Historic Nordnes: Merchants, Witches, Crime, & Hidden Alleys

duration: 2 hours cancellation_summary: Cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund meeting_point: Østre Murallmenningen 23 (Aksdal Raincoat Store) max_age: 99 group_size: 16 accessibility: Cobblestone hills & some stairs description: There’s more to Bergen than Bryggen, the fish market and the funicular. On this walking tour, our local guides take you well off the beaten path into one of the city’s best-kept secrets: Nordnes. This 1 km (0.6 mile) peninsula stretches into Bergen harbour and has played a very different role in the city’s history. While the Hanseatic League dominated trade at Bryggen, Nordnes was where Norwegian merchants built their wealth. It was also the centre of power in Bergen — home to the courthouse, execution grounds and some of the city’s darkest chapters, including witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 19th century, Nordnes became a rough sailor district and red-light area, its narrow alleys perfect for hiding illicit activity. Today, it’s a sought-after residential neighbourhood with families, schools and leafy parks, feeling more like a small town than an inner-city suburb. On this walk, you’ll meet the Norwegian merchants and learn how their buildings were designed for trade, including visits to 500-year-old wine cellars. You’ll see one of Bergen’s most authentic streets — and one of the few in Nordnes untouched by World War II damage. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to Anne Pedersdatter Beyer, Bergen’s most infamous and feared witch, and hear how crime and punishment shaped daily life in a city that once had a murder rate comparable to Prohibition-era New York. We’ll stop at the site of Bergen’s final execution, explore the historic sailor district, and walk through an alley voted the prettiest by locals. This is a history walk filled with stories you won’t hear on a standard city tour. We’ll wander through narrow lanes known mostly to locals and uncover some of the most photogenic corners in Bergen. While history takes centre stage, we’ll also look at life in Bergen today as we pass schools, parks, research institutes and neighbourhood cafés that offer a glimpse into everyday local life. Nordnes is also home to some of the city’s most popular cafés — perfect for a visit after the tour. See you in Nordnes! We keep group sizes small as this tour passes through a residential neighbourhood, creating a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of time for questions and conversation. what_is_included: Our guides are authorised to operate as tour guides in Bergen. itinerary: Start at the Edge of the Old Town Begin your walk just beyond Bergen’s main tourist areas, where the city starts to feel quieter and more residential. Your guide will introduce Nordnes, a narrow peninsula stretching into the harbour, and explain how this area developed very differently from Hanseatic Bryggen — shaped by Norwegian merchants, power, justice and everyday life. Learn why Nordnes became the centre of authority in Bergen for centuries Hear how geography and isolation helped shape its unique character Set the scene for a neighbourhood filled with dramatic stories and hidden corners Norwegian Merchants & Trade Beyond Bryggen As you move deeper into Nordnes, the focus turns to Norwegian merchant life, running parallel to — and often in competition with — the Hanseatic traders across the harbour. See historic merchant buildings designed specifically for trade Learn how goods were stored, traded and protected, including access to 500-year-old wine cellars Understand how Nordnes merchants built wealth and influence outside the Hanseatic system Power, Crime & Punishment in Old Bergen Nordnes was not only a place of trade — it was the city’s legal and judicial heart. This section dives into Bergen’s darker past. Visit areas linked to the courthouse and execution grounds Hear about crime and punishment in a city that once had a murder rate comparable to Prohibition-era New York Stop at the site of Bergen’s last execution and learn about the crowds these events attracted Meet Anne Pedersdatter Beyer, Bergen’s most infamous witch, and hear how witch trials unfolded in the city Sailors, Red-Light Districts & Hidden Alleys In the 19th century, Nordnes became a rough sailor district, filled with taverns, lodging houses and underground activity. Walk through narrow, shadowy alleys once used to hide illicit dealings Explore parts of the historic sailor district and hear stories from Bergen’s maritime underworld Visit an alley voted the prettiest in Bergen by locals, offering a striking contrast to its past Authentic Streets & World War II Survivors Nordnes is home to some of the