BERGEN

After a short stop at Lindesnes, the southernmost point of mainland Norway, we drove to Bergen.  Like all roads in western Norway you go over bridges and little islands without even noticing the differences, and then suddenly the road ends ...

... and you are pushed onto a ferry.  We took two such ferry rides and finally got to Bergen late at night.  Below 1)our new toy in between trucks and campers on one of the ferries, and 2) the ferry leaving the harbor.

We stayed at Hotel Havnekontoret [a so so Clarion Hotel] right on the harbor. Stephan had to work and I did all my sightseeing by myself. 

Views of Bergen harbor

and Bergen 'embarcadero'

The Bryggen is also known as the old German wharf of Bergen. This section of the city, includes buildings from the time of the historic Hanseatic League and was included in 1979 in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

     

Bergen Castle with a statue of King Haakon VII on the grounds

Fantoft Stave Church - has been reconstructed in Bergen.  Originally it was built in the 12th century in Sogn on Fortun on Sognefjord.  We went to visit the church on one of the rare rainy days we had in Norway.  It was hard to find as the signage was vague, but with the help of some very friendly Norwegians we finally found the path leading to it.  It was impressive to see how down to earth and unpretentious the interior of a church can be, a clear reflection of the Norwegian psyche.

We also visited the home of composer Edvard Grieg and his wife Nina -  Troldhaugen .

Below the view from the cabin where he did  his work and the cabin itself.  With a vista like that it is not hard to imagine one can be very inspired and creative.

2 days later on we went to Balestrand - the star of our trip.  On our way we passed a very impressive waterfall, Tvindefossen.