We arrived in the port of Bergen early in the morning of our final day in Norway. With a population of around 250,000, Norway’s second-largest city is known as “The Gateway to the Fjords”. Bergen averages 212 days of rain per year. It is either the wettest city in Europe or the entire world depending on your internet site and it didn’t disappoint. We woke and looked out on drizzling rain and low cloud encircling the city. We soon realized that our plan to take in the view from the top of the Floibanen Funicular would need to be reconsidered – there would be little view from up there.
After breakfast we set out to find the local “hop-on hop-off bus.” We have often found it a godsend when we have only a short time in a city and especially if it is raining. Luckily we were able to buy our tickets to ride just outside the quay. Bergen is a very compact small city with much to see in a short bus ride. I was also able to answer some emails and talk to my sister using the free WiFi as we went along – bonus!
We hopped off first at the Bergen Fish Market. As we wandered along trying to identify the many weird fish species, we sampled some of the delicious seafood on sale. We had crab and salmon and raw tuna. The most challenging was whale meat. My tiny sliver was unpleasant and despite it being legal to sell it here it was a shock to see it identified – rather tactlessly we thought – by a cute child’s drawing. While I don’t regret tasting it I certainly have no wish to repeat the experience.
In a country known for the quality of its seafood, it was a shame that we didn’t have time to enjoy a meal here. With some of the freshest seafood anywhere in the world, it is one of the best things to do in Bergen, and in a very central location.
Next stop was the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen. Dating back to the 14th century, The Hanseatic League’s trading empire is Bergen’s most photographed attraction. It is a jumble of colourful wooden shops, warehouses where traders stored their goods, laneways and higgledy-piggledy houses. Our favourite was the Christmas shop that was on so many angles you felt like you were in a fun house. The area has been burned down and rebuilt many times through the centuries.
Bergen’s streets are lined with centuries-old churches and civic buildings and colourful shops and homes connected by tiny alleyways. We hopped off at the pretty ornamental lake and parklands and during a brief respite from the rain were able to walk around the small central shopping district before recommencing our ride.
We had to be back on board by 2.30 so didn’t have time for much more. Bergen is easily navigated on foot if the weather is kind or you don’t mind getting wet. It is also the gateway to a wide range of other activities if you have more time. It is certainly a place we would like to return to.
Some Bergen links
Stay on board for a Postcard from Stavenger and a report on P & O’s Britannia.
Jim and Frankie's Amazing Gap Year Adventure 
It looks very pretty Frankie, even in the wet. Enjoy!
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