#345: Bergen and Troldhaugen (pg. 326, 2nd Ed: Bergen pg 355)

 

July 10, 2025

Bergen!

We started out the day by exploring this beautiful port city, the second largest city in Norway, second only to Oslo.

Bergen Cathedral

This is Bergen's main church and was dedicated to St. Olav, the patron saint of Norway, in 1301.

One of the best things to do in this town is just to meander the streets.

And to eat a cinnamon roll!  We got this one from Godt Brod.

After wandering around the town for awhile, we made our way to the Floibanen Funicular and bought a one-way ticket to the top.

Highly recommend this - spectacular views from the top!

I spy with my little eye..... our ship!

Planning out our next destination 😉

Kissing Point

In position....

Mwah!  😘😘😘

We also loved meeting the local goats. 

There are 10 of them.  

Hi Floydis!

Truth!!

We took the funicular up....

But we hiked (and slid!) down (which I also highly recommend- it was lovely!)

Then we made our way to the famed fish market.

We hired a tour guide to take us on an "official" tour of the city and explored again under Neal's tutelage. 

The first part was a walking tour and the second half was on a ferry so that we could see Bergen by boat from the water perspective. 

Back on land for a bit more shopping and exploring before getting back on our ship!

Here I am along the wharf side district of Bryggen. 

Verdict:  We loved Bergen.  There was lots to see and do and it was aesthetically pleasing to the eye everywhere you looked!  There are lots of day trip options from here as well to explore the fjords, which in my opinion, is the very best part of Norway!

#344: Geirangerfjord (pg 331, 2nd Ed pg 356)

 

July 8, 2025

We docked in Alesund and made our way to Kokarsteinen - beautiful views!

Then we went to Gudbrandsjuvet, a river gorge along the Valldola river. 

And then to the old bridge by Krikebrua.  This bridge was built in 1891 and was built only using rocks - no concrete or steel.  Pretty as a postcard!

I loved the moss/grass covered homes that blended in with the surroundings.

And then to Trollstigen!  Geirangerfjord can be viewed from Ornevegen (Eagles' Road), most noted for its eleven hairpin turns, an amazing feat of engineering!

Me soaking it all in.....

A short stop in Valldal before making our way back to Alesund.

Perfect weather, dramatic scenery and an overall awesome day!

Verdict:  Yes!  We loved every minute of our Norwegian fjords cruise, but we all agreed that if we had to pick one favorite day, it would be this one.  So if you don't have the time or resources to visit all the fjords.... put this one at the top of your list! We booked a tour through LocalTrips (which can be booked via Viator or TripAdvisor) and they were great!  We paid $161 a person for a 7 hour excursion from Alesund which included lunch.  

#343: Hardangerfjord (pg 332, 2nd Ed. pg 363)

 

July 7, 2025

A great way to see the Norwegian fjords is by cruise ship!  We booked a Holland America 7-day cruise out of Rotterdam to explore the fjords.  Our first stop was in Eidenfjord.

Hardangerfjorden stretches 112 miles from the island of Bomlo in the North Sea to Odda.  The main fjord extends the tip of the Folgefonn peninsula where it forks into a number of tributaries, with Eidfjord being one of the three largest.

We headed out to the gorgeously scenic Voringsfossen

The waterfall plunges 476 feet!

I spy with my little eye..... a rainbow!

Make that a double rainbow! 🌈🌈

Then we hopped back on the ship to cruise all around Hardangerfjord.

Making our way under the Hardangerfjord bridge..... it doesn't look like we're going to make it 😬

Phew, we made it!

A view from the other side of Hardanger Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Norway which spans the Hardangerfjord.  

Verdict:  There are several fjords listed in the 1000 places book and I don't necessarily think you need to see every single one of them before you die, but visiting the Norwegian fjords is an absolute must!  So make your way to Scandanavia in the summer months and put the Norwegian fjords on your bucket list!