Real-life Norwegian history unfolds before your eyes on this visit to a pair of enthralling Bergen museums. Founded in 1070, this city was Norway’s commerce and shipping capital until the 1830s. Along Bryggen wharf and the Hanseatic Pier, rustic wooden merchant warehouses are little changed from back when the Hansa ran their overseas trading empire from here. At the open-air Old Bergen Museum, you’ll stroll among characteristic old Bergen houses, buildings, streets and workshops – all furnished in 18th- and 19th-century period décor. No wonder this setting served as a primary location for the 1970 film, Song of Norway. Still older is the famous Hanseatic Museum in the heart of Bryggen, housed within one of Bergen’s very earliest and best-preserved wooden buildings. This fascinating venue, faithfully furnished in 1700s style, provides an intimate picture of the austere daily routines of the Hanseatic merchants who lived and traded here in an atmosphere of frigid celibacy (heat was permitted only in the common assembly halls due to fire risk). After the tour, ride back to the ship by coach or explore Bergen further on foot, returning to the pier at your own pace.