Norway+ coach tour: Bergen

London List #15: Norway = Check!

Bergen, the so-called western capital of Norway (it was the original capital of the country after all), was the first city we actually spent two nights in. This meant that we got to sleep in past 6 am, didn't have to pack and put out our luggage, and got to spend an entire day without any imposed agenda.

On our first night, we savored the opportunity for a relaxing dinner of our choice at Zupperia on the harbor. Zupperia, while a chain, still ranks as the best dinner of our entire trip. This is where I discovered how much I love curry and Manuel tried reindeer.

After a lovely, full night's sleep we decided to hike up Fløyen, the most visited of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen. This is probably due to both the Fløibanen funicular from the city and the sweeping view of the city, harbor, and out to the fjord. Most of our group rode the funicular up the steep incline, but we opted for the fresh air and exercise of hiking the switchbacks ourselves.

One of the benefits of walking up instead of riding the funicular was that we found a huge park along the way, which afforded the opportunity for play.

Plus the work of hiking made this view even more breathtaking when we finally reached it.

After our hike we headed over to the Bergen fish market for lunch.

 

Crab legs and whale steak. The first was tasty, the second was not.

Caviar in a tube like toothpaste.

Princess caviar is bright pink!

With our freedom we chose to spend the rest of the day exploring every part of the city we could walk to. We enjoyed the souvenir shops and Christmas store and ended our day relaxing at Henrik Øl og Vinstove, a craft beer haven in Bergen. Joe and Manuel were impressed with the selection and spent a considerable time discussing the European craft brew market with the owner on our second visit. They even carried a cider that was pretty tasty for me.