The second largest city of Norway, Bergen is a pretty poppin’ place. Complete with a charming old town centre, it’s nestled in the mountains but also overlooks the sea, making it a pretty dramatic place to stay.

Another reason to stop off here is ‘cause it’s the gateway to fjord country! But there’s plenty of other things to do in Bergen – namely hiking, and lots of it. Boat trips, too!

But whoever heard of hostels in Bergen, right? Are there even any places for backpackers on a budget to stay cheaply in this Norwegian city?

Yeah, there are! And we’ve categorised the best hostels in Bergen so you can easily find somewhere that’s right for you.

So let’s have a look at the top Bergen backpackers hostels!

Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Bergen

Best Hostels in Bergen

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Best Hostels in Bergen

If you are visiting Norway, then Bergen makes a wonderful base. Let’s check out these awesome Bergen hostels.

HI Bergen Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Bergen

HI Bergen Hostel best hostels in Bergen
HI Bergen Hostel is our pick for best hostel for couples in Bergen

This place is set on Mount Ulriken so you’re pretty much guaranteed some ace views from here looking out across the city and surrounding mountainous backdrop. Perfect if you wanna go hiking.

You can also rent a free bike from this recommended hostel in Bergen, which is cool. But if you were looking for somewhere to stay with your partner, soak up some romantic views and do cute stuff like hiking and cycling together, then this is the best hostel for couples in Bergen.

City Hostel Bergen – Best Overall Hostel in Bergen

city hostel bergen
City Hostel Bergen is our pick for best overall hostel in Bergen

This is an epic hostel in Bergen, in the heart of the city centre and near the bus station and train station. Handy facilities include luggage storage, laundry, and free Wi-Fi, and you can rent towels if you’ve forgotten to take your own.

The kitchen is modern and well-equipped, and common areas include a TV lounge and other relaxation areas. You can buy breakfast if you don’t feel like cooking in the morning and there are drinks machines too. Wi-Fi is free, though you will need to rent a towel if you don’t have one. Rooms are bright with pops of colour provided by quirky artwork.

Intermission Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Bergen

intermission hostel
Intermission Hostel is our pick for best cheap hostel in Bergen

If you were looking for a Bergen backpackers hostel that gives you some good value for money, look no further than Intermission hostel. Yep, this place seriously has a lot of perks that help make it the best cheap hostel in Bergen.

So we’re talkin’ free tea and coffee as well as biscuits, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays they serve up heart-shaped Norwegian waffles topped with brown cheese and jam. There’s also a cheap breakfast. Oh and a free laundry service.

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Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

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Best Budget Hotels In Bergen

But if you’re not into a dorm room right now, and you’d rather stay somewhere a lil’ more… plush and private, don’t worry. We’ve only gone and sorted through the best budget hotels in Bergen to give you even more choice. Peep ‘em below.

Citybox Bergen

Citybox Bergen best budget hotels in Bergen
Citybox Bergen

This is pretty much a basic budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms. There’s nothing really wrong with it, but it isn’t exactly luxury either. A pretty solid choice we reckon.

And actually the location is great – right near the central station, plus there are a load of good bars and places to eat nearby. This budget hotel in Bergen also has an automated check-in system and a friendly hostel-esque atmosphere, complete with a shared fridge.

Marken Guesthouse

Marken Guesthouse best budget hotels in Bergen
Marken Guesthouse

Halfway between a hostel and a hotel, there are shared bathrooms here as well as a washing machine for guests to use – just in case you were missing that communal hostel atmosphere.

It’s actually more like a Bergen backpackers hostel than you’d think: there are even dorms here, plus a few chilled communal areas (nice and clean, too). The location is nice too, close to public transport and the funicular railway.

Bergen Budget Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Bergen

Bergen Budget Hostel best hostels in Bergen
Bergen Budget Hostel is our pick for best party hostel in Bergen

Whilst nowhere in Bergen (apart from actual bars) can boast being crunk central, this is a good shout for the best party hostel in Bergen. It’s got a good vibe thanks to a comfy lounge where it’s easy to get chatting to backpacking peeps.

This budget hostel in Bergen is also pretty much in the middle of the city, making it easy to find places to eat (but mainly drink) nearby, so you can head out with your new mates and find a bar you like best – there are plenty.

Bergen YMCA Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bergen

Bergen YMCA Hostel best hostels in Bergen
Bergen YMCA Hostel is our pick for best hostel for solo travellers in Bergen

RIGHT in the middle of the city centre, this top hostel in Bergen is a literal stone’s throw from the famous fish market – as well as the cute old town of Bergen.

Staying here is a good choice if you’re travelling by yourself. The staff are super helpful, and will answer any question you throw at ‘em, plus the whole place is generally comfy and friendly. Yep, definitely the best hostel for solo travellers in Bergen.

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Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

What to Pack for your Bergen Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Why you should travel to Bergen

That’s the end of our handy list of the best hostels in Bergen.

There are a few places to choose from that will definitely suit you. From smaller hostels to one with a seemingly endless supply of bathrooms…

And since there aren’t zillions of hostels in Bergen, we threw in a couple of the best budget hostels in Bergen to help make your decision a little easier.

But if you still can’t find a place to stay in Bergen?

No worries! We’d say just go for Marken Gjestehus Hostel, our top pick for the best overall hostel in Bergen.

Marken Gjestehus Hostel best hostels in Bergen

FAQ about Hostels in Bergen

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bergen.

How much does a hostel cost in Bergen?

On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect price starts from $24+ per night.

What are the best hostels in Bergen for couples?

Soak up some romantic views and do cute stuff like hiking and cycling together with your partner in the HI Bergen Hostel, the best hostel for couples in Bergen.

What is the best hostel in Bergen near the airport?

HI Bergen Hostel is just a 20 minutes drive from Bergen Airport.

Travel Safety Tips for Bergen

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

More Epic Hostels in Norway and Europe

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Bergen.

Planning an epic trip all across Norway or even Europe itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Bergen has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

Looking for more info on travelling to Bergen and Norway?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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