Office of Intergovernmental Relations
600 Fourth Avenue, 5th Floor
P.O. Box 94746
Seattle, WA   98124-4746
(206) 684-8055

Seattle International Sister City:
Bergen, Norway
(Sister City established in 1967)

Population: 244,000
Religion: Lutheran
Language: Norwegian
Industry: Underwater technology, shipping, oil, gas and food products
Exports: Seafood, oil and gas
Climate: Temperate temperature with frequent rain

Bergen was founded in 1070 on a natural harbor between two magnificent fjords and soon became Norway's most important center of trade with Europe.

Norway's second largest city has developed into a cosmopolitan center of trade, finance, shipping, oil production, fishing, research and learning. The city is famous for its International Music and Arts Festival and has a major university, music and art schools, and research institutions.

Bergen, a City of Seven Mountains and gateway to the fjords and Europe, shares many ties with Seattle, a city of seven hills and gateway to Alaska and Asia.

The Seattle-Bergen relationship has featured many outstanding cultural and educational exchanges. In 1970 Sister Cities International honored the association with an award for best overall program. Bergen's Nordness Park has a totem pole from Seattle and the Seattle community of Ballard has a mini-park dedicated by King Olav of Norway. There are ongoing Seattle-Bergen exchanges at the high school and university levels. The association's other projects include cultural exchanges, hosting of visitors, tours to Scandinavia, social and political forums, and Norwegian film showings.

Related Links:

City of Bergen Web Site (Norwegian)

City of Bergen Web Site (English)

Sister City Association Contact Info:
Olaf Kvamme, President
857 Northeast 151st Street
Seattle, Washington 98155
h and fax (206) 363-3966

Anne Marie Steiner, Contact
w (206) 365-4700
h (206) 782-7406

Content contact: Kristine Kertson

Page last updated: September 21, 2005