We flew into Bergen on January 31st for our Viking Northern Lights cruise. Our group consisted of 8 people from Peachtree City and 2 from Illinois. We were welcomed by snow at the airport and a sign with the name of the city followed by a question mark. We were told the question mark was just something to make you think about what you thought about their city. After checking in at our ship and having a bite to eat we decided to venture out and see a little of Bergen. We didn’t get more than a ¼ mile when we decided to turn back due to gale force winds and heavy rain.
The following morning, we had a walking tour scheduled through Tours By Locals to see the sights around Bergen. Instead of the rain and wind we encountered the day before, the sun was shining and we needed sunglasses! This was our first (but not our last) experience with how quick the weather can change in Norway during the winter months. Our tour took us around the city and up a Funicular to see Mount Floyen which overlooks Bergen and provides some great views of the city and the surrounding area. We learned a little about the history of Norway and their first king. We were shown the Bergenhus Fortress which was built by the British for the first king of Norway to have his inauguration. Today this building hosts musical concerts. We passed by St Mary’s church which was built in 1180.
While up on Mount Floyen we were almost run over by 10 mountain Floyen goats that came running down the path. Although they were in the wild, they were certainly used to people and allowed you to pet them. We took a picture by a giant troll statue and read a little about trolls and Norway. It was also interesting to learn that the Funicular also made additional stops along the way every hour for residents that lived along the mountain side. When we got off the funicular, we were greeted by some young members of the Bergen Pipes and Drums group who were out recruiting new members. We walked up a little way to see the residential homes that are stacked right on top of one another. Talk about zero lot lines – these homes had outside walls built within 6 inches of the next home!
Our tour eventually took us to the harbor area which is the iconic sight of Bergen in all the pictures you probably see. You can find a MacDonalds restaurant located in an historical building built back in 1710. Nearby to it is the only Starbucks in Bergen located in a modern building along with some other eateries. As we walked towards the ship, we came to the Bryggen area which is a UNESCO historical district of old wooden buildings used by merchants back in the Middle Ages. All of these buildings are maintained using the same construction methods used 500 years ago. When a building is in need of repair it is closed off and a team of craftsman work on the building for possibly up to a year to ensure it is reconstructed in the same manner as it was originally built and is safe. One of the buildings has its first floor at an angle which was caused by a massive explosion in the harbor during World War II. These buildings are leased to shop owners who sell some very nice merchandise for tourists and locals to buy. Leases here are not cheap with the cost to maintain these historical buildings!
Bergen is a very nice place to visit and just walk around. We didn’t get to see as much as we wanted because of time constraints but fortunately we are coming back here in August when hopefully the weather is nicer, and we have plenty of time to see all this city has to offer.
Sharon and Greg
PS: Last week we just booked a new group cruise for December 2024. This is a 12 day Viking River Cruise that goes from Paris to Prague to see the various European Christmas Markets at the small cities along the river. This was a cruise on Sharon’s bucket list and we have 5 couples already joining us! We are leaving early in December to be back at least a week before Christmas. Let us know if you want any information on this cruise before it is booked up. Cruises book quickly these days!
The following morning, we had a walking tour scheduled through Tours By Locals to see the sights around Bergen. Instead of the rain and wind we encountered the day before, the sun was shining and we needed sunglasses! This was our first (but not our last) experience with how quick the weather can change in Norway during the winter months. Our tour took us around the city and up a Funicular to see Mount Floyen which overlooks Bergen and provides some great views of the city and the surrounding area. We learned a little about the history of Norway and their first king. We were shown the Bergenhus Fortress which was built by the British for the first king of Norway to have his inauguration. Today this building hosts musical concerts. We passed by St Mary’s church which was built in 1180.
While up on Mount Floyen we were almost run over by 10 mountain Floyen goats that came running down the path. Although they were in the wild, they were certainly used to people and allowed you to pet them. We took a picture by a giant troll statue and read a little about trolls and Norway. It was also interesting to learn that the Funicular also made additional stops along the way every hour for residents that lived along the mountain side. When we got off the funicular, we were greeted by some young members of the Bergen Pipes and Drums group who were out recruiting new members. We walked up a little way to see the residential homes that are stacked right on top of one another. Talk about zero lot lines – these homes had outside walls built within 6 inches of the next home!
Our tour eventually took us to the harbor area which is the iconic sight of Bergen in all the pictures you probably see. You can find a MacDonalds restaurant located in an historical building built back in 1710. Nearby to it is the only Starbucks in Bergen located in a modern building along with some other eateries. As we walked towards the ship, we came to the Bryggen area which is a UNESCO historical district of old wooden buildings used by merchants back in the Middle Ages. All of these buildings are maintained using the same construction methods used 500 years ago. When a building is in need of repair it is closed off and a team of craftsman work on the building for possibly up to a year to ensure it is reconstructed in the same manner as it was originally built and is safe. One of the buildings has its first floor at an angle which was caused by a massive explosion in the harbor during World War II. These buildings are leased to shop owners who sell some very nice merchandise for tourists and locals to buy. Leases here are not cheap with the cost to maintain these historical buildings!
Bergen is a very nice place to visit and just walk around. We didn’t get to see as much as we wanted because of time constraints but fortunately we are coming back here in August when hopefully the weather is nicer, and we have plenty of time to see all this city has to offer.
Sharon and Greg
PS: Last week we just booked a new group cruise for December 2024. This is a 12 day Viking River Cruise that goes from Paris to Prague to see the various European Christmas Markets at the small cities along the river. This was a cruise on Sharon’s bucket list and we have 5 couples already joining us! We are leaving early in December to be back at least a week before Christmas. Let us know if you want any information on this cruise before it is booked up. Cruises book quickly these days!
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