Bergen history

The history of Bergen is a chronicle of maritime trade, royal power, and cultural exchange that began more than a thousand years ago.

The official founding date of Bergen is considered to be 1070, and its founder was King Olaf III, known as Olaf the Peaceful. However, archaeological findings suggest that a trading settlement may have existed on this site even earlier. By the 12th and 13th centuries, Bergen was already the capital of the Norwegian Kingdom, the residence of kings and bishops, which cemented its status as the country's most important city of that time.

Bergen owes its growth and prosperity to several key factors. Its geographical position played a vital role: situated on the west coast of Norway, in a sheltered bay surrounded by mountains, the city became an ideal natural harbour. Furthermore, from the 12th century, Bergen was the hub for the trade of dried cod (stockfish) caught in Northern Norway. This commodity was in huge demand across Europe and became the foundation of the city's economy. Finally, from the 14th century, the city became one of the four main offices of the Hanseatic League — a powerful commercial alliance of German merchants. The Hanseatic traders monopolised trade and established their distinct quarter on the Bryggen wharf, which defined the city's appearance and economic life for centuries.

In the Middle Ages, Bergen was a truly international city. German merchants brought their traditions, language, and architectural style, which is still evident in the Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire life of the city was centred around the port and trade: warehouses were filled with fish from Northern Norway and grain from Europe. Until the 20th century, Bergen remained the largest city in the country, yielding this status to Oslo much later.

Key Dates in the History of Bergen

The history of Bergen is a rich chronicle of events, from its foundation in the Viking Age to its status as a modern cultural centre. The city served as a capital, a vital trading hub of the Hanseatic League, and Norway's largest city for centuries.

• 1070 — Official founding of the city by King Olaf III the Peaceful under the name Bjørgvin, which means "the green meadow among the mountains".
• ~1100s — Bergen becomes the centre for the dried cod trade, laying the foundation for its economic prosperity.
• 1217–1299 — The city serves as the capital of the Norwegian Kingdom, acting as the country's political and cultural centre.
• 1349 — The "Black Death" (plague) arrives in Bergen on an English ship, leading to catastrophic demographic consequences for all of Norway.
• 1360 — One of the four main offices of the Hanseatic League opens in the city, making Bergen the centre of Hanseatic trade in Scandinavia for several centuries.
• 1429 — The city is attacked and looted by pirates known as the "Victual Brothers," who burn down the royal castle and part of the city.
• 1536 — The influence of the Hanseatic League begins to wane after the Reformation, and the King requires German merchants to accept Norwegian citizenship or leave the city.
• 1702 — One of the most devastating fires in the city's history destroys about 7/8 of all structures, including most of the medieval buildings.
• ~1830s — Bergen yields the status of Norway's largest city by population to Oslo (then Christiania).
• 1916 — Another major fire destroys the central part of the city, leading to its subsequent reconstruction.
• 1944 — On April 20, the Dutch vessel "Voorbode" explodes in the harbour with 120 tonnes of explosives on board, causing massive destruction and numerous casualties.
• 1979 — The Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming its unique historical value.
• 2000 — Bergen receives the status of a European Capital of Culture, highlighting its rich heritage and modern creative life.

Stages of Bergen's Development: From Capital to Oil Hub

Bergen's history is a path of constant transformation, where each stage left a noticeable mark on its economy, culture, and urban appearance. Below are the key milestones that shaped the modern city.

• Foundation and Capital Period (11th–13th centuries): Founded in 1070, Bergen quickly became the country's political and religious centre. From 1217 to 1299, it was the capital of the Norwegian Kingdom. This status promoted growth, the construction of stone buildings, including the Bergenhus Fortress, and laid the foundation for future economic dominance.
• The Hanseatic League Era (14th–16th centuries): With the opening of the Hanseatic League office in 1360, Bergen transformed into one of Northern Europe's most important trading ports. The monopoly on the trade of dried fish and grain defined the city's economy for centuries. During this period, the famous Bryggen quarter was built, which remains a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
• Fires and Urban Reforms (17th–20th centuries): Built predominantly of wood, the city repeatedly suffered from devastating fires. The major fire of 1702 destroyed most of the buildings. The fire of 1916 led to a large-scale reconstruction of the city centre according to a new plan with wide streets and stone buildings in the Art Nouveau style, forming its modern look.
• Centre of Shipping and Industry (19th century): In the 19th century, Bergen consolidated its position as a leading port and a centre for Norwegian shipping and industry. Until the 1830s, it remained the country's largest city, actively developing trade links and laying the groundwork for future industrialisation.
• Emergence as a Scientific and Cultural Centre (20th century): The establishment of the Norwegian School of Economics (1936) and the University of Bergen (1946) turned the city into an important academic hub. Being named a European Capital of Culture in 2000 officially recognised its rich cultural significance.
• The Oil Era and Technological Development (Late 20th – Early 21st centuries): With the discovery of oil fields in the North Sea, Bergen became a key centre for the Norwegian oil industry, particularly in subsea technology and offshore platform maintenance. This led to a new wave of economic growth, attracting investment and highly skilled specialists.

