Gamlehaugen
Gamlehaugen is located just outside the centre of Bergen and is His Majesty the King’s official residence when he is in the city. The statesman Christian Michelsen purchased the property in 1898 and turned the property into a landmark.
From 1891, Christian Michelsen was active in the Storting as part of a growing Norwegian opposition to the union with Sweden, and he was Prime Minister when Norway finally dissolved the union on 7 June 1905. Michelsen also strongly advocated that Norway should offer the vacant Norwegian throne to the Danish Prince Carl—the prince who became King Haakon VII.
There was therefore a distinct sense of history surrounding the occasion when King Harald held a meeting of the Council of State at Gamlehaugen on 16 September 2011.
100 years as a royal residence
When Christian Michelsen died in 1925, the property was taken over by the state, and in 2025 Gamlehaugen marked 100 years as the King’s official residence in Bergen. After several years of renovation, the King and Queen and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were able to invite the people of Bergen to a major celebration, including a concert in the beautiful park. A number of the city’s most prominent artists appeared on stage.
The Royal Family stay at Gamlehaugen when they are in the city, such as during the Bergen International Festival and other official visits. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon resided at Gamlehaugen for an extended period while studying at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in Bergen.
Gamlehaugen - Facts & Figures
- 1665: The Gamlehaugen farm is mentioned for the first time in Norway’s official property register.
- 1889: The property is purchased by Christian Michelsen.
- 1900: Gamlehaugen, as we know it today, is completed.
- Architect: Jens Zetlitz Monrad Kielland
- Approximately 1,800 square metres distributed over five floors, including the attic and basement.
- 1925: Christian Michelsen dies. A nationwide fundraising campaign is launched to raise money for a fund dedicated to the preservation of Gamlehaugen.
- 1925: Gamlehaugen is taken over by the state and granted status as the official royal residence in Bergen.
- 2025: Following extensive renovation and restoration, Gamlehaugen celebrates 100 years as a royal residence.
The construction of Gamlehaugen
Christian Michelsen purchased the property in 1898. The building that stood there was demolished, and by the turn of the century Gamlehaugen was completed as his private residence, designed by the architect Jens Zetlitz Monrad Kielland.
With its white walls, towers and spires, Gamlehaugen may evoke associations with both French châteaux and Scottish castles, and it is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped park in the English style. Internally, however, Nordic medieval influences dominate. Designed at a time of strong national sentiment, the staircase hall in particular reflects romanticised notions of Norway’s Viking past.
Inside Gamlehaugen
When Christian Michelsen died in 1925, the state took over the property and its interiors. Much of the ground floor has therefore been preserved exactly as it was in Michelsen’s time. This applies in particular to his study, which remains exactly as it was when the statesman died 100 years ago.
King Haakon visited Gamlehaugen on several occasions, both while Michelsen was living there and after the property had become the King’s official residence in Bergen.
Tours
The state rooms on the ground floor are open to the public during the summer. One of the rooms available for viewing is Christen Michelsen’s office, containing a unique collection of the former prime minister’s memorabilia from 1905.
The surrounding park is open to the public and a favourite location in the area.