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Bergenhus Fortress

Bergenhus Fortress: Our most recommended tours and activities

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.

From Bergen: Sightseeing Fjord Cruise to Alversund Strait

2. From Bergen: Sightseeing Fjord Cruise to Alversund Strait

Sail from Bergen to the Alversund Streams with this group boat tour. Set off from Bergen's famous Fish Market and marvel at views of the medieval fortress Bergenhus, St Mary's church and the colorful Bryggen Hanseatic wharf. Glide through beautiful Western Norwegian scenery at the City Fjord, Salhus Fjord and Kverna Fjord as you make your way towards the stunning Alversund Streams. Snap breathtaking photos of this amazing scenery. Relax, as the captain safely steers the boat through narrow sounds, deep fjords, a maze of islands and the powerful currents of the narrow Alversund channel.

Bergen: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

3. Bergen: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

Enjoy the beautiful city of Bergen with our environment-friendly Hop-on Hop-off buses. Hop off at your own points of interest and experience the best sights and attractions Bergen has to offer. Enjoy the tour at your own pace and make it fun and memorable as you learn about the city's exciting history with our entertaining audio guide available in 7 different languages (English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch and Norwegian). If you decide to stay on board the bus for a full tour, the complete Hop On Hop Off Bergen sightseeing tour lasts around 50 minutes. Your Hop-On ticket is valid for unlimited rides for 24 hours. An easy and enjoyable way to explore the most interesting attractions. The 13 stops include Bryggen, The Fish Market, Bergen Aquarium and Mount Fløyen Funicular Station. Welcome on board and have fun! You can also enjoy free wifi on all buses

Bergen: Viking Ship Sailing Experience and Sightseeing Trip

4. Bergen: Viking Ship Sailing Experience and Sightseeing Trip

Step back in time with a 2-hour sail aboard Bergen’s most traditional tour boat. The square sailed vessel, Storskarven, represents Viking ship-building and design that has been passed down through the ages in Norway. Aboard you will admire the elegant construction of the overlapping wooden planks and smell the aromas of ancient wood preservation methods. Feel the exhilaration of the ship’s square sail filling with wind and pulling you along Bergen’s iconic and beautiful waterfront. Take part in the sailing or chill out on a bean bag and enjoy the ride! Tours are varied and educational in nature. We will begin our voyage from Bryggen in central Bergen and hoist sail as soon as possible. The route will be dictated by wind conditions, but regardless of the weather, guests are guaranteed an authentic and interactive sailing experience and the chance to absorb Bergen’s historic waterfront from a truly unique perspective. The tour includes fascinating insights into the Viking age, Norwegian history, and coast culture. Steer the ship, hoist the sail, and feel the serenity of gliding through the water in this centuries-old method of sailing. No rowing required! The tour is guided in English and touches on viking ships and history, coast culture, and stories from Bergen.

Bergen: City Sightseeing, Fjord Cruise & Mt Fløyen Funicular

5. Bergen: City Sightseeing, Fjord Cruise & Mt Fløyen Funicular

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.

Bergen: Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen's Historic Landmarks

6. Bergen: Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen's Historic Landmarks

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 Bloodaxe 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 75 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. The vessel is named after Norway's second king and Viking ruler, Eric I Haraldsson (885AD - 954AD) nicknamed Eric Bloodaxe.

Bergen: Historic Walking Tour & Entrance to Bryggens Museum

7. Bergen: Historic Walking Tour & Entrance to Bryggens Museum

Looking for a short walk that will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Bergen's main historic sites? This easy walk 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. The outdoor walk is one hour long and is suitable for everybody. The visit to the Bryggen Museum is 30 minutes, though you can stay longer. This tour finishes with an entrance to the Bryggens Museum, a museum all about the early years of Bergen. You get a comprehensive overview of the historic city on our walking tour! Bergen was founded in 1070 as the main commercial city in Scandinavia. For around 100 years, Bergen was Norway's capital. At the fortress you see remains from the palace. Bergen's UNESCO 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, and here the Hanseatic League enjoyed special privileges and a unique lifestyle.

