If you’re looking for a splurge hotel in Norway’s second-largest city—walking distance from the historic harbor—these four hotels have upscale interiors and possible amenities ranging from spas and tranquility pools to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in Bergen.
## A Deeper Dive into Bergen’s Finest Hotels
Bergen, a city nestled amidst stunning fjords and majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. To fully immerse yourself in this captivating destination, choosing the right accommodation is paramount. Let’s explore some of Bergen’s most exceptional hotels, each offering a distinctive experience that will elevate your visit to unforgettable heights.
### Bergen Børs Hotel: A Historic Gem
The **Bergen Børs Hotel** is more than just a place to stay; it’s a journey back in time. Housed within the city’s former stock exchange building, dating back to the year 1862, this hotel exudes an air of timeless elegance and historical significance. Access to this remarkable establishment is gained via red-carpeted steps, immediately setting the tone for a luxurious and sophisticated experience. Its prime location on a picturesque pedestrian plaza places you in the heart of Bergen, with the vibrant Fish Market just across the street from the bustling main harbor. The location is ideal for visitors wanting to explore the city’s central attractions.
The **Bergen Børs Hotel** has been thoughtfully modernized by its new owners, who have meticulously preserved the building’s original details. This harmonious blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere that is both refined and contemporary.
Dining at the **Bergen Børs Hotel** is an experience in itself, offering a range of culinary delights to tantalize your taste buds. The hotel’s newest jewel is **Fresco Hall**, an impressive bi-level seafood restaurant that showcases restored murals painted by Alex Revold in the 1920s. These stunning artworks add a touch of artistic grandeur to your dining experience, creating an ambiance that is both sophisticated and memorable.
For an even more exceptional culinary adventure, head to **Bare**, Bergen’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, located on the hotel’s third floor. Here, you can indulge in multi-course Nordic menus and caviar upgrades that change with the seasons, ensuring a fresh and innovative dining experience. An elegant breakfast is also served in this space each morning, providing a delightful start to your day.
After dinner, unwind at the **Chamber of Commerce Bar**, a dimly lit space with mirrored walls and Tudor-style windows that exudes an air of exclusivity and charm. Said to have the best cocktail program in Bergen, it’s the perfect place to sip on expertly crafted drinks and enjoy the company of friends or colleagues.
The **Bergen Børs Hotel** boasts 127 rooms and suites, each designed with bespoke furnishings and a choice of soft gray carpeting or herringbone wood floors. High ceilings and soundproof windows create a serene and comfortable environment, while minibars, Nespresso machines, and bathrobes provide added convenience and luxury. The bathrooms feature heated floors and natural bath products from the Norwegian brand, Fitjar, in eco-friendly pumps.
For those seeking even more space and potential views of Bergen’s colorful harbor and forested mountains, the superior, deluxe, and suite options are worth the splurge. These upgraded accommodations offer an enhanced level of comfort and style, ensuring an unforgettable stay at the **Bergen Børs Hotel**.
### Opus XVI: A Symphony of Elegance
Located across the plaza from the **Bergen Børs Hotel**, the **Opus XVI** stands as another testament to Bergen’s rich history and cultural heritage. This polished 65-room hotel occupies a former bank building dating back to 1876, one of Bergen’s most iconic historic structures. Today, the building is owned by relatives of the renowned Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, and they pay homage to his life and work with an in-house exhibit based on his famous piano concerto, which inspired the hotel’s name.
The **Opus XVI** offers sophisticated rooms with warm tones and luxurious amenities. Each room is individually designed, taking into account the unique architectural elements of its location within the building. All rooms feature tall ceilings and windows, wood floors, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and upscale amenities such as Nespresso machines, French tea from Damman, and Molton Brown bath products, as well as bathrobes and slippers.
For those seeking more space, the superior and deluxe rooms offer extra room to spread out, while the junior suites provide sofa beds for accommodating additional guests.
