Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central Bergen
Bryggen
HISTORIC SITE
Bergen's oldest quarter runs along the eastern shore of Vågen Harbour (the name simply
translates to 'wharf') in long, parallel and often leaning rows of gabled buildings with
stacked-stone or wooden foundations and reconstructed rough-plank construction. It's en-
chanting, no doubt about it, but can be exhausting if you hit a cruise ship and bus tour
crush.
The current 58 buildings (25% of the original, although some claim there are now 61)
cover 13,000 sq metres and date from after the 1702 fire, although the building pattern is
from the 12th century. The archaeological excavations suggest that the quay was once
140m further inland than its present location.
In the early 14th century, there were about 30 wooden buildings, each usually shared by
several
stuer
(trading firms). They rose two or three stories above the wharf and combined
building had a crane for loading and unloading ships, as well as a
schøtstue
(large as-
sembly room) where employees met and ate.
The wooden alleyways of Bryggen have become a haven for artists and craftspeople,
and there are bijou shops and boutiques at every turn. The atmosphere of an intimate wa-
terfront community remains intact, and losing yourself in Bryggen is one of Bergen's
pleasures.
Hanseatisk Museum & Schøtstuene
MUSEUM
Nkr70/free; 9am-6pm Jul-Aug, 11am-2pm Tue-Sat, to 4pm Sun Sep-May)
This interesting museum provides a window into the world of Hanseatic traders. Housed in
a rough-timber building dating to 1704, it starkly reveals the contrast between the austere
living and working conditions of the merchant sailors and apprentices, and the comfortable
lifestyle of the trade partners.
Highlights include the manager's office, private liquor cabinet and summer bedroom;
the apprentices' quarters, where beds were shared by two men; the fish storage room, and
