“For we know we’re homeward bound, hurrah, we’re homeward bound”

“For we know we’re homeward bound, hurrah, we’re homeward bound”

– The shanty song resounds between Bergen’s seven mountains as the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl returns home – locals hurry to the harbour and watch proudly as the old school ships docks.

Statsraad Lemkuhl is one of many ships that constitutes an important piece of Bergen’s rich maritime history. Ever since the founding of the city, life and work has been centred around the sea.

The Bergen Maritime Museum, located at the university campus, presents Bergen’s maritime history – only a short walk from the Fish Market.

An historic timeline leads the way though the museum, starting with the Viking era. A true highlight is the remains and a model of the Viking battleship from Kvalsund dating back to the year 700 A.D. The ship was found broken in a marsh at Kvalsund, western Norway in 1920. The archaeologist working on the project was no other than Haakon Shetelig, whose name is now reflected on the street sign outside the museum.

In the museums department showing our oldest seafaring, you can see models of famous, Norwegian Viking ship founds. Here the Oseberg ship.

Photo by Bergen Maritime Museum.

IMPORTANT COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT

Continuing the timeline, we approach the era of the steamers and later commercial passenger routes. For Norway, with its long coastline and challenging weather, the many boats and ships sailing along the coast have been a lifeline, from port to port – south to north. Standing out is Hurtigruten, the Costal Express: These passenger and cargo ships depart from Bergen and sail along the coast from Bergen to Kirkenes, carrying medicine, food and supplies. Starting up in 1893, this route is still active with daily departures from Bergen. Most famous to tourists, Hurtigruten is a way to see Norway’s beautiful coastline, and may be enjoyed as an 11 day round trip. At the museum you can see the original 1st class “smoking lounge” from Hurtigruten’s ship Finmarken dating back to 1912. A sense of luxury guaranteed!

PROUD TALL SHIPS

The tall ships have played an important part in the history of the city, making Bergen a thriving city, filled with merchants, seamen and sailors from all over Europe! At the museum you can enter the original deckhouse of Bergen’s most famous tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. You can also have a peek at the radio room and pilot cabin!

Cadets at the school ship Stasraad Lehmkuhl (built 1914), on a trip to USA 1952.

Photo by Leif Aagaard/Bergen Maritime Museum.

WORLD WAR II

Most European countries were hit hard by World War II, and Norway was no exception suffering under the German occupation.

At the time, Norway was one of the world’s leading shipping nations, and at the museum you are given an insight into life at sea during war time, World War II in particular. Original film footage, rescue equipment, objects and propaganda material make the reality of war more palpable

RELAX ON DECK!

The experience at the Maritime Museum is not over until you get the true ship-feeling at the museums promenade deck. Sit down and relax in one of the deck chairs, as you enjoy the view of the busy and modern harbour below. ▗

Enjoy the view of the harbour from the museums promenade deck, with or without a telescope.

Photo by Silje Robinson/ Bergen Maritime Museum

For more information visit www.museumvest.no