The Bergen Stock exchange was taken into use in 1862. The stock exchange hall was decorated with frescoes by Axel Revold in 1923, a breakthrough for this technique in Norway. In 2017, the stock exchange building was converted into one of Bergen’s most fashionable hotels, and the Bare Restaurant (Restaurant Only) on the 2nd floor was awarded a Michelin star three years later. This summer, there will be a grand opening of the renovated Fresco Hall, containing a seafood restaurant, a bar – and a world-famous domestic gin distillery. The stock exchange in Bergen – Norway – is once again on the rise.
“Our hotel is unique as our guests,” says general manager at Bergen Børs Yngve Hansen. Bergen Børs Hotel is a part of “De Bergenske” where authentic experiences and unforgettable moments await you in every corner of the freshly renovated building – not least in the redecorated Fresco Hall designed by architects ClaessonKolvistoRune.
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“Bergen Børs Hotel has become a second home for many of our guests,” says Hansen. “In spite of a three months lockdown in 2021, due to the Corona virus, it was our best year ever!”
Authentic Bergen
«De Bergenske is not an ordinary chain of hotels and restaurants – we are a hotel family owned and run by a real Bergen family with a love of the city and a long-term perspective. Family increases with us do not even follow the standard template – the newest member is not necessarily the youngest,” says main owner Kjetil Smørås.
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Since Bergen Børs opened in 1862, it has also – among other things – housed the city’s bank, offices, a bike repair shop, a furniture store, and the tourist office. Now you can look forward to a completely new hotel experience in May 2022, unlike anything you’ve seen before. The new renovated Fresco Hall will be something we have never seen in Bergen before, and will of course focus on local ingredients, a varied menu with a natural focus on fish and shellfish. This also draws a common thread to the fantastic frescoes, where the trading town and seafood are part of the history of the frescoes,” says Yngve Hansen.
Award-winning gin destillery
In 2018, Bareksten Gin from Norway was awarded the coveted Double Gold Award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Yngve Hansen as well as Kjetil Smørås are proud to announce that Stig Bareksten from Bergen will establish a gin distillery adjoining the Fresco Hall, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the mind-blowing 26 different botanicals with a contemporary twist of a Bareksten gin.
«Our goal is to create a more continental Bergen,» says Yngve and emphasizes that the Bergen Børs Hotel will represent the best in food, art, culture and music.
“Now, we have to use the time to accelerate,” says Kjetil, “because in these times, others are braking hard.”
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Classiness for every occasion
You (ideally) only say “I do” once in your life. Do it in a location as unique as this monument, and it’s (yes) monumental. Whether in the Restaurant Only dining room, the Board Room Bar with shining mirrors, or in the Fresco Hall with the renovated and (for the first time) professionally lighted frescoes, the 70 persons staff will do everything to make your wedding, christening, birthday or any other private or business occasion a truly special day,” says Yngve Hansen.
The Central Meeting Place
In the 1920s, the stock exchange became the central meeting place for everyone who led and otherwise had an influence on the regional business community. Prices and prices were noted here – this was especially true of grain and fish products. In addition, newspapers and magazines from home and abroad were available, in addition to the Stock Exchange having its own library. The stock exchange hall has also been used as a showroom and exhibition hall, in addition to accommodating the homeless after local disasters.
Summer 2022, The Bergen Stock Exchange (now Bergen Børs Hotel) will once again be the central meeting place for everyone who do business in Bergen, who want to experience the breathtaking west-Norwegian nature, who are looking forward to experience the continental cultural life of the capital of West-Norway or who want to make their event an unparalleled experience. Located at Vågsalmenningen in central Bergen, there is walking distance to most of Bergen’s venerable attractions, like Bryggen, Fløybanen funicular, the Grieg Concert Hall, Kode Museum of Fine Arts and the Central Park.
History comes alive within the walls of the 160-years-old walls of the Bergen Stock Exchange. Take the chance to learn more about the past of the building and experience Bergen from a completely new perspective. The Stock Exchange in Bergen – Norway – is on the rise – again.
The Stock Exchange in Bergen – Norway – On The Rise, written by Tor Kjolberg
All images © Tor Kjolberg/Daily Scandinavian