Photos from Bergen, Norway

A Showcase in Norway's Natural Beauty

I think by now it's evident how much I enjoyed the cities of Oslo and Stavanger in Norway for their cultural, artistic, and scientific attractions.  Bergen, further up the coast from these other cities captured my heart for a whole other reason, its easy access to Norway's outdoors.  Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, mountains used by locals and visitors alike for hiking and views of the city.  After a short walk from our cruise ship, we hopped on a funicular (a sort of cable car meant for very steep grades) up to Mount Floyen.  From the viewing platform at the top we spent hours hiking the adjacent woods looking for trolls and views.  Afterwards we spent some time exploring the historic harbor before heading back to our ship.  Below is a collection of photos that summarize our explorations of Bergen.

Views of Bergen from the top of the funicular on Mount Floyen are expansive.  Our cruise ship is docked in the far right.

Awesome Oslo

Two Days in the Capitol of Norway

I love Oslo!  Oslo was one of the first cities I visited in Europe and it set the bar high.  Not only did Oslo offer enough history and art to make my head explode, much of the activities we sought out were free or reasonably priced.  Although reasonably priced attractions are kind of necessary in Norway to make up for how obscenely expensive everything else is.  Fortunately for us, we visited Olso on a cruise that docked in this marvelous city for two days.  It was the best of both worlds.  We got to spend a bunch of time exploring the city, but could return to our reasonably priced cruise ship if we got the munchies or needed a rest.  

Enjoying the extensive collection of free to view art at the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Olso, Norway.

A Summer Day in Stavanger

Norway's Oil Town: Stavanger

I visited Stavanger in 2012 while on a Norther European Cruise, which I highly recommend as a method of travel throughout Europe to anyone.  We only spent one day in Stavanger, but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.  After our ship pulled into port and I peered out our stateroom window, the first building I saw was this building composed of lattice metal work partially overhanging the water in the port.  This building I learned after disembarking is the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.

Standing next to a diving bell in a survival suit in the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.