Bryggen in Bergen

The very first buildings in Bergen were situated at Bryggen, which has been a vibrant and important area of the city for many centuries.

Bryggen has been ravaged by many fires, the great fire of 1702 in particular. It reduced the whole of the city to ashes. The area was rebuilt on the foundations that had been there since the 12th century, which means that Bryggen is basically unchanged despite the passing centuries.

Bryggen is now part of our common heritage and has a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and the city of Bergen is a designated World Heritage City. The world heritage site consists of the old Hanseatic wharf and buildings, and one of the best known urban areas from the Middle Ages in all of Norway.

In 1360, the German Hanseatic League set up one of its import and export offices at Bryggen, dominating trade for almost 400 years. To stroll through the narrow alleyways and overhanging galleries is to step back into the mists of time and a bygone era.

Bryggen is very much a living part of the cultural heritage that is still in active use in this historical area of the city. Today, there are several attractions in the area, from the Fish Market to Bergenhus Fortress and there are many cafés, restaurants and shops to choose from. Many of the shops sell traditional and unique crafts.

Bryggen - behind the scenes:
Hidden behind the iconic Bryggen front lies a hidden world of passages, small shops, galleries and artist studios, ready for you to explore! What you don’t see from the street, is that jewelers, artists, and textile designers dot the narrow passages between the rows of historic houses. Read more about the designers and artists here.

Museums at Bryggen:

The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene - Museum Vest
The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene tells the story of how the Hanseatic merchants lived and traded in Bergen for 400 years. Visit the museum  to find out about this important period in the city’s history and the stories of some of the people who lived here.

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

Read more about guided tours of Bryggen and the city center.

When to visit Bryggen:

To help preserve the historic charm of Bryggen in Bergen, we strongly encourage visitors to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site during off-peak hours during the summer months. By visiting outside of the busiest times, you contribute to a more enjoyable experience for everyone and support the ongoing conservation efforts of this iconic area. Your consideration helps ensure that Bryggen remains a vibrant and well-preserved treasure for future generations.

Accessibility:

Bryggen is only partially accessible for wheelchair users. The cobblestone surfaces at the front can pose challenges for lighter wheelchairs, while the narrow wooden pathways on Bryggen are more wheelchair-friendly.

However, most galleries and shops in this area are unfortunately not accessible due to narrow doors, uneven surfaces, tight spaces, and steps. Additionally, there are no toilet facilities on Bryggen.