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Bryggen

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neworleanstraveler
neworleanstraveler
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Bergen's Most Beautiful Site

  • July 21, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by karly07 from Belfast, United Kingdom
Bergen's Most Beautiful Site

When we were originally planning our trip around Norway last summer, one of the pictures in our guide book was of Bryggen, with its beautifully coloured buildings all lined up. At the time, I was unsure as to where in Norway this was located, but it was a definite on our list of must sees in Bergen, when we discovered it one in the centre of this popular city.

Bryggen, like the Urnes Stave Church and Geirangerfjord, that we visited on our trip, is part of the UNESCO world Heritage List, and in fact the city of Bergen, is a World Heritage City.

Bryggen means 'wharf' in norwegian, and it is the location of the first buildings in Bergen, along the 'wharf', and the city was once a very important trading centre. The wooden hanseatic buildings, all sea facing, reflect traditional building techniques around the time, and are seen as important image of the Middle Ages.

Originally the buildings of Bryggen where used mainly for the trade of dried, however others contained offices and living accommodation for many of the merchants. Today, these old buildings are used as shops and eateries for the public.

On closer inspection however, despite much of the original buildings of Bryggen being destroyed by fire and then rebuilt during the 11th century, the back alleyways are often even more interesting and give visitors much more of an opportunity to look closer at the wooden architecture, as well as some of the overhanging balconies.

Unfortunately, as I have said before, Bergen is an extremely wet city, and when the rain comes, you don't have the same opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this area, or sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere, however it is still a very worthwhile place to visit, even if it has become home to lots of souvenir shops. Do take the time however to explore the back alleyways behind the main wooden buildings, and this will take you right back in time, and help you understand better the historical significance of the site.

All in all, a must for any visitor to Bergen, as it is right in the centre of the city, around the corner from the fish market. Do be warned however that the eateries around the Bryggen area are some of the most expensive in Bergen, so don't be fooled, there are some more reasonably priced restaurants in Bergen, you just have to look beyond the immediate centre!

From journal An Independent Tour of Norway on a Modest Budget!

Bryggen area

  • February 19, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by rhiannon1968 from locarno, Switzerland
Bryggen area

It’s the 900 year old area along the waterfront, where the timber houses that you see on postcards are located. Brygge, in fact, means wharf or quay. This area was built in the Middle Ages by the Hanseatic League, a corporation of sea-merchants coming from Germany. The UNESCO placed it on its World Heritage List in 1980. The best way to visit Bryggen is on foot, starting from the seafront. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and museums to see. When you have walked it up and down once you should also walk the back-streets to explore some hidden treasures. Another tip is to go back at different times of the day- as the light changes, their colours of the houses change too- they really are spectacular.

From journal Hanseatic Bergen

Editor Pick

Bryggen Row Houses

The Bryggen was the commercial center of Bergen centuries ago. The set of row houses that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List is set right off of the Bergen Harbor. You can stroll along and among these breathtaking timbered houses that now contain shops, artisans, museums and workshops. Each house is vibrantly painted in typical Hanseatic fashion. The Hanseatic League (a group of merchants from Germany) made the Bryggen a commercial success and was both given certain freedoms in Bergen, but later were isolated and shunned by the locals.

Enjoy walking through the houses that represent the past of Bergen. I especially enjoyed the Bergen Art Museum which is located among the row houses.

This is really THE sight to see in Bergen.

From journal Bergen...Breathtaking and Beautiful

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