Discover the rich history and vibrant modern life of Bergen on this small-group walking tour. Explore famous attractions and hidden gems while learning about everyday life in the city.
- The Rosenkrantz Tower - Our tour begins by visiting the Bergen Fortress. When Bergen was the capital, this is where the palace was located. It’s the best spot to start a walking tour!
- Haakon’s Hall - Bymuseet i Bergen - We pass by Håkon’s Hall, the major part of the medieval palace still standing today. Here you learn about Bergen’s time as an independent country and we also explain Norway’s unions with Denmark and Sweden.
Please note that we do not enter Håkons Hall (it is a museum that costs money).
On rare occasions, the fortress is closed due to a private event.
- Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf - After learning about our royal past, we make our way into Bryggen. Bryggen is Bergen’s UNESCO World Heritage-site and is where merchants have traded for 1000 years. It was made successful primarily by the Hanseatic League (the Hanse), a group of German merchants. We spend our time here learning about the Hanseatic League, their trading methods and systems, and how Bryggen functioned as a wharf.
Please note we do not go in any of these buildings. They are all shops and small businesses today - none are museums.
- St. Mary’s Church - Our last point in historical Bergen is St. Mary’s Church, the oldest still standing building in the city. It was constructed in the 12th century and still functions as a church today.
Please note we do not go inside the church as it has a separate admission fee.
- Steinkjellerbakken - After the history part, we head up-hill into the district Fjellsiden, which is a well-preserved area of wooden hours. We’ll discuss everyday life in Norway, including what we eat, when we work, what a house costs, our taxes, and so on :)
The route depends on your guide and their own interests. We pride ourselves on being a tour by locals showing local spots, so we choose the best route based on our interests.
- Mount Floyen and the Funicular - We pass by the funicular station so you can know where it is. Here we talk about outdoor life and the importance of hiking culture in Norway.
Note that we do not take the funicular! It would add an extra hour and 150 NOK to the trip. Also, it’s best you go up at leisure. Maybe you want to go up for the sunset? Or maybe you want to go up to go hiking?
- Skostredet - The last twenty minutes of this walk is spent discussing modern Bergen and our food culture. Bergen is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy! We make our way into the old town centre, walking along Skostredet - a popular street for restaurants.
- Fish Market - We finish outside the fish market/tourist office in Bergen.
- Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen
- Guided walking tour of Bergenhus Fortress
- Certified English-speaking Guide
- Gratuities
For groups larger than 10 - contact us about booking a private tour!
This tour is organised by I Love Bergen, a locally owned and operated company. Our tours focus not just on the history and highlights of Bergen, but also the off-the-beaten path hidden alleys and stories of everyday life.
The first half of our tour focuses on the history of Bergen. We wander the fortress complex, covering Bergen’s medieval history and short period as the capital of Norway. After this crash course in Norwegian history, we make our way to Bryggen – Bergen’s UNESCO Site. Here you learn about 1,000 years of trade history and the reason for Bergen’s founding and growth.
The second half of our tour is about life in Bergen. We leave the ‘touristy’ part behind and wander into the neighbourhood surrounding Bryggen. As you explore Bergen’s best kept secret, you’ll learn about everyday life. The tour ends by passing by our top picks for restaurants.
Our group sizes are limited so you can ask questions!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