The architectural landscape of Bergen is a unique blend of wooden craftsmanship, monumental stone structures, and elegant modern styles. Its development is closely tied to the city's history as a trading port, a royal capital, and a hub of the Hanseatic League. Frequent fires, which wiped out entire neighbourhoods, provided an impetus for renewal and the reimagining of urban space each time.

The Middle Ages: Stone and Wood

In the Middle Ages, Bergen's architecture was predominantly wooden. The most striking example is the Hanseatic wharf Bryggen, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex of narrow wooden houses, serving simultaneously as offices, warehouses, and living quarters for merchants, was rebuilt many times after fires, preserving its historical layout and appearance. Parallel to wooden construction, stone structures were erected, demonstrating the power of the King and the Church:

• Bergenhus Fortress: One of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Norway. It includes Haakon's Hall (Håkonshallen), built in the mid-13th century in the Gothic style, which served as a royal residence and banquet hall.
• St. Mary's Church (Mariakirken): The oldest surviving building in Bergen, erected in the 12th century. It is a basilica in the Romanesque style with later Gothic elements and a lavish Baroque interior, including a famous pulpit.
• Rosenkrantz Tower: Part of the Bergenhus Fortress, which was expanded until the 16th century. It is considered one of the most important Renaissance architectural monuments in Norway.

Fires and Reconstruction: From Baroque to Art Nouveau

The city repeatedly suffered from destructive fires, the largest of which occurred in 1702 and 1916. These events radically changed the appearance of the central districts. After the 1702 fire, many buildings were restored with elements of Baroque and Classicism, though in a more restrained, Nordic execution. A true turning point was the fire of 1916, which destroyed much of the city centre. This provided an opportunity for major urban planning reform.

• Jugendstil (Art Nouveau): After the fire, the city centre was rebuilt according to a new plan featuring wide streets and monumental stone buildings. Many of these are executed in the Nordic Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) and Neoclassical styles. A prime example of this era is the National Theatre building (Den Nationale Scene).
• Functionalism: In the 1920s and 1930s, Functionalism gained popularity in Bergen's architecture, as it did throughout Scandinavia. This style, with its strict forms, flat roofs, and lack of decoration, was reflected in residential and public buildings constructed during this period.

Modern Architecture

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Bergen continued to develop as a modern city where new architectural projects blend harmoniously with the historical landscape. One of the most recognisable symbols of modernism is the Grieghallen concert hall, built in 1978. Today, the city continues to grow, with new public spaces, residential quarters, and infrastructure projects, such as the modern fire station, reflecting current architectural trends.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Bergen

Bergen is the cradle of many prominent figures who have left a significant mark on Norwegian and global culture, science, and history. The city rightly takes pride in its natives and those for whom it became a place of fateful achievements.

Edvard Grieg (1843–1907)

Role: Composer, pianist.
Significance: The greatest Norwegian composer, whose work is a symbol of musical Romanticism and Norway's national identity. Grieg was born, lived, and passed away in Bergen. His famous estate "Troldhaugen" is today one of the country's most visited museums, where he and his wife Nina Hagerup are buried.

Ludvig Holberg (1684–1754)

Role: Writer, playwright, historian, philosopher.
Significance: A key figure of the Enlightenment in Denmark and Norway, considered the founder of modern Danish and Norwegian literature. Holberg was born in Bergen, and although he spent most of his life in Copenhagen, his name is inextricably linked to his hometown.

Gerhard Hansen (1841–1912)

Role: Physician, medical scientist.
Significance: World-renowned for his discovery in 1873 of the causative agent of leprosy — the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. He made this discovery while working at a leprosy hospital in Bergen, which was a breakthrough in understanding infectious diseases. In his honour, leprosy is also known as "Hansen's disease".

Johan Christian Dahl (1788–1857)

Role: Landscape painter.
Significance: The founder of the Norwegian national school of painting and one of the leading artists of the Romantic era. Born in Bergen, and although he spent most of his life in Dresden, he constantly returned to Norwegian motifs, celebrating the harsh and majestic nature of his homeland in his works.

Ole Bull (1810–1880)

Role: Virtuoso violinist, composer.
Significance: One of the most famous violinists of the 19th century, who achieved global acclaim. Born in Bergen, he became a true "rock star" of his time. Bull was also a major figure in Norway's cultural life, founding the first national Norwegian theatre in his hometown.

Haakon IV Haakonsson (1204–1263)

Role: King of Norway.
Significance: One of the most significant rulers of medieval Norway, during whose reign the era of civil wars ended. It was under him that Bergen reached its peak as the capital of the kingdom (until 1299). By his order, the famous Haakon's Hall was erected within the Bergenhus Fortress, surviving to this day.

Kygo (born 1991)

Role: DJ, music producer, pianist.
Significance: Real name — Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll. He is one of the most famous contemporary musicians from Norway and a pioneer of the "tropical house" genre. Born in Bergen, Kygo has gained worldwide fame and has become one of the most recognisable representatives of the city's modern music scene.