Bergen Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Bergen
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 of stalls and outlets selling local delicacies, artisanal products, and handicrafts. The market's charming atmosphere and selection of goods make it a must-visit for those seeking authentic Norwegian merchandise.
Another iconic spot is the Fish Market, situated along the picturesque waterfront. Here, visitors can sample fresh seafood straight from the North Sea while browsing stalls offering a range of fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies. The lively atmosphere and stunning views make the Fish Market a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
For those interested in more mainstream shopping, Torgallmenningen Square is the place to be. This square is home to numerous shops, boutiques, and department stores, offering everything from high-end fashion to local souvenirs. Visitors can wander through the pedestrian-friendly area and explore a diverse range of shopping options.
And of course, one of the city's most charming destinations for shopping is Kong Oscars Street. Lined with quaint boutiques, cafes, and specialty stores, this street exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Here, visitors can admire the historic architecture while browsing for unique finds.
Norway may well be an expensive country, but it shouldn't deter you from checking out the shopping opportunities available in Bergen. The city offers a unique blend of traditional markets and modern shopping experiences that are sure to delight anyone. So, don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant local shopping scene and possibly take home a piece of Norwegian culture.
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety of stalls and outlets selling local delicacies, artisanal products, and handicrafts. The market's charming atmosphere and selection of goods make it a must-visit for those seeking authentic Norwegian merchandise.
Another iconic spot is the Fish Market, situated along the picturesque waterfront. Here, visitors can sample fresh seafood straight from the North Sea while browsing stalls offering a range of fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies. The lively atmosphere and stunning views make the Fish Market a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
For those interested in more mainstream shopping, Torgallmenningen Square is the place to be. This square is home to numerous shops, boutiques, and department stores, offering everything from high-end fashion to local souvenirs. Visitors can wander through the pedestrian-friendly area and explore a diverse range of shopping options.
And of course, one of the city's most charming destinations for shopping is Kong Oscars Street. Lined with quaint boutiques, cafes, and specialty stores, this street exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Here, visitors can admire the historic architecture while browsing for unique finds.
Norway may well be an expensive country, but it shouldn't deter you from checking out the shopping opportunities available in Bergen. The city offers a unique blend of traditional markets and modern shopping experiences that are sure to delight anyone. So, don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant local shopping scene and possibly take home a piece of Norwegian culture.
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Bergen Shopping Tour Map
Guide Name: Bergen Shopping Tour
Guide Location: Norway » Bergen (See other walking tours in Bergen)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 4
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Author: greghasleft
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Norway » Bergen (See other walking tours in Bergen)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 4
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Author: greghasleft
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Kjottbasaren Market (Meat Bazaar)
- Fish Market
- Torgallmenningen Square
- Kong Oscars Gate (King Oscars Street)
1) Kjottbasaren Market (Meat Bazaar)
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.
2) Fish Market (must see)
Nestling between the fjords and the seven mountains of Bergen, is the city's Fish Market. Besides fish and seafood, the market offers local farm products and fruit and vegetables. The restaurants, no surprise, sell a plentiful amount of seafood. The indoor market is open all year. The outdoor market opens in May for the summer.
The Fish Market has been in operation since 1200. It has always been a vital meeting place for fishermen, farmers, merchants and citizens. Fish are sold not only from shops in the Market, but also directly from boats at the quay.
The Fish Market was not always at the same location. The original market was next to Bryggen in the Nikolaikirkeallmanning. With the arrival of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, the city became distinctly Germanic. In 1541 it was proposed strongly to move the market to keep the market free of Hanseatic influence.
Finally, in 1556 the Market was successfully moved to Vagen. The Market was then the central trading area of Bergen. In 2012 the indoor Fish Market was opened. The shops inside became permanent and business proceeded all year. The Market is now located at the inner harbor of Bergen, in the center of the city, easy to find.
Norway has a long convoluted coastline, stretching all the way to the Arctic. The fishing industry is extremely important to the local economy. Bergen is the the most active harbor in Norway with a busy and colorful fish market. It should not be missed.
Why You Should Visit:
"Why the fish alone are with the trip!"
The Fish Market has been in operation since 1200. It has always been a vital meeting place for fishermen, farmers, merchants and citizens. Fish are sold not only from shops in the Market, but also directly from boats at the quay.
The Fish Market was not always at the same location. The original market was next to Bryggen in the Nikolaikirkeallmanning. With the arrival of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century, the city became distinctly Germanic. In 1541 it was proposed strongly to move the market to keep the market free of Hanseatic influence.
