Norway Cruise - Bergen
It was so fun to have a balcony and to open the drapes as soon as we woke up to take in the view. Cruising through the fjords into each port was one of the most amazing things about this trip. Everything was just beautiful.
The views getting closer into Bergen were breathtaking. I was squealing every few minutes as we passed by beautiful tree covered islands and cute white homes lining the sloped coast. Colorful boats and docks, homes and bridges. I loved it all. Hello Norway! So happy to be here!
As soon as we walked off the boat into Bergen we loved it. A cute harbor, blue skies, colorful Hanseatic buildings lining the waterfront, houses with ornate white wooden doors and Norwegian signs were a few of our favorite things.
Interesting fact… Famous for its lousy weather, Bergen gets an average of 80 inches of rain annually. A good year in Bergen has 60 days of sunshine…but cheery Bergen takes its soggy skies in stride. Feeling lucky to have blue skies and sunshine today.
The Fløyen Funicular
We walked to the bottom of the funicular and took a steep ride to the thousand foot high summit of Mount Fløyen. At the top we enjoyed the most beautiful views, walked around on the many hiking paths that crisscross the mountain, posed for pictures with the giant troll, took pictures of the mountain goats and shopped in the cute boutiquey tourist shop.
Such a gorgeous view of Bergen’s waterfront. I always love a good view!
After we rode back down the funicular we bought something at a bakery (Doug’s favorite thing to do in every city we visit) and wandered through some cool cobblestone streets. This picture of the red, orange, yellow and green homes is one of my favorites.
Electric Scooters on Cobblestone
Ok, Electric scooters on cobblestone weren’t the very best idea, but it was fun to ride around for awhile — especially on the flatter sidewalks.
After the girls tried it out for a bit we decided to go shopping. The guys decided to take the scooters up into the steep hillside neighborhoods and explore. They had SO much fun! They found a big slide, a cave? and rode their scooters fearlessly up and down and all over the place.
Meanwhile, we found a cute Norwegian raincoat store and I could not get over how cute the long turquoise coat was and quickly decided it would be my Norwegian souvenir. Geneva and Missy easily followed suit. Pictures tomorrow!!
Bryggen
Bergen's historic Hanseatic Quarter, called Bryggen, is a highlight. It’s the heart of the old town and former trading center. Now its atmospheric with planky alleys, slouching wooden warehouses and fun tourist shops. We purchased some super cute Norwegian raincoats and couldn’t stop admiring the trolls everywhere. When in Norway!
‘The Yellow, Red and Brown Alleyways’ Part of Bryggen
Bergen Hillside Neighborhoods
What a fun area of town. We walked up steep cobblestone streets and explored beautiful white and colored homes with very few cars and lots of narrow walkways and bright flowers. It’s always fun to imagine living in new places. I think the residents here use the funicular to get up and back or just walk to get to work. We really enjoyed exploring around.
Down on the Pier
It was so fun to end on the Pier after having explored our new favorite Norwegian town. We could see the The Fløyen Funicular and Mount Fløyen, the colorful Hanseatic buildings lining Bergen's waterfront, and the cute hillside neighborhoods. We love Bergen!
A few little pieces of Bergen that I want to remember… colorful buildings, trolls, telefon booths turned into libraries, plants and an overcast afternoon but rain-free day.
LOVED watching the views from my balcony as we sailed away from BERGEN. What a beautiful part of the world.
Simply amazing.