Old Bergen: A Glimpse of the Past

Here along the shoreline, you’ll see Old Bergen, an open-air museum that takes you back to Bergen in the 1800s. At that time, the city was defined by narrow streets, dense wooden houses, and a bustling atmosphere filled with sailors, merchants, and craftsmen. The museum is located where Bergenhus’ pleasure estate once stood in the 1700s. In the 1800s, the area was known as Elsero and belonged to wealthy Bergen families. Today, Old Bergen consists of around 50 historic wooden houses, many of which were moved here from different parts of the city to be preserved for future generations. From the boat, you can see how the small, white-painted houses climb the hillside – typical of old Bergen. Inside the museum, you’ll find a reconstructed town with shops, workshops, and homes, where actors in period costumes bring history to life. Old Bergen is a reminder of what the city looked like before major fires and modernization transformed its appearance. As you continue the boat ride, imagine the sound of horse-drawn carriages on cobblestones and the smell of freshly baked bread – a little piece of Bergen’s history, lovingly preserved.