Planning a trip to Bergen, Norway? You’re in for a memorable experience! Whether you're staying for a few days or longer, Bergen promises plenty of incredible sights and activities. If you're into hiking, walking, biking, or water-based adventures, you’ll find no shortage of ways to stay active — the city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. But even if you prefer a more relaxed pace, Bergen won’t disappoint. With its rich culture, scenic beauty, and charming atmosphere, there’s something here for every type of traveller.
Here is a question for you, though. How are you going to explore the city? Hiking and biking are great activities, but they’re unlikely to serve as your only means of transportation during your stay. Walking won’t cut it either, especially if you’re planning on seeing various places in Bergen. And, as a city surrounded by Fjords, it certainly offers a lot to explore.
Anyway, let us get back to our question. How are you going to explore the city? Public transportation is definitely a possibility, but we cannot deny the fact that it can be quite inconvenient. Following bus and train schedules can be frustrating, especially since you're on holiday and want to relax — not chase after buses and schedules, instead of running after buses and other means of transportation. Even if you are not on vacation, though, and if you are in Bergen, say, for work, you are still not going to enjoy the idea of having to plan your time in accordance with the bus and train schedules.
There is also always the option of taking a taxi wherever you go. While this will be a slightly more convenient option than the one discussed above, it still has its downsides. Most importantly, it can be quite expensive, especially if you’re planning on exploring the entire city. Not exactly the ideal solution either.
Well, as it turns out, there actually is. In the simplest words possible, the ideal solution is for you to rent a car and enjoy the freedom to go wherever and whenever you like — without relying on someone else’s schedule. Renting a car is one of the most popular solutions that people use when travelling. If, however, you haven’t previously done that, or if you’re simply not sure whether you should do it this time, you should read on, because below we will discuss the benefits of getting Leiebil services, as well as the process of getting good deals in Bergen.
We are, naturally, going to begin with the question of why you may want to do this in the first place. Why is renting a car when travelling somewhere a good idea? There are several different reasons for this. Let us now explore some of those, hoping to help you get a better understanding about why you may want to rent a car when you visit Bergen, or any other place for that matter. Learn more about some things you should know before renting a car in Norway.
Firstly, the reason why this option is so popular is because it is convenient, as well as comfortable. You don’t have to rely on public transportation and, thus, on schedules that may not always work for you. Furthermore, when you have a vehicle to drive while in Bergen, you will be much more comfortable than in trains or buses, because you will have enough space to relax, and you won’t be sharing that space with strangers. The convenience that this option provides is certainly amazing, which is why many people usually opt for it when travelling.
Another big draw is the freedom from rigid transport schedules. In short, not having to follow anyone’s schedules means you have flexibility and freedom to go wherever you want whenever you want. You can sleep in if you like, have a nice cup of coffee and breakfast, and only then proceed towards visiting your destination for the day. Put simply, you can explore Bergen at your own pace, visiting the destinations on your itinerary, while also making unexpected stops when you come across places that capture your attention along the way.
3. You Can Go Anywhere You Want
And speaking of exploring different areas, here’s another point to consider. Bergen is surrounded by beautiful nature. The fjords, the mountains, and the coastal areas will all most definitely be appealing to you, and you will want to visit some of those areas. The thing is, though, not all of those areas are easily accessible by public transportation, which is why renting a car is, once again, the best possible solution for you. Basically, when you have a car, you can easily reach any destination and explore any places you want, no matter how remote they may actually be.
4. It Is Safe
Another benefit is safety. You won’t be exposed to large crowds, and the vehicle will be clean. And since you’ll be alone or with people you trust — friends or family — you can relax more and worry less.
5. It Is Cost-Effective
A lot of people assume that renting a vehicle is expensive, and they give up on the idea before even trying it out. This, however, is not exactly true. Paying for buses, trains and taxis may seem easier and cheaper in the beginning, but if you do that and then put everything on paper afterwards, you will realize that you’ve probably spent more than you would have if you had rented a car. Those costs can quickly add up, even though they seem insignificant at first.
In short, renting a car with a leiebil service is one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Bergen. By taking the time to compare options on sites like leiebilguiden.no/norge/bergen, you’re likely to find great deals that make car hire even more affordable. Plus, if you're travelling with a group, sharing the rental costs makes this option even more budget-friendly.
If you’ve read so far, then you understand the benefits of renting a car when visiting Bergen, or any other city for that matter. What you want to know next, though, is how to actually find and get a good solution for you in this city. There are a few important steps you will have to take in order to be happy with the choice you’ve made and to enjoy your car rental service.
The quality of your experience depends heavily on the rental company you choose. This is why you have to take sufficient time to research various rental companies that operate in Bergen. Find them online, or if possible, ask locals or fellow travellers for recommendations. Make a list of potential firms and then start your research.
Visit their official sites to have a look at the cars they offer, as well as to check their levels of experience. Basically, get as much info as you can on those official websites. But then, also remember to search for information elsewhere online, and use those comparison websites to easily check and compare the different offers provided by various companies.
Reading reviews is essential to understanding the reputation of rental providers in Bergen. And, it goes without saying that you should choose a reputable company to be your partner here, as that’s how you’ll get the best quality services.
You will also have to be careful when choosing the vehicle you want to rent. Think about the size of car you need, which will depend on how many people are coming with you, and how much luggage you’re bringing along. Then, also consider fuel efficiency and similar factors. Basically, when renting a car, you want to choose the one that will work perfectly for you in terms of size, condition, and cost-effectiveness.
Another important point is booking in advance, which will usually help you secure better deals. So, make sure to do that if you can – book the vehicle as soon as you have the dates that you’ll be visiting Bergen.
Inspecting the vehicle before grabbing the keys is also a must. Why? Because this way, you will avoid getting charged for some damage that it may have previously sustained. Remember, thus, to always inspect the car before making any agreements.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
