"Bergen" Bergen by Gerrem

I've been two times to Bergen....

Norway's second largest city is situated on a mountain-studded peninsula which juts out into a spectacular fjord. The city has a strong history as a maritime port and was Norway's capital in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Ever since the intrepid King Olav Kyrre sailed into the harbour and founded the city in 1070, Bergen has attracted people from all quarters of the world. Some came and went, others decided to make Bergen their home. Bergensers travelled abroad and learned and so Bergen became a melting-pot of cultures and Norway's most international city.

Bergen grew up around its colourful harbour - it was the hub of commerce, seafaring and crafts-manship. It became the north's largest city, Norway's first capital city and the seat of royalty. So important was Bergen by the 13th century that the Hansas - the German medieval guild of merchants - opened one of their four European offices on the wharf called Bryggen. Some of the Hansas chose to become Bergensers. And so have many others throughout the centuries. But Bryggen stays the same, its contour just as it was in the 11th century, untouched by shifting times. It has become a symbol of our cultural heritage and has gained a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Bergen has become a World Heritage City.