The World Heritage Site of Bryggen is all that remains of an ancient wharf on the east side of Bergen’s central harbour – Vågen. The earliest recorded buildings were single-storey post structures, set in parallel rows up from the shore, which in the 11th century lay about 140 metres further inland from today’s quayfront. As the need for storage space increased, the buildings were extended into the harbour. By the 13th century, Bergen was an important centre for European trade, for the kingdom and the church. By this time, Bryggen had become a densely built-up area with around 30 "tenements" - long rows of wooden houses and storerooms on one or both sides of a common passage. The area was built up again following a fire in 1702 that reduced the city to ashes. Due to fires and urban renewal in the last century, only a quarter of the original structure is left. Today Bryggen is a living illustration of the city’s history, with 61 protected buildings covering about 13,000 m2.

Foto: Christer Hjelmeland