I’ve come to Bergen in western Norway to see a UNESCO heritage village and a bit of nature. Whenever I say Bergen I want to add a flergen schlergen mergen aka the swedish chef from the muppets, but I keep this thought on the inside. While it’s picture postcard pretty and definitely worth a visit, it’s the least friendly place I’ve been to so far. There’s a large student population here and masses of tourists and the locals seem genuinely pissed off to see you. I spent today walking in the woods and around town and of all the people I said hi to only maybe 3 replied, and I’m pretty sure they were also visitors. I guess it’s not uncommon in smaller tourist towns for people to be unfriendly, and I can think of places in NZ that are the same, so I’ll adjust my expectations. Kind of surprised me because Scandinavian countries are apparently the happiest on earth. In fact when I caught the train here from Oslo I sat with a doctor from Dubai who was on the hunt for the happiest people in Scandanavia (bet he didn’t find them here!) and he didn’t think happiness had anything to do with money, which I would agree with. Before we parted he took a selfie with me and gave me very sage advice….if you follow what makes you happy you cannot go wrong. Here here.
Bergen is small so it doesn’t take long to check out the main sites – the UNESCO protected seaside village of Bryggen is cool, during the day until 4pm there’s a fishmarket where you can pick your catch and have it grilled/steamed or bbq’d fresh. A funicular takes you up to the top of the ranges (in the background of the shots below) and there are heaps of hiking trails to explore. I tackled a 7km trot up to the top of the ridge and back and it was gorgeous.
Picked up a bottle of wine on my way back to the apartment – tip for anyone coming to Norway – wine is sold in vinmonopolet (wine monopoly) stores that are open only until 6pm so a bit of planning is needed. Supermarkets sell beer and cider but only until 8pm. And lots of things are shut on Sundays.
Tomorrow I’m taking a cruise down the Sonjefjord to Flam and back, a 13 hour round trip. Looking forward to it, and for my Iceland buddies I’m not taking a seasick pill unless I need it because they make me too high ha! I might miss the return boat without you there to keep an eye on me 😉
The aurora forecast is also hotting for the days ahead….might have to set an alarm and get up at 1am to check out the skies.
Postcard pretty 
UNESCO protected 
no translation needed 
Best job ever 
Funicular to the top of the mountain 
I was slow with my camera but this person is on skis with wheels and poles, the summertime alternative 
A walk in the woods 
Gorgeous.
I am so happy for you and I know you’ll have amazing time.
This place is so pretty, As I read your stories, I will be adding cool places to my bucket list!