Located on the eastern side of the Bergen Penisula, the settlement of Bjørgvin existed as a port for ships travelling to the western Isles and a major center of trade. It was given city status in 1070 by Olav Kyrre eventually becoming a royal residence by the 13th century.

German traders were often seen in Bergen and had a german section called Tyskebryggen or German warf. Bergen eventually became at one time the capital of Norway and was always considered of major importance to the Norwegian economy.