A DAY IN BERGEN

 A DAY IN BERGEN:



 

 

 

We have a day to runabout Bergen and the plan is to visit a couple new museums and a new chocolate shop. 

We are up at 0530 getting our act sorta together and will soon go the breakfast. The Clarion Hotel Admiral has an amazing breakfast.

After our breakfast we gathered ourselves and struck out for a day of unknown discovery. 

Our first thoughts were, WOW Bergen is sure busy in the summer time. We kept saying where did all these people come from. 

                                     Looks interesting.


As we walked around one of the harbor areas to Bryggen, we noticed several older Motor Vessels docked. We learned these were ships built in Bergen and had sailed the Norwegian coastal waters. 

                                                         LOOK A SWEATER SHOP

 

One ship stood out, the Royal Yacht Norge was a gift from the people of Norway to King Haakon VII in 1947, purchased in the wake a nationwide collection effort. The ship is owned by His Majesty The King, but is manned and maintained by the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Royal Standard is flown from the aftermost mast when the King is on board the Royal Yacht.

The Norwegian Royal Yacht Norge is one of the world’s two remaining royal yachts. The other is the Danish Royal Yacht Dannebrog, since the British Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in 1997.

Originally named the Philante, she was built in England in 1937 for the British aircraft manufacturer Thomas Sopwith. (Think Snoopy) At the time it was one of the largest vessels of its kind. Sopwith used the yacht as a base when competing in regattas. In fact, the Philante first entered Norwegian waters in 1938 in connection with a regatta at Hankø in Eastern Norway.

With the outbreak of WWII the British Royal Navy requisitioned the Philante. First used as an escort vessel for convoys crossing the Atlantic, it was put into service as a school ship for training convoy escorts in 1942. The ship was returned to Thomas Sopwith in 1946 and sold to Norway the following year.

I did enjoy seeing this bit of history. We had a nice chat with a Norwegian soldier who was assigned to the yacht. We had just missed seeing this ship in Longyearbyen earlier this year. He has been in the army for less than a year and I though he was rather lucky to have such duty. 


Our next stop was the Troll Museum. This is the largest museum in Norway dedicated to trolls and fairy tales and Norse mythology.  

This is a very well done museum and they make excellent use of modern technology. I enjoyed the Norse mythology of the creation of earth. To me amazingly there were many similarities to other creation mythological legends. 

There are not just Trolls, but there are many different kinds of trolls. For example forest trolls, sea trolls, mountain trolls etc. I have a special liking to Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” as it is one of the first piano pieces I learn for a recital. 

This museum is well worth a visit. While the suggested visit time is one hour we spent almost two. 

                                                  This was very interesting to me 

We then headed towards the Bryggen area and made a quick peek inside St Mary’s Church, it has always been closed during our other visits. 

Then we walked the narrow walkways of Bryggen. If you have seen any photos of Bergen, it was probably the Bryggen area. 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. Today, some 62 buildings remain of this former townscape.

Many of these building now house souvenir shops and OH LOOK SWEATERS!!! I did not fall victim to the rubber tomahawk shops (my name for souvenir shops). 

Oh Look, a place to get a sausage. I know, no surprise to many of you. Trekroneren is the place to get a reindeer hot dog and they are best when dressed with lingonberry sauce and crispy onions and mustard. Trekroneren has been open for more than 75 years, and you can choose from 25 different hot dogs. Trust me, stick with the reindeer. 

Fortified with a reindeer sausage we started our trek to the University Gardens. Passing the City Lake there was a Thai Food festival going on. We did not stop any of their offerings but all looked very good. 

Up the hill is the university and the gardens. Here we took a break and enjoyed the great weather. It is rare for the sun to be shinning in Bergen. 

At the University one finds the Natural History Museum. Sadly, as today is Monday it was closed. We have visited it on previous trip and I highly recommend a visit. Also close to this area is the Maritime Museum and it is also excellent. 

We then wove our way back to the hotel to prepare for our sailing tomorrow. We did make a stop at a bakery for some bread togo with our soup this evening. The a stop at 7-11 for some drinks. FYI,   in Norway there seems to be a. 7-11 on every corner or on every block. 

There will be a Hurtigruten rep here at the hotel later this evening. This probably for passenger who have arranged transfers or pre stay activities with them. We will check with them anyway and maybe get our luggage tags. 


We did make a grand effort to locate the new chocolate shop but failed in this quest. 
 


