Bergen

Thursday 14 August

Berthed on time at Bergen and for the first time we have other cruise ships to compete with - mega ships, MSC Orchestra and one other which both swamp us in size and numbers.

Bergen has a population of just on 260,000 of Norway's near 5 million people.  It was originally known as Bryggen and was Norway's capital and largest city.  It is the country's largest port and lies in the centre of seven mountains.  It's rise to prominence was based on its dry cod trade during the early 12th century.  Bergen is a very wet city - it rains around 250 days per year and its record run of consecutive wet days is 80.  Guess what ........... we have had a 22C day of clear blue sky. Interestingly, the city has a retirement home for seafarers funded by a tax on all boats coming into its harbour.

A quick familiarisation tour on the Hop On Hop Off bus, to the fish market (nothing special - but whale meat for sale) and up through the City Park to the library for an email catch up and then completion of the bus loop.  Had to queue for the funicular to the top of Mt Floyen - very steep and with very modern cars (original was wooden).  Great views down to, and across, the harbour from the mountain's very big parklands.  No queue on the way down.

Wander around the old wharf section of Bryggen which features Hanseatic commercial buildings dating back to the 15th century - although burned down a number of times, rebuilt and restored.  Back to our ship for our last embarkation before setting sail for Rotterdam.

Wonderful cruising out of Bergen, in the sunshine on our balcony, and with the binoculars getting a good workout as they have most days.  Bergen is a very spread out city, very colourful housing (big houses with lots of green belts), many small islands and it seems just about everyone has water views.  I think we struck Bergen on a day on which it really shined.