Thursday, 15th July 2010
After an early departure from Dragsvik by bus to Balestrand, we boarded the fast ferry for a journey along Sognefjord and through the sheltered islands to Bergen. The speed of the boat made travelling outside the cabin a breezy affair, but quite enjoyable – except when it was raining! Unfortunately the mist and drizzle detracted from the views which would have been spectacular on a good day. Gradually the mountains gave way to the hills of the islands and an increase in the number of dwellings along the shore line signalled our proximity to Bergen.
Leaving the luggage at the hotel it was time to investigate areas of the city not seen on the last visit – at the beginning of the holiday. A tour of the city with Penny and Judy took us to the Cathedral, or Domkirken. The Cathedral has had a long and turbulent history, being damaged by fire a number of time, but for almost 900 years people have worshipped there. After being rebuilt in the 1600s a thorough restoration took place in the 1880s, and in 1997 the cathedral acquired a new organ.
Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen, is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century. Many fires, the last in 1955, have ravaged the characteristic wooden houses of Bryggen. Its rebuilding has traditionally followed old patterns and methods, thus leaving its main structure preserved, which is a relic of an ancient wooden urban structure once common in Northern Europe.
Evidently, Bergen holds a late night shopping event once a year, when there are many bargains to be had for the locals. We happened to have arrived on that day, when the shops stayed open till around midnight.
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
On our way to Bergen . . .
it is a shame that we don't have better weather . . .
to admire the views from the ferry
Time to watch a slower ferry . . .
and pick out local buildings . . .
before continuing on our way
The mountains gradually disappear . . .
and we make our way through the islands . . .
and under bridges . . .
of varying construction
The speed of the ferry and the wind make it difficult just to stand still, and taking photos a tricky affair!
The banks become more densely populated . . .
so we must be getting closer to Bergen . . .
and after another bridge . . .
or two . . .
we make our way . . .
into Bergen harbour
A walk around Bergen . . .
to look at some of the sights . . .
including the Cathedral . . .
which has two sets of steps . . .
into the organ and choir loft
The interior seems unbalanced with the pillars only on one side
I don't think we'll bother with the tour bus today!
A couple of enterprising young men
We visit the Leprosy hospital . . .
when Chris takes us on a tour . . .
and spot an unusual door handle
Approaching the Bryggen area . . .
where some of the shops have been rebuilt in the original style
After dinner we brave the weather to explore the late night shopping . . .
and find that it is extremely busy