Nygårdsparken (Nygård Park), Bergen

Nygård Park (Nygårdsparken) is the largest urban park in Bergen, spanning an impressive 172,896 square meters. Located adjacent to the University of Bergen, this park exemplifies the English landscape style and was officially opened in 1885. Renowned as Norway's finest example of such design, the park boasts a variety of mature trees, some of which date back to the park's inception.

The origins of Nygård Park can be traced back to 1880 when doctors Joachim Georg Wiesener and Klaus Hanssen founded the Nygaard Park Association. Their goal was to craft a green space evocative of the timeless charm of English gardens, a vision realized by the skilled Danish gardener, S. Lund Leiberg.

In 1898, the park was transformed into an exhibition area for the "Bergen Exhibition." During this event, visitors could explore a small zoo, a botanical garden, and exhibits from Nansen's polar expeditions. A notable feature was Wisbech & Meinich's "Panorama tower with electric elevator," which offered a novel experience as it was operated by what was likely Bergen's first elevator—an elevator attendant in uniform managed the lift.

Today, Nygård Park remains a significant green space in Bergen, reflecting both its historical legacy and its ongoing role in the community's urban life. The park serves as a vibrant gathering place, especially on pleasant days. It attracts a diverse crowd, including students who come to study, groups enjoying barbecues, sunbathers, cyclists, and more, making it a central hub of community and leisure activities in Bergen.