Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present
9.6/10
9.6 out of 10Features
- Free cancellation available
- 2h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
Overview
- Explore Bergen's fortress and historic wharf area
- Visit alleys and walk through areas only the locals know about
- Learn about Bergen's history as an important trading hub
- Find out more about the vibrant cultural scene of the city
- Discover what it is like to live in the city today
Activity location
- Bergen
- Bergen, Vestland, Norway
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Bradbenken 1, 5003 Bergen, Norway | The tour begins outside the address Bradbenken 1. It is a brick office building located by the entrance to the Bergenhus Fortress. To get here, you have to walk along the main road by the harbour from Bryggen for about five minutes, and just before reaching the fortress, you'll find the brick building Bradbenken next to a carpark. The building will be on the right side. The guide will be standing on the corner of the building facing out to the harbour, directly opposite the taxi parking area. The guide will be holding a sign saying "A Walk Through Bergen Past & Present" and is always there 10 minutes before the tour starts.
- Bergen, Vestland, Norway
Check availability
Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present
- 2h
- English
What's included, what's not
- Walking tour of Bergen
- Expert guide
Know before you book
- Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments
What you can expect
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the historic streets of Bergen, the most beautiful city in Norway. 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. All our guides are locals who call Bergen home, and this tour was designed by them to show you Bergen’s history, everyday life, and favourite local spots.
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. Meet King Håkon Håkonsson, whose coronation is the first historic description of Bergen being a rainy city and learn how he built up the fortress (and Norway) as a European powerhouse. Learn about Norway’s period under Denmark, Sweden, and Nazis during occupation, and see how we use the fortress today. After this crash course in Norwegian history, we make our way to Bryggen – Bergen’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you learn about 1,000 years of trade history and the reason for Bergen’s founding and growth. Get to know the Hanseatic League – the German trading organisation that operated here for 400 years – as we wander the 300-year-old alleys. Our historic overview finishes at St. Mary’s Church, the oldest building in Bergen.
The second half of our tour is about life in Bergen. We leave the ‘touristy’ part behind and wander into the neighbourhood surrounding Bryggen. Your guide chooses the path based on their own interests and local experience, and as you explore Bergen’s best kept secret, you’ll learn about everyday life: house prices, work, what we do for fun, how we handle the rain, and more! This is also one of the most picturesque parts of the city. Be sure to ask your guide as many questions as possible and be sure to say hi to all the local cats that may follow us for part of the journey. The tour ends by passing by our favourite cafes, restaurants, with recommendations for ways to explore Bergen independently.
Our walking tour focuses on giving you both the highlights but also our favourite places in Bergen. We pride ourselves on being locally owned and operated and use authorised guides who live in Bergen all year round. Don’t miss an opportunity to uncover the treasures of Bergen on this captivating walking tour. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or simply seeking an authentic experience, our tour will leave you wish a lasting memory of the best city in Norway.
We limit the group size as this is a tour partly through a residential neighbourhood. We also want you to ask as many questions as possible!
Location
Activity location
- Bergen
- Bergen, Vestland, Norway
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Bradbenken 1, 5003 Bergen, Norway | The tour begins outside the address Bradbenken 1. It is a brick office building located by the entrance to the Bergenhus Fortress. To get here, you have to walk along the main road by the harbour from Bryggen for about five minutes, and just before reaching the fortress, you'll find the brick building Bradbenken next to a carpark. The building will be on the right side. The guide will be standing on the corner of the building facing out to the harbour, directly opposite the taxi parking area. The guide will be holding a sign saying "A Walk Through Bergen Past & Present" and is always there 10 minutes before the tour starts.
- Bergen, Vestland, Norway