Ole Bull
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This area is dedicated to the violinist and composer Ole Bull, who also gave the place its name. The statue towering over the rock masses is a popular photo motif. He came into the world in 1810, and little did they perhaps know in Os, just outside Bergen, that this would become one of the world's greatest musicians of his kind. Bull showed exceptional musical abilities early on and started playing the violin already at the age of 5. Good training followed the young talent throughout his childhood and after studying in Oslo he traveled to Paris and toured around Europe. His breakthrough came in Bologna in 1834. After this he was hailed as the equal of the Italian Nicolò Paganini. Everywhere he was received with ovations, and his success was always overwhelming. In Norway he became a folk hero. In 1843–1845 he made his first trip to the United States. Here he was received with possibly even greater enthusiasm than in Europe. Ole Bull was closely associated with both theater and the most renowned Norwegian writers. In 1850, Bull founded Det norske Theater, which was the first theater in Bergen and Norway. Here he connected with Henrik Ibsen, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and Henrik Wergeland. In his 70-year-old life, he is probably best remembered for his ability to enchant the audience, but composing was also close to his heart and the collection numbers 70 compositions.