Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tedoutthemuseumsyou'llpassenroute—all ofthemaredescribed ingreater
detail later, under “Sights in Bergen.”
• Begin where Bergen did, at the historic fortress. From the harborfront road,
enter the sprawling complex, then walk up into the courtyard at the heart of
the place (through the gate marked
1728)
.
Bergenhus Fortress:
In the 13th century, Bergen became the Kingdom of
Norway's first capital. (Prior to the 13th century, kings would circulate, stay-
ing on royal farms.) This fortress—built in the 1240s—was a garrison, with a
tower for the king's residence (
Rosenkrantz Tower
) and a large hall for his
banquets (
Håkon's Hall,
the stepped-gabled building facing the port). Today
the fortress grounds are used for big events (Bruce Springsteen filled it in
2009). Visitors can go inside the tower and the hall; while they feel empty and
a bit dull on your own, the guided tour (included in admission) brings them to
life.
• Head back out to the main road and continue with the harbor on your right.
After a block, history buffs could follow
Bergenhus
signs (up the street to the
left, Sandbrogaten) to reach the
Fortress Museum
—though its collection of
Norwegian military history (focusing on World War II) isn't worth the detour
for most.
