Add dates

Bergen Walking tours

Our most recommended Bergen Walking tours

Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present

1. Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present

Discover the historic sights and local hotspots of Bergen on a guided walking tour through the city. Learn about the city's history and modern life with your expert local guide. Meet at the Rosenkrantz Tower, a building inside the Bergenhus Fortress. Begin by learning about Bergen's royal and political past and explore the mighty fortress of the city. Take a short walk to Bryggen, Bergen's UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the narrow alleys and explore over 500 years of history, and maybe you'll even get to sample what the Hanseatic merchant of the past traded here. After learning about the history of the city, it's time to go off the beaten path. Wander through the narrow alleys in the historic residential neighborhood, where you'll learn about Bergen's wooden architecture, life as an average person in the 18th and 19th centuries, and also what it's like to live here today. The last part of the tour will take you past some of Bergen's most popular eateries, where you can learn more about the vibrant city life and what Norwegians love to eat. Pass the Floibanen funicular station, so by the time you end at the tourist office, you'll be full of ideas for what to do in Bergen for the rest of your stay.

Bergen: Historic Highlights Guided Walking Tour

2. Bergen: Historic Highlights Guided Walking Tour

Looking for a short walk that will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Bergen's main historic sites? This walk is for you! This winter-special walk (September-May) will keep you (mostly) out of the rain and cold as we wander through the two main historic sites in Bergen: the fortress and Bryggen. It's also only one hour, so you aren't outside for too long. The walk is at a gentle pace, so it's suitable for everybody. In one hour, you will walk through Bergen's old palace and around Bergen's merchant district. Bergen was founded in 1070 as the main commercial city in Scandinavia, and it remained the most important trading city until the 16th century. For around 100 years, Bergen was also Norway's capital. At the fortress you see remains from the palace, the Danish & Swedish unions, and the Nazi occupation. Bergen's UNESCO World Heritage-listed wharf Bryggen is famous for the Hanseatic League that lived there for about 400 years. This merchant district was the main point of export for stockfish (dried cod), and here the Hanseatic League (a German male society/guild) enjoyed special privileges and a unique lifestyle. These two historic locations are best explored with a guide, and our guides will provide you with a historic overview of Bergen and better understanding of why this city is so special. We only talk about history on this tour. If you want to combine history with everyday life and modern times, join our Past & Present tour instead. If you want to go off the beaten path, this tour can be combined with our Nordnes tour (which runs immediately after this tour).

Bergen: Private Tour with a Local

3. Bergen: Private Tour with a Local

Explore Bergen with a friendly local who is passionate about the city and eager to share all the tips and hints that will help you make the most of your trip. Choose from 2-6 hour private tour options. Meet your guide at your accommodation and head out to get familiar with the neighborhood. Learn about the best places to eat and shop, the easiest ways to get around and the top things to see and do. During the walking tour you will have the option of taking public transportation or taxi to get around the city (at your expense). By the end of the tour you'll feel more comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to thoroughly enjoy your stay.

Historic Nordnes Neighbourhood: Crime, Witches & Seafarers

4. Historic Nordnes Neighbourhood: Crime, Witches & Seafarers

Come explore historic Nordnes with us! Nordnes is a 1km (0.6 mi) long peninsula that stretches out into the Bergen Harbour. Nordnes is a neighbourhood defined by religion, merchants, and the court. Originally home to the Munkeliv Monastery (as far back as the 12th century), after the Reformation the area was laid out as a new neighbourhood for the Norwegian merchants competing with the Hanseatic League on Bryggen. On the side facing Bryggen, wealthy homes grew along the waterfront, where goods from all over Europe and Norway were being traded. At the end of the peninsula, Bergen’s oldest execution site and courthouse stood. It is also the site of Bergen’s witchcraft trials – a monument stands on the site today. On the other side of the peninsula, a working-class sailor’s district grew. Beer was consumed every day; in the nooks and crannies were over 300 inns. This side of the peninsula is today regarded as one of the best-preserved neighbourhoods in Bergen, with houses dating from the 17th century. This historic walk will give you stories that you won’t hear on a regular walking tour. We’ll also wander through the narrow alleys that only locals about. Here you will see some of the most photogenic spots in all of Bergen. While this is a history walk, we will also cover life in Bergen today – we will pass schools, parks, the Marine Research Institute, and places that give us an insight into everyday life. This area also has some of the city’s most popular cafes. Nordnes is also a residential neighbourhood, so we keep our group sizes small to not disturb the locals. Nordnes is home to Bergen's oldest wooden houses and best-preserved cobblestone alleys, and on this walk you'll see some of the most photogenic spots in the city.

Bergen Shore Excursion: Bergen Walking Tour

5. Bergen Shore Excursion: Bergen Walking Tour

Meet your guide at the Bergen Tourist Information Center and together with a small group of 15 people or fewer, embark on a 3-hour walking tour of the compact center of Bergen. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen, where the streets are lined with historic commercial buildings facing the harbor. Pass old wooden houses and walk down cobblestone streets as your guide fills you in on the past and present of Bergen. Stroll down the Wharf and take the opportunity to ask your guide questions about Bergen.

Other Sightseeing Options in Bergen

Want to discover all there is to do in Bergen? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Bergen

Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 118 reviews

With only 2 days in Bergen, we wanted to get familiar with the area quickly so we could enjoy it and not miss anything. The tour did exactly that, and our guide Emma was knowledgeable and made it an enjoyable tour. The areas around Bryggen were covered well, and we neither got bored nor felt rushed. In the following day and a half, we had a great time doing what we wanted instead of trying to find our way around.

A very nice way to discover the magnificent city of Bergen when we arrived. Emma, a young Frenchwoman living here guided us, at our own pace, in the main districts while transmitting a local vision to us. A real moment of exchange and sharing. Thank you so much. We highly recommend.

A great visit with Dane! The history of Bergen and Norway explained in perfect, simple English. Stroll through the small non-touristy streets of the city, with many anecdotes. And as a bonus some advice on places to visit or restaurants not to be missed. I really had a great time!

Neal Hoffmann was an excellent guide. He explained in detail the history and present Bergen. We had a great tour in the city. we learned a lot and the other group members were excellent as well.

Our guide was wonderful ! Knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend this tour to see and hear some history of Bergen .