Culture and history

Bryggen in Bergen

Going for a walk through the narrow and dark alleys at Bryggen Hanseatic wharf is like going back in time to when the German Guild of Merchants dominated this part of Bergen.

Bryggen is a must-see attraction when you visit Bergen. Bryggen is today a part of UNESCO's World Heritage List and Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage City.

The very first buildings in Bergen were erected by the harbour, and this area has for centuries been a lively and central part of the city.

How old is Bryggen in Bergen?

Bryggen has been devastated several times by fire, and in 1702 the whole city was reduced to ashes. Quickly rebuilt on the foundations that had been there since the 11th century, Bryggen has been able to remain the same, and is today one of the most well known city areas from the Middle Ages in Norway.

The wooden buildings are constructed in close proximity to each other and share joint common backyards that date from the 1400 – 1500's. Today this area is a living historical part of Bergen and Bryggen with 61 preserved, protected buildings and several museums to view. Read more about the Hanseatic League and Bryggen in Bergen.

Bryggens Museum

At Bryggen, there are several museums where you can learn more about Bryggen and the Hanseatic merchants, life in the Middle Ages and war history: Bryggen Museum (Bergen City Museum) shows us what life was like in medieval Bergen. The Hanseatic Museum shows us what life was like for the German merchants from the Hanseatic League, while Theta Museum gives us insight into the history of the resistance movement in Norway during the second world war. Read more about the museums at Bryggen.

Hotels and the best restaurants at Bryggen in Bergen

For those wanting to stay and dine in the heart of this historic part of the city, there are a number of hotels and places to eat. Both the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel and the Hanseatic Hotel can be found at Bryggen. The restaurant Bryggen Tracteursted is situated at the centre of Bryggen, and there are a number of cafes and places to eat at and around Bryggen.

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Experience Bergen!

Bryggen wharf is in Bergen, the capital of Fjord Norway. Read more about what you can experience here!

Bergen

Bergen is the very heart of the Norwegian fjords, and the ideal mix of nature, culture and urban experiences. All year round.

See all attractions in Bergen and the region
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Learn more about Bryggen

Read more about the how the Hanseatic League put Bergen on the map, and how you can best experience this UNESCO attraction.

Read more articles about Bergen and the region

What to see and do

See the different attractions and activities at Bryggen and in Bergen.

Bryggens Museum - Bymuseet i Bergen

Bryggens Museum display findings of the archaeological excavations of Bryggen from 1955 and contains the foundations of the oldest buildings in Bergen.

The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene - Museum Vest

The Hanseatic merchants are long gone, and no longer part of the hustle and bustle of Bryggen, but you can still experience this unique place, which has contributed so much to making Bergen the city it is today.

Bergen By Expert

Bergen By Expert is an Excursion and Tour Guide company located in the World Heritage City of Bergen specialized in offering Authorized Tour Guides in a wide range of languages.

All activities related to Bryggen in Bergen

Sleep and eat

Bryggen is located in the center of Bergen, and there are many hotels and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

Radisson Blu Royal is centrally located on Bergen's famous landmark Bryggen.

Bryggen Tracteursted

Bryggen Tracteursted serves traditional food based on solid craftsmanship a modern cuisine inspired by Norwegian and Hanseatic traditions.

Bien centro

Italian restaurant. Experience real Neapolitan pizza and homemade pasta on the basement floor of Bergen's art museum Kode 1, in the center of Bergen.

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Upcoming events

Experience more history and culture in Fjord Norway

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The Art Nouveau town Ålesund

Art Nouveau town out at the ocean’s edge. This architectural gem, known as Norway’s Venice, is situated out at the ocean’s edge with easy access to fjords, mountains and urban experiences.

Baroniet Rosendal

The manor from 1665 between fjords, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls.

Skudeneshavn

Skudeneshavn is a small town (with town status) in Karmøy municipality, around 40 minutes by car from Haugesund. Parts of the town are designated a listed cultural environment, and have been awarded the St. Olav’s Rose for the preservation of Norwegian cultural heritage.