       

VY Train to Bergen

 VY TRAIN TO BERGEN:



 

 

Yesterday was no fun as I fell ill. Nothing a day in bed can not fix. A little bummed. Our plans for that day had to be aborted.

 On to a new day. 

We woke up early (0500), readied ourselves and made our way to the airport train station and boarded the Flytoget train to Oslo Central Station. We then bought some sandwiches for our journey. We did splurge and bought VY "Pluss" seats. Nice reserved seats with table, and we get coffee and tea.  The coffee is good and strong. 

We were glad we arrived early as there had been a schedule change and we were leaving 20 min earlier. 

 

The Bergen to Oslo train is among the most popular rail routes in Norway, connecting the two often-visited cities. From Oslo to Bergen is an adventure of its own as the train passes numerous scenic fjords, lakes, traditional Scandinavian villages, and opens incredible picturesque views of the countryside throughout the way. Interestingly, the route is actually considered to be one of the most beautiful ones in entire Europe and in the world. The Bergen Oslo railway journey may seem like a long one at first but the views outside the train window make it one that's worth it.

The Bergen Railway was built in 1909 and runs over the highlands between Oslo and Bergen. These are the two largest cities in Norway. The Bergen Line is Northern Europe’s highest railway line, with Finse being the highest train station at 1,222 metres above sea level.

Facts about the Bergen Line
To/from Oslo–Bergen
Departures per day: 4-6
Duration between Oslo and Bergen: between 6 hours 32 minutes and 7 hours 23 minutes (depending on day- or night train)
Construction period: 1894–1909
Locomotive power: Electric
Length of track: 471,25 km
Highest point on the track: 1 237 meters above sea level
Highest station: Finse (1222 meters above sea level)
Number of tunnels: 182
Longest tunnel: Finse tunnel 10,3 km

If you are thinking about making this journey, book early as during busy times the train will sell out months in advance. Book direct with VY Rail and avoid Rail Ninja. We did think about making this trip in winter but due to avalanches these trips may be canceled.  

I must say this rail journey was most enjoyable and very scenic. It is hard to take photos on any moving train. 

                                             Lynn getting us lunch

                                                  DA Train in Oslo

                                                          Bergen Pond

                                                        Bergen Station

While WIFI is offered on this train it is not reliable at all. 

We arrived at the Bergen Station and walked to our lodging the Clarion Hotel Admiral. This walk was a little over 1K. The cobble walkways can make ones journey a challenge. Just last January we walked from the tram station and our bags slid well on the slush and snow. 

Checking into the hotel, we chatted with the same clerk who checked us in in January. She now has a new favorite chocolate shop we will have to visit. 

 We do like this location even if the rooms are small but for two nights it will work. 

I am guessing the hotel is pretty full as we as we were asked to choose a breakfast time. We choose 0630-0745. The breakfast here is AMAZING and we are really looking forward to tomorrow morning. 

Plan for tonight is chill, do laundry, and finish our lunch for dinner. 

Denver to Oslo and a Rainy Day in Oslo:

 Denver to Oslo and a Rainy Day in Oslo:

We started the at our respective gyms getting a workout in. Then home to prepare for the trip. The Boys were wound up and ready to get to Puppy Camp. Even Kenai was barking and howling as we arrived. 

The drive to the West Parking Spot Blue was uneventful, other than a stop at Cabelas to check out a camp stove. Lynn found a sling bag she thinks will work as a nice day bag. Note: the Blue Parking Spot is not as efficient with their shuttle management so plan extra time.



 

Checked in at airport and dropped our bags and headed to the UAL Club. We were way early so I finished uploading images to my website from our last trip. 

The flight to Munich was great as we had Polaris Class (first class/business). Then in Munich we had three gate changes and ended up in three different lounges at three different terminals. The our flight was delayed as the crew timed out and a new crew was needed. Thus we were an hour late on our arrival in Oslo at 11:00 PM. 


Glad we use the Raddison Red hotel at the airport as it made the walk short and we got checked in. We rearranged some bags and crashed for the night.

 

We woke to a troll weather kinda day with grey skies and rain. Thus the plan is to visit some museums today.  

As the day progressed the skies did clear and a beautiful day of gorgeous weather was had.

We had an in room breakfast of pastries and coffee and then off to take the train into the Central Station. This about a 20 min ride and the Radisson Red has a good rate. Train fare is covered by the Oslo Pass. 



