With its rich history and distinctive appearance, Bryggen is one of Bergen's most iconic landmarks. Like much of Bergen, Bryggen was quiet three days before Christmas but it is usually a bustling area filled with visitors.
Bryggen has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. This recognition was granted due to its historical significance and its importance to the Hanseatic League's trading empire during the 14th to the mid-16th century. The Hanseatic League was a powerful economic and defensive alliance that dominated maritime trade in northern Europe for centuries.
We were bitterly disappointed not to run into Bergen trolls in Bergen. These life-sized trolls hide in the mountains of Bergen but we saw neither trolls nor mountain goats of Fløyen. I didn't buy any trolls but I did buy a Bryggen magnet for our collection and a Christmas Gonk.
Bryggen has been ravaged by several fires throughout its history, the most devastating of which occurred in 1702. This fire led to the complete rebuilding of the area, which explains the uniform architectural style seen today. Despite these challenges, Bryggen has been continually rebuilt according to traditional methods and styles, preserving its historical essence.
The buildings at Bryggen housed offices and living quarters for merchants and workers involved in trade, particularly in dried cod from Northern Norway in exchange for grains from mainland Europe.
The buildings in Bryggen are notable for their distinctive wooden architecture, with their gabled facades facing the harbor. This construction style is characteristic of medieval Hanseatic trading centers.
Today, Bryggen is not only a historical site but also a vibrant cultural hub. It houses several museums, including the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene, which offer insights into the life and operations of the Hanseatic merchants. In addition to its museums, Bryggen features art studios, craft shops, restaurants and cafes.
This is sadly my final post about our magical winter break to Bergen. I fell in love with Norway and will definitely return to the region for more Nordic adventures in future.
The shape, materials and colours of the merchants' buildings are delightful to look at, even after fires and re building. But does timber protect the residents from the cold?
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely to see and very well maintained! And yes, timber is very good at keeping heat in while being relatively cool in the short summers.
DeleteOMG, Mandy. Astrid and I LOVED Bergen when we were there in 2011 at the end of our North-to-South Hurtigruten Cruise. It so happens that we have blog friends who live there and had the delightful chance to stay with them before we took the train ride from Bergen to Oslo (highly recommended) while there was still lots of snow on the ground. We'll never forget it. But I do know that if we went back, we would see it differently and take better photos, like the ones you have shown here. Thank you for the trip down Memory Lane!
ReplyDeleteI would love to take the train from Bergen to Oslo! I believe it offers spectacular views! Glad you enjoyed the trip down memory lane!!
DeleteThat looks such an interesting place, somewhere I have never been. Thank you for sharing your pictures
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It was such a lovely place
DeleteWhat great pictures you show us. You made the best out of it in spite the rain. Like Ginnie said, we fell in love with the coloured houses and Norway and........ the only souvenir we take from places is a refrigerator magnet! We look for the most coolest one and every time we open the door we are reminded of the wonderful places. We also did Christmas tree ornaments for a while, but we only have a small tree ;). Mandy it is a joy to follow you and see beautiful pictures and get our education as well. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Astrid! Your kind comment really made my day :)
DeleteThis is now on my list of places I want to visit! Such a vibrant and colourful place! Thanks for sharing your visit with us :)
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome! It was so lovely and colourful!
DeleteSo pretty and colorful!and they had to rebuilt it several times, fascinating
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed fascinating- I'd definitely like to learn more about this area on future visits
Deleteyou are not alone in your love for this place :) a series of wonderful photos, i like the rain tinged reflections and of course you have shown off this recognizable facade so well.
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes, it was very soggy the day we visited - lots of rain-tinged reflections
DeleteWhat lovely buildings! They don't really look as old as they are, probably because they are so beautifully preserved and no doubt repainted often. Looks like a great place to visit!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I think they're very proud of their heritage and so take very good care of the area. It was pristine too, no litter whatsoever
DeleteI love wooden architecture, too. They all are preserved well.
ReplyDeleteMe too! Yes, very well preserved
DeleteI love the trolls. My brother bought me one many years ago. I am not sure where it has got to!
ReplyDeleteI had a tiny troll keyring in the past but never an authentic-looking one
DeleteI've always wanted to explore Norway but even more so now upon seeing your photos and how beautiful Bergen is with its colourful wooden architecture. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day :) Aiva xx
ReplyDeleteI think you would love Norway, Aiva! We did and are returning next summer
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