Over 2 million visitors each year stop by the famous wharf in Bergen. Colorful wooden buildings shining in the sun’s rays catch the tourist and photographer’s eye. Since 1979 the historic architecture at the Vågen harbor has joined the UNESCO World Heritage.
Bryggen, with 61 protected buildings, is the third most visited tourist attraction in Norway. It was also the first Hanseatic trading place in the Nordic region. Let’s take a journey into the past. Let’s see what Bryggen has to offer.
In did famous Bryggen in Bergen with its remarkable history is an outstanding heritage of Hanseatic times.
The Hanseatic League was a powerful economic and defensive alliance, a trade group from the 13th to 17th centuries that left a great cultural and architectural heritage around Northern Europe.
The first hanse was established in the 12th century in the Netherlands, the next in London. The London hanse facilitated the trade in wool from England. But the greatest fame was achieved by the German Hanseatic League.
Hansa, the German Guild of Merchants, established its office in Bergen in 1360 and dominated this part of Norway for almost 400 years. The Hanseatic League took control of the stockfish trade between the Lofoten islands and the rest of Europe.
Despite several fires, the Hanseatic houses are restored and well preserved. Today buildings host small shops, galleries, offices, restaurants, and cafes.
It is a relaxing spot for dwellers and a magnet for tourists.
The facades of the colorful buildings look astonished against the top-rounded mountain half-covered with a thick blanket of trees. What a wonderful view! Did I mention that it is a good spot to takes photos?
A good panorama of Bryggen is from the Fishmarket side.
Walk a bit around there to find the best spot.
The buildings look fantastic against the natural background.
In the summer, on a sunny day, Bryggen is beautifully lighted in the afternoon.
In the evening the light is even better. It covers the facades of the buildings with golden film.
Do not hesitate to look beyond the colorful facades. Explore narrow streets and wooden passages between the Hanseatic houses.
See the architectural style in the back too. The narrow, steep stairways to the first floor, balconies, and courtyards with warehouses.
The small fireproof warehouses or storerooms, kjellere, were built of stone for the protection of special goods and valuables against fire.
Different special shops, small galleries, souvenirs, and gifts shops wait for you there too. Even a moose head and old carriage 😉
Worth the visit is the Hanseatic Museum and the last Hanseatic assembly rooms in the world. Here you can see how the Hanseatic merchants lived and worked over the course of 400 years.
When you are done sightseeing and shopping, sit down by Vågen bay, enjoy the beautiful views and watch the city life of Bergen over a cup of coffee.
Follow the ships come in and sail out, see people going to the Fishmarket, watch the Fløibanen run up and down the mountain.
Yes, I had a very delightful afternoon at that time. Bryggen in Bergen captivated me with its uniqueness.
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I hope you will enjoy your time at Bryggen as much as I did. It is a fantastic place to relax too. After a few hours of sightseeing, and shopping we took dinner at the restaurant Bryggeloftet. Bergen’s oldest restaurant, run by the same family since its inception in 1910. I recommend it.
Visit South Norway
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