Bergen was formed in 1070 and quickly became a key trading post in the region. That activity only increased when it joined the Hanseatic League, a group of towns that banded together in the Middle Ages for business purposes. The organization didn't feature many formal bonds, but still hung on through 1669. As you might expect, there were a few fires along the way. Some of the stone cellars date back to the 14th century.
This is the top tourist area in Bergen. The waterfront isn't the only places that houses shops from antiquity. Those buildings are backed up with others that are placed along very narrow streets. A good percentage of stores in the area are devoted to sales to visitors; it's hard not to buy something to bring home. Restaurants are also around, as are some other merchants.
It can't be easy to have a business down there in spite of the ready-made audience. UNESCO is quite tough on its standards on repairs of the old building. They must be done with full restoration if at all possible, preferably with original tools. The land, being so close to the water, can be a problem too. One building sunk more than a meter, and fixing that is a painstakingly difficult process.
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