Viking Ocean Cruise Into the Midnight Sun Post #2, Bergen
We spent our first evening on board the Viking Sun attempting to learn our way around the ship. The first day we remained in Bergen and took the included tour of the city. The city was founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre and was named Bjørgvin, which means “the green meadow among the mountains”. We boarded the tour bus and drove around the city watching closely as wooden housing complexes like the one below rolled by. We discovered very quickly how good the tour bus drivers were. Several times we were approached on basically 1.5 lane roads and our bus driver would pull to the side or pull out in a passing area. How they knew there’s an issue ahead is beyond me. I do know that once Kim was rather nervous and she had the window seat as normal. She leaned in to me on one extreme dance with the edge of the road and a 500 foot dropoff. I’m sure that would have helped a great deal if we had fallen over the side of the hill.
Traditional Wooden Hanseatic Housing
Bergen (Bryggen) became Norway’s capital in the thirteenth century, and from the end of the thirteenth century became a Kontor, or a foreign trading post of the Hanseatic League, along with the London steelyards, Ipswich, and Bruges. The Hanseatic League lasted until 1789 and Bergen enjoyed absolute rights to arbitrate trade between Northern Norway and abroad. It was the largest city in Norway until the 1830s when Christiania, now known as Oslo overtook Bergen in population and business. What’s left of the wharf Bryggen, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, even while suffering numerous fires.
This was in addition to a Dutch cargo ship explosion during World War ll. The ship was carrying 120 tons of explosives. It transpired during the German occupation and 150 people died as a result. This was along with a large quantity of historic buildings near the harbor that were damaged beyond repair. The colorful wooden houses located throughout the historic district are gorgeous. They were traditionally painted red, yellow and white, as were buildings in farming lands or fishing areas where incomes were lower than average. This is why so many barns in the country side were traditionally painted red.
Mount Floyen Funicular
After touring the outskirts of Bergen we arrived back at the base of the Mount Floyen Funicular. These modes of transportation up the sides of mountains are quite common in European cities I’ve learned. What is a Funicular you ask? The dictionary states the following: Noun: “Also called: funicular railways, railway up the side of a mountain, consisting of a counter balanced car sat either end of a cable passing round a driving wheel at the summit”.
The Floibanen funicular in Bergen is 2,769 feet (844 meters) long, scales 991 feet (302 meters) in altitude up the side of Mount Floyen and carries over 1, 800,000 passengers annually. The railway was constructed in 1918. The track has a slope that varies between 15 degrees and 26 degrees. Two passenger cars carry 100 people each. The cars are named and painted, with Blamann being blue and Rodhette painted red. Our ascension was non-stop, but on the way down we paused two or three different times to take passengers on and let a small number off. The entire track has six stops and are used frequently by locals living on the mountain side. In addition there are two kindergartens on the mountain. In the summertime and during rush hours only certain departures will stop at all stops. You could check out Green Van Lines Moving Company here.
Gift Shop and Restaurant on Top of Mount Floyen
The funicular railway is one of Norway’s most famous attractions. The trip starts from the city center, just 150 meters from the Fish Market and Bryggen. The exciting trip up to the mountain is a magnificent experience in itself. At the top we found one can enjoy the spectacular view of Vagen bay and study the cityscape in detail, along with the seaward approaches and fjords surrounding Bergen. There were a plethora of hiking trails and walkways that led all over the mountain. We couldn’t actually involve ourselves in this activity as we had a limited amount of time on the top. A restaurant, cafeteria, souvenir shop and playground is located on the very top. If you plan on hiking and taking in the lovely flora and fauna you need to catch the funicular on your own and fully explore the trails and vegetation on Mount Floyen.
Flora and Fauna Atop Mount Floyen
We were able to take a few minutes and traverse several small trails. I was enamored with the ferns and how green everything was on top. These Boston Ferns, as we call them in the United States were simply superb. They looked quite healthy and had obviously soaked up some of the 200 plus inches of rain that Bergen receives every year.
Kim and I Atop Mount Floyen Overlooking Vagen Bay
The view from almost one thousand feet up is stunning to say the least. I took several photos from the top and managed to persuade a young lady to capture a selfie of Kim and I with the Vagen bay in the background.
