Port of Bergen to help preserve historic Bryggen sitePort of Bergen to help preserve historic Bryggen site

Bryggen, bursting with coloured wooden buildings, is one of Bergen's and Norway's main attractions. Bryggen was built after the great fire in 1702 and is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Passenger tax

The port will contribute NKr2 (€0.19) out of the existing passenger tax for each passenger visiting the city. The funds will be managed and allocated by the Foundation, according to the latest Cruise Europe news letter.

‘This is a welcome contribution, which will be earmarked for fire protection and upgrading of infrastructure. There is a pressing need to upgrade the sprinkler system, and it is crucial that work on a comprehensive lighting plan for Bryggen gets underway,’ says Bernt-Havard Oyen, director Stiftelsen Bryggen. 'We are pleased to see Port of Bergen demonstrating great social responsibility and a commitment to preserve this world heritage site.'

Heritage site

‘This heritage site is Bergen’s most visited attraction, and is subjected to considerable wear from being explored by several hundred thousand cruise tourists every year,’ explains Michal Forland, ceo Port of Bergen.

The port and foundation had agreed this contribution in 2019 but the implementation of the scheme had to be postponed due to covid.

Calls to Bergen in 2019 numbered 329 bringing 575,000 passengers. This year 290 cruise ships will bring around 400,000 cruise guests to the city.

Next year will see an increase over pre-pandemic levels, with 351 calls and 724,000 passengers scheduled.