Along the waterfront in the Norwegian city of Bergen is one of its most historic and beautiful areas – Bryggen. A row of colourfully painted shopfronts face the wharf, but down the narrow alleyways in between you’ll find a jumble of overhanging balconies and walkways. This is the oldest part of Bergen, which was first built on back in 1070. It became the base for the local Hanseatic League, a German guild of merchants, who turned the original buildings into warehouses and built a wharf – called a bryggen in Norwegian, giving the area its name. Fires razed the buildings to the ground more than once over the years but they were always rebuilt. The oldest still standing now date back to 1702 but some are much younger – the latest fire was only in 1955. Today instead of storing fish they’re used for shops, art studios and restaurants.
Reiselykke
Saturday 8th of November 2014
Nice photos, Lucy! You now, that's where I went to University. Glad you liked it!
Lucy
Saturday 8th of November 2014
Such a beautiful city! I just need to get back and see a bit more of Norway now!
ashinthemeadow
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
Very cool photos! Looks like an adorable place to visit. Added to the list! :)
Dave Briggs (@davestravelpage)
Saturday 2nd of August 2014
Those wonderful photos have made me want to visit. I am cycling through Norway next year, so will detour to make sure I do!
Lucy Dodsworth
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
Sounds like a fantastic trip! There are so many fantastic destinations in Norway – hope you do get to make it to Bergen on the way.
sarahyeagley
Friday 1st of August 2014
Beautiful photos! It looks like you transported into a fairytale to take these!
Lucy Dodsworth
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
Thanks, yes it was almost an unreal looking place!
OutsideBeautyInsideHealth
Friday 18th of July 2014
Wow what an interesting little town. You captured it wonderfully.
Lucy Dodsworth
Tuesday 22nd of July 2014
Thanks, it was a really cute place, loved the weird angles and overhanging windows.