Visit Bryggen Wharf: The UNESCO Heritage Site

Check out Bryggen Wharf both day and night to see how the atmosphere completely changes in Bergen. It’s a lovely transition.

In 1070 AD, king Olav Kyrre discovered Bergen, bringing an end to the Viking era with the Battle of Stamford Bridge in England. At its foundation, Bergen was named Bjørgvin, meaning a verdant meadow surrounded by mountains. Thankfully, despite the growing infiltration of technology, this hasn’t changed.

Bergen, a long-established commercial post, is still clinging to its Viking-era relics. Whether it’s the huge drinking Royal Horn of Norway from the 14th century or the Bryggen (Tyskebryggen) besieged by the curving train of Hanseatic historic buildings on the eastern side of the Vågen harbour, there’s something for everyone. In the early 13th century, Bergen was anointed, the capital of Norway, whereas Oslo was announced, as the capital in early 1830. Good for me, I commenced my Norway in a nutshell journey from Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen, concluding it at the largest city, Oslo.

For the large part of my stay in Bergen, I was instinctively motivated to explore the city on foot. When you live in the city of seven mountains, you don’t have to travel far, and the air quality is superb! Furthermore, during the summer, Bergen maintains a moderately chilly climate, which enhances the pleasure of strolling around the city.

Bryggen Wharf

I would walk around the Byfjorden (city fjord), which includes the city centre and northern neighbourhoods, during the day, and then disembark at the Bryggen Wharf in the early evening for a supper at the fish market. Here, the paella and lobsters are the greatest I’ve ever had! I’d see the winning remnants of the World Heritage Site Bryggen in all its splendour from the Wharf. As darkness fell later in the evening, the dwellings glowed like a necklace of orange diamonds. Come to Norway’s busiest port during the day for a look at the action.

More than 300 cruise ships dock in the city each year, bringing about one million people to Bergen. Dried cod from the northern Norwegian coast was the main export traded from Bergen in the 11th century. On the eastern side of the Vågen Harbour, the Hanseatic houses are thin timber dwellings that accentuate the quayside. Schøtstuene, the oldest surviving house in the area, was built in the 11th century. Here, strolling through the streets is like entering an early-medieval village with old houses. Those located near Julehuset date back to the early 1700s.

King Håkon Håkonsson, King of Norway in the 12th century, awarded the city of Bergen a monopoly on trade. North German traders rediscovered the Bryggen Hanseatic League in the 14th century. Toward the end of the 14th century, Bergen proved itself to be a significant trading centre in Norway.

The Hanseatic merchants resided in private quarters, enjoying preferential rights to deal with the northern fishermen each summer. What makes these houses exceptional is that, despite their wooden structure, most sustained, the big 17th-century fire.

Hanseatic Museum

Wandering down the harbour, I came across Bellgården, Svensgården, Enhjørningsgården, Bredsgården, Bugården, Engelgården and St Mary’s Church, in one’s dotage. The Hanseatic Museum, only a 3-minute walk from Bryggen, has a wealth of information on Bergen’s early days of commerce.

Excavations from the Hanseatic period is on display here. World Heritage Site status was granted to the traditional quayside of Bergen, Bryggen, in 1979 by UNESCO. To truly get the most out of your time in Bergen, you must see Bryggen Wharf and its Hanseatic Museum.

Traditional Wooden Homes

I recall being ecstatic when I first saw this magnificent Wharf from the Strandkaien road, next to the seafood market. The colourful cordon of wooden homes going back to the mediaeval age, casting picture-perfect reflections and lighting up the waters of the Askoyruten strait, astounded me. Then I followed the silhouette to the last house on the historic Wharf, then back to the main street, which is now home to stores, currency exchange facilities, museums, and spectacular harbour-side consorting voyagers in motion.

Travelling in August of 2016 allowed me to see more than I ever could have otherwise. Most of this Hanseatic splendour is hidden from view during the winter months. In the summer, the skies are clear and vibrant, and stores, hotels, and restaurants all sell periodicals and postcards. These are the best location guides you can get your hands on, whether you’re a backpacker, a flashpacker, a family, or a solo traveller!

When in Bergen, stop by a wharf-facing bar restaurant for a pint of beer or a cup of coffee while taking in stunning views with access to high-speed Wi-Fi. Almost every cafe, restaurant, and bar in the area offer free Wi-Fi.

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