St. Mary's Church, Bergen

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!

IMPORTANT: This tour is 3€ to book but a tip per person is expected at the end of the tour. Please bring cash. Why should you join our Walking tour of Bergen? Our Walking Tour of Bergen stands out from the rest with its exceptional blend of history, charm, and personalized exploration. Unlike typical tours, we go beyond the usual routes, unveiling the hidden stories and treasures of this enchanting city. Led by knowledgeable guides, our tour provides a unique perspective, combining cultural insights with the beauty of Begen's landscapes. Meet your guide at the Music Pavillion and begin your walking adventure. Soak up the the gardens, fountain, and the gazebo in City Park. Take in the catch of the day in the lively Bergen Fish Market. Admire the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the St Mary’s Church. View the outside of one of the oldest, well-preserved stone fortifications in the country at the Bergenhus Fortress. See the Hanseatic merchant housing in Bryggen outside the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene. Get a taste of local folklore at the Ole Bull Statue. Transcend the ordinary on this tour that combines scenic beauty, cultural insights, and engaging local stories. At the end you can give the tour guide a tip based on what you think the tour was worth and what you can afford.

See some of the oldest and most relevant historic sites in Bergen, including the medieval fortress that served as the seat of Norwegian power in the 13th century and the colorful emblematic Bryggen wharf that made the city thrive as a successful trading center. Get glimpses of how the city looked like in the old days when you sail past the old wooden warehouses in Skuteviken and Sandviken, and marvel at the luxury residences blossoming on top of skerries at Måseskjæret or springing out from the mountainside at Verftet. Hard to spot otherwise, you will sail past the WW2 concrete ruins of the U-Boot Bunker Bruno before waving at the locals bathing in the fjord at the historical Nordnes Sjøbad and returning back to the Fish Market and the very heart of Bergen. m/s Eric the Red is a modern sightseeing boat with a spacious outdoor deck, a cozy lounge inside and a stunning view from the panoramic deck. The vessel has a capacity of 92 passengers, is adapted for wheelchair users on the main deck, and there is also space for strollers. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic refreshments are sold in the boat's bars.

Meet your guide at the entrance of the Tourist Information Centre (See photo). Then follow them around the medieval wharf known as Bryggen, or the Hanseatic Enclave. Admire the Bergenhus Fortress and St. Mary's Church which are privy to the secrets of Bergen. Stroll along the storied streets, cobblestone alleyways, and public squares hunting for the signs left by a millennium. Then, from the ferry boat, see the maritime city and the island life surrounding it. Gain a unique perspective of the city raised by the fjord. Listen to a Bergenser sharing interesting insights about life in the pretty timber town. Learn about the forces that have shaped the character of the city before ending the tour back at the meeting point.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the charming city of Bergen, the most beautiful city in Norway. Our exclusive minibus tour will take you to some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city, as chosen by our local guides. This tour is perfect for those who want to escape the rain, avoid Bergen’s steep hills, or who just want to see as much of the city as possible. Our minibus tour is led by a live, English-speaking local guide (no pre-recorded audio!) and is in a luxury minibus from a local company – even our drivers are Bergen locals! Our drive features four photo-stops around Bergen, including one at the ‘quintessential’ postcard shot of the city, charming Nordnes, our favourite spot (the local beach!), high up on the mountainside, and in the historic fishing hamlet, all providing unique and contrasting views of the city. We also drive slow enough so you can take photos from the bus. Because we use a minibus rather than a full-size bus, we can go where most bus tours can’t go and use this to our advantage. Between stops, your guide will discuss all aspects of Bergen – history, everyday life, and what makes the city unique. As this is a small group tour, you can ask questions throughout the drive. is your tour, and we want you to have the best experience possible. We will also provide tons of recommendations for places to visit and things to do for your stay. On this tour we will pass the Bergen Fortress, Bryggen, Nordnes historic peninsula (aquarium, witch memorial, and wooden houses), Knøsesmauet alley (voted the most beautiful in Bergen), the National Theatre, Hurtigruten Terminal, Torgallmenningen, Bergen’s historic town hall and cathedral, the Leprosy Hospital, Bergen train station, University district, Nygård Park, Lungegård lake, Fløyen mountain district, Skansen fire station, Sandviken wooden house neighbourhood, the Fisheries Museum, and park at St. Mary’s Church to begin our short walking tour. The tour ends in front of Bryggen, Bergen's UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the perfect place to continue your Norwegian exploration. Our exclusive minibus tour promises an intimate exploration of this picturesque city, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Discover the city of Bergen on a guided walking tour. Explore the most emblematic parts of the city center with a professional guide. Learn about the history and culture of Bergen as you stroll through the streets. Start your tour at the National Theater, the place that changed the history of Norway. Pass through Torgallmeningen, the main square, and the main street. Continue to the fish market and the Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the importance of the Hanseatic League in the city as you walk through the narrow alleyways of the Bryggen. Finish your tour at Bergenhus, the former fortress of the Norwegian kings, and the Church of Santa Maria. End your tour at the fish market, where you can taste some of the local products if you wish.

