Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present

based on 718 reviews

Duration:2 hours (approx.)
Location: Bergen, Western Norway

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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 favourite cafes, restaurants, with recommendations for things to do.

Our group sizes are limited so you can ask questions!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5.
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.
6. 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?
7.
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.
8. Fish Market
We finish outside the fish market/tourist office in Bergen.

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Posted By : Keith_L
Janine gave a great walking tour of Bergen. She provided a great mix of history and culture. She even offered a taste of stock fish to those brave enough to try it. After walking through the castle and the historic wharf, discussing life there, she took us into the residential area and discussed the life of typical Bergen residents over time. She went out of her way to point out other places of interest and answer quested on where to eat, shop or visit. Highly recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 15:56:00

Posted By : Jeffrey R
Eric was a knowledgeable, funny and engaging guide who kept the tour moving and interesting with past and present anecdotes keeping our listening ears open and on .
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Posted On : 2024-06-29 08:03:01

Posted By : pevuill
WE had a delightful walking tour with Janine of Bergen. She was so thorough on her knowledge of the city and had wonderful anecdotes to pass along to us. Even though it was a little rainy, the tour was so enjoyable.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 06:31:05

Posted By : Kent_H
Our tour guide, Eirik, is born-in-Bergen , gave us a lot of interesting information about the history of Bergen, its culture, and its people. The tour was great. Weather was great, too!
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Posted On : 2024-06-28 17:52:44

Posted By : Malcolm M
Erik was a superb local historian with a great sense of humour. We got to see many things we would not have discovered on our own.
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Posted On : 2024-06-28 07:07:18

Posted By : Justine_B
Serena was a superb guide. On her tour of Bergen and we had some great laughs, lollies and learned so much. She is a great communicator, passionate about Bergen and so many great quirky jokes and comments, kept us all engaged and smiling! Thank you for showing us Bergen Serena!!
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Posted On : 2024-06-27 15:47:57

Posted By : Sally_W
I love the idea of walking tours in a new town, however I find they get bogged down with too much detail and my attention span is challenged.. This tour however was really relaxed informative fun and very well presented. We left with a bounce in our step after the 2 hours with our lovely guide and an understanding of Bergens unique and layered history and what it’s like to live in Bergen today.
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Posted On : 2024-06-27 01:13:39

Posted By : SultanAshraf
Our guide Eirik was very knowledgeable. Extremely friendly and made the whole experience memorable. Will highly recommend for first timers in Bergen.
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Posted On : 2024-06-27 00:55:54

Posted By : joncarr10
Eric is the best guide in Bergen. He explained very well about Bergen. Also, he is very nice. A must to do in Bergen to have walking tour with Eric.

5 star for Eric
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Posted On : 2024-06-26 15:24:24

Posted By : Lilia_V
Excellent guide eirik . He was passionate about bergen. Recomended. He knew history . Gives you a good idea
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Posted On : 2024-06-26 13:38:17