Our arrival in Bergen was somewhat easier this time, as we had no need to "go through Customs" as we appeared to do last time. So just collect our luggage and head outside to the bus which would take us to our hotel in Bergen. The ride takes about 30 minutes, much of which is spent travelling through the countryside.
Bergen was founded in 1070 as a commercial centre by Olav Kyrre, King of Norway. It was the capital city of Norway from the 13th century and was the largest city in the country for the next 600 years. Because of its harbour and commercial importance, in the Middle Ages Bergen became a vital link in the Hanseatic League (a chain of European and Baltic cities with shared trading arrangements). This continued, around Bryggen, until the 18th century. Today much of the city's commerce is connected with the North Sea oil industry. The population is 230,000.
After checking in to the SAS-Radisson Hotel on Bryggen, I wanted to walk a bit to get a sense of scale, but especially to loacte the funicular (cable railway) running to the top of one of the 7 hills surrounding Bergen. The map I had showed that it was just a couple of blocks from our hotel, but I had no idea whether the map left out streets. It turned out that it did not, and indeed the bottom station was about 3 (longish) blocks from our hotel. And even though it was about 10PM when I reached the station, the service ran until midnight. But I wasn't prepared to travel on it just then. So, off exploring our little part of Bergen.
From just near the front of the funicular station, looking towards the fish market area (roughly in front of the ferris wheel). These days, the fish market is a day time only event, as things are put away at night, the whole affair being an open air operation.
Where's the Golden Arches? Yes, this is a McDonalds. One of the bazillion of them around the planet. And not an arch in sight! Apparently the City Council would not allow them to change the exterior of this heritage building, in an historical part of the city. SO, inside, it's all McDonalds, outside is all Bergen historical.
The Fisketorget, or Fish Market area. The fish sellers stalls are set up just to the right of where the bus is.
Sunset over Bergen, as seen from the Bryggen area (more on this later).
Contrasting architectural styles - an old (looking, at least) hotel, next to a modern building on the waterfront facing Bryggen.
The Bryggen area. These are reconstructed 14th century buildings created originally by Hansa merchants. These came from Germany, and bought their own employees, and for all intents and purposes were a private fiefdom controlling trade. However, these are not original buildings, as the area has been destroyed by several fires, the latest in 1955!
Do not adjust your PC - this building is not square, which I presume is the way it was designed, to maintain the appearance of being old. Note the brick building behind is actually the hotel in which we stayed.
And so it was time to bed to be ready for tomorrow's activities.
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