Hidden behind the iconic Bryggen front lies a hidden world of passages, small shops, galleries and artist studios. In old storage rooms where before there were salted cod and other goods shipped to and from Norway – now local designers and artists have set up an art and design community with goods including textile design, jewelry, illustration, knitwear, photography, books – and a cosy cafe.
“We like being a secret you can discover. People are sometimes surprised that you can access and enter a hidden world through the front”, says Illustrator Gunvor Rasmussen who has her studio in Jacobsfjorden. “What you don’t see from the street, is that jewelers, artists, and textile designers dot the narrow passages between the rows of historic houses.”
The history of Bryggen dates back to about the year 1070, when it grew to be an important Nordic trade hub. The buildings you can visit is from 1702, and office to the Hansetac League. Trade is still happening, but the goods have changed from salted cod to art and designer wares.
The passages
The passages and houses at Bryggen are called Holmedalsgården, Bellgården, Jacobfjorden, Bredsgården and Bugården. If you start by Holmedalsgården at one end of Bryggen, or Bugården, the other end, you’ll enter the different designer’s work spaces surrounded by the tools of their respective trades.
Meet Susan Fosse - inspired by Norwegian heritage and the stunning Norwegian landscape
“I look forward to going to work here every day”, says textile designer Susan Fosse. “I´m privileged, I love what I do! I love designing, using texture, colour and pattern inspired by my Norwegian heritage and the stunning Norwegian landscape. Knitting with the finest quality yarns creates a structure, which creates a fabric, which makes a garment, to keep us warm and look spectacular.”
Her small studio is located in an old cod storage room in Jacobsfjorden and packed with her sweaters and other knitting designs inspired by the West coast of Norway, and scarves and pillows with photos from her walks in the Norwegian nature. Have a look at her Instagram account too, @susanfosse a lush feed of her stunning photos used in her designs.
“Natural raw materials and a constant endeavour to produce classic garments of quality ensures environmental sustainability. Clothes should not be bought and discarded with the change of the season. They should be loved, forgotten and rediscovered and used for years. If you change your shape or your climate, pass your garment on to someone else,” she smiles. “Enjoy your sweater. Love it and it will last a very long time.”
Her shop is open year round 09:00 - 20:00 (May - Sept), and 10:00 until 17:00 (Oct – April)
Visit Susan´s website susanfosse.com
Instagram: @susanfosse
Meet Gunvor Rasmussen - never underestimate a good laugh!
In Jacobsfjorden 6b you’ll find Gunvor Rasmussen, a popular illustrator and book designer from Bergen. Gunvor specializes in ink, watercolor and hand lettering, with themes ranging from dark and wonderful deep-sea creatures to pink bubblegum epiphanies. Her monsters and sassy champagne ladies are popular with locals as well as travelers.
“When I moved back to Norway and later into my studio at Bryggen 10 years ago, I really felt at home. I’ve lived in London and Paris, but my studio in this crooked timber passages is where I felt my creatures and humor really thrived. I think living in the West coast of Norway makes you a bit nuts, all them high mountains and deep valleys. They’re bound to reflect in art and music – if you let them.”
In her shop you will find original artworks, limited edition art prints, children’s books and t-shirts – and some surprising greeting cards.
“I make greeting cards for those other moments. When someone receives really bad news or wants to celebrate that they managed another year among us. Those moments where a good laugh is important. I also make cards for when you achieve the impossible – or when the “new born” card with a teddy bear just won’t cut it, because your friend hates pink, and they’re all drenched in shit anyway.”
Gunvor is one of the people who works to keep Bryggen and the artist scene relevant for locals.
“I don’t want people to think of Bryggen as a museum where nothing new is ever created, but a living thriving place full of good minds that love what they do.”
Opening hours: 11:00 - 17:00 Tuesday - Friday and until 16:00 on Saturdays all year round.
More info about Gunvor’s illustrations at gunvor.no
Instagram @gunvorr
Meet Hege Johansen Hauge - inspired by Vikings and norse traditions
Hege is the designer and maker of Svala silver. From her vast knowledge of archeological finds from the Viking era she creates beautiful modern silver pieces for sale in her studio in Jacobsfjorden.
“I’m inspired by old Norse traditions. Strong women before me have crafted and worn textiles and jewelry, where some have been preserved in grave mounds. There are several ship graves we used to think belonged to kings or earls, but Osebergskipet in Oslo belonged to a woman. Knowledgeable and highly respected women were laid to rest in ship graves, and the rediscovery of these graves make us have to re-write our ideas about the Viking community.”
Her bright studio and shop is a contrast to the old timber columns supporting the floors overhead. She also stocks her dresses and coats, made from patterns she has recreated from the Skjolderhamn find and other historical finds.
“Researching the fabrics and patterns is a passion of mine, I love seeing these beautiful garments come back to life. The fabrics I use are vowen at Helgeseter, a workplace for mentally disabled, where they spin wool from their own sheep, and weave fabrics which I buy by the metre. I cut and sew each dress by hand.”
