How It's Built - Bergen

OVERVIEW

Visit architectural treasures from various centuries, on this walking tour, that show how the urban landscape of Bergen has evolved. Bergenhus, parts of which date to the mid-1200s, is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved stone fortresses. A former royal residence, it boasts a medieval banquet hall that King Haakon IV built. You will gain a broader historical understanding of Bergen during your free time in Bryggen, the city’s Hanseatic-era wharf. On the brink of destruction after a 1955 fire, it has been rebuilt so convincingly that UNESCO deemed it worthy of a World Heritage site designation. For a glimpse of Bergen in the 19th century, you will pause at the expansive square Festplassen and at the National Stage, where famed Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was the stage director. The VilVite Science Center represents Bergen’s vision for the future. While browsing the surroundings, you will admire the modern architectural design, characterized by sleek lines and large glass panels, which not only allow natural light to illuminate the interior but also provide a contemporary aesthetic

HIGHLIGHTS

• See examples of architecture ranging from the 13th century to modern times.
• Independently explore the Hanseatic-era wharf district, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit the surroundings of the 19th-century National Stage and the 21st-century science center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.