Skansen Fire Station & Tower - A red castle sits atop a rocky hill.
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Skansen Fire Station & Tower

4.7
·55 reviews·, Norway

Historic 1903 fire station with a tower offering panoramic views of Bergen's harbor and city.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Skansen Fire Station & Tower - A red castle sits atop a rocky hill.

Skansen Fire Station & Tower

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1903 fire station with a tower offering panoramic views of Bergen's harbor and city.

4.7
(55 reviews)

"Beautiful old building with amazing views right at the beginning of the Fløibanen."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to the station and tower can be steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the area.

📸 Capture the Views

The tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of Bergen. Don't forget your camera or phone!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Fire Station Building

Historic Fire Station Building

Skansen

A beautifully preserved 1903 building, once housing fire wagons and a watchman's post.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Fire Tower

Ascend the tower for breathtaking vistas of Bergen's harbor, city square, and surrounding fjords.

Skansen Pond & Park

Skansen Pond & Park

Adjacent to Fire Station

An idyllic park area with a historic pond, once used for fire-fighting water pressure.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Skansen Fire Station & Tower is a charming historical site. Consider visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architecture and surrounding park. If you're aiming for fewer crowds, weekdays outside of peak tourist season are ideal.

Getting There & Around

Located near the Fløibanen funicular, the fire station is accessible by a short hike. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be a bit uneven. The views from the tower are a significant draw, so factor in time for exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to the station and tower can be steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the area. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of Bergen. Don't forget your camera or phone! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Fløibanen

It's conveniently located near the Fløibanen funicular. Plan to visit both if time allows. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Park

The surrounding park and pond area are lovely for a relaxing stroll. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to the station and tower can be steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the area. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of Bergen. Don't forget your camera or phone! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Fløibanen

It's conveniently located near the Fløibanen funicular. Plan to visit both if time allows. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Park

The surrounding park and pond area are lovely for a relaxing stroll. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(55 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Skansen Fire Station & Tower for its historical charm and the stunning panoramic views offered from the tower. The well-preserved building and the scenic park are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects. Some note that access to the tower might vary, and recommend comfortable footwear for the walk.

"Beautiful old and well kept building with amazing views right at the beginning of the Fløibanen which unfortunately was closed during our stay. Perhaps something to go back for! Would at least recommend the small hike getting up here !"

Jacob Stitz

"OLD FIRE STATION AT SKANSEN

The fire station at Skansen was built in 1903 after a big fire in 1901.
The fire station is now a cultural heritage site and among the town’s many prides.
Inside the fire station there was room for one fire wagon, a stable room for one horse and a work room. On the first floor the fire chief had a flat, and the watchman sat in the tower, where he had a telegraph and a direct telephone line to the main fire station in town.
Skansen fire station was not in use during daytime. At night the station had a watchman awake in the tower and a fireman on duty while he slept, unless, of course there was a fire.
The station acquired its first fire engine in 1936. At this time the last horse, Olav, was retired.
The fire station was closed down in 1969, and today Buekorpset – the Drummer Boys Battalion – keeps guard at Skansen.
The function of the idyllic pond by the station (66 meters above sea level) was to save the town in case of a major fire. Its purpose was to increase the water pressure when the normal level was no longer sufficient.
Since 2015 the pond area was turned into a parking garage, with a shallow water installation on top. The beautiful surrpunding park is a popular recreational area."

Guide travels 2

"During the reconstruction of funicular it's easy to come to the Skansens Bataljon and enjoy the view on the harbour. You'll have the whole city like on hand including the square, city fjord, churches but also the bridge. And once you're happy, just turn around and enjoy the beautiful old building with a pond. Easy way how to spend the time in Bergen."

Martin Čmarada

What People Like

Historic building
Amazing city views
Scenic park area

What People Dislike

Stairs to the tower

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Skansen Fire Station & Tower is located near the Fløibanen funicular. You can reach it by a short, scenic hike from the city center or from the funicular's lower station. Wear comfortable shoes as the path can be a bit steep. Reddit

While there was historically a pond used for fire-fighting, the area has been redeveloped. There is a parking garage nearby, but it's often easier and more pleasant to walk or use public transport to reach the vicinity. Reddit

Yes, it's a pleasant walk, especially if you enjoy scenic routes. The walk offers lovely views and takes you through charming parts of Bergen. Reddit

The area is well-served by public transport, with bus routes that can get you close. From there, a short walk will lead you to the fire station and tower. Reddit

Many visitors combine their visit with the Fløibanen funicular. You can walk up to the fire station from the funicular's lower station, or vice versa. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Skansen Fire Station building and the surrounding park is generally free. Access to the tower for views might have a small fee or be included with other attractions, depending on current arrangements. Reddit

The exterior of the fire station and the park are accessible at all times. Specific opening hours for any internal exhibits or tower access may vary, so it's best to check locally or on official tourism websites. Reddit

Typically, there is no admission fee to see the exterior of the historic Skansen Fire Station and enjoy the park. Any charges would likely be for specific exhibitions or guided tours if available. Reddit

While the building is a cultural heritage site, access inside may be limited to special events or guided tours. The main draw is often the exterior architecture and the views from the tower. Reddit

For general viewing of the exterior and park, no booking is required. If there are any special exhibitions or events, it's advisable to check for booking information in advance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tower offers panoramic views of Bergen's harbor and city. The historic fire station building itself is also very photogenic, especially with the surrounding park. Reddit

The tower provides excellent vantage points for sunset photos over the city and fjords. The light can be magical during the golden hour. Reddit

Photography rules inside historical buildings can vary. If access is granted for specific tours or events, it's best to inquire about photography permissions beforehand. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views from the tower. A standard zoom lens is versatile for both the building and the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near historical sites. It's crucial to check local regulations regarding drone operation in Bergen before flying. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can admire the historic 1903 fire station building, climb the tower for panoramic views of Bergen, and enjoy the scenic park and pond area. It's a great spot for photos and a peaceful break. Reddit

Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours here, allowing time to explore the building's exterior, climb the tower, and enjoy the views and park. Reddit

The climb is generally manageable for most visitors, but it involves stairs. If you have mobility issues, inquire about accessibility beforehand. Reddit

Built after a major fire in 1901, it was a vital part of Bergen's fire safety infrastructure, housing fire wagons, horses, and a watchman in the tower. Reddit

Restrooms might be available near the Fløibanen funicular. Cafes and dining options are more plentiful in the city center, a short walk or bus ride away. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Skansen Fire Station & Tower offers a delightful experience for families. Kids will be fascinated by the historic fire station building, imagining brave firefighters and horses. The tower climb, while involving stairs, can be an exciting adventure for older children, rewarding them with spectacular views of Bergen. Reddit

The surrounding park and pond area provide a safe and pleasant space for children to run around and explore. It's a great spot for a picnic lunch or a short break. Consider combining this visit with a ride on the nearby Fløibanen funicular for an added element of fun and adventure for the whole family. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Skansen Fire Station & Tower is an excellent choice as it's largely free to explore. Admiring the historic architecture from the outside and enjoying the panoramic views from the tower (which may have a small fee or be free) costs little to nothing. Reddit

Combine your visit with a packed lunch to enjoy in the scenic park, saving on dining expenses. It's also a great way to experience Bergen's charm without significant expenditure, especially when compared to paid attractions. Walking to the site from the city center further reduces transportation costs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Skansen Fire Station

The Skansen Fire Station & Tower stands as a testament to Bergen's past, built in 1903 following a devastating fire in 1901. This historic building was designed to house essential firefighting equipment, including space for a fire wagon and a stable for a horse. The tower served a crucial role, with a watchman stationed there day and night, equipped with telegraph and telephone lines to quickly alert the main fire station in town. This strategic placement and advanced communication for its time highlight the city's commitment to fire prevention and response. Reddit

For many years, the station operated with a watchman in the tower and a fireman on duty overnight. The station saw its first fire engine in 1936, marking the retirement of its last horse, Olav. The Skansen Fire Station ceased operations in 1969, but its legacy continues. Today, the building is a cultural heritage site, and the area is guarded by Buekorpset, the Drummer Boys Battalion, adding a unique cultural layer to the historical site. Reddit

Adjacent to the station is the Skansen pond, which served a vital purpose: to increase water pressure for firefighting during major emergencies when the normal supply was insufficient. In a modern twist, since 2015, this area has been transformed into a parking garage with a shallow water installation on top, while the surrounding park remains a popular recreational space for locals and visitors alike. Reddit

Panoramic Views from the Tower

The Skansen Fire Tower offers one of the most rewarding panoramic viewpoints in Bergen. Ascending the tower, visitors are treated to an unobstructed 360-degree vista that encompasses the bustling harbor, the charming city square, and the majestic fjords that cradle the city. It's an ideal spot to orient yourself and gain a comprehensive understanding of Bergen's layout and its stunning natural surroundings. Reddit

From this elevated perspective, you can clearly see iconic landmarks, the intricate network of streets, and the vibrant maritime activity. The views are particularly striking on a clear day, offering excellent opportunities for photography. Many visitors recommend taking the time to soak in the scenery, identifying different parts of the city and appreciating the unique topography of Bergen. Reddit

It's worth noting that the tower's accessibility might be subject to seasonal hours or specific event schedules. However, even if direct access to the very top is limited, the elevated grounds around the fire station still provide excellent views. The combination of the historic structure and the breathtaking scenery makes the tower a must-visit for anyone exploring Skansen. Reddit

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