Bergen, Norway: A Norwegian Gem

Bergen, Norway:  A Norwegian Gem

After sailing through the English Channel and into the North Sea, the Ruby Princess entered the waters of Norway and into the fjord of Bergen. It was now early Wednesday morning.  We had finally gotten over "jet lag".  We had coffee in the room followed by a great breakfast before going ashore.  Our plan was to catch the "Hop-On, Hop-Off" bus at the cruise terminal.  We learned that the bus did not come to the cruise terminal where we were docked so we took the ship's shuttle to the center of town and quickly found the Hop On Hop Off near the Fish Market.

 

Bergen is known as one of the most alluring cities in the world. It was founded in the 11th century and was once the capital of Norway.  It is considered the "Gateway to the Fjords" and offers spectacular views of Mt. Floien.  Some of the famous sites in Bergen are the "Fish Market" where not only fish is sold by vendors but fruits and vegetable and souvenirs.

 The old town is referred to as Bryggen, a commercial area founded by German merchants.  We were told that the town had experienced numerous fires in the past and had been rebuilt more than once after which local commerce continued. 

Our other venture after the Fish Market and the bus tour included the ride up Mt. Floien on the "Funicular" or rail tramway.  The train carried us up to the top where we had a fantastic view of the city and the harbor.  Later, after our bus tour completed the circle of the city (with 11 possible hop off stops) we bid farewell to Bergen and caught the shuttle back to the ship for a late lunch.  The Ruby Princess departed Bergen and set a westward course toward the Shetland Islands of Scotland.

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