30/07/2010

                 
                           
     

Norway's second largest city with a population of around 200,000, Bergen is a destination of architectural, historical and natural fascination. The city lies facing the sea with a dramatic backdrop of seven hills. Some 50,000 tourists visit Bergen annually, attracted by the beauty of the region and the accessibility of Norway's spectacular fjords. Bergen's port has throughout its history been crucial to the city's prosperity - and even the very survival of its people. In 1702, when a fire swept through the wooden houses of the then village of Bergen, the sea provided an escape route for thousands.
Bergen was founded as Norway's capital in the 11th Century by King Olav Kyrre and its high status remained until the 13th Century when the powerful Lubeck Hanseatic League made the 'Bryggen' quarter into a German ghetto, contained by a barrier and with special localised rules which gave great favour - and power - to the merchant classes. German dominance remained for 400 years, eventually being replaced by the Danes, and then the Swedes, until Norway gained peaceful independence in 1905. Only four houses remain from the days of the Hanseatic League, although the area of the former ghetto is the financial centre of the city.
One of Bergen's most illustrious sons was the composer Edvard Grieg, whose life and work is celebrated in his former home Troldhaugen. The contemporary cultural life of Bergen is also thriving and the city was selected as one of the Cultural Cities of Europe for the year 2000. Architecturally, Bergen has much to offer. Of particular note is the stone-built 12th Century St Mary Church. The Hanseatic Museum in the centre of Bergen near the Fish Market is one of the city's best-preserved wooden buildings. The wooden Fantoft Stave Church is another structure of particular fascination. The original church, which also dates to the 12th Century, was destroyed by fire in 1992 and the present structure is a faithful restoration.
Norway has much to offer souvenir hunters, including high quality hand-made glassware and china. Pewter items are particularly popular and have the distinctive feature of being lead-free. Other Norwegian specialities include jewellery made from the national semi-precious stone thulite, and woollen clothing. Among the culinary specialities of Norway are smoked salmon dishes called lads, and pickled herring.

Photos divided by days and topics/places in slideshow. To view just click on the desired presentation. You can access the gallery complete with 2 "clicks" on the presentation and then also comment on the photos may also make a contribution to add / correct any information of theme, sometimes we can't "absorb" into words all that the image represents. 

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Bergen: Arrival

Bergen: Arrival (Video)

 
     

 
           
     

Flĝibanen

City Tour

 
     

 
           
     

Floibanen and View of Bryggen

Fantoft Stave Church

 
     

 
           
     

Bryggen

Bryggen (Video)

 
     

 
           
     

Panoramic View from the Ship

Panoramic View from the Ship (Video)

 
     

 
           
     

Show: I Have A Dream

Taurus Restaurant: Gala Night

 
     

 
           
                           
                           
       

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