UNESCO World Heritage City | Bergen Norway

Despite its status as one of Norway’s leading centres for the offshore oil and gas industry, this is one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Bergen Norway is built round scenic Vagen Bay on the country’s south-west coast, surrounded by De Syv Fjell (the seven mountains). Bergen’s wealth was established in early medieval times with the trade in dried cod, and the picturesque quayside of Bryggen is a reminder of this, though the colourful houses that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site actually date from a later period – 1702, being rebuilt after one of the fires that inevitably ravaged Scandinavia’s wooden towns over the centuries.

Bergen Norway

Bergen Norway has been burned slightly less completely than most, and there are many old quarters of quaint wooden houses scattered around the city. But there was another  fire in 1916, after which the central shopping area around the main Torgallmenningen Square was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau and functionalist styles then popular in Scandinavia. Another architecturally interesting area is Nygardshoyden with is 19th century neo-classical look. There was considerable damage in World War II (Bergen was occupied on the first day of the German invasion in 1940) and much post-war building took place. But the many styles combine harmoniously and the overall effect is pleasing.

Bergen Norway

A large open-air fish market (that nowadays sells a lot more than fish) is held along the harbour and live examples of the fishermen’s quarry can be seen at nearby Bergen Aquarium. The fish market is an ideal starting point for an exploration of the old city. Within walking distance may be found Bergen’s oldest building – the 12th century St Mary’s Church with an extraordinary decorated pulpit. Not far away is the medieval Rosenkrantz Tower that offers a wonderful view of the scenic sea front.

Population Of Bergen Norway

245,000 (2007)

When To Go TO Bergen Norway

Summer – it rains an awful lot in Bergen, but a lot more often in winter than summer.

Don’t Miss To Visit This Place In Bergen Norway

• Hakon’s Hall, originally built in the mid-13th century as the most important part of the Norwegian royal residence, which burned in 1944 but has been well restored.
• The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Milde for the rhododendrons in flower (May-June) or the roses in bloom (July-August).
• The stave church at Fantoft, just outside town – a 12 century church burnt down in 1992 but rebuilt exactly as was.
• Fresco Hall – the imposing old 19th century Bergen Exchange with wonderful later murals by artist Axel Revold . . . and also (happily) the helpful Tourist Information Centre.
• The splendid view from the top of Mount Floyen, reached by funicular railway from the town centre.
• An even more spectacular view from the top of Mount Ulriken, reached by cable car.

You Should Know About Bergen Norway

The Black Death (bubonic plague) first arrived in Norway in 1359, carried by an English ship that docked in Bergen.

UNESCO World Heritage | Bergen Norway

Bergen Norway

Rosenkrantz Tower Bryggen Norway

Fantoft Stave Church in Bergen, Norway

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