Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present
We are the only public walking tour in Bergen with licensed, trained guides and tours that guarantee small groups :) We are all also local people who call this city home year-round. Join us for an authentic experience around Bergen.
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!
Options
English Language
What's included in Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
The Rosenkrantz Tower - Bymuseet I BergenPass-by Only
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 BergenPass-by Only
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.
Inclusions
- No hidden fees
- Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen
- Guided walking tour of Bergenhus Fortress
- Authorised Guide
- Gratuities
- Entrance into buildings & museums (the tour is outdoors only)
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Please meet us at the address Bradbenken 1, a brick office building next to the entrance to the fortress. We stand on the side of the building facing the harbour. Your guide will be holding a sign with the tour name on it. The guide will be standing there 10 minutes before the tour starts.
End Points
- We finish close to the Bergen tourist office
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Thanks for your booking! Please read this information carefully. MEETING POINT: The tour begins at Bradbenken 1. You must be there at least 10 minutes before the tour start time. We are not obligated to contact you if you are late; it is your responsibility to tell us. If you are late, wait at the meeting point and contact us. We cancel all bookings more than 20 minutes late. The tour ends at the fish market/tourist office. WALKING GRADE: This walk is moderate, and you will be walking on cobblestone. There are 2-3 flights of stairs (up-hill) on this tour. We walk approx. 3km (2 miles) in 2 hours. CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: Some cruise ships dock in the city centre (5-10 mins from our meeting point), while others dock out of the city centre (20-25 mins from our meeting point). We have a cruise port map on our FAQ page as well as up-to-date information on where all the cruise ships are docking. Please check here: http://ilovebergen.net/faq CANCELLATIONS & REFUND POLICY We do not cancel the tour due to rain. You can cancel and be fully refunded up to 24 hours before the tour starts. If you wish to cancel within 24 hours of the tour taking place, you will not be refunded. This is Viator's policy so we can't make exceptions (we get penalised if we cancel those tours). If you wish to move tours, we are unable to do that within 24 hours of the tour taking place. If you do want to move within 24 hours, we'll charge a 50% rebooking fee. CONTACT US: We are open 9am – 6pm every day and can be contacted via WhatsApp (+47 940 54 465) and email ([email protected]). Please only call us in an emergency (we are often out on a tour and can’t pick up the phone).