Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

We finish outside the fish market/tourist office in Bergen.