Thon Hotel Orion is a mid-range hotel in the older part of Bergen, close to the Bryggen wharf and the harbour. It belongs to the Thon chain, which has built a loyal following in Norway for straightforward, comfortable hotels with a good breakfast and fair prices, and this one fits the pattern. The attraction here is the setting. Bryggen with its wooden Hanseatic buildings, the fish market, the museums and the cobbled lanes of the old town are all a few minutes on foot, so you can spend your days walking from one sight to the next and come back to the hotel to dry out when the weather turns, which in Bergen it often does. Rooms are neat and functional, with enough space and warmth to feel like a retreat, and the staff are used to guests who arrive wet from a hike on Mount Fløyen or off a fjord cruise. It is a smart choice for travellers who want to be close to the history without paying the premium of a harbour-view hotel.
Location and getting around
The hotel is near Bryggen, so the harbour front, the fish market and the museums are within a short walk. The bottom station of the Fløibanen funicular and the main shopping streets are also close. The railway station, the bus station and the light rail to the airport are reachable on foot or by a short hop on local transport, and fjord tours leave from the harbour, so you rarely need a taxi.
Rooms and facilities
Expect clean, comfortable rooms of the practical Nordic kind, with decent beds and good heating. Breakfast is a strong point at Thon hotels, with a wide spread of Norwegian and international items, but whether it is included depends on the rate. Parking, lift access and family rooms differ by room type and rate, so check the details when you book, and ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper, as the old town can be lively at weekends.
Many guests use the hotel as a launch point for the Norway in a Nutshell route and other day trips by train and boat, which leave early, so ask about early breakfast hours the night before.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers and families who want a central, sensible base. It is well placed for rainy days, because the museums and cafes are close, and for sunny days, because the funicular is not far. If you prefer a modern design hotel or a spa, other options in the city will fit better, but for convenience, character and price this is an easy choice. Summer and cruise-ship days are busy, so book ahead and check the rate conditions before you commit.
Why stay here
- ✓Location near Bryggen
- ✓Private bathrooms
- ✓Heated rooms
- ✓Easy walk to the harbour
- ✓Close to the fish market
- ✓Restaurants nearby
- ✓Close to the funicular
- ✓Good for short stays
Good questions
How close is Thon Hotel Orion to Bryggen?+
It is near the Bryggen wharf, so you can walk to the old wooden buildings, the museums and the harbour in a few minutes.
Is it near the funicular?+
Yes, the Fløibanen station is a short walk away, which makes a view of the city easy to fit into a day.
Is breakfast included?+
Thon hotels are known for their breakfast, but inclusion depends on the rate, so check when you book.
