We board the Norled Express Boat (catamaran) to whisk us from Flam to Bergen in under 6 hours. The ride is smooth.
The boat glides in and out of several small communities, several of which are boat access only. We can only imagine how hardy these people are to live in such isolated places.
We pass fish farms
and a Norwegian oil refinery that is the basis for Norway's wealth, which the country uses to close the gap between rich and poor.
With short summers the need for greenhouses is obvious and many of the small communities seem to have one.
Bergen was founded in 1070 AD and was Norway's first capital. It was a major European trading and seafaring port.
We are pleased to discover how close to the old town (known as Bryggen) our Airbnb is located.
Bryggen suffered many fires including the one of 1702 that reduced everything to ashes. Today's Bryggen was rebuilt on foundations that had been there since the 12th century. Thus its place on the UNESCO world heritage list.
These old buildings that lean on each other for support are truly beautiful.
We explore Fisherman's Market where species like monkfish, shark and wolfish are sold. The paella looks delicious.
We unintentionally taste whale meat that was quite good.
We spend much of our 4 days here strolling around as it is a very walkable city with many public places to sit and rest.
We do wander in and out of stores, especially those that sell the beautiful Norwegian sweaters. The variety of designs is vast...but price tags are out of reach.
One day we ride the Floibanen Funicular for the panoramic view of Bergen. The walk back down is full of surprises like the carvings in the woods.
On Friday evening we stroll the downtown waterfront. The marina is packed with expensive motor and sailboats moored so tightly together we wonder how a boat could leave if it wanted to. On most of the decks, it appears that boat owners are hosting their friends for the evening. Eating and drinking, but going nowhere. It seems a bit odd.
Random photos from Bergen:
One more day to enjoy Bergen, then off to Alesund.
Entertainment in a downtown square as part of the music festival going on here.
Traditional girls' dresses are for sale and two women in a crowd in traditional dress.
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