most authentic streets in Bergen — including rare areas untouched by wartime destruction. Walk along one of the only streets in Nordnes not damaged during World War II Learn how post-war rebuilding changed much of Bergen — and why Nordnes still feels so intact Enjoy some of the most photogenic streets and viewpoints in the city Nordnes Today — Everyday Life by the Harbour The tour finishes by shifting to modern life in Nordnes, now one of Bergen’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Pass schools, parks, research institutes and maritime institutions Learn what everyday life is like in this close-knit community today Get local tips on nearby cafés and places to explore after the tour This relaxed, small-group walk brings Nordnes’ past and present together — from merchants and witches to families, parks and harbour life — offering a side of Bergen most visitors never experience. highlights: What sets this walk apart is its focus on one neighbourhood and the many layers of history hidden within it. Nordnes is rarely explored on standard city tours, yet it holds some of Bergen’s most dramatic stories — from merchants and sailors to courts, executions and witch trials. Walking these quiet streets brings the past into sharp focus, showing how power, trade and daily life once shaped this small peninsula. Another highlight is the atmosphere and sense of discovery. While central Bergen can be busy, this tour moves through narrow alleys, authentic streets and overlooked corners that feel worlds away from the crowds. Nordnes still has the feel of a small town, and the slower pace allows you to notice details most visitors miss — wooden houses, harbour views and streets untouched by wartime damage. Storytelling is at the heart of the experience. Your guide brings Nordnes to life with vivid accounts of crime and punishment, maritime life and colourful local characters, weaving together humour, drama and insight. Rather than a scripted lecture, the walk feels like a conversation, shaped by curiosity and questions along the way. Finally, the tour connects past and present in a meaningful way. Alongside the history, you’ll gain insight into everyday life in Nordnes today — from schools and parks to cafés and community spaces. By the end, you won’t just know the stories of the area, but you’ll understand why Nordnes remains one of Bergen’s most distinctive and loved neighbourhoods. check_in_details: Please be at the meeting spot 10 minutes before the tour start time. We can't wait for latecomers, nor can you join the tour later. what_to_bring: Bergen is a rainy city, so good clothing is required. We are not able to provide you with ponchos or umbrellas. Please wear waterproof jackets, pants and shoes. It’s good to also bring a bottle of water. faqs: Does this tour run if it’s raining? Yes! We run the tour no matter the weather. It rains in Bergen around 230 days a year, so you will likely have some rain on the day you’re visiting Bergen. Only severe weather would cause a cancellation, and we’d notify you promptly. How long is the tour? The walk takes about 2 hours at a relaxed pace, with time for photos and questions. We may go 15 minutes overtime if the weather is very nice. Where does the tour start? We begin at Øvre Murallmenningen 23, outside the Aksdal Raincoat store. Your confirmation email includes a map and directions. You can also view it on Google maps by clicking here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HiuE3SSiadWwGXsQA Is the walk difficult? It’s an easy walk, but we do keep a good pace. There are some cobblestones, at least one unavoidable staircase of 10 stairs, and mild slopes. Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, families are very welcome. Children often enjoy the stories, sights and street atmosphere. However, do note we talk about executions, prostitution, and crime. What should I wear or bring? Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bergen’s weather can change quickly, so a light jacket is always a good idea. Do I need to book in advance? Yes, bookings are recommended as we keep groups small for a more personal experience. Is the tour available in other languages? This tour is only available in English. We offer private walking tours in all languages. Can I join the tour if I’m arriving by cruise ship? Yes — the meeting point is within easy walking distance of two of the cruise terminals, and is about a 20-minute walk from one cruise terminal. Many cruise passengers join this tour. How many people are in each group? We keep groups small to ensure a friendly atmosphere and plenty of time for questions. We have groups of up to 16. Can I take photos during the tour? Absolutely — we stop at several great photo spots along the way.