Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present

based on 733 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We finish outside the fish market/tourist office in Bergen.

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Posted By : Jim_O
Very light hearted tour - history shared and lots of interesting tips about the city - we used them all 😎
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-03 07:34:42

Posted By : M0ntup
Excellent tour. Serena was so amazing and funny but still knowledgeable that she makes this tour even better. Highly recommended tour with Serena.
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Posted On : 2024-07-03 07:17:10

Posted By : ShengChih_W
Jean is a nice story teller, the story about past of Bergen. Lots of fun facts and clues of how city is developed. Definitely recommended.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-03 02:52:42

Posted By : adegge
Eirik was an amazing guide. Super knowledgeable and led a very engaging tour. He taught us both about the history of Bergen & Norway and also about how the locals live today, from experience. It was an extremely fascinating perspective that we had never gotten on a tour before. Ask for Eirik and you're getting the PHD student that's also a local barista. 10/10.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-03 02:13:07

Posted By : Salvatore_L
The tour was a great introduction to the city, the guide was very friendly and prepared and easy to follow, especially because she explicitly takes small numbers of people around. The tour guide gave a brief insight of the history of the city and several recommendations about restaurants, activities and souvenir shops.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-02 16:04:36

Posted By : Rithesh_P
Eirik was funny, efficient, informative & friendly. Great tour of an amazing city !! Well worth the time & a great introduction to the city - recommended 👍
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Posted On : 2024-07-02 14:48:45

Posted By : mrsa66
We had a very interesting and informative tour. Our guide Eirik did an outstanding job. He kept us engaged, paced the tour so that we had time to ask questions and see the sights in a timely way. We would recommend this tour, and EIRIK highly
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Posted On : 2024-07-02 11:28:42

Posted By : missy_B
Bergen has a long and very interesting history. This tour brought it to life for us. Be prepared to walk a few hills.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-02 06:06:50

Posted By : davidfX2593GY
A great insight to Bergen past and present.
excellent tour with a knowledgeable guide. Friendly and personable she made the tour a delight
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-02 05:14:35

Posted By : Casey C
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and adapted stories to keep younger kids engaged. It was a lot of information that was great to know about Bergen for our days there.
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Posted On : 2024-07-02 03:15:58