Hidden Charm of Bergen

As we approached the end of our seven-night cruise aboard the Apex with Celebrity Cruises, Bergen, a charming city, was our final taste of Norway.

Bergen, Norway

The city amidst seven mountains in the heart of the fjords. Bergen is a city on Norway’s southwestern coast with a population of roughly 290,000. It's surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest.

The city welcomed us with open arms, its streets were clean, and its people exuded a remarkable friendliness that made us feel right at home. And the best part? Just a stone's throw away, we could find ourselves surrounded by untouched nature, a peacefulness accentuated by the gentle hum of electric cars gliding through the city.

One of our most treasured discoveries in Bergen was the efficient Fløibanen Funicular, which transported us to the peak of Floyen mountain, 320 meters above sea level. To avoid the queue, purchase your tickets from the ticket machines using a credit card or online prior to arriving, and you will be ushered to the funicular quickly.

In a matter of minutes—six to be exact—we found ourselves amidst hiking trails, lush forests, and serene lakes, all offering breathtaking views that left us in awe. Skomakerdiket Lake was truly a hidden gem, and we couldn't get enough of it!

The aerial view of the city is absolutely breathtaking. It's the kind of vista that makes you feel like you're on top of the world. You can also kick back and relax while enjoying a delicious meal. There's a restaurant and cafe, perfect for satisfying any food cravings you may have worked up during your exploration. Oh, and if you're in the mood for something sweet, there's even an ice cream shop.

After you've soaked up all those mesmerizing vistas, it's time for a little adventure in the troll forest. Now, you may be wondering, what in the world is a troll forest? Trolls are mystical creatures that roam the pages of Norse mythology and old Norwegian fairy tales. They were fearsome beings, but they've become a beloved part of the culture here in Norway.

As you stroll through the troll forest, keep your eyes peeled for these legendary creatures. Who knows, you might spot one hiding among the trees, ready to sprinkle a little extra magic into your day. It's a quirky and delightful experience that captures the essence of Norway's enchanting folklore.

Wandering through the city led us to charming cobblestone laneways adorned with captivating street art and a medieval wharf in the historic harbour district known for its colourful, wooden-clad boat houses.

After a few hours of exploring, we were ready to relax; we found the most lovely terrace to soak up the sun, a rarity due to Bergen rains over 200 days a year. We enjoyed the afternoon relishing a Grand Cru champagne and a delicious array of local cheeses, all whilst bantering with our waiter and sharing life stories and attempting to pronounce his Norwegian name, which after 30 minutes he soon became ‘Mate’ as we couldn’t quite get our tongues around Ørlind.

As the late afternoon sun cast its golden glow over the city, we strolled back to the ship, feeling the energy and vibrancy that seemed to be intrinsic to Bergen. There's something truly special about the city's youthful and lively atmosphere; 10% of the population are students, along with the natural, effortless beauty of the locals, who seemingly stepped off a catwalk.

As we bid farewell to Norway's picturesque waterside villages, we couldn't help but feel an undeniable pull to return. The warmth of our welcome in Bergen has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and the allure of Norway beckons us back, promising more adventures and rich, beautiful moments in the embrace of its natural wonders.

The good news is that we will be back only 12 months later, in July 2024, cruising this majestic part of the world again on our favourite ship, Marina, with Oceania Cruises.