Lyse Abbey

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Lyse Abbey, Medieval monastery ruins in Bjørnafjorden, Norway

The stone remains of Lyse Abbey stand at the base of Lyshornet mountain, featuring architectural elements from both Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Founded in 1146 by Bishop Sigurd of Bergen, monks from Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire established this first Cistercian monastery in Norway.

The monastery introduced fruit cultivation to Norway, with monks developing the first apple orchards that influenced modern Norwegian agriculture.

Located 34 minutes south of Bergen via route E39, the archaeological site maintains regular visiting hours and offers guided tours of the excavated structures.

The stones from the dissolved abbey were later used to construct parts of the Rosenkrantz Tower in Bergen and Kronborg Castle in Denmark.

Location: Bjørnafjorden Municipality

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 60.22778,5.40556

Latest update: March 13, 2025 09:30

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