Bergenhus festning

About the museum

Bergenhus is one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fortresses, and the site has been a royal complex since the 13th century. Bergen was then a centre of political power, and the royal residence was extended. King Håkon Håkonsson had the great stone hall, Håkonshallen, built between 1247 and 1261. Royal weddings and coronations were held here, among other occasions, and in Rosenkrantztårnet lived King Magnus Lagabøte and his son Eirik Magnusson, the last two kings to rule Norway from Bergen.

When Norway entered into union with Denmark in the 16th century, Bergen ceased to be a royal residence town, but the fortress kept its importance as an administrative and political seat for Western and Northern Norway. The Danish captain Jørgen Hanssøn remodelled the tower early in the 16th century, and the lensherre (fief-holder) Erik Rosenkrantz added a storey in the 1560s. Håkonshallen fell into disrepair, was used as a storehouse and for about 40 years at times lacked a roof.

The hall was rediscovered in the 19th century and restored in 1916 and 1961. During the Second World War, on 20 April 1944, both Håkonshallen and Rosenkrantztårnet were badly damaged in an explosion when a cargo ship loaded with explosives blew up in Vågen. The reconstruction lasted into the 1960s.

Today Bergenhus is a national cultural monument and a cultural park with medieval buildings, more recent fortifications and green areas. Håkonshallen and Rosenkrantztårnet are run as museums by Bymuseet i Bergen, and Bergenhus festningsmuseum is also located on the fortress. The fortress area is used for concerts and events.

Highlights

• Håkonshallen, the royal great hall from the 13th century
• Rosenkrantztårnet with King Magnus Lagabøte's bedchamber, dungeon and views from the sentry walk
• The fortress area at Koengen with park and free admission
• Concerts and events at the fortress
• Fortress quiz for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Håkonshallen – The royal great hall from the 13th century shows the urban history of Bergen, from the coronations of the Middle Ages to the explosion accident of 1944.
• Rosenkrantztårnet – The tower shows King Magnus Lagabøte's bedchamber and chapel, the 16th-century dungeon, the gun loft and the sentry walk with views over the city.

Founded

1514

Operated by

Forsvarsbygg (festningsområdet); Stiftelsen Bymuseet i Bergen (Håkonshallen og Rosenkrantztårnet)

Admission & discounts

The fortress area has free admission. Tickets apply to the individual museum: Håkonshallen costs NOK 120 for adults and Rosenkrantztårnet NOK 170. With Bergenskort Håkonshallen is free, while Rosenkrantztårnet gives no discount. Members of Bymuseet and holders of a volunteer card have free admission. BT Fordel gives a 25 per cent discount for up to two adults (NOK 90 at Håkonshallen and NOK 130 at Rosenkrantztårnet).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Håkonshallen and Rosenkrantztårnet are not wheelchair-friendly. The fortress area is an open park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

At reception children can be given a fortress quiz and the booklet “Let og finn” (“Search and find”). There is the fairy-tale tour “Kongen i tårnet” (“The King in the Tower”) and baby tours in Håkonshallen.

Getting there & parking

The fortress is at the entrance to Vågen, about a three-minute walk from Bryggen.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

There is a museum shop in Håkonshallen. The museums have no food service. Barbecues and open fires are forbidden throughout the fortress area, and dogs must be kept on a lead.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Håkonshallen is used for royal dinners, official events and concerts.

Plan your visit