Is the Art Mile walking route suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The path around Lille Lungegårdsvannet is flat and stroller-accessible, and children often enjoy the fountain and the open space at Festplassen.

What is the best time to do this self-guided walk?

Late morning is ideal, as the KODE museums typically open at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. This allows you to combine your walk with a visit to the Munch collection at Lysverket.

Are the KODE museums free to enter?

No, the museums require a paid ticket, though there are often discounts for students and seniors. However, walking the route and enjoying the exterior architecture and gardens is completely free.

Where can I see Edvard Munch's paintings in Bergen?

You can find a significant collection of Munch's work at KODE 3 (the Lysverket building), which is stop number 5 on this route. It is one of the most important Munch collections in the world.

Can I do this walk in the rain?

Yes, Bergen is known for rain, and this route is well-suited for it. The stops are close together, and the museum buildings provide plenty of indoor exploration time.

Is the Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake man-made?

It is a natural lake that was originally a bay connected to the fjord. Over time, it was modified into its current octagonal shape through urban landscaping and land reclamation.

Is this walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the Art Mile is one of the most accessible parts of Bergen. The terrain around the lake and through the main plazas is flat and paved with wide sidewalks.

The Art Mile: Masterpieces around Lille Lungegårdsvannet | Walking Tour

About This Tour

Bergen is widely celebrated for its colorful Hanseatic wharf and steep mountain vistas, but at its heart lies a sophisticated cultural corridor known as the Art Mile. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the artistic soul of the city, centered around the picturesque Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake. This area is home to KODE, one of the largest museums for art, craft, design, and music in the Nordic countries, spread across several landmark buildings that are masterpieces in their own right. As you navigate this walking route, you will encounter a seamless blend of Neo-Renaissance elegance and Functionalist architecture, all set against a backdrop of manicured gardens and the ever-present Bergen mountains. The route is designed for those who want to discover the city's intellectual and creative history at their own pace, moving from the intricate treasures of the West Norway Museum of Decorative Art to the peaceful, scholarly atmosphere of the University Gardens. Along the way, you’ll see the iconic octagonal lake, a favorite local spot for a neighborhood stroll, and the charming Moorish-style Music Pavilion. This experience offers more than just a gallery visit; it is a journey through the evolution of Bergen’s urban identity. Whether you are interested in the world-renowned works of Edvard Munch, the unique light of the Norwegian fjords captured on canvas, or simply the peaceful symmetry of the city’s central park, this walking route provides a comprehensive overview of Bergen's cultural landscape. Exploring independently allows you to linger by the fountain or dive deep into a specific gallery without the pressure of a group schedule. This area is the perfect place to start exploring with Zigway, offering a quiet, refined contrast to the bustling fish market and tourist hubs nearby.

Highlights

The world-class art collections of the KODE museums

The iconic octagonal Lille Lungegårdsvannet lake and its fountain

Moorish-style architecture of the 19th-century Musikkpaviljongen

Festplassen, the vibrant heart of Bergen's public celebrations

Lysverket, a masterpiece of Norwegian Functionalist design

The tranquil and historic University Gardens of Bergen

Tour Stops (6)

KODE, West Norway Museum of Decorative Art

Begin your self-guided adventure at KODE 1, housed in a magnificent Neo-Renaissance building from 1896. Originally the West Norway Museum of Decorative Art, this structure was designed by Henry Bucher and serves as a monumental gateway to the city's art district. Inside, the collections span centuries of craftsmanship, including the famous 'Silver Treasure'—a stunning assembly of Bergen-made gold and silver work. The architecture itself, with its ornate stone facades and grand staircase, reflects the growing wealth and cultural ambition of Bergen at the turn of the 20th century. It sets the stage for a route dedicated to beauty and design.

Musikkpaviljongen

A short walk into the park brings you to the Musikkpaviljongen, or the Music Pavilion. This cast-iron gem was a gift to the city from a local businessman in 1888. Notice its distinct Moorish influence, a style that was quite popular in European park architecture during the late 19th century. Surrounded by vibrant flower beds that change with the seasons, the pavilion has hosted countless Sunday concerts over the decades. It remains a symbol of Bergen’s deep-rooted musical heritage—the same heritage that produced world-famous composer Edvard Grieg, whose presence is felt throughout this entire cultural district.

Festplassen

Continue to Festplassen, the 'Festival Square.' This wide, paved area is the city’s primary gathering spot for major events, most notably the National Day celebrations on May 17th. Historically, this area was actually part of the lake, but it was filled in to create a central plaza. Standing here, you get a 360-degree view of Bergen's geography: the surrounding mountains, the city hall, and the art museums. It is the perfect spot to appreciate the urban planning of Bergen, where open public spaces are designed to connect the natural landscape with the civic heart of the town.

Lille Lungegårdsvannet

As you walk along the edge of Lille Lungegårdsvannet, notice its unique octagonal shape. This natural lake was once connected to the fjord, but today it serves as a peaceful freshwater centerpiece for the city. The fountain in the middle, illuminated at night, is one of Bergen's most photographed landmarks. Locals love this spot for a neighborhood stroll or a quick break on the benches. The lake reflects the changing sky and the surrounding architecture, offering a sense of tranquility right in the middle of the urban bustle. It is the geographic anchor of the Art Mile.

Kode Art Museum - Lysverket

Now, turn your attention to the impressive Lysverket building. Once the headquarters for the city's electrical works, this building is a prime example of Norwegian Functionalism. Today, it houses KODE’s most famous permanent collections, including an extensive gallery of works by Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup. The transition from a power plant to an art museum is a poetic reflection of how industrial spaces in Bergen have been repurposed for culture. The clean lines and imposing scale of the building provide a stark, modern contrast to the decorative styles you saw earlier on the route.

University gardens of the University Museum Bergen

Conclude your walk by heading slightly uphill to the University Gardens. This botanical oasis has been a center for study and relaxation since the mid-19th century. The gardens are home to thousands of plant species, arranged in a way that feels both academic and wild. It is a peaceful end to the route, away from the traffic, where you can reflect on the art and history you have encountered. The garden serves the University Museum of Bergen, reinforcing the neighborhood's identity as a hub of knowledge, science, and the arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walking route itself takes about 30-40 minutes of actual movement, but you should allow 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the scenery and visit the museum galleries. The total distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers.