Gamlehaugen Castle in the scenic town of Bergen, Norway, is the official dwelling of the country's royal family. This castle has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.
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The
castle and surrounding area used to be a farm and it was abandoned when
"Black Death" - the plague took place. The property was a combination
of a castle and a fortress. It was designed in 1899 by the
German-educated Jens Zetlitz who was influenced by late medieval
architecture. It is known to be a combination of the sixteenth-century
castles found in France and the royal fortresses found in Scotland.
Visitors who have background in Scottish and French architecture will be
in for a great surprise since the interior is entirely different from
what will be expected based on its exterior design.
Gamlehaugen
Castle was previously owned by the richest people in the area. Today, it
is owned and managed by the Norway regional office of the Directorate
of Public Construction and Property.
Its former holder was Christian Michelsen, who was a
shipping magnate and a statesman. Michelsen served as the prime
minister of the country in 1905 during the dissolution of Norway and
Sweden’s union. When the prime minister died in 1925, a fundraising
campaign was launched for the castle’s preservation.
Any visitor
who enters the castle will witness the envisioned Norway at the turn of
the century. It's the Norway that has recaptured its greatness in the
medieval times. Gamlehaugen's decorations and furnishings feature the
Rococo and the Neo-Renaissance designs. Dutch Baroque and Neo-Baroque
styles are also very prominent. Gamlehaugen Castle also houses a
library, a music room, and the winter garden.
What can you see?
Today,
there are several parts of the castle that the public can visit and
view. This is known as the Gamlehaugen Museum. State rooms that are
located in the ground floor can be viewed by the public during summer
months: June, July, and August.
Michelsen's office is also one of
the rooms that visitors can view. This room showcases memorabilia of the
former prime minister during his reign in 1905.
Visitors can also
enjoy the garden of Gamlehaugen Castle, since it is open to public.
It's a great place to relax and swim when it gets too hot in the summer.
Bring your camera for the lush and colorful trees and plants. This is
the work of art of Olav Moen, He then later on worked as a professor in
one of the Norwegian Universities.
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Private groups and individuals
may also book a tour to the castle. Groups visit it on Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday, and also Sunday. The tour starts at 12, 1 PM and 2 PM
which will each last for 45 minutes. The maximum number of persons for
each tour is 10 only, so come early or book in advance. Adults will have
to pay NKR 70 admission; children on the other hand get in for only NKR
40.
Where is the castle?
The castle is located outside Bergen's
center at Fjosanger which is approximately 6 kilometers away and it is
near Troldhaugen, home of the world famous Norwegian composer Edvard
Grieg. Here is the exact address: Old Haug Road 10 5231 Paradis
(Bergen), Norway.
How to get to the castle:
You can visit the castle by driving to
Nordåsvannet 7 kilometers south of Bergen. Then from the town's center,
you can head toward Fjøsanger. Then, simply park right at the port.
