The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is nestled in the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, and if you weren’t paying attention you could easily walk by, thinking it just another one of the unique timber clad Hanseatic League buildings stretched out along the waterfront.

Although the hotel’s restaurant and bar, 26 North, is located in an original Hanseatic building at the front, behind it lies the hotel’s modern addition, which fits perfectly in with the historic architecture of the Bryggen area. The hotel entrance sits in a leafy courtyard to the side and behind, just a stone’s throw from the fascinating, medieval Bryggens Museum. In fact, the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is within easy walking distance of all the other bucket list attractions you’ll ever need to tick off in Bergen.

We’ve arrived at the hotel at 9 o’clock in the morning after a pleasant ten minute walk from where our cruise ship has docked at Skolten Port. Even with our large suitcases and hand luggage it is a pleasant and easy ‘roll’ along to the hotel.

Our stay here coincides with the end of a week’s cruising along Norway’s stunning coastline, during which we sailed from the Arctic Circle in the north, to Bergen in the south. We have been pampered and well looked after on our Viking ship, Venus, and we are keen to see if the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen will live up to our now high expectations.

As check-in time isn’t until 3pm, we are invited to leave our bags in the charge of the Radisson’s friendly reception staff at the hotel’s secure luggage room. Now free of all encumbrances, we set off on foot to explore the city.

Image courtesy of Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

As mentioned, the hotel is in a convenient and central location, so in the ensuing hours until check-in we are able to cover a lot of ground in and around Bergen’s city centre. Our wanderings take us to the the fortress of Bergenhus Castle, the royal residence from the 13th century, just a 5 min walk from the hotel, and then a ride on the Fløibanen funicular, located in the city centre just an 8 min walk from the hotel. The 6 minute journey takes us to the top of Mount Fløyen, 320 metres above sea level where we gaze out over Bergen’s dramatic coastline and the city below, nestled between its seven stunning surrounding mountains.

We then continue on for 5 minutes to the opposite side of the port, to find the historic and famous Fisketorget Fish Market where fish and seafood has been sold since 1276. We grab a bite to eat, then carry on through the expansive pedestrian space of Torgallmenningen. We pass the commanding Seafarers’ Monument, and just a few minutes later, arrive at Bergen’s impressive art precinct where we peruse the four separate buildings known collectively as the Kode Art Museums which showcase the works of famous Norwegian and international artists.

On our way back to our hotel we pass a plethora of cool street art, bronze sculpture and some truly unique Norwegian sites such as the c1710 McDonalds restaurant building, the popular reindeer sausage food truck called 3-Kroneten, and the imposing Grieghallen Concert Hall named in honour of famous composer Edvard Grieg, his bronze statue standing out the front. gazing admiringly at this strikingly contemporary building.

In no time at all we are back at Bryggen near our hotel. We’ve done a full circle, and now complete our exploration with a little Norwegian shopping along the waterfront, followed by a wander along its historic alleyways. A quick visit inside the Bryggens Museum to discover more about Bergen in the middle ages, and suddenly it’s time to check-in!

After a healthy 16,500 steps around some of Bergen’s bucket list sites, we are now looking forward to settling into our room, which happily more than meets our expectations. Our Standard Double Room is light and bright with contemporary styling, a large picture window overlooking the museum area, tea and coffee making facilities, free WiFi and air con. There is also an in-house fitness room in the hotel, which offers guests a relaxing sauna and steam bath. Yes please!

Image courtesy of Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

But first, a quick unpack and freshen up, and we are ready for a drink or two at 26 North’s Bar on its atmospheric front deck.

While we enjoy our beer and wine in the leafy courtyard, the masses are also settling in for the afternoon, congregating for sundowners along the cobblestones of Bryggen Wharf . From our more private position under a shady market umbrella on the bar’s deck, we have a peaceful and relaxing view of the waterfront, from which we can watch the boats and seagulls, and enjoy the soothing sounds and cool Norwegian vibes of 26 North.

In the evening, we dine at 26 North’s Restaurant and our tastebuds are sent into overdrive, excited by the tasty delights of the local cuisine. The restaurant’s signature offerings are uniquely presented as ‘Boards from the Fjords’ via an exciting Nordic menu inspired by ingredients found in the Fjords, Farms and Forests of Norway.

The mood and ambience of the restaurant is sleek, contemporary and inviting. We are impressed by the diverse menu and the staff’s hospitality, as well as the cool presentation and freshness of the meals. N.B. The halibut is divine!

Note: The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel also proudly bears the badge of a Sustainable Stays Hotel which has been based on their sustainability basics: Efficiency, Planet and People. This criteria is implemented via a robust and structured sustainability plan, integral in building a path towards a sustainable hospitality industry. 👏

Take a Virtual Tour of Radisson Blu Royal, Bergen

Review of Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen

We are extremely happy with our stay at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen. We cannot fault any aspect of the hotel facilities or the reception staff who are accommodating, genuinely friendly and super helpful. They assisted us in many ways with our reservations, and with booking the Flybussen Airport Shuttle Bus, (which stops right in front of the hotel). They were also more than happy to hold our luggage for a second time while we took an overnight side trip to Flåm.

The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen and its lovely staff helped to make our stay in Bergen truly unforgettable.

Staff	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Facilities	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cleanliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WiFi	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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