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| Home - City Guide - Bergen - City Overview | ||
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City Overview Bergen is Norway's second city and in many ways the country's most attractive. Nestled in a natural 'bowl' it is surrounded on three sides by seven imposing mountains and on the fourth by the island-dotted North Sea, all of which make for a delightfully scenic setting. On a bright day, the approach to the city by sea or air is a rewarding experience, the rocky islets and towering mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the rainbow painted houses that cling from the sides of the mountains all the way down to the waterfront. Known as the 'Gateway to the Fjords', the city was founded in 1070 by the Viking king Olav Kyrre. With the fortunate combination of a sheltered harbour and the proximity of rich fishing grounds it quickly established itself as one of Norway's most important towns. By the beginning of the thirteenth century it was Norway's capital, a status it enjoyed until the early 1800s, when the seat of government was transferred to Christiania - the city nowadays known as Oslo. Its economic wellbeing was further assured in the fourteenth century when the Hanseatic League, an organisation of German cities created to promote trade between the east and west of Northern Europe, chose Bergen as one of its four main bases. The League's offices and warehouses, the Bryggen (wharfside) are the only survivors of the original four Hanseatic Kontors (trading offices). In 1980, the district was designated 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO. Despite the Hanseatic League's break-up in the eighteenth century, Bergen remained a successful trading port. Greater prosperity came with discovery of North Sea oil in the 1960s, this led to a new influx of foreign nationals - more than 5000 currently live and work in the city, the largest group being the British. Bergen's long history as Norway's leading port and latterly as an international business and tourist centre have given Bergen a more cosmopolitan air than other Norwegian cities. This is reflected in the atmosphere around the Torget (market), the focal point of the city's social life, with its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafÉs and pubs. Although fishing, shipping and other maritime industries still play a major role in Bergen's economy, tourism is providing an increasingly significant income source. Bergensener (as the locals are known) are very friendly and welcoming and widely regarded as the most outgoing Norwegians. They are immensely proud of their city, its history and traditions. The year 2000 saw Bergen selected as one of the nine European cities of culture. It produced a programme of events to showcase its artistic and cultural heritage covering theatre, dance, music, art, food and exhibitions. Bergen has the dubious honour of boasting one of the highest average rainfall counts in Europe. The peak tourist season runs from May to September, although it's just as likely to rain then as at any other time. Between November and March the rain turns to sleet or snow. The lowest temperatures are not too harsh by Norwegian standards, rarely reaching -10C. However, that should not ruin a visit to the city, since the warmth of the Bergeners alone would ensure a good time. |
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