From Skien to the World Stage – An Ibsen Walk

About

Welcome to an Ibsen Walk in Brekkeparken!

Every day at 1:00 PM from May 10 to August 31, 2025 (except Mondays).

This Ibsen walk explores the patrician life in the town of Skien and Ibsen’s literary legacy. The Ibsen family belonged to the upper class who called themselves patricians. This local elite held significant power, and if you were born into a patrician family, you would likely remain wealthy for life. On the other hand, those born into poor families usually stayed poor.

The guided tour also offers insight into Ibsen’s literature. Henrik Ibsen stands alongside William Shakespeare, with their plays performed all over the world. Ibsen’s first publication was Catilina, though it wasn’t particularly well received. His most famous play is A Doll’s House.

Practical Information

The tour lasts 45 minutes and starts at the Ibsen House, located by Klosterporten on Hans Hoels Gate—the old souvenir and ticket booth in Brekkeparken.

We’ll walk through the park along gravel paths. Some areas can be difficult to access with a wheelchair, such as the pavilion where we view the city model from before the 1886 fire, and inside the main manor house. However, if you contact us in advance, we’ll make sure to have ramps ready for access to the main house.

After the walk, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks at one of the park cafés.

Join a City Walk!

With the same ticket, you can also join the In the Footsteps of Ibsen city walk at 2:00 PM. This tour focuses on Henrik Ibsen’s childhood and how he grew up in Skien.

Prices:
Adults: NOK 100
Children (ages 3–15): NOK 40