Puddefjorden: Gateway to Inner Bergen

We are now at the innermost part of Puddefjorden, a branch of the fjord that separates the districts of Laksevåg, Damsgård, and Bergen West from the city center. For centuries, this has been an important waterway for trade and industry. In front of us lies Damsgårdsundet, a narrow channel once known for shipyards, boathouses, and industrial activity. Nearby is Bystrand Slippen, also called Marineholm, where large shipyards once dominated the area. Today, the slip has been transformed into a beautiful beach for the city's residents – and that’s only part of the story. Furthest in lies Store Lungegårdsvannet, an inner bay that stretches right into the heart of Bergen. It once played a central role in marine transport and trade, but is now a green and recreational area, with walking paths and open spaces. What used to be home to industrial and maritime businesses is now part of a major urban development project. The vision is to create a new urban beach, where the waterfront is reopened for public life and recreation – a stark contrast to the industrial past. Here, you can witness how Bergen has gradually evolved – from a city of industry to a modern, people-friendly city, where the waterfront is once again part of daily life.