Laksevåg: From Fishing Village to Industrial Hub

If you look toward the land, you'll see the district of Laksevåg. This area has a long and rich history. The name comes from the Old Norse Laxavágr, meaning “the bay where there is salmon,” and originally it was a small fishing village. Thanks to its favorable location by Byfjorden, Laksevåg gradually developed into an important center for trade, maritime activity, and shipbuilding. In the 1800s, Laksevåg became a hub for shipyard industry, with major shipyards delivering vessels to both Norwegian and international customers. The quays were bustling with workers and craftsmen, and the air was filled with the sounds of hammers, steam engines, and metal striking steel. These shipyards provided jobs and contributed significantly to Bergen’s economic growth. During World War II, the shipyards were used by the occupying forces, making the area a target for Allied bombings. After the war, Laksevåg remained a key industrial district, although in more recent times much of the heavy industry has been replaced by residential areas, business centers, and modern workplaces. Today, Laksevåg is a district in transformation, where old industrial zones meet new urban projects. From the boat, you can see how this part of Bergen has evolved – from a humble fishing village to a vibrant urban neighborhood, still closely tied to the sea.