Bergen, with a population of 259,500, is the second largest city in Norway, second only to the country’s capital, Oslo. Located on the southwestern coast of Norway, it is considered to be the cultural hub of its region and is recognized as the unofficial capital of Western Norway.  Founded in 1070 AD by King Olav Kyrre, Bergen quickly evolved into one of the most important cities in Norway. Trade became its main industry beginning in 1100, with trade in dried cod from Northern Norway, then eventually becoming the center of Norwegian trade by 1400. The Hanseatic League (c. 13th-17th centuries), a trade alliance interconnecting European cities with the northern and coastal cities of Norway and the Baltic, considered Bergen to be one of its most important bureau cities. The Hanseatic merchants lived in their own special quarter of the city, spoke Middle Saxon, and enjoyed the privilege of trading with the northern Norwegian fisherman when they sailed to Bergen each summer. Bergen was then the commercial center and the largest city in Norway until the 1830’s.  The old and picturesque quayside, known as Bryggn,  is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a fascinating place to visit. Henry and I spent time in this old harbor area, as well as visiting the center of town, the financial center and two of its historic churches. Bergen is the most impressive Norwegian city we visited, and was also the home of Edvard Grieg, the composer and pianist. The city is considered to be the most beautiful city in Norway.  It celebrated its 900th anniversary in the year 1970.

PHOTOS: Left Column: 1. The steeple of the Domkirke. 2. Old Stone Church, c. 1705 has a fine, copper clad steeple. 3. Architecture in the city center. Center, Top: Bronze sculpture in the center of Bergen. Center, Bottom: Music Pavilion in Bergen’s park in the center of the city. Right Column: 1. Bergen’s harbor with its ring of mountains. 2. Historic houses in the foreground, residential houses on the mountainside above Bergen. 3. Historic architecture, 18th century houses.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                        BACK TO MAP  PAGE