Skansen Fire Station & Tower
Historic 1903 fire station with a tower offering panoramic views of Bergen's harbor and city.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Skansen Fire Station & Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1903 fire station with a tower offering panoramic views of Bergen's harbor and city.
"Beautiful old building with amazing views right at the beginning of the Fløibanen."
👟 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Fire Station Building
Skansen
A beautifully preserved 1903 building, once housing fire wagons and a watchman's post.

Panoramic City Views
Fire Tower
Ascend the tower for breathtaking vistas of Bergen's harbor, city square, and surrounding fjords.
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
Getting There & Around
Best Times
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.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of Bergen. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🚶♀️ Combine with Fløibanen
It's conveniently located near the Fløibanen funicular. Plan to visit both if time allows.
🌳 Enjoy the Park
The surrounding park and pond area are lovely for a relaxing stroll.
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.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers fantastic photo opportunities of Bergen. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🚶♀️ Combine with Fløibanen
It's conveniently located near the Fløibanen funicular. Plan to visit both if time allows.
🌳 Enjoy the Park
The surrounding park and pond area are lovely for a relaxing stroll.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
The tower provides excellent vantage points for sunset photos over the city and fjords. The light can be magical during the golden hour.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
The climb is generally manageable for most visitors, but it involves stairs. If you have mobility issues, inquire about accessibility beforehand.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Skansen Fire Station
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.
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.
Panoramic Views from the Tower
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.
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.
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