Bergen Expat Guide

Bergen was founded in 1070 as Bjørgvin by King Olaf III Haraldsson. For centuries, Bergen played a critical role in Norway as a trade centre where commodities such as fish, fur, manufactured goods and grain were traded. In the Middle Ages Bergen was a member of the Hanseatic League and Norway’s capital. The great heritage from this period is still well preserved in the beautiful wooden buildings of Bryggen that are now classified as Unesco World Heritage site.

Over the centuries following various political, social and economic changes to what is now Norway, Bergen too has become the second largest city in the country. The city is located in the Southwestern part of Norway on a peninsula overlooking a Fjord an inlet and harbour of Vagen on the North. Typically, Bergen just like the rest of Norway has a lot of water surfaces within its boundaries. The city is also surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords. 

Housing in Bergen City 

One important thing you will really be concerned about getting in Bergen is an accommodation. You can always get a variety of accommodation which meet your housing needs as a student, family or single person in Bergen. As a student in Bergen, you can always seek out help about accommodation from SAMMEN which manages over 4000 accommodation units.

The rooms being by SAMMEN are either single or double. The houses have proper facilities such as shared bathrooms and kitchens. As a student, having such accommodation assures your of convenience due to their strategic location closer to campuses and leisure places. There are accommodations for students including those on Exchange programs, Self-financed and those in collaboration programs with a minimum duration of 1 semester.

As someone with a family in Beregen who is interested in Multi family homes for sale in Bergen County, you can be sure to find one that fits you. In Bergen, 1-4 family homes are residential  but more than 4 units are commercial real estate. 

Jobs in Bergen 

In Bergen, you will be able to get different jobs based on your interests, qualifications and availability. The primary industries that employ in Bergen include the seafood, tourism, media and culture. The annual Nordic Media Festival is a typical example of a major seasonal employing events in Norway. Filmmaking is another important industry that employs in Bergen. The fantastic films used the beautiful fjords as settings. 

To get a job in Bergen, it is good to always check out the local newspapers including Bergens Tidende and Bergensavisen. These newspapers advertise job vacancies. Some other useful websites and recruitment agencies online in Bergen include Manpower, Finn and Kelly Services. In addition, Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration gathers and publishes all available jobs across Norway. You can always filter out the jobs within your location in Bergen. 

Attractions in Bergen 

If you have ever longed to experience the delight and breath-taking attractions of Norway then Bergen is the right place for you. The city not only has great historical attractions but also fascinating culture, art and architectural designs. In Bergen you will enjoy the more than sixty different attractions such as Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Bergen Aqaurium or the famous Fish Market. You will be able to spot some of the eye catching attractions of Bryggen  which made it receive a recognition by UNESCO and listed as a World Heritage.

To say the least, Bryggen has a lot to offer you as a first time or even returning visitor in Bergen. The Bergenhus Fortress, cafés, restaurants and shops will thrill you and likely make you enjoy life in Bergen city. If you like to see great artwork and other well-kept artefacts in the galleries then you will have to visit 

During the summer you can take a shuttle bus from the popular Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene,  and Norwegian Fisheries Museum.  The great buildings in the city which provide a perfect reconnection with the history of Norway gives it a beautiful setting. For instance, the building hosting the Norwegian Fisheries Museum will provoke you into wanting to know more about the rich history of the city.  

Shopping in Bergen 

In Bergen, there are various fashionable shopping malls packed with an assortment of franchise that you will like. Some of these shopping malls which will provide you with items to purchase at any time in Bergen include Kløverhuset, Galleriet and Bergen Storsenter.  There are various other shopping a short drive outside of Bergen.  You can also visit Laguneparken which is the biggest shopping mall in the Bergen region that has more than 50 fashion stores and 160 connected shops.