Bergen sits on the west coast of Norway. Trading began in the 1020's. Founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre, four years after the Viking Age ended with the Battle of Hastings, the city was called j rgvin, which means "the green meadow among the mountains." It was the capital of Norway throughout the 13th century. The German Kontor, established in 1360, remained for 400 years, monopolizing trade in fish and fish oil. Bergen had exclusive rights to mediate all trade between Northern Norway and abroad until 1789 and it was also the largest city in Norway until the 1830s, when Oslo became the capital of Norway, and was Norway's largest city. What remains of the quays, Bryggen, is a World Heritage Site. Hit by many fires over the years, Bergen kept on rebuilding itself and is a monument to the perseverance of its people. Today's houses date back to 1702.

Get ready to see some fun things, as you turn the pages of this early reader, created by award winning author, attorney and former teacher, Penelope Dyan, and photographer, John D. Weigand. Then look for the free music video that goes with this book (on the Bellissimavideo YouTube channel) and see even more of this beautiful place!