![Kjottbasaren Market (Meat Bazaar), Bergen](/img/gd_attr/30535.jpg)
Kjottbasaren Market (Meat Bazaar), Bergen
The Meat Bazaar (Kjottbasaren), Bergen's historic meat market, is an architectural and cultural gem founded in 1872. Located on Vetrlidsallmenningen, this ornate gabled brick building with a crenelated roof stands as a testament to the city's rich history and vibrant market culture. Originally designed by architect Conrad Fredrik von der Lippe in a neo-Romanesque style, the market has served as a hub for local food trade for over a century.
The Meat Bazaar in Bergen originated in the late 18th century when butchers in Skuteviken set up "meat huts" on Kjødtorvet to keep the city center clean. These simple stalls were established around 1776, offering a designated space for meat trade away from homes. Eventually, in 1877, the Meat Bazaar was constructed, featuring 44 sales stalls and 27 cellar stalls, becoming a unique establishment in Norway.
Today, the Meat Bazaar is a bustling food emporium offering a diverse array of products. Shoppers can find chocolates, cheeses, meats, cakes, breads, and souvenirs amidst the charming stalls. The market, restored in 1990, retains its historical ambiance while accommodating contemporary needs. Visitors can shop and dine, with several restaurants on the first floor and additional stalls and shops above. Weather permitting, tables and chairs are set up outside the café/restaurant, providing a pleasant dining experience—though diners should be mindful of the wind direction to avoid the fishy smells wafting from the nearby Fish Market.
The Meat Bazaar not only serves as a marketplace but also as a cultural landmark that encapsulates Bergen's historical progression and architectural heritage. Its establishment marked a significant improvement in market regulation, hygiene, and trade practices, influencing the urban development of the city. The building's architectural style and subsequent renovations highlight the evolving needs and tastes of Bergen's populace over the years.
The Meat Bazaar in Bergen originated in the late 18th century when butchers in Skuteviken set up "meat huts" on Kjødtorvet to keep the city center clean. These simple stalls were established around 1776, offering a designated space for meat trade away from homes. Eventually, in 1877, the Meat Bazaar was constructed, featuring 44 sales stalls and 27 cellar stalls, becoming a unique establishment in Norway.
Today, the Meat Bazaar is a bustling food emporium offering a diverse array of products. Shoppers can find chocolates, cheeses, meats, cakes, breads, and souvenirs amidst the charming stalls. The market, restored in 1990, retains its historical ambiance while accommodating contemporary needs. Visitors can shop and dine, with several restaurants on the first floor and additional stalls and shops above. Weather permitting, tables and chairs are set up outside the café/restaurant, providing a pleasant dining experience—though diners should be mindful of the wind direction to avoid the fishy smells wafting from the nearby Fish Market.
The Meat Bazaar not only serves as a marketplace but also as a cultural landmark that encapsulates Bergen's historical progression and architectural heritage. Its establishment marked a significant improvement in market regulation, hygiene, and trade practices, influencing the urban development of the city. The building's architectural style and subsequent renovations highlight the evolving needs and tastes of Bergen's populace over the years.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Kjottbasaren Market (Meat Bazaar) on Map
Sight Name: Kjottbasaren Market (Meat Bazaar)
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bergen, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Bergen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergen Shopping Tour
For centuries, since its establishment in the 1020s, Bergen has been an important commercial hub. As such, it is probably one of the oldest shopping destinations in Northern Europe. Today, Bergen features a variety of shops and markets scattered throughout the city.
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Bergen's Architectural Jewels
Surprising as it may appear, but the seemingly small city of Bergen for centuries had been the largest in all of the Nordic countries. It also remained so for Norway until the 1830s. Apart from being the country's former capital (back in the 13th century), Bergen is well-known primarily for its astoundingly beautiful cityscape, formed by the backdrop of mountains and serene waterfront, much... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Bergen Introduction Walking Tour
It is a wonder Bergen has had so many fires in its history, considering it has averaged 200 days a year of rain. So, why the fires?
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles