Bergen Museum Garden

Bergen Museum Garden (Muséhagen) is a botanical garden in the centre of Bergen, right beside the University Museum buildings. It is one of three botanical gardens run by the University of Bergen, and one of the calmest green spots downtown. Entry is free.

How did the garden come about?

The garden opened to the public on 4 May 1898. It was meant as a living extension of the museum's indoor exhibitions: what the halls showed in display cases, visitors could see growing here. The design is credited to Jørgen Brunchorst, the first botanist at Bergen Museum, who wanted a collection of Norwegian species along with a general display of plants grouped systematically by family.

Plantings follow organic, flowing shapes in the style of an English landscape garden, with beds edged by gently curving paths. The original plan has not survived, but the overall layout appears on a map in the museum's anniversary book from 1900. The garden was listed as protected in 2013.

What is there to see?

• The Old Garden (Gamlehagen) – the part that keeps the most of the original character, with winding paths and systematically arranged plant groups.
• Conifers – the systematic collection opens with conifers, among them monkey puzzle tree, dawn redwood, Japanese cedar and two very old yews.
• Rock garden – home to heat-loving plants and camellias, which stand out in the mild, damp climate of western Norway.
• Water garden – built in 1931 under the botanist R. Nordhagen, and clearly different from the garden's original plan.
• Palm house – the greenhouse was bought as a construction kit from Brzeg (then in Germany, now in Poland). It was a gift from Bergen merchant Conrad Mohr and opened in 1901.

Is it worth a visit?

Yes, especially if you enjoy a mix of history and nature. It suits an hour's stroll while exploring the centre, and works well as a pause between museums. It pairs naturally with the neighbouring University Museum, to which it has been linked from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes, the garden can be visited free of charge.

Where is it? In central Bergen, next to the University Museum, in the Muséplass area.

When did it open? On 4 May 1898.

Is it the university's only botanical garden? No. The University of Bergen runs three. The others are the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Milde, about 23 km south of the city centre.

Is the garden protected? Yes, it was listed as protected in 2013.

Who is it for?

Plant lovers, photographers and anyone wanting a quiet break in the city. Families with children will also find plenty of room for an easy walk among trees, water and old greenhouses. Spring and summer are the best times, when the beds and rock garden look their finest, though the garden can be visited all year round.