Bergen Love: NY Times Profile, etc.

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section this morning, they have this headline: “36 Hours in Bergen” with these highlights: “Many come to Bergen in pursuit of nearby nature, to see the dramatic fjords and waterfalls and misty mountain peaks of Norway’s southwestern coast. But before you are whisked away on a cruise ship or hiking tour, it’s worth exploring the city itself, Norway’s second largest. Although visitors typically head straight for the historic harbor, locals have been busy elsewhere, developing an all-are-welcome cultural scene. So pack an umbrella, and save the fjords for later — they’re not going anywhere.”.

 

We super loved our visit to Bergen as detailed with lots of pictures and tips in the live/blog connected below. I will post here a few of my favorite pictures/memories from when we explored this charming and historic town.

 

This NY Times profile provides many ideas and options to consider, especially for arts options, places to eat, drink, etc. There is a nice interactive map, plus a number of pictures, etc.

 

This includes this potential to consider if music is of personal interest: "The beauty of Norwegian nature was a constant inspiration for Edvard Grieg, the Romantic-era composer and Bergen native revered for his classical concerto and soulful piano compositions. And it’s easy to see why on a visit to Troldhaugen, Grieg’s longtime summer home. Built in 1885, the waterside villa is now part of the Edvard Grieg Museum, filled with mementos like the composer’s Steinway piano."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/29/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-bergen-norway.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 217,036 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

This picture shows the Bergen Floibanen funicular railway coming up the steep hill with the harbor, fish market, etc. in the background. On the top, somewhat right, the Silver Cloud and Costa ships can be seen in the harbor, plus nearby scenic areas, etc.

Here’s a close look at these historic Bergen Hanseatic merchant warehouse building fronts, people taking pictures, etc. :

Right near the Hanseatic merchant warehouse area is the Bergen Fish Market with lots of options to buy food to eat on site or just watch, enjoying the “show” as people ask questions and buy the various fresh fish items.:

 

Bergenhus Festning Castle is located in the entrance to Bergen’s harbor and is one of the oldest, best-preserved castles in Norway. Shown is Rosenkrantz Tower, built in the mid 1500’s with dungeons on the ground floor, cannons on the top floor, etc. :

 

Where do you shop in Norway? Here is an example in Bergen in looking for woolen items in the charming area right near the Fish Market. As you can tell by the friendly smile, our friend, Sharon, was enjoying herself. :

 

From our ship as the sun is getting ready to set on July 14, here is the view of the Bergen harbor on our sail away at 11 pm.:

[TriMomma]

We were there for a land trip last summer and LOVED Bergen. My sister is considering adding a couple of days in Bergen prior to a Baltic trip. This is is a great article. Thanks.

[TLCOhio]

We were there for a land trip last summer and LOVED Bergen. My sister is considering adding a couple of days in Bergen prior to a Baltic trip. This is is a great article. Thanks.

 

Appreciate your nice follow-up. Glad that you loved your visit to Bergen. We were very fortunate to have a nice sunny and long day there in this historic and charming town. Below are some of my notes from our visit there. Plus, a few more visuals to fire up excitement for visiting here. Or, to being back nice memories.

 

As the seat of Norway’s medieval kingdom of Norway for six centuries, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold encircled by deep fjords, towering mountains, and sweeping glaciers. Today's Bergen has much of the medieval flavor remaining around Bergen's harbor. We explored the cobblestone streets, saw its pastel-color wooden houses, bargained in some of the many artisans' workshops and visited the famous and always-entertaining Fish Market. You can watch the locals haggling over today's catch and enjoy a quayside lunch of freshly caught salmon or fish and chips.

 

Rated by Frommers as more scenic than Oslo, Bergen was the base of the medieval Hanseatic merchants. Those historic timbered houses are set around Bryggen or The Wharf, a center for crafts and workshops. Its prime row is mostly reconstructed 14th-century structures, some of which were originally destroyed by fire. Det Hansseatiske Museum depicts commercial life on the wharf in the early 18th century and is highly rates with well-preserved wooden structure. Its art museums are highly-rated with religious icons, local art, etc.

 

In the afternoon, after some of the big crowds had lessened, we took the Floibanen funicular railway to the top of a 1050-foot high peak for scenic views. This cable car has been operating for over 80 years and was refurbished in 2002. The Funicular Lower Station is situated 150 meters from the Fish Market. At the top of the Mount Floyen, there are hiking trails and places for lunch or dinner. The trip takes seven minutes and both cars are on the same cable going up and down. Mariakirken or St. Mary’s Church is the most outstanding Romanesque church in Norway. Bergen is Norway’s largest port and has a population of 252,000. Scenic Bergen completed our voyage with its dramatic backdrop of seven rounded mountains and cobble-stoned streets. It entices you to take memories and photos cherishing the land of the Norsemen. Here is the link to this rail option:

www.floibanen.com

 

Their good and helpful Tourism Office can be accessed on the web at: www.visitbergen.com/en

 

We docked at the fairly handy Skoltegrunskaien Pier. This put us within about a 10-15 minute walk of the main attractions at the market and warehouse area.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 183,008 views for this posting.

