Bergen's Architectural Jewels (Self Guided), Bergen

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 as the architectural jewels scattered amid the rows of colorful higgledy-piggledy small wooden houses with triangular gables, cobbled streets and flowers everywhere.

Despite its somewhat dejected history of numerous fires, which over the years had burnt to ashes almost 90% of the city, today's Bergen is as picturesque as ever. Years of careful restoration have earned it the proud status of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Other than its world-famous, photogenic quayside Bryggen area, there are many other notable sights in Bergen well worthy of being on every architecture buff’s itinerary. Here are just some of them:

Bergenhus Fortress – former seat of the Norwegian royals; built on the ruins of an older bastion, Sverreborg, dated from the 1200s.

Haakon's Hall – a medieval Gothic structure, part of the Bergenhus complex; formerly a ceremonial hall.

St. Mary's Church – the Romanesque cathedral, oldest remaining building in Bergen, dating back to the 1130s.

Bergen Railway Station – a perfect example of the National Romantic architecture; erected in 1913.

Den Nationale Scene – Bergen's largest theatre; housed in the Art Nouveau edifice of 1909.

If you wish to explore these and other architecturally unique buildings in Bergen more closely, take this self-guided walking tour.