Bryggen, Bergen [A Local’s Guide]

Bryggen, located in the beautiful city of Bergen, stands as the number one attraction that truly captures the essence and charm of the region. This historic site is comprised of a fascinating array of several vibrant and picturesque buildings, all gracefully lining the wharf and dock area.

With a history dating back to the 1100s, and perhaps even longer, Bryggen is not only the beating heart of the city but also a living testament to centuries of cultural heritage and maritime significance. Explore the cobblestone streets, soak in the architectural marvels, and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of this remarkable destination.

As you should may or may not know, I used to work as a Merchandise Hostess in the Norwegian Pavillion in Epcot, Disney World. The Pavillion was styled to resemble different areas in Norway, and the store where I worked was an perfect copy of these old buildings found in Bergen.

Today, Bryggen is one of the most popular things to do in Bergen, and with good reason.

Bryggen, Bergen – history

Bryggen in Bergen, Norway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long and fascinating history. The area was first settled by the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, and they established their commercial headquarters there. For centuries, Bryggen served as an important hub for trade between Northern Europe and the rest of Europe.

In addition to being an important trading center, Bryggen also has strong ties to Norway’s Viking heritage. Archaeological evidence suggests that Norse merchants used the area as a port of entry for goods from other parts of Europe into Scandinavia as early as the 10th century.

To this day, Bryggen remains an iconic symbol of Bergen’s heritage and is a must-see attraction when visiting this historic city. ‘Bryggen‘ (in English, the wharf) still stands there with its old wooden houses and tiny alleys. As it has been for hundreds of years.

In 1979 the area was put on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is an insanely popular tourist destination for Bergen. Today, the buildings are no longer filled with merchants and traders, but with galleries, cute shops, and even restaurants.

Ways to visit Bryggen, Bergen

There are two primary ways to experience the enchanting charm of Bryggen. One option is to leisurely wander through the narrow and picturesque alleyways, immersing yourself in the historical ambiance.

Feel the centuries-old timber buildings whisper their stories as you explore at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can enhance your visit by joining a guided tour, allowing you to gain unique insights and expert knowledge about this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. The choice is yours to make in this captivating destination.

Bonus: you can also watch Bryggen as you sail by on a fjord cruise from Bergen.

Walk around Bryggen on your own

Walking around Bryggen is the best way to experience it.

A lot of visitors to Bergen don’t know that there’s more to Bryggen than what meets the eye. Most people think it’s just the front of the buildings that are the main sight.

Don’t make this mistake, though!

Behind and in between the buildings there are several streets and alleyways, and I highly recommend you stroll through them all during your visit.

From the cute galleries and shops, to noticing how uneven the buildings are – you are truly walking through a piece of history here. So even if you aren’t planning on shopping or buying any new art, it’s worth a walk through.

Bonus: one of the best cafes in Bergen is also located within the historic buildings of Bryggen!

Join a Bergen walking tour

If you really want to dive into the history of these old buildings, joining a walking tour is your best bet.

With a professional, local guide, you’ll get all the insights and information you need. There are several options to choose from, ranging from private tours to self-guided audio tours.

Fun fact: there’s even a self-guided historic tour where a medieval witch tells you her fictional tales (with history sprinkled in).

Regardles of which Bergen tour you choose, you’ll learn loads and have a great time! Below is a selection of my favourites.

Grab a beer outside in the summer

In the summer months, the cobblestoned area outside of Bryggen comes alive as the restaurants open up their outdoor bars. When it’s an especially nice day, you’ll find that the locals of Bergen flock to Bryggen to enjoy their “utepils” (outdoor beer) in the sun.

Simply grab whatever table is free, and walk up to the bar to order. In the summer, the sun shines on Bryggen into the late hours of night – it’s the perfect way to spend a day in Bergen!

Bryggen – Is it worth visiting?

To summarise, Bryggen is an absolute must when you are visiting Bergen. The history of this place laid the foundation for most of the city we know today.

Even if you aren’t a history buff, enjoying the charm of the buildings is definitely worth it. And in the summer, you can top it off with a cold beer in the sun!

Read next: How to get from Bergen to Flåm

Bryggen FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions I get about visiting Bryggen – all tried and answered by a local!