Bergen or Bust!

This Bergen magnet "says" it all

Travelers Tip:  Plan at least one extra day before a cruise “just in case”.   With  plenty of reasons for a potential delay  (plane/train cancelation, weather, illness), building in extra time can make your trip more stress free.

How I rolled during the trip ( my Rick Steves backpack is the best!)

Travel companion Kristin and I built in one full extra day in Bergen, Norway before our cruise starting mid-day on July 4th, 2025.    Using Google maps, I found a hotel perfectly located between the rail station (with us arriving from Oslo) and our port of embarkation.

Home Hotel Havnekontoret's lobby is the best for relaxing

Travelers Tip: Home Hotel Havnekontoret, features spacious rooms, a lovely lobby, a great happy hour, and a fun rooftop lookout tower you are invited to explore with your cocktail. 

Bergen, Norway is charming.   I highly recommend at least a two night stay to get the full flavor of this city of roughly 295,000. 

Our ride - the Viking ship Storskarven

Kristin and I made the most of our time.   Walking directly across the street from our hotel, we met up with Zac and Mariah, co-captains of their sailing ship, the Storskarven;  built to specs of an authentic Viking sailing ship. We found this excursion through Tripadvisor at https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g190502-d24149074-Bergen_Fjord_Experience_Aboard_Viking_style_Ship-Bergen_Hordaland_Western_Norway.html

Smooth sailing after Kris raised square sail with great skill

Our 90 minute sail around the harbor was fantastic fun!   Sailing since her childhood, Kristin eagerly accepted the captain’s invitation to raise the square sail.    I don’t think I’d ever seen her so giddy.  The only other guests on the Storskarven were a family of five.  While the captain regaled us with the history of Viking ships and the Bergen port, the children aboard were given a fishing pole to try their hand at landing a mackerel.    Under perfect weather conditions, we couldn’t have asked for a more fun experience.

For the afternoon’s adventure, Kristin booked a private guided hike.  A big fan of walking in nature, I figured our tour on foot  to be a lovely walk through the woods around Bergen.    

I was in for a big surprise.

Our guide, Ari, met us at our hotel mid afternoon.  After introductions,  Ari  made sure we had proper shoes and rain gear.  Despite it being a sunny afternoon, Ari explained that in these parts, it can be sunny one minute and pouring rain the next.  When I asked Ari, “How long is our hike?”, I thought he was joking when he replied, “Six-seven miles”.   A bit taken aback, I simply nodded and made sure I had a full water bottle.  

Once quarters for sailors, these enchanting wooden buildings are now filled with shops and restaurants

Off we went, first meandering the streets of Bergen.  Ari explained that sailors have made Bergen their pitstop for centuries.  The crazy maze of wooden buildings, some dating back to the middle ages, once housed hundreds of hotel rooms and bars catering to the men at sea on leave.   Bergen takes particular pride in keeping the architecture true to its centuries old history.

You can’t miss the funicular that winds up the mountainside on the Northeast of town. Ari delighted us with tickets included in our hike.   The ride up any funicular can bring out the inner child in anyone and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.   At the top, Kristin and I were greeted by the most adorable (if maybe a bit naughty) troll.  

Our troll friend at the top of Bergens funicular

After a quick look around, we began our walk on a well marked path leading into the forest.  Immediately, we became surrounded by beautiful trees and rolling mounds of the greenest moss I have ever seen.  It’s so fairy tale-like, you can’t help but think the seven dwarfs or Shrek might emerge from a hidden alcove. 

Onward and upward

Ari, so patient, allowed me to take my time with the steady incline that seemed to go on forever.  Whenever I became discouraged, he’d calmly say, “The view is even better right around the next turn”.   Like the Pied Piper, he continued leading us up, up, up, until finally, we reached the mountain top.   A breathtaking 360 degree view of glittering fjords and mountain peaks was our reward for not giving up.  

Made it!!!

Travelers Tip:  The weather in Norway can change on a dime.  When doing outdoor activities, be prepared!   Lightweight waterproof rain gear and boots are highly recommended and don’t forget your sunscreen.    Water is absolutely necessary although we did come across a rest stop where drinks, ice cream, and bathroom facilities are available.

Feeling victorious, Kristin and I returned to the hotel by 6:30 p.m. in time for a delightful happy hour.   We felt we had experienced both Oslo and Bergen well and looked forward to the start of our cruise the following day.    If the rest of our trip matched the fun we had already experienced, we couldn’t ask for more.

I spent more on the upcoming cruise than any other vacation excursion (and now fully retired, this meant hard earned savings).  I couldn’t help but wonder if this Smithsonian thing would be worth the money.