Lille Lungegårdsvannet (Lake Lungegard), Bergen

Lake Lungegard (Lille Lungegårdsvannet) is a small yet prominent lake situated in the heart of Bergen. Spanning an area of just 5 acres, this octagonal lake is enveloped by the urban landscape of the city and is a natural water body, historically linked to the larger Store Lungegårdsvannet Bay. The lake's connection to the bay was physically cut off in 1926 when the strait that linked them was filled in and replaced by an underground culvert system. This modification allows tidal fluctuations to influence the lake's water level, maintaining a subtle dynamic connection to its maritime origins.

The lake today is central to a city park and features a prominent decorative fountain, adding aesthetic value and serving as a focal point for visitors and locals alike. Over the years, the lake underwent significant transformations primarily due to urban expansion. Originally much larger, Lake Lungegard was systematically reduced in size through land reclamation efforts, where fill material was added around its edges. These modifications not only shrank the lake but also reshaped it into its current octagonal form, which was finalized by the mid-20th century.

The lake's historical and contemporary significance, coupled with its picturesque setting in a bustling city environment, makes it a cherished landmark in Bergen, reflecting both the city’s natural beauty and its urban development trajectory.