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Bergen

Bergen

State

Norway

Country

Kingdom Of Norway

Continent

Europe

Size

446 KM2

Population

280,216

Spending Budget

$104 - $200

Famous For

  • Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
  • Mount Fløyen
  • Grieg Museum (Troldhaugen)
  • Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
  • Mount Ulriken

Best Time to Visit

  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September

History

Originally called Bjørgvin, the city was founded in 1070 by King Olaf III Haraldsson. Modern research has, however, discovered that a trading settlement had already been established in the 1020s or 1030s. About 1100 a castle was built on the northern edge of Vågen harbor, and Bergen became commercially and politically important; it was Norway’s capital in the 12th and 13th centuries. An episcopal see was established there in the 12th century. The city's cathedral was the site of the first royal coronation in Norway in the 1150s and continued to host royal coronations throughout the 13th century. Bergenhus fortress dates from the 1240s and guards the entrance to the harbor in Bergen. The functions of the capital city were lost to Oslo during the reign of King Haakon V (1299–1319). A trade center for centuries, Bergen exported fish and furs and imported grain and manufactured goods. In the 14th century, German Hanseatic merchants acquired control over the city’s trade; their influence in a weakened Norway lasted into the 17th century. In the 15th century, the city was attacked several times by the Victual Brothers, and in 1429 they succeeded in burning the royal castle and much of the city. In 1665, the city's harbor was the site of the Battle of Vågen, when an English naval flotilla attacked a Dutch merchant and treasure fleet supported by the city's garrison. Accidental fires sometimes got out of control, and one in 1702 reduced most of the town to ashes. Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, Bergen remained one of the largest cities in Scandinavia, and it was Norway's biggest city until the 1830s when the capital city of Oslo became the largest. From around 1600, the Hanseatic dominance of the city's trade gradually declined in favor of Norwegian merchants (often of Hanseatic ancestry), and in the 1750s, the Hanseatic Kontor finally closed. Bergen retained its monopoly of trade with northern Norway until 1789. Bergen has remained the most important port on the west coast of Norway, despite its repeated destruction by fire (most notably in 1702 and 1916); wider streets and buildings of brick and stone have been built in response to these disasters.

Present Day

Bergen occupies most of the peninsula of Bergenshalvøyen in the district of Midthordland in mid-western Hordaland. The municipality covers an area of 465 square kilometers (180 square miles). Most of the urban area is on or close to a fjord or bay, although the urban area has several mountains. The city center is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, although there is disagreement as to which of the nine mountains constitute these. Bergen, city and port, southwestern Norway The principal port and business section are on a peninsula projecting into By Fjord, bounded to the north by the inlet and harbor of Vågen (for small ships) and on the south by Pudde Bay (for larger vessels) and the Store Lungegårds Lake. Bergen is now the second-largest city in Norway. It has developed a diversified economy, based largely on fishing, shipbuilding and associated industries (repairing and equipment), machinery and metal products, and food processing. Tourism has also grown in importance. Notable buildings are the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church, the city’s oldest structure; Bergenhus fortress, including Håkonshallen (Haakon’s Hall, built in the 13th century); and the Rosenkrantz Tower. The latter two buildings were severely damaged during the German occupation (1940–45). Bryggen, the city’s historic harbor district, is notable for the wooden structures lining the waterfront; it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

Future

Norway is a politically stable, modern, and highly developed country with a very strong economy. The Norwegian economy is open and mixed, with a combination of private and public ownership. Bergen has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful and charismatic cities in Norway. The inhabitants love their city and are proud of the city and the beautiful surroundings. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the ideal place to go hiking, climbing, strolls, and for other outdoor activities. Greater Bergen has complete value chains within most of the ocean industries, and universities, university colleges, and institutes with strong and competent research and development environments in all these sectors. Danish architecture firm TREDJE NATUR has designed a new 40-hectare regenerative masterplan for Bergen, Norway. The grand vision aims to bring new life to an old logistics port and ferry terminal. The plan outlines a zero-emission district focused on a community-based sharing economy, renewable building materials, and climate adaptation strategies. The proposal emphasizes Bergen’s relation to the fjord, nature, and history. Bergen is preparing the world’s longest cycle tunnel. Bergen is one of Europe’s drizzliest places. Bergen is famous for its language, which to a bit hard to learn.
Must Visit Places ------------

Fisketorget

Just a few steps away is the fish market. Locals call it the Fisketorget, and it’s worth a look. It’s also a great place to learn the finer points of peeling shrimp like a Norwegian. And if fortunate, may just run into the mayor herself. A visit to coffee at the cafe to make sure to visit the fish market check out Bergen’s main square.

Troldhaugen

Bergen was also home to the renowned composer Edvard Grieg, who created some of the most incredible music of the 19th century. A visit to Troldhaugen, the museum that was his home, is an emotional experience. And gives a better understanding of the Grieg and what inspired him. Lodge just outside of Bergen and this was the summer house of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s greatest composer to give you an idea of how famous he was commissioned to perform the United States for $20,000 he had terrible seasickness. So he turned it down, and instead, it went to Strauss, who took it for only six grand, and this is where all the magic happens; this is where Edvard Grieg wrote and composed his music no wonder he used this as his setting; it is stunning here.

The Island of Lyson

On Lisøy, an island in the suburb of Fana, sits the romantic 1873 villa of the famous Norwegian violin player and composer, Ole Bull. The grounds of Villa Lysøen (Ole Bulls villa på Lysøen), have been open to the public since 1973, and tourists can explore the 13 kilometers of paths, enjoy a picnic in a gazebo, or relax by one of the numerous ponds. There is also an on-site museum, Lysøen Museum, which offers guided tours of the home and grounds. The ruins of Lyse Abbey (Lysekloster), also known as the Monastery of Lyse, are another major attraction on the island. Founded in 1146 by monks from York, England, this was the first Cistercian house in Norway.

Bergen Cathedral

The earliest recorded reference to Bergen's splendid cathedral dates back to 1181, when it began life as a monastic church. Bergen Cathedral (Bergen domkirke) has been rebuilt a number of times after fires, including in 1623 and 1640 after which the cathedral received its present façade. Its Rococo interior was added during renovations in the 1880s by architect Christian Christie. The cathedral is open to visitors on weekdays during the tourist season, from the beginning of June through the end of August. English-language guided tours are available during this time. Off-season, the cathedral is only open on a very limited basis.

Gamlehaugen: Royal Residence

Bergen's Royal Residence (Gamlehaugen), an exquisite Renaissance structure, has been extended several times to act as a fortification and display of power. It is now the Norwegian Royal Family's Bergen residence. Tourists are able to climb to the roof, where there are excellent views over the city, and tours include other areas of the building, including the ominous dungeon. Also fun is having the chance to explore the mansion's grounds, designed in the style of a classic English Garden.

University Museum of Bergen

Bergen is famous for its university, which in turn is famous for its world-renowned museum collections. Well worth spending a day at, the University Museum of Bergen (Universitetsmuseet i Bergen) includes the Natural History Collection, the Cultural History Collection, and the Seafaring Museum. When you're ready for a break from all that learning, take a stroll in the university's lovely Botanic Garden.

Mount Ulriken

Hiking up Bergen's tallest mountain is one of the most popular things to do here for tourists and locals alike. There are multiple trails, with the most common starting points at either the Ulriken Cable Car station or the Montana Hostel. The hike is relatively steep and takes between one and a half and two hours, but tourists are rewarded with gorgeous views of the city and the opportunity to rest up at the summit's restaurant. Expert hikers can undertake the five-hour hike along Vidden Trail, which stretches from here to Mount Fløyen. The Ulriken Cable Car is, of course, an equally enjoyable way to climb and descend the mountain. This popular attraction includes a seven-minute ride to the top and provides excellent views and photo ops along the way. A restaurant is located at the top of the ride, along with an exciting zipline adventure.

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf

Colorful Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf (Tyskebryggen) is one of Bergen's most popular tourist attractions. Chock full of restaurants, studios, workshops, and boutique shops, the charming narrow alleyways and old wooden merchant houses of this UNESCO World Heritage Site simply beg to be explored.

Bergenhus Fortress

The old Bergenhus Fortress (Bergenhus festning) has dominated the entrance to Bergen's harbor since the late 16th century, and remains one of the most impressive such structures in Scandinavia. A highlight of a visit is seeing the medieval-era banqueting hall, Haakon's Hall (Håkonshallen). Completed for Norwegian King Håkon Håkonsson in 1261 and fully restored in 1950 after damage, this impressive hall is open to the public year-round and is the largest surviving such structure from this period in the country.

Hanseatic Museum And Schøtstuene

The best preserved of Bryggen's 18th-century merchant homes, Finnegården has housed the Hanseatic Museum since its opening in 1872. This former counting house provides an excellent insight into the lives of the German merchants from the Hanseatic League. The building, which was constructed in 1704, has its original interior and includes displays of weapons, furnishings, and equipment. Also part of the museum, the assembly rooms and kitchen of Schøtstuene sit in Bryggen next to St. Mary's Church and contain additional exhibits about the merchants' community.