Bergen is the second largest city in Norway with a population approaching 300,000. It was founded in 1070 by the son of Harald Hardrade, four years after the battle of Stamford Bridge, which immediately preceded the Battle of Hastings and resulted in the Vikings being thrown out of England. Bergen became an important trading centre and capital of Norway until the early 1300s. The Bergenhus Fortress dates from 1240. It’s main trade was dried fish which it exported as part of the Hanseatic League.
Bergen’s old quayside, Bryggen is a UNESCO World Herritage Site despite being rebuilt many times due to fires.
In World War II, Bergen was occupied by the Germans from 9 April 1940.
It is a thriving city inspite of reputedly being Europe’s wettest city with over 300 days of rain per year. We started our 11 night Norweigan trip in Bergen with, surprisingly, three dry (but cold) days.
Shilli-Fully Travels 