Visiting Historic Bergen, Norway

Bergen might not be Norway's most famous city – that honour most likely goes to Oslo – but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. In 2004, Time magazine

named Bergen one of Europe's 14 “secret capitals”, and in many ways it isn't difficult to see why. Located on the South West coast of Norway, Bergen began

its life as a trading settlement, and still boasts an active maritime industry today. The city is the main base of the Norwegian Navy, and its bustling docks

are always alive with the sights and sounds of seafarers.

Bergen's harbour is an excellent place to start when exploring the most beautiful sights the city has to offer. The harbour is home to Bryggen, which is what

the Norwegians call the very first buildings to have been built in Bergen. Dating back to the 14th Century, Bryggen is on UNESCO's World Heritage List and

its colourful, ancient gables form an iconic Nordic image. Today, the buildings house some of Bergen's shops, restaurants and studios; visiting Bryggen is

the ideal way to see how historic and modern Bergen are perfectly intertwined.

Bergen's Bryggens Museum is the next stop for visitors looking to experience the city's colourful history. Archaeological excavations of Bryggen have been

ongoing in Bergen since 1955, and the museum now houses the foundations of the oldest Bergen buildings, dating from the 12th Century, as well as European

ceramics and runic inscriptions that provide an insight into the city's rich shipping industry and the everyday life of Norwegians in the Middle ages.

Bergen is also home to some of the most astonishing landmarks in Europe; while the city itself is rich with delightful architecture and historic ruins, there

are a number of sights in Bergen that every visitor will want to take in during their visit. The Rosenkrantz Tower, regarded as one of Norway's most

important renaissance monuments, dates back to the 13th Century. Visitors can climb to the very top of the tower, which affords impressive views over the

entire city.

Another must-see stop is St. Mary's Church, which, dating back to the 12th Century, is considered to be the oldest building in Bergen. Constructed mainly in

soapstone, St. Mary's is a two-towered Romanesque-style church which reveals Gothic influence in certain parts. Though closed for restoration work until

2015, St. Mary's is still a wondrous site from its exterior, and is an important part of Bergen's rich history.

As one of Norway's oldest settlements, historic Bergen is an excellent destination for city breaks and weekend visits. The city is home to numerous examples

of well-preserved ancient architecture, and the Bergen City Museum comprises various buildings, monuments and collections throughout the city which

illustrate Norway's colourful heritage. If you're thinking of visiting this beautiful city, be sure to book yourself into a hotel in Bergen so that you can

make the most of your stay.

Jesse Wallace - About Author:
Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article on hotel in Bergen has been

commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article Source:
http://www.articleside.com/travel-articles/visiting-historic-bergen-norway.htm

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