Moumt Floyen Goat
Fløyenguttene (The Fløyen Boys), the Goats on Mount Fløyen, are cashmere goats, and help keep the mountains free of unwanted plant life. The goats spend each winter at Askoy island outside of Bergen. Come Easter each year they are transported back to Mount Floyen. There, along with the Bergen Coastal Association they make an effort each year to maintain the island free of underbrush and undesirable forest growth. The six billy goats are called “Elvis”, Smaen”, “Boots, “Festus Gilde”, Flekken” and “Alf”. They were born in 2011 on Radoy, an island in Hordaland county, Norway. All were all castrated when they were babies. First and foremost they were bred to clear vegetation. They like to keep each other’s company and mostly stay together as a herd.
The goats have been on Mount Floyen since 2016 where they have become accustomed to human contact and don’t shy away from selfies. They seem to love being scratched and petted by all ages. The goats are restricted with the use of modern Norwegian pasture technology, a virtual fence for grazing livestock. If you visit, the authorities ask that you not feed the goats as they receive their nourishment from the mountain greenery.
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Mount Floyen Troll with Kim and Myself
We discovered this Troll on Mount Floyen. It was to be the first of many we encountered on our cruise. Little did we know their popularity throughout Norway. A Troll is a class of being in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore. In Old Norse sources, beings described as Trolls dwell in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves. They live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human beings. The term Troll has been applied to the jötnar, the Ice Giants of old.
After riding the funicular back down Mount Floyen we went to the Schotstuene or one of the Hanseatic Museums, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.. The museum tells the story of the Hanseatic League and how they survived and thrived for 400 years in Bergen (Bryggen). There is much more to Bryggen than colorful, old wooden houses and being a popular tourist spot. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen is in fact a true cultural treasure, wholly unique in a global context. Nowhere else in the world can boast even one wooden house dating back to the Hanseatic period, yet the ‘City of Seven Mountains’ has managed to preserve a whole district, consisting of no less than 62 buildings.
Schotstuene Museum Desk from the Hanseatic Period Assembly Room
The Museum offers a perspective on the lives of the Hanseatic merchants and their unique trading networks. A visit to Schotstuene or the merchants former assembly room will give one a sense of how life played out during this part of the fourteenth century in Bergen. One can purchase a tour ticket that begins in the Midthuset and continues through the narrow corridors of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Thus taking you back through time and finishing at the exhibition space in Scotstuene, the world’s last remaining Hanseatic assembly room.
There are several tours daily in the summer period until September thirtieth. Tours start from Midthuset and last around thirty minutes. Fires and candles were not allowed in the buildings where the merchants worked because of the obvious risk of fire. This is why each of the buildings at Bryggen had a schøtstue or shared assembly room, each with an adjoining cookhouse (kitchen). The former Hanseatic assembly rooms at Bryggen are the last surviving example of their kind anywhere in the world.
Hanseatic Assembly Room
Hidden under one of the assembly rooms you’ll find what might be Bergen’s best-kept secret: a rare medieval ruin. Dating from around 1280, the ruin has been put on display below a glass floor and is the subject of a special exhibit. The displays at Schøtstuene offer a look into both the Bryggen World Heritage site and the Hanseatic League. Work to restore the museum’s largest artifact, the museum building, has begun. The building is 315 years old and once served as the merchants’ trading hall. Severe damage means the bulwark needs to be replaced and substantially protected for forthcoming generations. This is a very long process, anticipated to take until 2024, as the construction is being carried out using old craft traditions. One can gain an insight into this impressive work thanks to one of the new displays at Schøtstuene Museum.
The Shotstuene Hanseatic Museum
The German merchants first sailed into Vågen bay in the fourteenth century, and their presence was to have a huge influence on the city. The universal Hansa network reached across many countries and made Bergen one of the largest cities in Northern Europe during this period. Their trading activities meant the Hanseatic merchants were instrumental in shaping the economic, political and cultural development of the Nordic countries. This was in addition to large parts of Europe, all over several centuries. Bergen was the last outpost of the influential Hanseatic merchants. Bryggen was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979, and now stands as a dynamic tribute to a bygone trading culture.