 

In Bergen, this was our great vista on this sunny day from the top of the Floibanen funicular railway station and its scenic overview. Being up, UP high really gives a great perspective for this city and the nearby waters, mountains, etc.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger!)

In Bergen’s Hanseatic warehouse area, this folk music group is entertaining as people sit outside, drink beer (at $13.25 each at that time) and enjoy the great weather day.:

 

In the Bergen market area, here’s one of the sales tent offerings for local woolen products.

 

From a higher location, here is a view of the Fish Market area and other buildings in the main part of Bergen. Seeing Bergen from different angles is interesting and a key part to appreciate its unique beauty.:

 

From the Bergen harbor, this is the view of the station, dining place, etc., for the Floibanen funicular railway at the top of its 1050-foot high peak.:

Here is another view of the “action” in Fish Market that is right next to Bergen’s main harbor.:

[Hlitner]

Great post (as always) Terry. You have certainly "upped" your game with that cruise line "). As to Bergen, we have been there on 5 cruises (number 6 is coming up next month) and DW and I have walked miles around that city. There is much to like about Bergen...and we usually just stay in town. For those that used to cruise on HAL's Prinsendam.....the recently retired Captain Halle Gundersen (and his lovely wife and DD) are prominent residents of the Bergen community. We have run into the good Captain on two of our visits. For some strange reason, he cannot stay away from cruise ships....especially HAL vessels.

 

Hank

[ShipsInBergen]

TLCOhio, thanks for adding all this great information about your visit to Bergen :D

[cwbabe48]

We will be there in August. Hope the weather is as beautiful then. Thanks for sharing.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[TLCOhio]

Great post (as always) Terry. You have certainly "upped" your game with that cruise line "). As to Bergen, we have been there on 5 cruises (number 6 is coming up next month) and DW and I have walked miles around that city. There is much to like about Bergen...and we usually just stay in town. For those that used to cruise on HAL's Prinsendam.....the recently retired Captain Halle Gundersen (and his lovely wife and DD) are prominent residents of the Bergen community. We have run into the good Captain on two of our visits. For some strange reason, he cannot stay away from cruise ships....especially HAL vessels. Hank

 

Appreciate from Hank and others these great comments and follow-ups. Wonderful that Hank has been to Bergen so many times. Yes, regarding "upping our game", the sailings on Silversea have worked well in doing the scenic areas along the Norway Coast, especially north of the Arctic Circle. There are nice pluses in doing a smaller, more personal cruise ship, especially if you can get the right, reasonable pricing/value. Have not done any sailing, yet, with HAL. Did Princess in March for the Panama Canal.

 

Just did in June a great Lisbon to Rouen/France, 11-day sailing on a smaller ship with lots of wonderful ports, etc. Worked well. That live/blog is at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 32,954 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

[Hlitner]

Terry, The only negative thing one could say about Silverseas is the price ! :).

 

Hank

[TLCOhio]

Terry, The only negative thing one could say about Silverseas is the price ! :)Hank

 

YES, agree with the super smart Hank that Silversea can have some challenges with their pricing. Fortunately, we have been lucky during the five cruises with them to have hit the . . . RIGHT COMBINATION . . . for the best/needed ports/destinations AND fairly reasonable pricing/value. It can happen, including on last month's cruise. With some cruise lines, there is the base price, but then the added costs for the "nickel and dime" extras, plus, plus, do add up.

 

People should not always assume that all cruise and travel prices are equal or simple. It's important to evaluate ALL of the various "value" questions/factors.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 217,945 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[TLCOhio]

From the Sydney Telegraph late last month, they had this headline: “Essential Guide to Bergen” and this newspaper highlighted top cities in Europe that do not always get the highest attention. But, their view is that these cities deserved the attention and a visit!!

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “From the beautiful, brightly coloured wooden merchant houses that line the fishing harbour to touring the fjord-bound hilltop home of composer Edvard Grieg, Norway’s second-largest city is beguiling. To get your bearings, ride the Floibanen funicular – a 10-minute walk from the harbour – to the viewing platform offering sweeping vistas of the city below. From there you’ll spy your ship and the colourful, gabled wooden buildings on the harbour. Bergen, founded in 1070, is the southern gateway to Norway’s enormous fjord coastline. As you stroll its waterfront fish market and historic Bryggen quarter, Nordic history comes at you. ”

 

Full story at:

https://www.escape.com.au/world/europe/the-essential-guide-to-bergen-norway/news-story/8c38c656955645126e43be70db6412b3

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.! Just completed a Jan. 21-Feb. 20, 2018, first adventure through Southeast Asia with stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before traveling all over Vietnam and Cambodia. This includes seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 34,054 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

Here was one of the Bergen visuals used to illustrate this profile. Look good?.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)