Rosenkrantz Tower

The Rosenkrantz Tower, in Bergen

The Rosenkrantz Tower stands on the site of the fortress of Bergenhus, the historic heart of Bergen. The Bergen audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this medieval tower, at once seigniorial residence and defensive work, witness of the royal and strategic past of the town.

The tower of the fortress of Bergenhus

You arrive now on the site of the fortress of Bergenhus, the historic heart of Bergen. The entry into the zone of the fortress is free, but certain elements may require a paid entry. In the Middle Ages, this fortified site, established at the entrance of the port, was the centre of the royal power of Norway, when Bergen was the capital of the kingdom. The Rosenkrantz Tower is one of the major elements of this ensemble. This imposing stone tower takes its name from Erik Rosenkrantz, a governor of Bergen who, in the sixteenth century, had it considerably enlarged and transformed by incorporating it into an older tower. It fulfilled a double function: at once fortified residence for the governor, with its apartments and its halls, and defensive work protecting the town and the port. Today, the tower can be visited and you can explore its halls, its staircases and its levels, up to the summit from where you enjoy a fine view over the port and the town. A witness of the medieval history and of the golden age of Bergen, it tells the royal and strategic past of the town. A medieval tower and a witness of power, the Rosenkrantz Tower is a fine stop of the discovery of Bergen.

What to see

You admire the imposing medieval stone tower of the fortress of Bergenhus, historic heart of Bergen and centre of the royal power when the town was capital of the kingdom; enlarged in the sixteenth century by the governor Erik Rosenkrantz, who gave it its name, it was at once fortified residence and defensive work, and you explore today its halls up to the summit and its fine view over the port. The Rosenkrantz Tower is a witness of power in Bergen. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Rosenkrantz Tower lies on the site of the fortress of Bergenhus, at the entrance of the port of Bergen, reachable on foot. The entry into the zone of the fortress is free, but the visit of the tower is paid and follows its own hours and conditions, which vary according to the season. It is best to check them before coming.

What is the Rosenkrantz Tower in Bergen?

An imposing medieval stone tower of the fortress of Bergenhus, historic heart of Bergen and centre of the royal power when the town was capital of the kingdom; enlarged in the sixteenth century by the governor Erik Rosenkrantz, who gave it its name, it was at once fortified residence and defensive work, and you explore today its halls up to the summit and its view over the port.

Where is the Rosenkrantz Tower in Bergen?

On the site of the fortress of Bergenhus, at the entrance of the port of Bergen, in Norway.