Byfjorden: The Gateway to Bergen

Have you noticed how Bergen is surrounded by sea and fjords? Right now, we are in the middle of Byfjorden, the main waterway into the city. From here, you can see several of Bergen’s most distinctive areas: Sandviken to the northeast, the Askøy Bridge connecting the city to the islands in the west, Laksevåg with its long industrial history, and Nordnes, reaching into the fjord with its iconic silhouette. For centuries, Byfjorden has been the lifeline of Bergen. Merchant ships, fishing boats, and travelers from around the world have sailed through these waters. This is where the Hanseatic traders arrived with their goods, and where Dutch and English ships came to collect dried fish and other Norwegian exports. In more recent times, Byfjorden has been an important route for ferries, cargo vessels, and cruise ships. It remains one of Norway’s busiest maritime highways. Unlike the many steamships and diesel engines that have crossed these waters over the years, we are now sailing silently and emission-free on an electric boat. As we glide along, imagine this fjord once filled with sailboats, rowboats, and schooners—sailors shouting commands, and merchants negotiating their trades. Though much has changed, Byfjorden is still the gateway to Bergen, the city that grew out of the sea.