Finally, in 1556 the Market was successfully moved to Vagen. The Market was then the central trading area of Bergen. In 2012 the indoor Fish Market was opened. The shops inside became permanent and business proceeded all year. The Market is now located at the inner harbor of Bergen, in the center of the city, easy to find.
Norway has a long convoluted coastline, stretching all the way to the Arctic. The fishing industry is extremely important to the local economy. Bergen is the the most active harbor in Norway with a busy and colorful fish market. It should not be missed.
Why You Should Visit:
"Why the fish alone are with the trip!"
3) Torgallmenningen Square
The old days are not missed so much in Bergen, Norway. The city had a lot of wooden buildings, close together and narrow streets. Fires would break out with alarming regularity. Flames easily roared from one house to another, leaping across streets and engaging whole neighborhoods.
Something had to be done. The answer was "allmenninger", or rebuild vulnerable districts. Widen the streets and create squares between districts to stop the spread of fires. Torgallmenningen is Norway's "best designed town square."
It is near impossible to move around Bergen and not cross Torgallmenningen once or twice. Shops and malls line the square. Roofs of glass before the store facades protect shoppers from the all too frequent rains.
The Maritime Monument, with statues of Norwegian sea rovers, is at one end of the Square. These hardy sailors get no protection from the rain, but they don't mind. After all, it's only water.
"We'll meet at the blue Stone" is an expression often heard in Bergen, The Blue Stone is just that; a large blue stone that casts a spell. It is located at the intersection Of Torgallmenningen and Ole Busll Plass. It's a great place to meet.
Something had to be done. The answer was "allmenninger", or rebuild vulnerable districts. Widen the streets and create squares between districts to stop the spread of fires. Torgallmenningen is Norway's "best designed town square."
It is near impossible to move around Bergen and not cross Torgallmenningen once or twice. Shops and malls line the square. Roofs of glass before the store facades protect shoppers from the all too frequent rains.
The Maritime Monument, with statues of Norwegian sea rovers, is at one end of the Square. These hardy sailors get no protection from the rain, but they don't mind. After all, it's only water.
"We'll meet at the blue Stone" is an expression often heard in Bergen, The Blue Stone is just that; a large blue stone that casts a spell. It is located at the intersection Of Torgallmenningen and Ole Busll Plass. It's a great place to meet.
4) Kong Oscars Gate (King Oscars Street)
Named in honor of Oscar I, King of Norway and Sweden, in 1857. Prior to that date this street had a host of other names. It has been "shoemaker street", "tailor street", "hospital street", "Saint Jacobs street", "Potrgaden", and "Domkirkegaden."
The street is narrower than most others in Bergen. At the south-eastern end is the old city gate of Bergen. A number of significant buildings line the street. At No. 67 King Oscars Street is Zander Kaae's Foundation, built in the 18th century for a charity and now it rents rooms to students.
Saint Jorgen's Hospital was an 18th century leprosy hospital and now it is a leprosy museum. This is a sign that leprosy is down, an improvement, count your blessings. Next to the museum is Danekert Krohn's Foundation, another 18th century charity, this one for the elderly.
The street has its share of schools. There is Bergen katedralskole (cathedral school), one of three secondary schools on King Oscar Street. There are also Danielsen videregaende skole, and Tanks videregaende skole.
At the intersection of Lille Ovregate and Domkirkeplassen is Bergen Cathedral, a medieval church. Not far away is Holy Cross Church, also a medieval church.
A visit to King Oscars Street reveals a side of Bergen, hidden from ordinary sight. It is like a secret place, away from the chain shops and popular hang-outs. There are plenty shops and restaurants but they all have a personal style and charm that comes with the street.
The street is narrower than most others in Bergen. At the south-eastern end is the old city gate of Bergen. A number of significant buildings line the street. At No. 67 King Oscars Street is Zander Kaae's Foundation, built in the 18th century for a charity and now it rents rooms to students.
Saint Jorgen's Hospital was an 18th century leprosy hospital and now it is a leprosy museum. This is a sign that leprosy is down, an improvement, count your blessings. Next to the museum is Danekert Krohn's Foundation, another 18th century charity, this one for the elderly.
The street has its share of schools. There is Bergen katedralskole (cathedral school), one of three secondary schools on King Oscar Street. There are also Danielsen videregaende skole, and Tanks videregaende skole.
At the intersection of Lille Ovregate and Domkirkeplassen is Bergen Cathedral, a medieval church. Not far away is Holy Cross Church, also a medieval church.
A visit to King Oscars Street reveals a side of Bergen, hidden from ordinary sight. It is like a secret place, away from the chain shops and popular hang-outs. There are plenty shops and restaurants but they all have a personal style and charm that comes with the street.
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 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
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
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