Vagen Bay with Bergen Highlighted
The city is now an international center for aquaculture, shipping, the offshore petroleum industry and underwater technology. Bergen is a member of the Nordic Smart City project and maintains a national center for finance, tourism, media and higher education. Bergen Port is Norway’s busiest in terms of both freight and passengers, with over 300 cruise ships arriving each year bringing nearly a half a million passengers to Bergen, a number that has doubled in the last 10 years. The tourists are primarily from Germany and Great Britain. Next up is my post on Geiranger, one of the most gorgeous spots on earth, in my humble opinion!
*** Portions of our cruise were sponsored by Viking Ocean Cruises. All opinions, as always, are those of my own.
Posted By atJuly 26, 2019
Animals
Loving this as we will be on this cruise next year. Can’t wait to read more
Jane,
My sincere apologies. I am having my website worked on and I am not being notified of comments. My apologies for not responding sooner. I guarantee you will love this cruise. I really had no idea how gorgeous Norway would be. I just published my next blog post in regard to GeirangerFjords. It is truly a slice of heaven here on earth! Standing at the overlook looking down on the bay has to be one of the most magnificent things I have seen in my almost 70 years on this planet! Hopefully you can let me know your thoughts and I can see if you agree young lady! I love Viking! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Mike
I think I have heard of the funicular railway before..I hear its a famous tourist attraction in Norway..I’m just scared of an onslaught by the extreme cold in the country
Obalade,
I understand your fear of the cold. I am the same. The funicular was fantastic and the views terrific! Thanks.
Mike
Is this actually part part of Scotland? I do not know the full origins of vikings to see this is really amazing. Keep it up.
Mico,
No it is part of Norway.
Mike
Mount floyen has been beautiful place to be. Thanks to Viking Ocean Cruises for being part of the success of this article.
Oyeyipo,
Mount Floyen is a beautiful place with so many things to do. You are correct Viking Ocean Cruises really is a wonderful cruise line! Thanks for your thoughts!
Mike
Looks like it was a rainy trip. Good because you fully documented your stay here. Looks like you are in a retreat but that is not a bad thing.
Alex,
Actually we were lucky. It rained at times when we weren’t really exploring. When we were on tours it slacked off. Viking supplies umbrellas on their tours anyway. Thanks.
Mike
What a lovely piece! I’m just too fascinated to reading this post even to the very end and this picture “Mount Floyen Troll” catch my attention. Waiting to read your travel experience post on Geiranger. Thanks for sharing!
Ogunyemi,
Thank you kindly for your nice words. We loved the trolls also. Thanks for your nice thoughts.
Mike
Wow, Mkie! Then Geiranger must be fun filled even with the every tubes trooping in for tourism! Nice work, Mike!
Ogunyemi,
Geiranger is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in my life!
Mike
So much sea and green! This is definitely such a wonderful place to visit. Looking forward to visiting Norway when I get the chance to do so in the future.
AJ,
I had no idea how beautiful Norway really was until we visited. It’s spectacular. Yes it’s very green and there is a lot of sea! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Mike
I’m sure you had a great tour on top of mount Flogen. Taking a cruise tour as always been a desire by me
Rimmy,
Mount Floyen was excellent ,especially with its views. Keep working at it and I’m sure you will cruise like this someday! Thanks.
Mike
I always like to visit a museum when I’m in a different or new place.Good to know the Museum gave you a perspective on the lives of the Hanseatic merchants and their unique trading and the merchants former assembly room made you know how life played out during this part of the fourteenth century in Bergen.
Dave,
You are entirely correct my friend. I felt like I was there. The Hanseatic League was very adventurous and I loved the museum! Thank you kindly for your thoughts.
Mike
This is a different destination? Well as I said I assume this is Norway and to be honest. This part of the journey is a bit plain. At least based on the photos.
Gray,
As is written in the post we are in Bergen Norway,
Mike
That statue is a bit too creepy for me. What is it? Goblin? Is it part of the lore of this place? Other than that good job.
Wendy,
It is a troll and they are all over Norway. Yes Norway has a long and lengthy history with them. Thanks for your thoughts!
Mike
You give a descriptive information always about your cruise and tour. It always very motivating for me. Looking at trying it myself out someday.
Peter,
We love to cruise, especially with Viking. They are the best as documented by several reviews. Viking is always first in most people’s judgement! Thanks.
Mike
I’m just curious to know if meeting with the troll was a pleasant thing to encounter. I believe you had fun as you cruised.
