May 17 2021

Syttende Mai and Hansa Øl

The “Syttende Mai” is the National Day of Norway; its constitution was signed at Eidsvoll on 17 May 1814. Today, Norway will be crowdwd with parades of children shouting “Hurra!”, waving flags and singing songs together with marching brass bands. There is a general rule that applies on this particular day: children (and adults) can have as much ice-cream and sausages as they want.

We continue to celebrate the National Days of our member Nations in 2021 by introducing one of our staff members and unveiling some facts. Interesting, surprising, fascinating, amazing, extraordinary fun facts, usually not found in any travel guides.

Did you know, Bergen in Norway was part of the Hanseatic League?

The "Kontor" houses in the ancient Bryggen quarter of Bergen.

Bergen used to be one of the Hansa's main trading stations, called “Kontor”, along with London, Brügge (Bruges) and Novogorod, in the period between 1278 and 1754. The local brewery is named after the historic trade group.