Bergenshus Fortress, the entrance

In 1665 brutal English warships attacked a large fleet of Dutch ships that sought refuge in Bergen's neutral harbour. When the self-confident English attacked, the fortress at Bergenhus put up a strong counter-guard and sent them back to England. The battle was short and became known as "The Battle of Vågen". You are now standing outside Bergenshus fortress, which is one of the oldest and best preserved in Norway. The fortress has a long history as a royal seat, episcopal seat and center of military power. The development started early in the 16th century and was at its greatest around the year 1700. During the Second World War, Bergenhus was used as headquarters in the west by the German occupying power. The concrete bunker in the middle of the fortress area was built by Soviet prisoners of war. The explosion accident at Vågen on 20 April 1944 caused extensive damage to the oldest buildings at Bergenhus. Today, around 200 military commanders and civilian employees have their daily work at the fortress, but large parts are open to the public. The fortress area is otherwise used for representation, opera and theater performances, large concerts and other cultural events.