Bryggen is a historic harbour district in Bergen, one of North Europe’s oldest port cities on the west coast of Norway, which was established as a centre for trade by the 12th century. In 1350 the Hanseatic League established a “Hanseatic Office” in Bergen. They gradually acquired ownership of Bryggen and controlled the trade in stockfish mostly from the Lofoten in Northern Norway through privileges granted by the Crown.
The Hanseatic League established a total of four overseas Hanseatic Offices, Bryggen being the only one preserved today.
Though burnt down almost entirely in 1702, Bryggen was quickly rebuilt in 1704 and many trading houses survive after further rebuilding and restoration to this day well deserving their recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To find out more, click here.