The spacious lobby of the **Opus XVI** houses a lounge and brasserie with arched windows and marble columns, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant serves French-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients and seafood, providing a culinary experience that is both refined and authentic.
One of the highlights of the **Opus XVI** is the live jazz performances that accompany the afternoon tea service on Saturdays. This delightful event offers a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the hotel’s sophisticated ambiance while indulging in delectable treats and soothing music.
Guests will also dine in the lobby space each morning for breakfast, enjoying a complimentary a la carte breakfast menu, a departure from the typical breakfast buffet found in most hotels in Norway. This personalized touch adds to the overall sense of luxury and attention to detail that defines the **Opus XVI**.
### Hotel Norge by Scandic: A Modern Oasis
Opened in 2018, the **Hotel Norge by Scandic** presents a trendier option for travelers seeking a modern and stylish experience. Its sleek, Nordic design sets it apart from other hotels in Bergen, offering a fresh and contemporary aesthetic.
A major draw for both guests and locals is the vibrant lobby, which spans three floors and is accessed by escalators, creating a dynamic and engaging space. The lobby feels akin to an exclusive coworking club, offering a place to work, socialize, and unwind. On the street level, you’ll find a bright and spacious all-day café serving upscale Scandinavian fare, along with an adjacent event space and DJ booth. The front desk is located on the second floor and features lounge seating where guests can enjoy signature cocktails, while open meeting spaces are available on the third floor.
Another unique feature of the **Hotel Norge by Scandic** is the tranquil indoor pool and full-service spa, located on the lower level. With nine treatment rooms, including one for couples, the spa offers a range of services to help you relax and rejuvenate. Due to the limited capacity of 15 guests at a time, guests are requested to book the pool in advance. A daily fee is required to use the swimming pool, and children under 16 have restricted morning hours (until 10 am only), ensuring a peaceful and tranquil environment.
The **Hotel Norge by Scandic** offers 415 rooms in 13 distinct categories, each decorated in a modern Nordic style with light wood floors and furnishings and neutral tones, accented by occasional pops of deep red. Floor-to-ceiling windows feature blackout shades, while the mosaic tile bathrooms are stocked with Swedish bath products in eco-friendly pumps. All rooms have mini-fridges and kettles with coffee and tea, while higher categories come with Nespresso machines. Room service is available 24/7, providing added convenience and flexibility.
### Villa Terminus: A Private Retreat
For those seeking a more intimate and secluded experience, the **Villa Terminus** offers a private retreat in the heart of Bergen. This 18-room property is housed in a historic villa with a manicured garden, providing a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The **Villa Terminus** is located next to its larger sister hotel, the mid-range **Grand Hotel Terminus**, where guests check in and out. Each room at the **Villa Terminus** is named after a historical or literary figure in Western Norway, and each has a unique layout due to the historic architecture. You may encounter oblique angles, sloping ceilings, or original details such as wood-beam ceilings, adding to the villa’s charm and character. All rooms share a clean and minimalistic aesthetic with quality Nordic furnishings and luxe minibars (for a fee).
Guests of the **Villa Terminus** have exclusive access to their own common spaces inside the villa, including several stylish seating areas, providing a quiet respite for working or reading. A gourmet chef’s kitchen and dining area are also available, where an elegant breakfast is served daily, eliminating the need to visit the busy buffet next door.
Guests of **Villa Terminus** can also enjoy helpful amenities located next door at **Grand Hotel Terminus**, including a fitness center and self-service laundry (free). Other services can be arranged by calling the front desk from the landline in each room.
Choosing the right hotel in Bergen is essential for creating a memorable and enjoyable travel experience. Whether you prefer the historic elegance of the **Bergen Børs Hotel**, the sophisticated ambiance of the **Opus XVI**, the modern style of the **Hotel Norge by Scandic**, or the private retreat of the **Villa Terminus**, Bergen offers a range of exceptional accommodations to suit every taste and preference.
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