Vestland

Vestland emerged from a 2020 merger that combined Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane into western Norway's largest county—a fjord-carved territory where Bergen serves as the economic anchor and tourism destination that rivals Oslo for international recognition. The county's geography defines its economy: deep fjords enable shipping and aquaculture; mountains create hydropower; coastal access supports both traditional fishing and offshore industry supply.

Bergen, with approximately 285,000 residents, functions as western Norway's service hub and Norway's second-largest city. Maritime heritage runs deep—the Hanseatic traders who dominated northern European commerce for centuries left architectural and cultural legacies that now drive tourism. The city hosts approximately 1 million cruise passengers annually, making heritage a current economic asset rather than mere historical footnote.

Offshore wind development will reshape Vestland's future. The Vestavind B area positioned off the coast is designated for floating wind technology, with a 2,985 square kilometer development zone positioned 30 kilometers from shore. State support of NOK 35 billion targets floating wind as the technology Norway can export to global markets, leveraging expertise developed through petroleum-era offshore operations.

Hydropower provides another energy dimension. Western Norway's rainfall and topography created ideal conditions for reservoir-based generation that now produces renewable electricity exceeding domestic needs. By 2026, expect continued tourism growth, maritime sector innovation including offshore wind supply chain development, and Bergen's maintenance of its position as Norway's second city.