Arriving at the Central Station, we walked to the Munch Museum. The first available entrance was at 1230. Having about 1 1/2 hours to wait we decided to make a hot dog run for lunch. One can get there by taking either the 34 or 54 bus to the Alexander Kiellands Plass stop.  It is a short walk from there. 

Syverkiosken is one of the last hotdog kiosks in Oslo. Here, you can get sausages prepared the traditional way, in lompe/lefse, (there is a difference in the two but I am not sure of what that is, a good question for the ships chef) a flatbread made from potatoes, or with new, innovative flavor pairings.

The toppings are always homemade, and the sausages are boiled in a rich stock, made according to Syverkiosken’s secret traditional recipe.  

We had a great conversation with the owner discussing the differences of Norway vs the USA. All was good. 

As we were leaving, the owner suggested we we go to a nearby water fall. Who knew there was a waterfall in the city of Oslo. Well now you do.

 

 



The most spectacular waterfall along the Akerselva River, located next to the small, red house called Hønse-Lovisas hus and the Beier Bridge at Grünerløkka. I was glad we made the hike to see it. 

We then took the 54 Bus back to the Munch Museum. 

One plus to the Munch Museum is the displays are always changing. Currently there is a display titled Lifeblood Edvard Munch. Munch’s father was a doctor hence had a connection to the medical field of his day. This, along with his poor health, made made for the subject of many of his works being surrounded by medicine. Munch would often pay doctors with his pieces of art in exchange for medical treatment. This may further explain the darkness to a majority of his work as he was plagued by health issues and mental illness his whole life.

 

 

 

 

We then took two trams to the the Nobel Peace Museum. Here at the  Nobel Peace Museum, one can explore the Nobel Prize, Alfred Nobel’s life and the achievements and discoveries of the Nobel Prize laureates. The exhibitions and activities cover many different fields – natural sciences, literature, peace and economics.


 

 

                            Locals rent these dock spaces for their boats 

                                        Opera House

                                  Munch Museum 

                                    A trolly

                                    Nobel Peace Center  

                                           Train Station

                                         Gull Bacon, Who Knew LOL
 

Alfred Nobel had a clear vision about the prize that he created. In his will, he wrote that he wanted to reward those who had “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind”. The Nobel Prize laureates and their stories come to life at the Nobel Peace Museum. Their work and their life journeys reflect the history of the early 20th century through to the present day. By learning from the past, we can better understand our present and shape our future.

Interesting things I learned or was reminded of: The Nobel Prize medallion is cast in gold mined with the use of Noble’s invention- dynamite. The medallion was designed by Vigeland. I had forgotten Teddy Roosevelt and Freidtjof  Nansen were recipients of the Prize. 

Nobel, in his will, had all his holding divested and created the Nobel Foundation. The Foundation manages the finances from his will.  


We made a stop at a couple of shops to get great sandwiches and pastries for tonight and tomorrow morning. Then we caught a crowded train back to The Radisson Red for the evening. 13,000 steps for the day. 






“Hey, I want to see Norway in the day time”

 

                            From Hurtigruten's Web Site

 

 “Hey, I want to see Norway in the day time” well that is what Lynn said. Who am I to argue. 

 



This journey will start with a flight to Oslo. We are planning on a couple days in Olso visiting parks and museums. 

 



Then we will board the Bergensbanen which offers one of the most spectacular scenic experiences in Europe. We will cross the Hardangervidda National Park, onto the Hardangervidda plateau, Europe’s largest high mountain plateau. 

The Bergen Railway was finished in 1909 and runs over the highlands between Oslo and Bergen. These are the two largest cities in Norway. The Bergen Line is Northern Europe’s highest railway line, with Finse being the highest train station at 1,222 meters above sea level. The journey is 308 miles and will take about 6.5 hours. 



We had booked this rail trip once before in the winter months. Having to be in Bergen to start a cruise, we changed our minds and decided to fly as we learned winter weather can cancel the trip. It was good we made alternate plans on that trip. 

 

 
Then we will have a day in Bergen before we board the Hurtigruten MS Trollfjord, sailing the Svalbard Line Northbound for 8 days.  On this sailing we will visit some familiar ports and some new ports. I hope we have good weather to visit the Trollfjord. The sailing ends in Longyearbyen. 

 
We are looking forward to Longyearbyen as our other visits were on for a few hours when arriving or leaving. Here we will spend a couple days experiencing this northern town. 



Yes the days will long and the nights short but there will still be a chance to observe the Aurora. Maybe an Ice Bear will wander into town. 



We then return to Oslo for a night and then the journey home. 



Should be a great trip.