Bryggen: The Historic Heart of Bergen

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeHa det bra
  [ha de bra]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVær så god
  [ver so good]
• Thank youTakk
  [tak]
• Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld
  [oons-kuld]
• How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vorr-dan har du deh]
• Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?
  [bra oh du]
• Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?
  [snak-ker du engelsk]
• I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yay for-stor ee-neh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, takk
  [yay vill yern-eh se meh-nyen, tak]
• I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt
  [yay spee-ser ee-neh chyut]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, takk
  [yay vill yern-eh beh-tah-le, tak]

• Help!Hjelp!
  [yelp]
• Go away!Gå bort!
  [goh bort]
• Call the Police!Ring politiet!
  [ring poh-lee-tee-eh]
• Call a doctor!Ring en lege!
  [ring en leh-geh]
• I'm lostJeg har gått meg vill
  [yay har goht may vill]
• I'm illJeg er syk
  [yay air sook]

• I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...
  [yay vill kyo-peh]
• I'm just lookingJeg bare ser
  [yay bah-reh ser]
• How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?
  [vorr me-eh kost-er deh]
• That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deh er for deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?
  [kan du sen-keh pre-sen]

• What time is it?Hva er klokka?
  [vah er klok-ka]
• It's one o'clockKlokken er ett
  [klok-ken er ett]
• Half past (10)Halv ti
  [halv tee]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonEttermiddag
  [et-ter-mee-dag]
• EveningKveld
  [kveld]
• YesterdayI går
  [ee gor]
• TodayI dag
  [ee dawg]
• TomorrowI morgen
  [ee mor-gen]
• 1En
  [en]
• 2To
  [too]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
• 5Fem
  [fem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Sju
  [shoo]
• 8Åtte
  [ot-teh]
• 9Ni
  [nee]
• 10Ti
  [tee]

• Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/et...?
  [vorr air en/et]
• What's the address?Hva er adressen?
  [vah er ad-dress-en]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?
  [kan du vee-se meh (poh kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?
  [norr gor nes-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)
  [en bee-let (teel)]

Bryggen, also known as the Hanseatic Wharf, was established in the 14th century. It became a major trading hub for the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. The German merchants who settled here built the iconic wooden buildings that line the waterfront, many of which still stand today, reflecting the architectural style and cultural influences of the time.

One of the most significant events in Bryggen's history was the Great Fire of 1702, which devastated much of the area. The fire consumed nearly 90% of the wooden buildings, leaving the wharf in ruins. Despite this disaster, the residents of Bergen showed remarkable resilience, and the area was swiftly rebuilt following the original medieval urban plan, preserving its historic charm.

Throughout the centuries, Bryggen remained a vital center for maritime trade. It served as a bustling hub for the exchange of fish, particularly stockfish, which was traded for grain and other goods from Europe. This trade was pivotal in establishing Bergen as one of Norway's most important cities and maintained Bryggen's economic significance well into the modern era.

In 1979, Bryggen was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its unique historical and cultural significance. This designation has helped to preserve and protect the area, ensuring that the wooden buildings and narrow alleyways continue to tell the story of Bergen's rich trading past. Today, Bryggen stands as a living museum, attracting visitors from around the world.

Excavations in Bryggen have unearthed a wealth of archaeological finds, including medieval artifacts such as tools, ceramics, and everyday items. These discoveries have provided valuable insights into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked in Bryggen over the centuries. The Bryggens Museum, located in the area, showcases many of these artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Beyond its historical significance, Bryggen has evolved into a vibrant cultural and artistic hub. The area is home to numerous galleries, artisan shops, and traditional crafts. This blend of history and modern creativity makes Bryggen a dynamic destination, where visitors can experience both the legacy of the Hanseatic merchants and the contemporary cultural scene.

Bryggen is located in Bergen, Norway. The nearest airport is Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO), which is about 20 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take the Airport Express Bus (Flybussen) which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen), which also connects the airport to the city center in about 45 minutes.

Bergen has an efficient public transport system that includes buses, light rail, and ferries. The Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) is a convenient way to get around the city, particularly from the airport to the city center. Buses are frequent and cover most areas of the city. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. For those who prefer to explore on foot, Bryggen itself is pedestrian-friendly.

The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout Bergen. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of system outages.

Bergen is generally a very safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to stay vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and always stay aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but general caution is advised.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Bergen has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Haukeland University Hospital, which is the largest in the region. Pharmacies are plentiful and usually open during standard business hours. For non-urgent medical needs, you can visit a local pharmacy or a medical clinic.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather. Avoid overly casual attire in nicer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, although Norway is quite secular. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new flavors. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Bryggen like a local, visit the local fish market (Fisketorget) where you can sample fresh seafood. Spend time walking through the narrow alleyways of Bryggen to discover hidden shops and cafes. Engage with locals who are known for their friendliness and willingness to share stories about the area's rich history. Don't miss the opportunity to take a fjord tour, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.