Arrived safely after nearly missing our Amsterdam/Bergen connection due to delays at Venice airport.  It was just after midnight, we were  both tired and cranky so just showered put jamies on and fell into bed.

Our hotel (the Augustin) is wonderful, situated just a block back from the waterfront.  We were upgraded to a “junior suite” which has all the bells and whistles including a heated bathroom floor and wonderful thick doonas both on top and below us.  It’s what you have to have in Norwegian winters.  Breakfast was another surprise.  I was taken straight back to my Baltic childhood with such wonderous food as rye bread as only the continentals can bake it, smoked salmon, many cheeses from all over Europe and best of all, pickled herrings.  Yummy, yes really.  And really good coffee and lots of it.

After such a repast we were anxious to get out and about.  Dressed in our ski coats and hats and armed with cameras we set off to explore historic Bryggen (The Wharf) which deservedly has UNESCO Cultural Heritage listing. Over the years there have been many fires, and  Bryggen was continually rebuilt on the foundations originally set down in the 11th century. Many small side alleys boast a fascinating array of wooden buildings and overhangs which lean at alarming angles, with doors at equally crazy angles which shouldn’t close but against all odds do!!  The buildings hold an array of shops.  You have to watch where you’re walking as the floors are terribly uneven and catch the unaware.

The vagaries of the weather were with us today, one minute beautiful and sunny with blue skies, then half an hour later the black clouds roll in and rain and hail.  Then it’s sunny again, but coats are never removed as it’s only 7 degrees.

Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains.  The Floibanen funicular took us to the top one of them and we had a fascinating hour walking around. We had our first experience of snow up there.  It hailed while we were up there and the whole area turned into a winter wonderland.  The forest is beautiful, with moss and huge tree roots evoking thoughts of magical creatures.  We met our first troll too!  Pete saw some wild goats. The views of the city were absolutely fantastic.  There are many walking trails but it was too icy and slippery for anything other than a short stroll. The cameras worked overtime.

We walked along the waterfront to the Fortress and Hakon’s Hall, originally built in 1247.The building was devastated by fire so that only the walls remained.  It was restored to its original splendour over many years.  The Great Hall was the highlight of the visit with its magnificent wooden ceiling.

Intrepid Norwegians are still dining al fresco. Restaurants put out woollen knee rugs and sheep skins to keep their customers warm! All indoor areas are heated to stifling.  It was exhausting taking off and putting coats back on again as we went from shop to shop.

Tomorrow it will rain and we will be off to visit the Maritime Museum among others, keeping indoors as much as possible.

Pete’s turn to  blog tomorrow.