Regional State Archives in Bergen, State archives repository in Bergen, Norway
The Regional State Archives in Bergen holds historical documents and administrative records collected over centuries from the region. The materials are organized across multiple floors with numerous reading rooms for public use.
The institution was founded in 1885 to collect state documents from the counties of Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane. It expanded significantly during the 1970s and 1990s to accommodate growing collections.
The archives hold photographs, maps, and documents that tell the story of how people lived and worked in Bergen and the surrounding region over centuries. Walking through them reveals how everyday life, work, and communities evolved in western Norway.
Visitors can access materials through dedicated reading rooms with help from staff members who assist with locating documents. It is helpful to plan ahead and check availability of specific records before your visit.
Among the collections is a British message in a bottle from 1809 that reveals details about coastal defense operations during the Napoleonic Wars. It shows how unexpected stories can be hidden within archival holdings.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
