Day 2: Bergen

Tips:

• Norway is a vast country with an abundance of fjords, islands, coastlines, forests, lakes and mountains, and Bergen is a city worth spending two/three days exploring to get the most out of the sights, food and Norwegian culture/history. The best advice is to slow down, take your time and be generous with schedules.
• The “hiking season” in the higher mountains starts relatively late (July-August is the best time) because of the large amounts of snow in central mountain areas.
• Driving cars in winter conditions (November to March) is only for the experienced because wind and heavy snowfall mountain passes can be closed on short notice or drivers can be instructed to form a line right behind the snowplow
• Norway is one of the richest countries in the world and so many things are expensive (particularly restaurants and taxis). It’s worth noting that service and taxes (VAT) is always included in the price offered, nothing is added to the bill.

Exploring Bergen: Day 2:

The real jewel of Western Norway is, of course, the majestic fjords, and Bergen is seen as the gateway to experiencing them. So, a fjord cruise is definitely a must.

An easy day trip option is a 3-hour round trip from Bergen to Mostraumen, through the 27km long Osterfjorden.

The cruise starts from Zachariasbryggen (right next to the well-known Fish Market). Departing past Bryggen, as the trip begins from Bergen’s harbour basin – meaning you can experience a view of the old city of Bergen as the cruise sails off to begin the trip.

A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland. Often described as “nature’s own work of art”, they are formed by glaciers during a succession of glacial cycles over a period of 2.5 million years, leaving seawater to flood the U-shaped valleys.

“Fjord” is traditionally a Viking term related to the phrase for ‘where you travel across’ and the word ‘ferry.’

Whilst on the tour you have a running commentary (in both English and Norwegian) to guide you through the journey. The typical narrowness of the fjords means there is a lot to see on the way; with waterfalls, tiny villages, sea eagles and lush islands all in view.

It’s worth braving the elements and venturing onto the upper deck to really experience the awe of nature as you journey past the scenes of the watercolour masterpieces. My favourite being the small cabins “hytte” or little wooden sheds painted in bright red.

As you travel deeper into the Osterfjorden, the boat practically hugs the sides of the mountains as the gap narrows, and your experience gets close and personal. At one point on the journey the Captain will steer you into a waterfall to offer the chance of feeling the force of the ice-cold mountain water.

At the very end of the fjord, you reach the tiny municipality of Modalen, with just 380 residents – it’s the smallest municipality in Norway.

You can book tickets for this cruise online through Visit Bergen. If purchasing tickets in advance (which is recommended during busier seasons), you must book at least 2 working days before departure. You can save 20% with the Bergen card.

Some tours are seasonal and change departure times, but you’ll always find a fjord cruise no matter what time of year you are visiting Bergen.

Refreshments are available (at cost) on board.

Cost: 650 NOK / approx.. £65.00

Baker Brun is a popular café spot in Norway, home of Bergen’s signature skolebolle (a Nordic sweet roll filled with custard. The café on the Bryggen is a place to warm up with a warm cup of coffee or tea and re-fuel with fresh pastries, before an afternoon hike.

To continue the exploration take the Stoltzekleiven challenge, an exhilarating hike up a steep paved trail and approx. 722 stairs. Not for the unfit or faint hearted, it’s a tricky climb with narrow and steep pathways.

If you complete this hike it’s time to celebrate. So, in anticipation you will, it’s worth pre-booking dinner at Cornelius, one of the finest out-of-this-world Nordic seafood experiences. Situated on a tiny island with a meteorological menu. The experience begins with a boat trip to the restaurant and ends 5 hours later.

Open every season – every day – to offer the most unique and exciting culinary experience.

Regular departures at 6.00pm from Dreggekaien on Bryggen (shed no. 8) opposite Radisson Blu Royal Hotel and Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret. Return from Holmen at 10.30pm. The boat trip takes around 25 minutes.