Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join authorised, local guides for an authentic, small-group experience around Bergen - both the city and off-the-beaten path.
The first half of our tour focuses on Bergen's history. We wander the fortress complex, covering Bergen’s medieval history and short period as Norway's capital. 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.
We consider this a moderate walk with stairs. The walk is approximately 3km (2 miles).
Once you book, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details — including where to meet, what to wear, and our contact info.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
The Rosenkrantz Tower - Bymuseet I Bergen
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 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.
Options
German Language
English Language
What‘s Included
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,783 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rigmor is an excellent guide.
EdinburghCaz,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rigour was an excellent guide. She was friendly and had excellent memory for the history of the town. Would definitely recommend her as a guide.
Highly recommend this tour in Bergen
I8294SXjuliea,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic morning tour with Caterina who was very knowledgeable about all things Bergen. Highly recommend this tour.
Caterina was great
andrewj0hng,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We found the guided tour very informative, interesting and fun, Caterina was great!
Book these tours!
374anthonys,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did two tours with I Love Bergen during my stay in Bergen and they were both incredible! We did the past and present tour with Jeff on our first day there and it was the best way to get to know the city. It helped us find our way and we knew where to find the best places. It also gave us a ton of knowledge of the history of the city that made our trip a lot more meaningful. We were full of nuggets of knowledge. I also did the urban hiking tour with Helene and it was lovely! We got to see a lot of good stuff on our way up the hill and then the hiking trail in the trees above the city was absolutely stunning! There were a lot of stunning overlooks and I feel so lucky that I got to see all that! We also went to many bars and restaurants that were recommended from I Love Bergen like the bar from the 1300s. It was so cool and everyone in my group was grateful we knew about it. Can’t recommend these tours enough!
Gert provided the exact...
MarieJose E,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gert provided the exact dosage of information. It was entertaining, with stops at short intervals.
Great mix of everything
Y5129UDsarahk,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour - nice mix of things to see and perfect length of time. Janine our guide (Aussie who has lived in Bergen for over 20 years) was really knowledgable and fun. Would def recommend!
I love Bergen tour
Kathryn r,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Caterina was a great tour guide. Covered a lot of Bergen. Giving us a great overview and background of Bergen. Received excellent recommendations for restaurants and follow up areas to explore. I love Bergen tours don’t miss it.
Well informed guide Paulina, made the walking tour a success.
Explorer18698858980,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great local tour of Bergen, very informative. Charming gal, Paulina, she did a fabulous job. Have found these local tours to be better than the excursions that are offered if you are with a tour company.
Great guide and walking tour around Bergen
KayaThomas,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Past and Present Walking Tour of Bergen - Nicholas was one of the best walking tour guides we’ve had in many years of travel. He was knowledgeable, pleasant and had the ability to project his voice so all could hear. He was considerate to everyone in our group this morning and kept us all engaged for over two hours. Such an interesting tour .
2 hr Past and present Bergen Walking Tour
pheobesmove,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a two hour walking tour with Erik on the Sunday BH weekend in May. It meant Bergen was quiet and at the time. Erik blew us away with his knowledge past and present and we tried out a few restaurant's /cafes he recommended. Easy paced and a great introduction to our stay in Bergen.
Related Experiences
Operated by I Love Bergen