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History of Bergen

Bergen is a city and municipality in Hordaland country on the western coast of Norway, sorrounded by the seven mountains. It's often referenced to the capital of Vestlandet (the western region in Norway). 

The city of Bergen was founded in 1070 AD by the king of Norway, Olav Kyrre. During his period Bergen flourished. The King buildt a wooden churc, along with a bigger stone churc and named Bergen the bishopric of western Norway. The next King, Øystein, buildt three new churces next to the two first churces and moved the kingship and the capitol to Bergen. The reason for this was the flourishing trade from foreign trade cities, but was replaced by Oslo in 1299. During this period Bergen became a weaker city, and the trade diminished. During the 1500’s the city came back to life and the trade from abroad resumed. Immigration from Europe came with the trade, and once again Bergen flourished. When the industrial revolution began, Bergen took lead in seafare with the new steam ships. This countinued, fish and wood became a big export trade. Which became the foundation for Bergen’s further growth. After WWI Bergen was hit by a financial crisis, closed factories, laid-up ships and a big city fire in 1916. The city was rebuildt, but WWII influcted the same damages. These damages was bigger in Bergen than any other city in Norway, which also included the number of killled.

Today Bergen is the geographical centre of Norway and the second largest city. It is filled with history and traditions. It is surrounded by mountains and is called ‘The city between the seven mountains’. Bergen is a fast growing modern city with one of  Europe’s largest harbours, known for its oil export facilities. It is the port with largest merchant fleet in Scandinavia. It also houses the main base of the Norwegian Navy. Tourism is also important. Flesland Airport, Bergen is the second busiest airport in Norway and Bergen is known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. It is the home harbour for the famous Hurtigruten, whose passenger ships leave Bergen daily for an eleven day round trip along the coast to Kirkenes near the Russian border and back. Bergen is also Norway´s most important cruise ship destination. Bergen is the seat of the county of Hordaland and of the bishop of Bjorgvin, and has its own opera and theatre. It is also the city of the University of Bergen founded in 1946. It was originally based on the Bergen Museum where research had been going on since 1825. There are now some 14.000 students at the University. In addition there are several colleges with ca. 10.000 students, including the Norwegian College of Business Administration.

Today new suburbs are growing on the other side of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. They are connected to the city centre by several road and train tunnels. Also some of the islands west of Bergen are connected to the mainland by large bridges and a fjord north of the city is crossed by a mile long floating bridge. Bergen is considered Norway´s most international city. Surnames of German, Dutch and Scottish origin are plentiful, many originating from the Hanseatic era. The population of Bergen is now 265.000 and growing rapidly. In the metropolitan area the population is ca. 390.000.