Stunningly beautiful Bergen is the ideal combination of nature, culture and exciting urban life, and is also the gateway to Norway’s fjords. Since King Olav Kyrre founded the city in 1070, Bergen has attracted people from all over the world. The city's history has been marked by numerous great fires, and what remains of the Bryggen, its old inner harbor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the colorful setting for one of Norway’s most popular postcard views.
Bergen is a cultural melting pot, with concerts, international festivals and museums of all kinds. The renowned Hanseatic Museum and Gamlehaugen Mansion, the residence of the Norwegian Royal Family, are two of the many highlights. Den Nationale Scene Theater is one of the oldest in Norway, while beautiful Christ Church Cathedral, built by King Olav Kyrre in 1066, has been the site of numerous royal coronations and burials. The Bergenhus fortress, built in 1240, is situated at the harbor entrance and is one of the oldest and best-preserved stone fortifications in Norway.