The very first buildings in Bergen were situated at Bryggen, which has been a vibrant and important area of the city for many centuries.
Bryggen has been ravaged by many fires, the great fire of 1702 in particular. It reduced the whole of the city to ashes. The area was rebuilt on the foundations that had been there since the 12th century, which means that Bryggen is basically unchanged despite the passing centuries.
Bryggen Unesco World Heritage Site:
Bryggen is now part of our common heritage and has a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and the city of Bergen is a designated World Heritage City. The world heritage site consists of the old Hanseatic wharf and buildings, and one of the best known urban areas from the Middle Ages in all of Norway.
In 1360, the German Hanseatic League set up one of its import and export offices at Bryggen, dominating trade for almost 400 years. To stroll through the narrow alleyways and overhanging galleries is to step back into the mists of time and a bygone era.
Bryggen - behind the scenes:
Hidden behind the iconic Bryggen front lies a hidden world of passages, small shops, galleries and artist studios, ready for you to explore! 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.
Read more about the designers and artists here.
Attractions on Bryggen:
Bryggen is very much a living part of the cultural heritage that is still in active use in this historical area of the city. Today, there are several attractions in the area, from the Fish Market to Bergenhus Fortress. Many of the shops sell traditional and unique crafts.
Today, several museums can be found on and around Bryggen.
In 1955, parts of Bryggen were destroyed by fire. The following years archaeological excavation took place, uncovering a vast amount of objects which gave an insight into everyday life in the city in the Middle Ages. These findings can be seen at the Bryggen Museum - Bergen City Museum.
At the Hanseatic Museum & Schøtstuene you can get an insight into how the Hanseatic merchants lived, worked and made their mark on Bergen over the course of 400 years.
A visit to the Håkon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower at the end of Bryggen by Bergenhus Fortress is also worth a visit. Here you will also find the Bergenhus Fortress Museum. Just behind Bryggen, is the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church.
Wander down one of Bryggen’s many narrow alleys to discover beautiful wooden architecture, charming passageways, small shops, artists’ studios, and even the game rooms at Escape Bryggen.
Visit the Norsemen Miniatures - Norway’s only specialty shop for handcrafted tin soldiers - and perhaps Bergen’s smallest museum, the fascinating Museum of Poison (open by appointment only).
Restaurants at Bryggen:
At Bryggen you can find several restaurants like Bryggeloftet & Stuene and Bryggen Tracteursted. Many specialise in Norwegian cuisine and you can find a list of Bryggen Restaurants here.
If you want to sit down for a coffee and a snack, we recommend the Kaf Kafe located in the alleyway called Jacobsfjorden.
When to visit Bryggen:
To help preserve the historic charm of Bryggen in Bergen, we strongly encourage visitors to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site during off-peak hours during the summer months. By visiting outside of the busiest times, you contribute to a more enjoyable experience for everyone and support the ongoing conservation efforts of this iconic area. Your consideration helps ensure that Bryggen remains a vibrant and well-preserved treasure for future generations.
Read more about guided tours of Bryggen and the city center.
Accessibility:
Bryggen is only partially accessible for wheelchair users. The cobblestone surfaces at the front can pose challenges for lighter wheelchairs, while the narrow wooden pathways on Bryggen are more wheelchair-friendly.
Most galleries and shops in this area are unfortunately not accessible due to narrow doors, uneven surfaces, tight spaces, and steps. Additionally, there are no toilet facilities on Bryggen.
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