Bergen & the Southwestern Fjords - Norway - page 339

Stroll historic Bryggen in Bergen, a Unesco World Heritage site.
Climb to Preikestolen or Kjeragbolten overlooking Lysefjord.
Relax on a slow boat up Hardangerfjord from Bergen to tranquil Ulvik.
Savour a local ale at one of Stavanger's dockside bars .
Wake up to the best view in Norway at the Stalheim Hotel .
Climb up (or through) the mountain from Eidfjord to Kjeåsen Farm .
Go for a glacier walk atop the icecap in Folgefonna National Park .
Parasail, para-bungee or kayak through the fjords from Voss .
BERGEN
Pop 258,496
Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, Bergen is an utterly beguiling city. The beauti-
ful Unesco World Heritage-listed Bryggen is its centrepiece, and nature, be that moun-
tains, fjords or sea, is never far away. But you'll also discover a dynamic cultural life, one
that a city 10 times its size would be proud of. Dive into its booming local food and coffee
scene, fascinating art collections and excellent music venues.
History
During the 12th and 13th centuries, Bergen was Norway's capital and the country's most
important city. By the 13th century, the city states of Germany allied themselves into trad-
ing leagues, most significantly the Hanseatic League with its centre in Lübeck. At its
zenith, the league had over 150 member cities and was northern Europe's most powerful
economic entity; the sheltered harbour of Bryggen drew the Hanseatic League's traders in
droves. They established their first office here around 1360, transforming Bryggen into
one of the league's four major headquarters abroad, accommodating up to 2000 mostly
German resident traders who imported grain and exported dried fish, among other
products.
For over 400 years, Bryggen was dominated by this tight-knit community of German
merchants, who weren't permitted to mix with or marry Norwegians. By the 15th century,
competition from Dutch and English shipping companies, internal disputes and, especially,