Make the most of your time in Bergen with a guided tour of the city center, a Fjord cruise, and a trip on the Mount Fløyen Funicular. Take this tour all year round, accompanied by an expert local guide.  See the sights in Bergen, including the Fish Market, the Hanseatic quarter (Bryggen), St. Mary's Church, Bergenhus Fortress, and Mount Fløyen. Cruise along the Cityfjord, Salhusfjord and Kvernafjord. Be wowed by the views as you travel between mountains and the shallow and narrow Alversund strait. Then hop on the Fløibanen Funicular, the only railway of its kind in Norway and one of the country’s best-known attractions. Take in amazing panoramic views over the fjord and the city of Bergen once you reach the top—an unmissable photo opportunity.

Discover Bergen on this guided audio walk through the city center, featuring 10 unique stories available in both audio and text formats. Whether you're a first-time visitor or have explored Bergen before, you'll uncover fascinating insights about "the meadow between the mountains." This tour spans just under 4 kilometers with 10 stops, revealing Bergen's rich history from its Viking roots to its modern-day splendor. Our journey begins at Bergenhus Fortress, established by King Olav Kyrre in the 11th century, showcasing Bergen's evolution from a Viking settlement to a medieval trading hub under the Hanseatic League. Next, we'll visit St. Mary's Church, the oldest surviving building in Bergen, to learn about its transformation under Christianity and later German influence. We'll delve into Bryggen's vibrant history and the lives of the German merchants who shaped Bergen's trade. Then, we'll meet Ludvig Holberg, a key figure in the Enlightenment, and explore his impact on Scandinavian literature. As we continue, we'll uncover Bergen's medical history at St. Jørgen’s Hospital Church, where Dr. Gerhard Armauer Hansen made groundbreaking discoveries about leprosy. We'll also meet Edvard Grieg, whose music sparked Norwegian cultural revival and independence. Lastly, we'll visit the statue of Christian Michelsen, who led Norway to independence in 1905. Join as we peel back the layers of Bergen's history, ending with tips for further exploration. This tour goes beyond the typical experience, offering interactive quizzes at each stop to engage you with the city's history and culture. A guided map ensures effortless navigation, allowing you to start, pause, or repeat sections as you wish. Ready to unlock the stories of Bergen? Let the StoryHunt begin!

Our tour guides are knowledgeable, passionate and engaging. They have a deep understanding of the history and culture of Bergen and able to provide interesting and accurate information about the sights and landmarks. You are able to connect with them and they will make your tour enjoyable. Have ave a great personality and a good sense of humor, and be able to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. They also can adapt the tours to suit interests and needs were possible, and be willing to go the extra mile to make sure that you are satisfied. Last but not least well-organized and punctual, with a clear itinerary and an ability to manage the tours effectively. should also be able to handle any unexpected situations that may arise during the tour.

Embark on a journey through Bergen’s historical tapestry, starting from Bradbenken 1. Explore the Rosenkrantz Tower and Haakon’s Hall, each a vivid reminder of the city’s medieval heritage. Wander the cobbled streets of Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a UNESCO site rich with iconic wooden structures and storied trade history. Admire St. Mary’s Church en route to Steinkjellerbakken, where Bergen’s vibrant culture and history merge. Skostredet offers a lively blend of old and new, leading you to the bustling Fish Market, a hub of maritime activity. Concluding your tour at Vågsallmenningen 2, this walking exploration beautifully captures Bergen’s evolution from a historic port to a dynamic modern city within its picturesque streets and alleys.