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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Bergen Place

A Nordic-inspired urban oasis in downtown Ballard, celebrating Seattle's sister-city relationship with Bergen, Norway, through art and royal dedications.

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Bergen Place
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Where is Bergen Place located?

Bergen Place is a small park in downtown Ballard, Seattle, situated on a triangular site between Leary Avenue, 22nd Avenue NW, and Market Street.

What is Bergen Place known for?

The park is known for its association with Ballard's Nordic heritage and Seattle's sister-city relationship with Bergen, Norway. It features the 'Witness Trees' art installation by Jenn Lee Dixon, five granite rune-like stones by James Cole, and a community information kiosk.

What is the history of the park?

Dedicated to Bergen, Norway, the park was developed with Forward Thrust funds and officially dedicated by King Olav V of Norway in 1975. It was later redesigned in 2004, and King Harald attended the unveiling of the park's mural in 1995.

What can I see at the park?

Visitors can see an open square lined with trees and benches, the 'Witness Trees' artwork (which incorporates a Norwegian Maple planted in 1975), and five carved granite rune-like stones.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Bergen Place is a small, triangular park situated in the heart of downtown Ballard's business district, bounded by Leary Avenue, 22nd Avenue NW, and Market Street. Named after Seattle's sister city, Bergen, Norway, the park serves as a living monument to the neighborhood's Nordic heritage. The site was originally dedicated to the city of Bergen in 1971, with King Olav V of Norway traveling from his home country in 1975 to make the dedication official. This royal visit coincided with the park's development using Forward Thrust funds, which established the open-square design with benches and trees lining the perimeter. Two decades later, the park's royal connections continued as King Harald attended the unveiling of the Bergen Place mural. The space has since evolved through a 2004 redesign and a 2005 installation of five granite, rune-like stones carved by artist James Cole. These stones provide a tactile connection to ancient Nordic traditions while visitors enjoy the community information kiosk. Contemporary art continues to define the space. The park is home to Jenn Lee Dixon's 'Witness Trees,' a site-specific installation inspired by the park's history. This artwork references five cedar posts from the original park plan and incorporates a Norwegian Maple planted at the park's inception in 1975, blending natural growth with artistic interpretation of the site's primordial forest theme.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the five granite rune-like stones by James Cole to appreciate the Nordic influence.
  • Visit the community information kiosk for local Ballard neighborhood details.
  • Allow about 20 minutes to explore the art installations and read the plaques.
  • Check for events celebrating the Norwegian Constitution on May 17th.

Nearby context

Located in the center of Ballard's business district, Bergen Place provides a quiet, green reprieve from the urban bustle of the surrounding commercial streets.

Sources

Evidence and links