About Bergen
Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and is the administrative and educational centre for western Norway. With a population of 20 000 inhabitants, Bergen may be small city by international standards, but you’ll find t’s a vibrant city with personality and charm.
If you’re looking for a city where mountains meet the sea, Bergen is the place for you! The city is located by the fjord, and surrounded by (at least) seven mountains. The city centre is compact, meaning most things are within easy walking distance.
Study right in the city centre
Bergen has several international renowned institutions of higher education and a thriving student community. The university and most of the other colleges and schools are situated right in the centre of Bergen or just by the city centre. In total there are 36 000 students from 100 different countries in Bergen. Students are an integral part of Bergen’s population and make an important contribution to the city’s cultural events.
Why is Bergen special?
It's difficult to put into words what makes Bergen so special, you just have to experience it for yourself. Since the Middle Ages the city has had an international milieu, and is a city used to welcoming people from all over the world.Bergen is known for its rich history and culture, scenic location, rainy weather and its enthusiastic and patriotic inhabitants.
History of Bergen as a Port and merchant city
Since Bergen is located by the Atlantic Ocean, the history of Bergen is closely linked to trade routes at sea and a constant interaction with the outside world. Founded in 1070, Bergen quickly became established as an important port and merchant city, and was the largest town in Norway until the 1830s.
Trade in Bergen was mainly based on dried cod (stockfish) from Northern parts of Norway. Fish was traded in Bergen and from here shipped to Southern parts of Europe. From 1350, Hanseatic merchants from Germany established their business in Bergen, and soon came to dominate the trade. Their offices were located at Bryggen, the Hanseatic wharf.
Trade, fisheries and shipping are still important businesses in Bergen. In addition, tourism, higher education and research, and the oil and gas industry are important business sectors.
Architecture and culture of Bergen
Bergen is known for its traditional wooden buildings and narrow streets. While fires have posed challenges throughout its history, Bergen has demonstrated resilience. The city has faced numerous reconstructions, resulting in a charming mix of traditional wooden buildings and other significant architectural styles such as Jugend and neoclassicism. Don't miss Bryggen, reconstructed after a devastating fire in 1702 and now an emblematic landmark of Bergen's past.
Music, film, theatre, dance, and visual arts are prominent in Bergen's varied and innovative art scene. Bergen is known for its vibrant contemporary music scene and hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year.
Ever since the composers Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull were the city’s most famous artists in the late 1800s, Bergen has been known for its creative music scene. In modern times many bands, pop musicians, DJs and producers have emerged from the music scene in Bergen. Many of them have had great international success; Røyksopp, Immortal, Gorgoroth, Annie, Kygo, Aurora, Alan Walker and Sigrid. They all started their career in Bergen.
