Bergen was first mentioned in documents in 1197 and was already and important central location in the early middle ages. Trade settlements followed which benefited from the salt mine works. The construction of the army exercise field in 1935 was a particular stimulant for the economy and infrastructure of the town.

As a result, particularly soldiers from the Netherlands and Great Britain moved to Bergen with their families. In addition, expellees, resettled German emigrants and a share of Kurds have made Bergen an international, tolerant and cosmopolitan town the inhabitants of which are involved in mutual understanding, integration and a peaceful co-habitation.