The old town on the western side of Vågen harbour: 173 protected white wooden houses, most built in the first half of the 19th century. The living space in these houses is small by today's standards, between 27 and 80 square metres. Workers in the canning industry lived here.
After World War II, the city council planned to demolish the entire area and replace it with an industrial zone. The city architect opposed this and convinced the council to restore the houses instead. That decision saved what is now one of the best-preserved wooden house districts in Norway.
People still live in these houses. The city pays the owners to maintain them. Some ground floors are used for small businesses. The Norwegian Canning Museum is also here, a fitting reminder of the industry that built this neighbourhood.
After World War II, the city council planned to demolish the entire area and replace it with an industrial zone. The city architect opposed this and convinced the council to restore the houses instead. That decision saved what is now one of the best-preserved wooden house districts in Norway.
People still live in these houses. The city pays the owners to maintain them. Some ground floors are used for small businesses. The Norwegian Canning Museum is also here, a fitting reminder of the industry that built this neighbourhood.