Bergen Kommune plans the so-called Bybanen Light-Rail Extension linking the Bergen regions to the centre, which is at present projected in its second phase, through the inner city of Bergen city northwards. The approved location of the planned Bybanen Light Rail Extension lies in the immediate proximity to the World Heritage Property Bryggen, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

Byantikvaren commissioned this Heritage Impact Assessment in order to provide an assessment of the impact of the planned Light-Rail Extension (Bybanen) on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the World Heritage Property Bryggen from an independent point of view.

Both potential beneficial and adverse impacts should be assessed according to the ICOMOS Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments for Cultural World Heritage Properties. In this context, attributes conveying Bryggen’s Outstanding Universal Value, inter alia Bryggen’s role as a Hanseatic Office in the harbor, the medieval setting which still is largely intact, as well as the relation between Bryggen, the quay and the harbor have to be taken into account. 

Commissioned by:
Byantikvaren, Bergen Municipality / Norway

Status / Result:
Phase 1 completed 2020