Price:
Adults (18+) 450 NOK
Children (5-17) 300 NOK
Children under 5 years old can come free
Schedule
Daily at 10:30am
Meeting Point
We meet outside the witch monument on Nordnes. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the tourist office, so please allow extra time to get there. The witch monument is located next to Bergen Aquarium.
You can view pictures and maps on our FAQ page.
End Point
The tour ends at the Troll Museum.
Duration
Approximately 2.5 hours
Group Size
We allow a maximum of 8 guests on our tour.
We run all tours, even if one person books.
Included
- Authorised, English-speaking guide
- Entrance to the Troll Museum
- Guided tour of the Troll Museum
- Guided tour around Bergen
Excluded
What to Bring
- Rain gear (Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe, after all)
- Good walking shoes
Fitness Level
- The tour is approximately 3km (2 miles)
- We stay on paved roads, and the walk is relatively flat.
Good to Know
- Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour start time. We do not wait for latecomers
- Strollers/prams are welcome
Cancellation Policy
All tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.
Discover another side of Bergen on a guided walking tour through the city’s historic streets, where real crimes, old laws and ancient beliefs meet. This small-group experience explores the places where justice was once carried out, alongside the myths and legends that shaped everyday life in Norway for centuries.
We begin at the Witch Stone, where you’ll hear the story of Bergen’s witch trials and the fears that once gripped the city. From here, we follow the path of justice through old execution sites and the locations where punishments were carried out, uncovering how crime was judged and how public executions became part of life in early Bergen.
As we walk through the historic Nordnes neighbourhood, the tour reveals another side of the city’s past. Once a lively harbour district, this area was known for sailors, taverns and the women who worked in prostitution along Nøstet. Their stories offer a glimpse into everyday life in a busy port city where trade, hardship and opportunity all met.
As we enter the modern city centre, we also visit Bergen’s old and modern courthouse buildings, exploring how the city’s justice system evolved over time — from medieval punishments and public spectacle to the legal institutions that serve Bergen today.
Our walk then takes us to the medieval city centre, where both Bergen’s elite and criminal underbelly lived side-by-side. We can see the homes and favourite dives of these unique individuals, and also explore some of the oldest streets in Bergen.
At Bryggen, the famous Hanseatic wharf, we step further back in time to discover how Norse mythology and folklore shaped the beliefs of the people who lived here. These ancient stories of gods, spirits and supernatural creatures were once woven into daily life across Norway.
The tour concludes with entry to the Troll Museum, where Norway’s famous trolls and creatures of legend bring the world of Scandinavian folklore vividly to life.
Every stop along the route reveals a different layer of Bergen’s past — from crime and punishment to myth and legend — offering a fascinating way to experience the history, stories and traditions that shaped the city you see today.
What sets this historic walking tour apart is how it brings together Bergen’s real crimes and its ancient myths to tell the story of the city itself. Rather than focusing only on dramatic events or famous landmarks, the experience explores how justice, superstition and belief shaped everyday life in Bergen for centuries. Each stop adds a new layer — from witch trials and public punishments to the Norse stories that once helped people make sense of the world around them.
Another highlight is the route itself. The tour moves through some of Bergen’s most atmospheric historic areas, including Nordnes and Bryggen, following the paths where these stories originally unfolded. Along the way, you’ll stand at former execution sites, see where the city’s courts once operated, and walk through neighbourhoods that reveal the social realities of life in a busy port city. These locations turn history from something distant into something tangible.
The storytelling is at the heart of the experience. Guided by locals who know the city well, the tour blends historical fact with folklore in a relaxed, conversational style. Rather than a formal lecture, the walk feels like discovering the city through its stories — from legal traditions and unusual punishments to tales of gods, spirits and legendary creatures.
The experience concludes at the Troll Museum, where Norway’s rich tradition of folklore comes vividly to life. By the end of the tour, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Bergen’s past — not just the events recorded in history books, but also the myths and legends that have shaped Norwegian culture for generations.
The tour explores:
- Witch trials and historic execution sites
- The development of Bergen’s justice system
- The historic Nordnes neighbourhood and harbour life
- Bryggen and the world of medieval merchants
- Norse mythology and traditional Norwegian folklore
- Popular folk stories from Norway
The experience includes:
- Entry to the Troll Museum
- A guided walk through Bergen’s historic centre
- Stories that blend real crime, justice and mythology
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, and then we will have a 30 minute guided tour inside the museum.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at the witch monument on Nordnes peninsula, next to the aquarium. The monument is clearly marked as “Heksestein” on Google Maps.
How do I get to the meeting point?
It is about a 15-minute walk from the tourist office to the meeting point. Bus 11 runs every half an hour and stops at the meeting point, or you can take a quick 5 minute taxi ride from the city centre.
Is the walk difficult?
It’s an easy, gentle city walk suitable for most visitors. We cover approximately 3km (2 miles) in two hours.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes and no. We do talk about crime, prostitution, and execution. Some kids love the scary stories, some don’t. We don’t adjust the tour for young children.
The Troll Museum is wonderful for kids!
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 must be made in advance.
Can I join the tour if I’m arriving by cruise ship?
Yes — just allow extra time to get to the meeting point.
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 8.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely — we stop at several great photo spots along the way.
