Bryggen

During the 13th century, the Northern German Hanseatic League was a dominate factor in Northern European trade. Today Bryggen is one of the most significant examples of the culture and history of a medieval settlement in the world. Listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Bryggen is a fascinating town where you will find a series of Hanseatic wooden buildings with pointed gables facing onto the harbor, the old wharf. This old wharf is a reminder of the town's importance in the 14th to the mid 16th century as part of the Fanatic League's trading empire.

The characteristic parallel rows of buildings, with their seaward-facing gables represent a building tradition dating back almost 900 years. Many of the wooden buildings were demolished during a big fire in 1702. Of the remaining 58 buildings, many are now used as artists' studios. Bryggen has many active workshops too. Here you will find painters, weavers and craftsmen engaged in producing fine-quality, original items. If you are coming to Bergen, you probably have to learn at least two Norwegian words - Bryggen and Vaagen. Bryggen is the name of the world famous waterfront in Bergen and Vaagen is the local name for the harbor (port).