Bergen

After a morning exploring the Mostraumen Straight and the fjords around Bergen the boys are ready to stretch their legs and I am ready to explore the city. We disembark our Rødne Fjord Tour boat back at Zachariasbryggen wharf and walk around the Harbour past Bryggen to the Bergenhus Fortress.

This fortress, which includes the imposing Rosenkrantz Tower, is the site of the renaissance period palace, the oldest part of which dates to 1270 when the tower was a part of the Norwegian Royal Castle.

The tower itself has been in its current form since around 1563 although water has always been a problem, leaking through the walls and roof. The good news is that the heritage site is being restored. The bad news is that while the restorations take place it is closed and we can only explore the outside of the fortress.

The boys find some cannons to climb on whilst mum and I leave them to procure ice cream. We sit in the park licking our ice creams down to the last drips in the sun before turning back towards Bryggen and the little row of shops that we are drawn into.

Trolls lurk around every corner here. Traditionally, trolls can bring good fortune and should therefore be befriended. However, given the combination of the fact that they are known to lurk in dark places to avoid turning into stone in the sunlight, and their unusual appearances (with the possibility of up to three heads, big noses and great strength), it may be more difficult than it sounds to stumble across one in the woods, fjords or snow covered mountains of the surrounding countryside. We amuse ourselves for a little while getting acquainted with the various possible appearances of those in the shops. We also find a moose head, a polar bear and a wide array of Christmas decorations.

Soon after our little foray into souvenirs, we take the funicular (Fløibanen) up to the top of Mount Fløyen. Here there is a large nature reserve where the pine forests beg exploring along winding dirt paths to discover duck filled ponds, wildflowers in full bloom, things to climb, swing and play on, not to mention meeting more varieties of trolls.

Apart from the outdoor activities and hiking trails there are also spectacular views out over Bryggen and the harbour, Bergen and the wider city and the surrounding fjords.

After a couple of hours of exploring it is time for us to return, via funicular, back to town for the short walk back to the ship.

On board once again, we take Jasper’s birthday quoits set out for a game on deck as we enjoy an afternoon drink and the sites passing us by as the ship heads back out through the fjords to the North Sea.

Despite the sun still being up, it is now getting late and after a while we head back inside for further birthday celebrations in the form of dinner with, of course, a round of “Happy Birthday” followed by cake.

Unfortunately by now the cumulation of late nights has gotten the better of Harley and I have to cut dessert short and take him back to the cabin and get him into bed. Apart from the ensuing tantrum (perhaps we brought a troll back with us after all!) Bergen has been another incredible day in Norway.

Would I Return?

Yes. This is both a picturesque and fascinating part of the world and Bergen is just one of the many gateways. We have not even really begun to touch on the rich Viking history of this land during our short time here nor have we seen the scenery in its full snow covered wintertime glory.

This is certainly a part of the world with a lot more to offer.