Feel the whispers of the Hanseatic league – an important part of Bergen’s history

Feel the whispers of the Hanseatic league – an important part of Bergen’s history

Join our experienced guides for a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen while learning about the Hanseatic league and the impact they had on the trade in Bergen.

In the heart of Bryggen, you find the iconic wooden house Midthuset. Used as an assembly room during the 400 years of the Hanseatic league, the charming house is situated in the passageway between two tenements Inside you find a cute shop, a small library with relevant historical books, and an exhibition introducing you to the Hanseatic league.

“Midthuset”

Photo: Sølvi Vik, Museum Vest

THE HANSEATIC EXPERIENCE

“Midthuset” is the perfect spot to start your Hanseatic experience. Join one of the guided tours taking you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen. The narrow passages between the tenements run parallel to the docks and the tour ends at the unique Hanseatic assembly rooms, Schøtstuene.

The guided tours are offered in different languages in the summer months.

THE HISTORIC ASSEMBLY ROOMS

The buildings of Schøtstuene are original, reconstructed and copies of the assembly rooms used by The Hanseatic League. With a community consisting of nearly 2000 men (and men only!), these merchants played a very important role in the international stock fish trade.

The Hanseatic league lived and worked in Bergen for over 300 years. The living quarters at Bryggen, currently closed for restoration, is also where they stocked the dried fish.

The assembly rooms were the only place where the Hanseatic could have open fire.

Very understandable as the danger of fire was imminent and all the houses were made of wood! Therefore, hot meals could only be prepared and eaten here. In the assembly rooms they also had game nights, their court room and their school.

A TIME TRAVEL THROUGH HISTORY

Walking through these historic buildings, you really get the feeling of how it was living here hundreds of years ago. Can you feel their presence, smell the salt from the sea and perhaps a hint of the stock fish?

Bredsgaarden, Bryggen.

Photo by Ander Beer Wilse, UiB Brosings samling.

Bryggen and the Hanseatic Warf is one of Bergen's and Norway's main attractions.

Book your Hanseatic Experience today! ▗

For more information visit www.museumvest.no