Managing surface and groundwater in a changing climate

Key Learnings

• Integrated urban water management helps reduce flood risks: Sustainable urban drainage systems, including permeable pavements, swales, rain gardens, and infiltration areas, help maintain stable groundwater levels and mitigate flood risks at the Bryggen cultural heritage site. These measures reduce groundwater fluctuations and safeguard the unique cultural heritage buried beneath Bryggen.
• Climate-responsive monitoring facilitates proactive adaptation measures: Since 2025, the implementation of climate-responsive monitoring in Norwegian medieval towns like Bergen, including the World Heritage Site Bryggen, has facilitated proactive adaptation measures. This approach ensures the sustainable preservation of archaeological remains, such as soil layers containing valuable historical documents of human activity. 

Summary

Climate impacts, particularly floods, pose a significant threat to Bryggen’s cultural heritage. In response, the Directorate for Cultural Heritage has implemented a range of measures, including strategic groundwater management and continuous monitoring as part of a sustainable urban drainage system to strengthen climate resilience at the historic wharf. These initiatives ensure the preservation of its unique historical structures for future generations. Through an ongoing monitoring program, Bryggen’s management team can make proactive decisions and adapt strategies as needed, positioning the site as a leading example of effective cultural heritage preservation in the face of climate change.

Contact

The Directorate for Cultural Heritage