Gamlehaugen – the King's residence in Bergen

Gamlehaugen is the King's official residence in Western Norway and one of the distinctive venues that hosts concerts during the Bergen International Festival. The castle-like and magnificent villa from 1900 remains a living museum.

The elaborate and well-preserved interior takes the audience back in history, with dragon-style décor, a large art collection, taxidermy animals and rococo furniture. During the Bergen International Festival, the public can experience wonderful musical experiences in the museum section of the building.

The Home of a Statesman—The Legacy of a New Nation

Former Prime Minister Christian Michelsen bought Gamlehaugen in 1898 and hired Jens Zetlitz Monrad Kielland to design today's building, inspired by Scottish and English castle architecture. The villa was completed at the turn of the century, and Michelsen moved in the following year with his family. He had his office here when he led the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905, which made Norway an independent nation. In 1925, Gamlehaugen celebrated its centenary as the official royal residence in Bergen.

Concerts in historic halls

Intimate concerts in the King's home

During the Bergen International Festival, concerts are held in the museum section of Gamlehaugen. Concerts have previously been performed at his pianola (a type of self-playing piano), a magnificent instrument that still stands in the villa.

The study – a window to history

Christian Michelsen's study preserves a rare collection of memories from the year of independence in 1905. The room has been kept as it was in Michelsen's time and provides a unique insight into the statesman's life and work.

How to get to Gamlehaugen?

Gamlehaugen's address

Gamlehaugen is located at Gamlehaugvegen 10, 5230 Paradis, in Fana, south of Bergen city centre. The villa is beautifully located on a hillside by Nordåsvannet lake, just a short bus ride from the city centre.

Transport to Gamlehaugen

We encourage the public to use public transport to reach Gamlehaugen, both for the sake of the environment and because parking capacity is limited. Several bus lines stop near the property, from which a pleasant stroll through the park takes you up to the villa. Take bus no. 51 from Bergen Bus Station to Fjøsangerkrysset, which is within walking distance of Gamlehaugen. You can also take the Light Rail line 1 to Lagunen Terminal, before changing to bus 53. You can find relevant timetables and bus services at skyss.no.

Parking at Gamlehaugen

Do you need to drive? There is a small car park on Gamlehaugvegen, but note that there are no marked handicap spaces. It is not possible to drive all the way up to the building, and there is a footpath up to the villa from the car park. Please take this into account when planning your journey, especially if you have reduced mobility.

Accessibility at Gamlehaugen

We recommend that people who need special adaptations contact us at billett@fib.no before booking tickets to discuss potential solutions.

For wheelchair users

Unfortunately, Gamlehaugen is not adapted for wheelchair users. Access to the building is via a footpath with stairs, and there is no lift in the building. However, the park is accessible to everyone, and it is possible to experience the beautiful nature and the view of Nordåsvannet lake without entering the villa itself.

Adapted facilities

Gamlehaugen does not have disabled restrooms or other special facilities for people with reduced mobility. Unfortunately, as a protected cultural monument, Gamlehaugen has limitations when it comes to the adaptations that are permitted.

Assistive devices for the hearing impaired

Gamlehaugen does not have facilities for the hearing impaired.