All of Hege’s silver designs are one-off pieces.
«There are quite a few married couples from Bergen wearing rings I’ve designed. Many of them from the metal scene.”
More info about Hege and pictures of her design pieces at svala.no
Istagram: @svala.design
Meet David Matej Goljat - who does really cool things with lines
David Matej Goljat is an artist who operates with lines. Inside his small studio you will find graphic artwork, t-shirts and notebooks, all with his distinctive line work. Drawings full of life and vivacity. “I create in different techniques and love discovering new themes, but remain faithful to drawing and lines”.
With an exceptional flair for composition he makes wonderful use of the themes that touch him, catch his interest, or awaken a need to be “written down” on a drawing board.
Read more about David on dmgsign.com
Meet Sigmund at Bergen Steinsenter - there is no such thing as just a stone!
At Bergen Steinsenter you will meet Sigmund, a gem cutter surrounded by minerals and gems in his glittering cave of a shop in Bredsgården. His gemstones are crafted into earstuds, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets – most of them sourced from Setesdal, Jotunheimen, and to the far north.
«This green and redish stone is a eclogite, it is made from jade and garnet, with some white zoisite. It’s 420 m.y. old, formed deep down in a subduction sone. I also stock the Bergen rock. By NASA called "the Genesis-rock» found on the moon, proving the theory of two colliding planets forming the earth – the moon beeing the residue. And with no moon – no life on earth. Does the moon originate from Bergen? Ask me, I know the answer.»
When talking to Sigmund you quickly learn that there is no such thing as just a stone.
«This is why I find working with stones and minerals inspiring. You can cut and polish a seemingly dull stone, and it will not only become a beautiful gem – but also reveal stories that baffles you.» His shop is a marvel of jewellery and decorative items, and Sigmunds vast knowledge and stories makes the time spent in his shop even more magical.
«For the International Eurovision in 1986 I made the sculpture for the winner from Netherlands. It was made from crystal quartz on a base of larvikite – a stone unique to Norway. I was also asked to design a gift for King Olav V for the opening of the undersea tunnel in Ålesund; stone cufflinks cut like a tunnel opening.»
His shop is busy with people year round, and is popular among locals as well as travellers.
“My most popular gems are thulite, eclogite and larvikite. Thulite being the national mineral, the moonstone or Bergen-stone, and larvikite the national rock.»
In his shop you can find thulite, Bergen-stone, and larvikite, as both decorative items and set in silver as pendants and rings.
Core opening hours:
Monday to Friday 12:00 - 16:00. Saturday until 15:00.
More info: Bergen-steinsenter.no
Visit Myte Illustrations - pefect for gifts for those who's got it all
Located in Jacobsfjorden, lies the charming small shared art gallery called “Myte”. This cosy gallery and shop is full of unique art and illustrations, with themes such as mythology, fairytales, folklore, nature preservation, romance, black metal and LGBTQ.
“With us you’ll find gifts for the ones who have everything. We are also a major hit with fellow nerds!”
Myte is run by three artists - Nille Horgen, Anna K Bjørdal and Line Syverinsen.
Opening hours: Open every day through the summer season.
More information about Myte at Facebook as “Myte Illustrations”
Meet Sigdrid Sannes - if you want to make a statement!
Located in Holmedalsgården 5, you’ll find Sigfrid Sannes, a Norwegian jewellery artist from Bergen. From her workshop and boutique she crafts her jewellery from silver, gold, and colourful stones. Her works often feature Colorit, with images of Frida Kahlo, Munch, old stamps, and hand-painted flowers.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 11:00-16:30
Facebook: Gullsmed SigfridSannes
Instagram: @sigfrid.sannes.jewelry
New life in historic setting on Bryggen.
Breathing new life into these wonderful old buildings, artists and designers help preserve Bryggen for future generations. Not only financially through rent, but keeping the rooms heated at a constant temperature helps preserve the old timber. In addition they make spaces at Bryggen accessible to the public.
“The Bryggen passages are full of artists and designers who care for the place they have their studios in,” says Susan. “Exactly what The Bryggen Foundation looks for in their tenants. We don’t want to be just a part of a museum, but to be a lively workplace open to visitors all year round.”
Photo: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland - visitBergen.com
“After one of the city’s last fires, there were debates whether to demolish it. Luckily some good minds saw its value and helped restore it. It feels good to be part of keeping it alive,” says Hege.
It’s easy to see that Gunvor, Susan and Hege love where they work, and always have time for a chat with other Bryggen studio owners passing by under the eaves.
“Owning a studio in a UNESCO site is a privilege, and a responsibility”, says Gunvor. “You enter a magical world through the front. The city is still out there, but we work in our own little bubble of history.” Susan agrees, “We work closely with The Bryggen Foundation to keep this area relevant and popular among locals. When you use local businesses you are give us the opportunity to stay open all year round. You know you have bought something personal that can be enjoyed for years and years. Pop in and see us!” she smiles.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
