Day 7-9 of our trip.

On our bus trip to Bergen, we stop at a viewpoint to admire the valley of Stalheim.

On our first day in Bergen, we walked the area in Bryggen – the old town, which was founded by the German Hanseatic league.

I had high expectations of seeing beautiful cherry blossom. They were towards the end of the blossoming but still beautiful. But the rhododendrons and lilacs were splendid! Full glory and in abundance!

We get to the waterfront – only minutes from our hotel – and see outdoor patios one after the other by the water, as you find in every European town. Why can’t we get this done back home?

We spotted our restaurant for tomorrow – Bryggeloftet & Stuene (it was fully booked today) and continued walking around the harbour, finally settling in at a taco restaurant, apparently tacos are the second most popular food in Bergen, after pizza!

The next day, we decide that we are brave and 60 years old, going on 40 and get all geared up for the big Vidden hike.

After taking the bus to the Ulrichen gondola (Ulrichen is the highest mountain of the 7 mountains surrounding Bergen), we take it up the mountain to begin our 14km hike to Floyden, another one of the 7 mountains surrounding Bergen, where there is a funicular to go back down. How bad could it be?

Elevation gain is 833m – the trail goes around several lakes and cliffs to connect the two mountains.

The first hour is mostly hiking in barrens rocks but then the path is mostly cliffs of rocks that we must rock climb up and then down. It is very rough on my old broken down knee but we muddle through. Poles are very helpful.

It is marked by 37 cairns (mounts of small rocks) that help with directions.

The scenery is breathtaking and a big reward for the strenuous hike.

Towards the end, it it mostly a downhill gravel road which again is hard in the knee but we succeed!!

Yes there are a lot of photos and videos because we are sooo proud of ourselves!

Off to our planned dinner at Bryggeloffet. The menu is amazing and the food is truly spectacular. Chuck tries an appetizer of whale and Dominque orders bruschetta which comes with the bread in the side and a bowl of the fresh cherry tomatoes to be assembled so the bread doesn’t get mushy – brilliant! The asparagus are very fresh and the fish excellent!

The next day, we have booked a walking tour with a guide prior to getting on board the cruise ship.

Our guide Eirik is very interesting and was born and raised there.

Church of St-mary was built around 1130 and may be the oldest original church in Europe.

We learn that the houses are painted white in the front because it is the most expensive colour, so it is to show their wealth?!?

The cobblestone streets are beautiful and the view of the city and harbour, again beautiful! We come across a lot of nice graffiti. They are quite proud of them!

We really loved Bergen and are now ready for our next leg of the trip – we board the Hurtigruten cruise ship – an 11 days cruise up the coast of Norway all the way to Kirkenes in the arctic circle besides Russia.