Unexpectedly enough, Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But then again, it is a charming district where the very first buildings of Bergen were built, which probably means that it deserves that merit. While it is impossible that these very first buildings remain today due to fires that constantly ravaged the place, this historic area houses over sixty buildings that have retained the same style and infrastructure from medieval Bryggen after being rebuilt using traditional methods. As relics of the medieval urban landscape of Bryggen, these buildings give insight to the lifestyles of Hanseatic League merchants that controlled this area in the past. Columns of brightly coloured wooden buildings line the harbour, clustering to form narrow alleys that take you through different series of shops, restaurants, and even museums that contain relics excavated from Bryggen itself. A thriving art biome dwells here, with craft shops selling all sorts of artwork, ranging from pottery and jewellery to textile and leather. The lively yet relaxing atmosphere surrounding this picturesque wharf will lure you back time and again.