Location

Since the Middle Ages, Bergen has held a special status in Norway as a city of international character. Founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre, Bergen’s value as a trading port was first recognized in the 13th century when German merchants sought trade agreements with Norway. Three centuries later, after the development of the Hanseatic League, Bergen became one of the four principal ports of northern Europe and a lively center for commerce.

The name “Bergen” is derived from the Old Norse “Bjørgrin,” literally, “the meadow among the mountains.” Dramatically situated between the mountains and the sea, Bergen is relatively isolated from other parts of the country, and for centuries the mountains were an effective barrier against travel to Oslo and the eastern part of the country. The sea thus became the main thoroughfare, and the city became a major maritime center. The city’s cultural heyday came in the 19th century when Ibsen, Ole Bull, and Grieg brought acclaim to this northern corner of Europe.

Today, the city is readily accessible not only by sea, but also by road, air, and rail. The train ride between Bergen and Oslo offers spectacular views of the Norwegian landscape: fertile valleys, mountain plateaus with snowcapped peaks and the fjord country of western Norway. Bergen is a thriving center of modern commerce, shipping, banking and culture. With its fresh green parks, open squares, tree-lined lakes, and colorful streets and piers, Bergen is considered by many to be the most charming and picturesque city in Norway. The annual international music festival honoring Norway’s great composer, Edvard Grieg, as well as many other cultural galas, museums, and research and educational institutions, continue to attract visitors to this fascinating city.

The University of Bergen (UiB) evolved from the Bergen Museum, which was established in 1825. The University officially opened in 1946 and is now the second largest of Norway’s six universities with a student body of approximately 16,000. The university boasts more than 160 student organizations, societies and clubs. The university has three “centers of excellence” in research: climate research, petroleum research, and medieval studies.

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