Bergenhus Fortress

One of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Norway, located at the entrance to the harbor in Bergen. The fortress dates back to the 13th century and has played a significant role in Norway's military history. Key structures within the fortress include the medieval Haakon's Hall (Håkonshallen) and the Rosenkrantz Tower (Rosenkrantztårnet), both of which are notable for their historical and architectural significance. Haakon's Hall, built during the reign of King Haakon IV, served as a royal residence and banquet hall. Rosenkrantz Tower, constructed in the 16th century, was both a defensive structure and a residence for the governor of Bergen. Today, Bergenhus Fortress is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into Norway's medieval past and stunning views of the harbor and surrounding areas. Entrance to the fortress grounds is free, allowing visitors to explore the exterior and enjoy the scenic views. However, there is an admission fee to enter Haakon's Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower. The prices are approximately NOK 100 for adults and NOK 50 for children, students, and seniors. Group discounts may be available. The fortress is open year-round, but the opening hours for the buildings vary by season, so it's recommended to check the official website or contact the venue for the most current information on pricing and hours.

There is not much to see from the fortress yard, so it is worth while to buy the fortress entry ticket (120 kr for an adult). The fortress which was heavily damaged and restored in the 1960s, is not exactly beautiful, and the interiors are as austere as the exterior. It does create a certain impression. The staff are very nice and helpful. The best time to visit seems to be just after 10 am, as starting from 11 there seems to be a lot more visitors.

I expected quite a lot more from this place. If you visit Bergen this is a sight that you can totally avoid. I did not enter inside but from I saw, the place was quite disappointing. Not bad, though.

A military fortress that you can visit. It's big and beautiful, great to visit. The view is great from the back and there are some nice gardens inside.

This is one of the must visit places when in Bergen. Entry to the fortress is free but you must pay to go in to Rosenkrantz Tower and Hakens Hall.

We came into town to perform a co concert and had a great show. The people were friendly and it's got a lot of history here

The general grounds were free, but there's a fee for the tower. The main fortress area was quite small and we saw most of it within 10 minutes. Highly recommend making the trek up to the Sverresborg viewpoint for panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Great history going back almost 1,000 years. Amazing construction and history. Highly recommend learning about it. We took a tour with “ I love Bergen” tours which was excellent