Impressions of Bergen

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city with a population of about 250 000 people. Bergen is known as the city of seven mountains and is a nice city to visit.

According to tradition the city was founded in 1070 by the king Olav Kyrre. At that time the city was named Bjørgvin. It served as Norway’s capital in the 1300’s. From the end of the 1300’s it became part of the mainly German trade union the Hanseatic league. Up until the lat 1700’s the city had exclusive right on the trade with northern Norway.

We spend a few days in Bergen this summer and here are some pictures from our visit. Click on the pictures and navigate the galleries.

Bergen has many attractions among them is the aquarium with a large number of species living in and by the sea. (Click on the pictures to start the picture carousel)

The Hanseatic museum and the Scøtstuene is well worth a visit. The Hanseatic museum show how the German merchants and their employees lived. Scøtstuene is a collection of old houses That show how the families lived in the 14 and 1500’s

In Bergen we also find Håkonshallen that was buildt in the 1200’s as a royal residence. Håkonshallen is part of the Bergenhus fortress. Here is also the Rosenkrantztårnet (tower). The oldest parts of this building is from the late 1700’s.

When in Bergen you need to visit the outdoor fish market

A few blocks from the busy city center you can stroll through quiet streets with small building

It is easy to fall in love with Bergen. I have visited the city several times. Unfortunately often in connection with various appointments making time to sight-see limited. One of my ancestors came from this city, and it was nice to have time to really look around and get a feel for the streets he walked.

I know that Bergen is on the itinerary of many foreigner’s trip to Norway. Comment and tell us your memories from Bergen!

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