The city of Bergen
Bergen was founded as a city more than nine hundred years ago, primarily because its natural port made the area a focal point between the mountains, the fjord, and the island archipelago.The following decades it grew to an increasingly commercialised shipping and industrial centre, a development that continued throughout the Middle Ages. In the 12th century Bergen developed into Norway's economic centre for international trade, mainly exporting fish and importing grain.
In the 14th century Hanseatic merchants from continental Europe set their eyes on the Norwegian town in the north and established one of their four most important centres for trade here. The Hanseatic merchants held their offices at Bergen wharf and through decades strongly influenced the unique architecture found in the famous harbour front "Bryggen" today. 
Nearly 900 years later, the architecture still stands tall and picturesque, as a symbolic reminder of Bergen's early maritime roots. The exceptional wooden buildings have been added to UNESCO's world heritage list of historical and cultural sites, and in 2000 the city itself was selected as one of the cultural sites in Europe. Today Bergen has dedicated the Hanseatic museum to this historic site, and even today Bergen's long maritime history is being rediscovered as archaeologists continue to unearth new historical findings beneath the city structure.
More about Bergen
About Norway
The Kingdom of Norway is a seafaring nation, with the fifth largest merchant fleet in the world. Fisheries, shipping and the oil and gas industry are main sources for the country's GNP, while maritime transport represents nearly 90 per cent exports and 75 per cent of imports.
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A maritime city
Bergen has a long history when it comes to shipping and has an active shipping, shipbuilding and ship repair industry. In 2006 the shipbuilding yard industry in Norway recorded an all time high number of shipbuilding orders of 80 new ships. In 2007 the industry has been contracted to build another 70 ships. Compared to previous years these numbers indicate a rise in ship building activities. This development is also evident in Bergen, which based on the volume of goods is the largest shipping harbour in the country. In 2005 the city had close to 25.000 shipping arrivals, while more than 74.000.000 tons of goods passed through the city ports the same year. Today, the port of Bergen is the third largest port in Europe, in terms of cargo handled. Oil and oil products account for approximately 90 per cent of the total volume. With numerous domestic and international air connections and a compact city centre, surrounded by beautiful, unspoiled scenery, Bergen is indeed well equipped for conference guests. The city is regarded as an international congress city, with major conferences following one after the other.
Gateway to the fjords
In our time Bergen remains one of the largest maritime centres in Europe. Nearly 200 cruise ships and 120.000 passengers visit Bergen each year, making it the leading cruise port in Norway, and the third largest cruise harbour in Europe. 
The fjords are Scandinavia's tourist attraction number one, and Bergen opens the door to the ultimate fjord experience. It is one of the reasons why the city is one of Europe's most visited cruise ship harbours. The Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten) is a popular way to experience the dramatic coastal scenery, calling on 35 ports along the Norwegian coastline towards the High North. The trip from Bergen to the northern point of Kirkenes near the Arctic takes 11 days. During the summer months you can experience the midnight sun, while the northern areas are known for the dancing Northern Lights in the winter period.
The city of Bergen is also often referred to as the gateway to the fjords, the unique natural sites where visitors can experience beautiful scenery, clean air and waters and the tranquillity of nature. The fjords were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 2005, and in 2006 National Geographic Magazine ranked the West Norwegian Fjords Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord as the world's best-managed World Heritage Site. These particular fjords are only a few hours away from Bergen city centre.
More about the Fjord experience
VTS 2008 proceedings
