Bergen, nestled on the west coast of Norway, has been a trading post for centuries. It became a bureau city of the Hanseatic League as early as the 13th century. Remnants of the League are seen along the waterfront, as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen. These wooden buildings lean to and fro, with various shades of color. It is no wonder Bryggen is such an attraction, with its beautiful hues glistening in the sunshine.
Bergen is surrounded by nine mountains, one being Mount Floyen. First thing on our day at port, we scurried over to the funicular that carries guests to the mountain top. A quick walk through the forest heralded curious mountain goats and moss covered boulders.
Later that morning, we took a small sea plane over the fjords to the glacier. Minus a quick bout of motion sickness, it was fantastic. The lead colored skies lent a gloomy ambience but the sun rays parted the skies intermittently illuminating green meadows below.
Bergen was the perfect introduction to the stunning beauty of Norway. Next up, Eidfjord and Stavanger!