray carpeting, while others boast herringbone wood floors, adding a touch of character. All rooms share common features such as high ceilings, soundproof windows, minibars, Nespresso machines, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are adorned with luxury touches such as heated floors and natural bath products from the esteemed Norwegian brand, Fitjar, presented in eco-friendly pumps.
For those seeking additional space and breathtaking views, the superior, deluxe, and suite options are undoubtedly worth the indulgence. These rooms offer ample room to unwind and soak in the stunning vistas of Bergen’s waterfront and majestic mountains.
### Opus XVI
**Opus XVI**, a polished hotel boasting 65 rooms, resides in a former bank dating back to 1876. It stands as one of Bergen’s most iconic historical landmarks. Situated across the plaza from the **Bergen Børs Hotel**, **Opus XVI** enjoys a similarly prime location. This elegant establishment is currently owned by relatives of the renowned Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg. The hotel pays heartfelt homage to his life and artistic legacy. An in-house exhibit showcases his celebrated piano concerto, which inspired the hotel’s name.
The rooms at **Opus XVI** exude sophistication and warmth. They are individually designed with careful attention to architectural details. Each room features tall ceilings, expansive windows, and rich wood floors. Marble bathrooms with heated floors add a touch of luxury. Upscale amenities such as Nespresso machines, French tea from Damman, and Molton Brown bath products ensure a comfortable and pampering stay. Plush bathrobes and slippers are also provided for guests’ relaxation. Superior and deluxe rooms offer additional space for added comfort, while junior suites feature sofa beds, accommodating up to two additional guests.
The hotel’s spacious lobby welcomes guests with an inviting lounge and brasserie, where arched windows and marble columns create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The brasserie serves French-inspired dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood. Guests can savor the flavors of Bergen while enjoying the restaurant’s elegant ambiance. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience live jazz performances during the afternoon tea service on Saturdays, adding a touch of culture to your culinary experience. Breakfast is also served in this space each morning, with a complimentary a la carte breakfast menu, a departure from the typical breakfast buffet found in most hotels in Norway.
### Clarion Hotel Admiral
The waterfront **Clarion Hotel Admiral** commands the best direct view of the colorful Bryggen wharf of any hotel in Bergen. The hotel’s upscale restaurant, located in the lobby, takes full advantage of its prime location, offering a menu crafted by the acclaimed Swedish-American celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The menu focuses on the freshest local seafood, showcasing the region’s culinary delights. Breakfast is also served in this stunning space, and seasonal outdoor dining is available during the summer months, providing an unforgettable dining experience.
The **Clarion Hotel Admiral** features 209 guest rooms, each decorated in a simple, contemporary style. Rooms offer carpeting or hardwood-style floors, flat-screen TVs, kettles, minibars, and walk-in showers with Rituals bath products. Standard rooms located in the rear may feel somewhat dark, but the superior and deluxe rooms offer ample seating areas and large windows with balconies (shared or private) that provide stunning views of the wharf and surrounding mountains.
The spacious lobby offers comfortable seating areas for lounging or working remotely, along with complimentary all-day coffee, tea, and water. A massage room is available for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, and the polished 24-hour front desk staff is always available to assist with taxis, reservations, and any special requests you may have.
### Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret Bergen
The **Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret Bergen** resides in a neoclassical building from the 1920s, facing the harbor next to the Bryggen wharf. It offers convenient access to and from the airport, thanks to the **Flybussen** stop located right in front of the hotel. While the interiors feature a contemporary design, the hotel retains numerous original details. These details include elegant murals in a lounge used for private Champagne receptions and the rooftop lookout tower, which is free for guests to access and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
The **Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret Bergen** offers 113 rooms with wood-style floors, blackout shades, kettles, and minibars. Bathrooms offer walk-in showers or bathtubs, and Rituals bath products in eco-friendly pumps. For harbor views, the deluxe category is the best option, unless you decide to splurge on the large suite. This suite has attracted a steady stream of celebrities on tour, including Jerry Seinfeld, Rihanna, and Sting.
Guests can take advantage of complimentary perks such as the breakfast buffet, afternoon waffles, and a light evening buffet that changes nightly with soup, salad, and a hot dish. An all-day bar and snacks are also available for purchase, and guests can enjoy their refreshments anywhere in the lobby, especially by the fireplace. The hotel also has a small fitness center with a sauna and steam room.
### The Hanseatic Hotel
**The Hanseatic Hotel** is nestled in an 18th-century building next to the **Hanseatic Museum** in the heart of Bryggen. Each of the 37 rooms is unique, with original details like timber walls and wood-beamed ceilings. The rooms are complemented with rich contemporary tones, patterned wallpaper, thick textiles, and carpet or parquet floors. All rooms come with coffee makers and minibars. Families and friends can choose the standard twin bedrooms, while couples may opt for the deluxe rooms, which offer more space and larger bathrooms with showers and claw-foot tubs.
Despite its size, the hotel boasts two on-site restaurants and bars. The **FG Restaurant & Bar** serves continental fare such as mussels and filet mignon, while a casual Tex-Mex restaurant, which is purportedly the only one in Bergen, offers traditional dishes like fajitas and burritos. Both restaurants can accommodate vegetarians and children. A breakfast buffet with a range of healthy options and espresso drinks is included in the room price.
These waterfront hotels in Bergen offer a range of experiences to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. From luxurious accommodations and Michelin-starred dining to historic charm and breathtaking views, these hotels provide an unforgettable base for exploring all that Bergen has to offer.
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