The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene - Museum Vest

About

Gain an insight into how the Hanseatic merchants lived, worked and made their mark on Bergen over 400 years. Visit the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene – a UNESCO World Heritage site – to find out about this important period in the city’s history and the stories of some of the people who lived here.

There is much more to Bryggen than colourful, old wooden houses and being a popular tourist spot. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen is in fact a true cultural treasure, wholly unique in a global context. Nowhere else in the world can boast even one wooden house dating back to the Hanseatic period, yet the ‘City of Seven Mountains’ has managed to preserve a whole district, comprising consisting of no fewer than 62 buildings.

Now we’re giving you the opportunity to experience the Hanseatic world right across the Bryggen area. Guided tours and new exhibitions allow you to explore all aspects of the lives of the Hanseatic merchants – from their unique trading network to everyday life in Bergen. A visit to our sites will give you a sense of how life played out during this important period starting in the 14th century.

Daily guided tours at Schøtstuene and Bryggen

What do you really know about the Hanseatic period? Our tours give you a unique insight into the merchant’s everyday life and work at Bryggen. Learn about the story of Bryggen and the German merchants that made Bergen a European trading hub!

This fall we offer two different tours, both in English:

Daily guided tours: Schøtstuene – Bryggen - Midthuset

Starting October 1st, we offer daily guided tours in the footsteps of the Hanseatic merchants. The tour starts at Schøtstuene, the last Hanseatic assembly rooms in the world, and continues through the narrow passageways of the UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen. The tour ends at Midthuset (English: the house in the middle), where you can explore our museum shop. Experience Bryggen in a new way and learn more about life here over 500 years ago!

Time: Daily, at 3pm/15:00
Duration: Approx. 40 minutes.

Continuous 15-minute guided tours of Schøtstuene

Joining our guided tours before exploring the beautiful Schøtstuene on your own, undoubtably adds to your museum experience! Be fascinated by the history, admire the interior and art, and explore the fire houses that were used to prepare food. Sound installations with Hanseatic languages and scent-boxes that recreate the smells of the fire houses in the Middle Ages, give you a sense of the atmosphere in what was once the main Hanseatic meeting place.

Time: Daily, on the hour and half-hour
Duration: 15.min

Follow the work to restore the museum’s largest artefact – the museum building in Finnegården

The exhibitions at Schøtstuene provide an insight into both the Bryggen World Heritage site and the Hanseatic League. We further invite you to follow the work to restore the museum’s largest artefact – the museum building at Finnegården 1A. The building is 315 years old and once served as the merchants’ trading hall. Severe subsidence damage means the bulwark needs to be replaced and made secure for the future. This is a lengthy process, estimated to take until 2024, as the work is being carried out using old craft traditions. You can gain an insight into this fascinating work thanks to one of our new exhibitions at Schøtstuene.

Introducing the Hanseatic merchants

The German merchants first sailed into Vågen bay in the 14th century, and their presence was to have a far-reaching impact on the city. The extensive Hansa network extended across many countries and made Bergen one of the largest cities in Northern Europe during this period. Their trading activities meant the Hanseatic merchants were instrumental in shaping the economic, political and cultural development of the Nordic countries and large parts of Europe over several centuries.

UNESCO World Heritage

Bergen was the last outpost of the influential Hanseatic merchants. Bryggen was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979, and now stands as a vibrant monument to a bygone trading culture.

ONLINE BOOKING:

Your email confirmation is your ticket and must be shown at the entrance. You can bring a printed copy or show the e-mail confirmation on your  mobile device.

Cancellation policy:
No refund in case of cancellation, but we can change the date on your ticket if necessary. Your email confirmation is your ticket. Bring a printed copy or show it on your mobile device.