Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg Home), Bergen (must see)
Troldhaugen, the historic residence of celebrated Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and his wife Nina Grieg stands as a testament to their artistic legacy in Bergen. Completed in 1885, the villa was designed by Edvard's cousin, architect Schak Bull. The name "Troldhaugen," meaning "troll hill" in Norwegian, was inspired by the local children's nickname for the nearby valley, "The Valley of Trolls." Edvard Grieg famously referred to Troldhaugen as "my best composition hitherto."
The property encompasses several significant elements: the main villa, a composing hut, and the final resting place of Edvard and Nina Grieg, whose ashes are housed in a tomb near the house. The villa itself is a typical 19th-century structure, featuring a panoramic tower and a large veranda, while Grieg’s composing hut offers serene views over Nordås Lake.
After Edvard died in 1907, and the subsequent relocation of his widow Nina to Denmark, Troldhaugen transitioned from a private residence into a cultural monument. In 1995, the Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen was established. This museum includes a permanent exhibition dedicated to Grieg's life and music, and it also houses Grieg's Steinway grand piano, a silver wedding anniversary gift. This piano still resonates with music during private concerts and the annual Bergen International Festival.
Adjacent to the villa is Troldsalen, a concert hall completed in 1985. Renowned for its elegant design and excellent acoustics, the hall's floor-to-ceiling windows offer audiences a picturesque view of the composer’s hut and the surrounding lake. Troldsalen remains a vibrant venue for concerts, particularly during its summer and autumn series.
Today, Troldhaugen not only celebrates Edvard Grieg's musical heritage but also serves as a beacon of cultural history and inspiration, drawing visitors and music enthusiasts from around the world to its picturesque lakeside setting.
The property encompasses several significant elements: the main villa, a composing hut, and the final resting place of Edvard and Nina Grieg, whose ashes are housed in a tomb near the house. The villa itself is a typical 19th-century structure, featuring a panoramic tower and a large veranda, while Grieg’s composing hut offers serene views over Nordås Lake.
After Edvard died in 1907, and the subsequent relocation of his widow Nina to Denmark, Troldhaugen transitioned from a private residence into a cultural monument. In 1995, the Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen was established. This museum includes a permanent exhibition dedicated to Grieg's life and music, and it also houses Grieg's Steinway grand piano, a silver wedding anniversary gift. This piano still resonates with music during private concerts and the annual Bergen International Festival.
Adjacent to the villa is Troldsalen, a concert hall completed in 1985. Renowned for its elegant design and excellent acoustics, the hall's floor-to-ceiling windows offer audiences a picturesque view of the composer’s hut and the surrounding lake. Troldsalen remains a vibrant venue for concerts, particularly during its summer and autumn series.
Today, Troldhaugen not only celebrates Edvard Grieg's musical heritage but also serves as a beacon of cultural history and inspiration, drawing visitors and music enthusiasts from around the world to its picturesque lakeside setting.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg Home) on Map
Sight Name: Troldhaugen (Edvard Grieg Home)
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Bergen, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Bergen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergen's Architectural Jewels
Surprising as it may appear, but the seemingly small city of Bergen for centuries had been the largest in all of the Nordic countries. It also remained so for Norway until the 1830s. Apart from being the country's former capital (back in the 13th century), Bergen is well-known primarily for its astoundingly beautiful cityscape, formed by the backdrop of mountains and serene waterfront, much... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Bergen Introduction Walking Tour
It is a wonder Bergen has had so many fires in its history, considering it has averaged 200 days a year of rain. So, why the fires?
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Bergen Shopping Tour
For centuries, since its establishment in the 1020s, Bergen has been an important commercial hub. As such, it is probably one of the oldest shopping destinations in Northern Europe. Today, Bergen features a variety of shops and markets scattered throughout the city.
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles