DOCK IT!

Picture perfect! It might sound trite but that's the phrase that best encapsulates what Bryggen, the 12th century historic harbour district in Bergen (Norway), is all about. With the waterfront and the hills behind framing it, Bryggen is like an unfolding once- upon-a-time story and truly deserves to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  

That feeling of going to a place of wonder begins right from the flight from the island of Bornholm in Denmark itself. Spread out below is the stunning theatre of nature with the myriad shades of blue water, occasional snow streaked rugged hills and gradually the fjords that pop up here and there which, initially look like giant uneven moss beds. You instinctively feel the sense of nearing a crescendo and like all classical renderings there is no disappointment.

 

From the 12th century to now Bryggen brings alive the Bard's 'age cannot wither her, no custom stale, Her infinite variety' despite the number of fires over the centuries. After every fire, Bryggen was rebuilt as per the original structure and plan. The why and how of Bryggen is equally interesting. It all started with the Hanseatic League, the German commercial confederation of market guilds and market towns that originated in North German towns in the early 12 the century and went on to dominate Baltic Maritime trade for three centuries along the coast of Northern Europe.  In 1350 the Hanseatic League established an office in Bergen and went on to acquire ownership of Bryggen. Of the four overseas offices that the League set up, the only preserved till today is Bryggen. 

 

If the iconic waterfront Bryggen facade with its tall and slim gabled wooden houses is a stop-and-stare in awe scene, what lies behind it is more than captivating. It is actually like stepping into a medieval world with its rows of two-three storeys historic houses, intriguing alleys and much more. Sure, there the shops, cafes, galleries and studios but all housed in the centuries old timber  structures. At one time there must have been more of the buildings and houses but the fires over the ages claimed its pounds and presently there are 62 buildings still intact. Bryggen was basically a township of bachelor German merchants who were said to have their residences on the top floors with the lower ones  functioning as individual or collective storehouses. An architect or historian could best describe the layout and the constructions but to a layman it is an enchanting little world that no one could tire of. The artist studios, the potters, jeweller, leather craftsmen all add to the charm. There is also a Hanseatic museum but it was just our bad luck that it was undergoing renovation then.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no getting enough of the charming heritage quarter of Bergen. One way of saying bye to the medieval beauty is to slip in one of the quaint cafes and raise a toast and say Prost! Just the way the Hanseatic league members did.