Håkonshallen, Medieval royal hall in Bergen, Norway
Håkonshallen is a stone medieval hall within the Bergenhus Fortress featuring three levels with ceremonial and administrative spaces. The upper floor contains a grand ceremonial chamber, while the middle level houses administrative rooms.
Construction took place between 1247 and 1261 under King Håkon Håkonsson, who needed a royal residence for ceremonial purposes. The structure endured centuries of conflict and damage but has been carefully restored to show its medieval royal heritage.
The hall continues to host royal banquets, concerts, and official celebrations within its medieval stone walls, blending history with contemporary use. Visitors witness how this space preserves tradition while serving modern functions.
The building sits within the Bergenhus Fortress and is accessible to visitors through guided tours that explain its architecture and history. It is best to wear sturdy footwear, as interior spaces have uneven stone floors and require climbing several staircases.
The hall gained fame for hosting large royal celebrations and accommodating several hundred guests at once in remarkable medieval proportions. Its capacity to hold such massive gatherings made it a notable example of medieval construction at the scale needed for royal occasions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
