
Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 2,116 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present worth booking?
Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present is a 2-hour experience in Bergen, Norway, from $38 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 2,116 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (2,116)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $38 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- No hidden fees
- Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen
- Guided walking tour of Bergenhus Fortress
- Authorised Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Entrance into buildings & museums (the tour is outdoors only)
What you'll see and do
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!
Pass by without stopping
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.
Pass by without stopping
Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
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.
40 minutes here
St. Mary's Church
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
40 minutes here
Mount Floyen and the Funicular
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?
Pass by without stopping
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.
10 minutes here
Fish Market
We finish outside the fish market/tourist office in Bergen.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bergen
Please meet us at the address Bradbenken 1, a brick office building next to the entrance to the fortress. We stand on the side of the building facing the harbour. Your guide will be holding a sign with the tour name on it. The guide will be standing there 10 minutes before the tour starts.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We finish close to the Bergen tourist office
Options you can book
German Language
English Language
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- I Love Bergen
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,115 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
2,115 verified traveler reviews for Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Walking tour in Bergen - past and present
Walking tour in Bergen - fantastic! Janine was an exceptional guide… her local knowledge, history, dates was phenomenal… would thoroughly recommend you do this tour… and you’re on a winner if Janine is your guide! And by the way make sure you have an umbrella with you
via Viator
Great walking tour through Bergen‘s past
We booked the tour pretty much last minute through the tourist information. We were a small a group with only six people including our guide. Our tour guide, Caterina, was amazing. She had a lot of humor and answered all of our questions with little anecdotes. The small group size was great as this way we could all ask questions without monopolizing Caterina‘s time and this way there was barely any wait time for everyone to catch up after taking photos.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour
Magda gave a interesting, informative, and entertaining tour - she was patient with our slow group and everything was presented in a clear way.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour! Do it!
Our guide was fantastic! Lots of information and stories. She was animated! I like recommendations for restaurants and shops.
via Viator
Small group, great...
Small group, great opportunity to engage with the rest of the group. Lots of history delivered by an excellent tour leader
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $38 to $350
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 741
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by I Love Bergen, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything I Love Bergen runsWhy this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bergen.
How much does Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present cost?
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Prices start at $38 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bergen usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bergen is not rushed.
Is Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 2,116 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Bergen, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present?
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Around 741 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bergen can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bergen and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bergen within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bergen?
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On Outty we rank every Bergen experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include City Walking Tour - Bergen On Foot, Discover Bergen on Foot and Boat, Guided Tour To Nærøyfjorden, Flåm & Stegastein - incl. 2h cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bergen?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bergen?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present?
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Included: No hidden fees; Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen; Guided walking tour of Bergenhus Fortress; and Authorised Guide. Not included: Gratuities; and Entrance into buildings & museums (the tour is outdoors only). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present?
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Please meet us at the address Bradbenken 1, a brick office building next to the entrance to the fortress. We stand on the side of the building facing the harbour. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present?
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Across 2,116 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including German Language, English Language. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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