Museums of Bergen
Bergen is one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations. Nestled between seven mountain and the fjords, Bergen is rich in both, natural beauty and history. The combination allows for some very interesting museums. I tried squeezing in as many as I could in the time I had in Bergen, and the following stayed with me long after the tour ended.
Bryggens Museum – I’ll be honest. I fell in love with the medieval district of Bryggen. So much so that I approved of anything associated with the place. And that includes the Bryggens Museum. Situated on the site of one of Bergen’s earliest settlements, this is your first in-depth introduction to the history of the region. On display are medieval artefacts uncovered during the Bryggen excavation project (1955-1972). This includes pottery, tools and domestic articles, human skeletal remains, and most interesting of all, the foundation of a 12th century building.
The Hanseatic Museum - The Hanseatic Museum is situated in one of the oldest building in Bergen. This was once the home of a Hanseatic merchant. The 1700s interiors from that time have been preserved to this day and the rooms are furnished in the style of the period. This museum allows for a fascinating peak into the regimented lives of the members of this influential league.
Gamle Bergen – Do you ever wonder what it would be like to go back in time and live the good life? The Gamle Bergen open air museum is your chance to experience just that, so what if it’s just for about twenty minutes. The exhibits comprise of forty reconstructed wooden structures from the 18th and early 19th century. You’ll find every aspect of early town life here, from a merchant’s lavish home, to a modest bakery, and even a seamstress’s quarters, all accurately and beautifully furnished.
The Edvard Grieg Museum – Bergen is a musical city and there are a number of lyrical museums here. The Edvard Grieg Museum was my introduction to Norway’s most famous composers. The museum is set in the house where he lived and composed for a greater part of his life. This 1885 structure and the surrounding grounds display mementos from his lifetime and his best works as well as his tomb. A number of public and private concerts are held here throughout the popular summer and autumn.
Bergen Museum – The Bergen Museum is a part of the University of Bergen. It is split into the wonderful cultural history collection and a natural history collection. While both are impressive, I drifted closer to the cultural history part of it. If you enjoy your Viking stories, you will too! Of course, the Vikings are only a small part of the offerings here. This museum is an excellent source of Norse and Scandinavian culture through the ages.