Agbo,
It was an interesting process. The trolls were everywhere in Norway. We really had a wonderful time and Viking is fantastic. Thanks.
Mike
Very scenic housing, transportation, landscapes and festivities. The merchant museum and industry aquaculture looked especially interesting.
Maury,
The accommodations were excellent. The museum was educational and enlightening to everyone. Thanks for your thoughts!
Mike
The Traditional Wooden Hanseatic Housing look amazing. It is a site to behold.
Roy,
You have a great eye! I agree that the Hanseatic League housing was truly a beautiful “site to behold”. Thanks for your thoughts!
Mike
What a breath taking experience. I can bet this wasn’t cheap.
Cherry,
Ocean cruises aren’t as expensive as you might think. If you are diligent and look constantly at the promotional activity you will see that Viking offers free airfare and BOGOs or two for one deals on their cruises very often. Just watch the promotional activity. Thanks for your comments.
Mike
The Mount Floyen Troll looks amazing. I wish I could take a picture of myself in front of it.
Meg,
There were several points of interest on the Mount Floyen Trail. We would have like to spend more time hiking the various trails, but were limited in our stay on the top. Thanks for your thoughts.
Mike
That Schotstuene Museum Desk looks very dated. It’s like travelling back in time!
Frodd,
You are entirely correct and I am making videos for my You Tube channel of speeches they made while in this museum. Hopefully I will have them up within a month. Thanks.
Mike
There is so much history to learn while on the cruise. This is something I am sure I would enjoy 🙂
Patricia,
I too am very fond of history and always learn so many things on our Viking Cruises. They enlighten one to the past and all that has transpired. Thanks.
Mike
Visiting the Hanseatic Museums would be a great experience for anyone. The fact that it is a UNESCO heritage site just makes it the more appealing.
Stella,
I love your thoughts. UNESCO always identifies treasures around the world and really gives you a perspective on the history behind your visits. Thanks.
Mike
I have traveled a lot but I haven’t had the pleasure to enjoy the Viking cruise. I’ll be looking into doing it soon.
Oliver,
I recommend Viking Cruises as they always present us with so many options and I truly learn from every cruise. I really love history and Viking always gives us a treasure trove of memorable experiences. Thanks.
Mike
Vagen Bay is one of those places I have always longed to visit. I better start saving up!
Gina,
It would be money well spent. I had no idea how gorgeous Norway really was until this cruise! Thanks.
Mike
The Boston Ferns are very healthy and lovely to look at. This is nature at its best!
Daphne,
I love Boston ferns also and couldn’t believe the size and amount of ferns on the mountain top. Obviously they were very healthy and I immediately knew I would photograph them and put the photos in my blog post. Thank you kindly for sharing my interest and passion in Boston ferns.
Mike
Norway has such a rich culture and history. There is so much to learn!!
Hank,
I was truly impressed with Norway and had no idea how rich in history or how beautiful this country was. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Mike
The funicular looks so cool and your other photos are so endearing especially the Traditional Wooden Hanseatic Housing. I will loved to have a physical view of it.
Lizzy,
I share your passion for funiculars and appreciate your kind words. Thanks.
Mike
I would have really loved to use the funicular to see nature at its best. Just take in some fresh air while viewing some flora and fauna it will have been breathtaking for me.
Abasi Ema,
There are funiculars all over Europe and the views from them always are exciting. I would definitely recommend you visit and experience the beauty one sees from them in all the various countries. Thanks for your thoughts.
Mike
It’s really nice to have a trip with the love of your life. It creates more memories and strengthen the bond while seeing beautiful places together.
Meldred,
Thanks for your kind words. We are very lucky and both love to travel. I am happy we both enjoy this. Thanks for sharing your nice thoughts.
Mike
These photos show you had a fun-filled day touring these beautiful places. I love the I Atop Mount Floyen Overlooking Vagen Bay view. pleasant to the eyes.
Amikedi,
That view was spectacular and one never forgets the time and experience. You are correct we will always treasure this trip and cruise!
Mike
The Shotstuene Hanseatic Museum entrance is just a replica of what we have here. I am almost mistaken it for our very own here. I like to learn about history with the museum.
Magreat,
I too love history and learned so much about Norway and its charming past on this cruise. Thanks for your kind words my friend.
Mike