Bergen Travel Forum

Hi there, my partner and I are moving to Bergen for a little under 6 months coming mid-March. We've discussed technical aspects over with the Embassy and everything seems set to go. We just have some quick questions regarding living in the city and surrounding suburbs we were hoping people here could answer.

How long is the average apartment lease in Bergen?

Would it be possible to find a lease under 6 months, and are they hard to come by if so?

If we were to live in one of Bergen's suburbs, would a commute using public transport be feasable of would purchasing a car be worthwhile?

As with most suburbs, I'm going to go out on a limb and assume Bergen has a particular suburb that is predominantly populated by students? If so, which is it?
The reason I'd be interested in knowing about this is these areas are normally cheaper and have more flexible leasing options than others. This obviously lends itself to the Backpacker lifestyle.

Any replies would be most appreciated.

Yes, it should be possible to rent a place for under 6 months - these things vary quite a bit, but landlords often ask for 3 months notice when you want to move.

Public transport is generally quite ok between the town centre and other areas of Bergen - I've lived in Bergen for quite a few years, and never owned a car... ;o)

Actuslly, most students live in the town centre (or within walking distance of the centre) - that's where the Universiy is, and the nightlife and cafes and... ;o) Sandviken is also quite popular among students - the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (aka NHH) is situated in Sandviken. You might find that apartments are more expensive in the town centre and close to NHH, since loads of students want to live in these areas.

(Aaargh. Typos. And loads of 'em.)

I might add that it will be difficult finding something vacant. There are more people looking to rent than apartments available. However, if you can travel a distance, then it might be easier.

Hey Daath, is there any sort of flatmate website that caters for Bergen? Somewhere where people searching for similar forms of accomodation could network and search together?

There is if you speak Norwegian. There might be other help depending on why you are coming to Bergen (work or studies)

I came to Norway planning to only stay 6 months 3 years ago. Try to live as centrally as possible. Cars are impossible in Bergen and wicked expensive in Norway. Busses work well in Norway although they are not cheap. I imagine that the suburbs are also less likely to have flexible lease options because they cater more to families and less to students.

I had friends renting a large place in central Bergen. They paid about 8000 kroner a month and had to climb many flights of stairs. Still, it was really nice to live downtown

I'm coming to live in Bergen because I can. :) I'll keep that in mind about the city centre though.