Bergen: 2 Hour Segway Tour

8. Bergen: 2 Hour Segway Tour

Begin your 2-hour Segway tour by the cruise terminal and glide to the Bergenhus Fortress and its beautiful park. Continue to the historic UNESCO World Heritage area of Bryggen before heading to the Fish Market. Ride your Segway to the Bergen Aquarium and then into Nordnes Park. Admire one of Bergen’s most beautiful parks, stretching as far as the west end of downtown. The tour continues up to the Monastery before you ride along several of Bergen’s classic alleyways in Galgebakken and Knøsesmauet. See Den Nationale Scene, the Blue Stone, John’s Church and Lille Lungegårdsvannet. Head to Fjellveien, where you’ll have a wonderful view over the center of Bergen and the surrounding area.

Bergen: Private Evening Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Wine

9. Bergen: Private Evening Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Wine

Embark on a scenic evening cruise from Bergen and witness the dramatic views of the nearby fjords. Admire the colorful buildings of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen as you sip on a glass of Champagne. Board your comfortable yacht and start your cruise. Sail alongside the UNESCO-listed Bryggen and admire the colorful houses and lush hillsides from the water. Marvel at the seven mountains surrounding the city, including Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken.  Watch the scenery gradually change, as Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken fade into the distance. Sail past the suburbs of Sandviken and Eidsvåg, towards the fjords and islands. Sip on a glass of wine and enjoy the snacks on board. Relax as the gentle cruise takes you along the serene fjords, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley from within. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the fjords if the weather permits, before making your way back to the departure point.

From Bergen: Private Mostraumen Fjord and Waterfall Cruise

10. From Bergen: Private Mostraumen Fjord and Waterfall Cruise

Experience narrow fjords, steep mountainsides, and mighty waterfalls with a local guide on a private cruise to Osterfjord on a day trip from Bergen. Get onboard a Premium Explorer 50 Yacht and witness the picturesque Mostraumen where boats are just able to pass through. Set sail from Bergen's Fish Market, as your guide points to some of the oldest and most relevant historical sites in the city, including the medieval fortress Bergenhus, St. Mary's church, and the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Hanseatic wharf. From there, sail through the western Norwegian scenery in the Fjord City, Salhusfjorden, and Osterfjord towards the stunning Mostraumen Channel. Sip on soft drinks, and soak in the views as the captain safely steers the boat through steep mountainsides, a maze of islands, and cascading waterfalls. Venture deeper into the fjord and see the mountain landscape become steeper and narrower. Get up close to waterfalls and feel the cold spray on your face. With a little luck, you can spot seals sunbathing on the rocky shore so keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife around you. Deep in the Osterfjord, take a break and tuck into Lapskaus, a traditional Norwegian meat and vegetable stew.

Top sights near Bergenhus Fortress

Other Sightseeing Options in Bergenhus Fortress

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What people are saying about Bergenhus Fortress

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 291 reviews

The cruise we booked originally was cancelled last minute as there was an engine issue with the boat but the company arranged an alternative trip or we could have a refund if wanted. We opted for the alternative trip. The Mostraumen & Osterfjord cruise was truly breathtaking with magnificent views of the rugged cliffs, quaint villages & hamlets dotted along the banks reminiscent of ‘Moominvalley’ and beautiful waterfalls everywhere we looked. I cannot comment on The Alversund Streams cruise, I’m sure it is wonderful but we were not disappointed with the alternative cruise provided.

Magda was an excellent guide, she made the tour really interesting and enjoyable. It was at a good pace but covered lots of topics and I’m so glad I did this . With only 1 day in Bergen I felt like I got a good insight and plenty of recommendations of how to make the most of my time.

It was pouring buckets and windy! But Our tour guide Patrick made the tour very much worth our while. He shared great stories and knowledge, answered our questions and found dry spots for us to duck into every now and then. A consummate professional! Would go again in a heartbeat.

our guide Neil has a lot of knowledge of Bergen's history and through his stories we kind of travelled through time and myths of the city. it was a magnificent tour. thank you Neil. see you next time

informative history tour about Bergen and Norway. A history crash course in 1 hour