Bergen One Day Sightseeing | Norway

Bergen One Day Sightseeing | Norway

by Wen Norway

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf | UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bryggen means “wharf” in Norwegian. It was where Bergen was founded nearly 1000 years ago. Bryggen was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1702. It was then built and rebuilt over the centuries

The wharf buildings have been converted to shops but kept their character. It was definitely very touristy.

Take your time to go through the alley, stop at some of the shops or maybe get a drink.

Bryggen is charming and picturesque!

Trekroneren

Bergen’s best sausages” since 1946. Yes, do as the Norwegians do – have a reindeer sausage?!

Extra-long reindeer sausage with lingonberry, mustard and fried onions.
Tasted like pork!

Fjellskal Fisketorget (Fish Market)

The fist market has a very wide variety of fish and other seafood to eat in or take out. Just strolling through is a treat!

Many decisions to make…

Fjellskål Fisketorget AS

The seafood was fresh and plentiful. We were there around 2pm and it was hectic and busy with lots of tourists.

Fish soup

Crayfish/Langustines
Marinated with garlic and chili oil

Spiced and pan fried Tuna / Fresh scallops

Kitchen & Table Bergen

We stayed at the Clarion Hotel and decided to “eat in” since the Kitchen & Table is the house restaurant also we are fans of Marcus Samuelsson. We had a big lunch so decided to order a bunch of appetizers.

Bread

Tomato basil salad

Local cheese plate

Pate

Carrot cake

Borgund Stave Church | The Oldest Stave Church in Norway

Borgund Stave Church | The Oldest Stave Church in Norway

by Wen Norway

Borgund Stave Church

We made this short detour to see the Borgund Stave Church before heading to Flam. This was a very well preserved stave church (medieval wooden Christian church) built around 12th century. The Borgund Stave Church is the oldest and the most authentic stave church in Norway.

Built like upside-down Viking ship. It was once burned down and archaeologists dug it up and put the parts back together.

Visitor Center

Flåm Railway Norway – the most scenic and beautiful train rides in the world

Flåm Railway Norway – the most scenic and beautiful train rides in the world

by Wen Norway

The Flam Railway

We did a round trip from Flam to Myrdal. Every tourism website told people to go to Flam and take the train to Myrdal when staying in Norway so we did! The train journey took about an hour in each direction and included tons of impressive views of the valley and waterfalls.

Brief stop at Kjosfossen waterfall for breath taking view of waterfalls. We had the opportunity to get off the train and spend some time at the foot of this amazing waterfall. While looking up, some music began and then a woman dressed in red appeared dancing, further up next to the top of the waterfall. It was such a great surprise!



We chose the right hand side which had the more scenic views and for the return journey the waterfall was on the other side.

From the windows the scenery was breathtaking! Lots of little farms dotted about along the way.

Fretheim Hotel

After a great trip on the Flam railway the hotel was just a few steps away. Flam was a small town, everything was central to square where the station and marina were located.

Dinner
We had the buffet dinner. There were plenty of local seafood and even had Mink whale meat.

Breakfast
The breakfast buffet was large and of excellent quality with many local ingredients.

Norway’s Top Attractions: Geirangerfjord & Trollstigen

Norway’s Top Attractions: Geirangerfjord & Trollstigen

by Wen Norway

We had an amazing and unforgettable road trip throughout Norway. This was definitely the place to fall in love with the country. In this trip we have visited 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Borgund Stave Church, Bryggen, and Geirangerfjord). We drove from Ålesund to Trollstigen and then to Geirangerfjord in a day. The scenery was outstanding and I was so pleased to have experienced it. We literally stopped every 10 meters taking amazing photos!

Aksla Utsiktspunkt in Ålesund

The view from the top of Aksla mountain is fantastic! You can see the harbor, the city, and surrounding islands. We drove up to the top. If you have time, it’s 418 steps up.

Trollstigen (the “Troll Ladder”)

This is one of Norway’s National Tourist Roads. The road twists through 11 hairpin bends as it climbs up to 858 meters above sea level. The road is closed in the winter and opens in late May or June. Definitely a must-see while in Norway!
Sunrise ~4:02am
Sunset ~10:54pm

The view of the waterfalls from the zigzag road are spectacular.

The visitor center is well done. The cement walkways is very modernistic provide you with easy access to lookout points with incredible views.

When I saw pictures of the Trollstigen viewing platform, I knew this place would be a great part of our Scandinavian road trip. The views from up high offering an amazing view point on the opposite cliff road. Jaw dropping views everywhere!

UNESCO Heritage Geirangerfjord

It was one of the two fjords that are UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites. We took a 1.5 hour ferry around the fjord (May to Sept. only). While it was still cold during May, we tried as much as we could to stay outside on the deck so we could fully appreciate the fjord.

You can take a ferry along the fjord and enjoy the massive landscape towering on either side. Ferry took about an hour and half.

The view of the fjords is definitely breathtaking. Highlight for most is the “Seven sisters Waterfall”.

Driving to Olden

We saw Glacier!

Bunnpris, Olden (Airbnb)

We stayed in an modern apartment with a breathtaking view over the river. The location from the front was not so attractive as it was part of a supermarket shopping complex. But it was right at a glacial river with awesome views of the mountains!


Great day to start with a homemade breakfast!

Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim, Norway

by Wen Sweden

Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city. We flew with SAS Airlines from Oslo to Trondheim then took a bus to the hotel. The view was beautiful. Got to the hotel around 9pm. It was still bright outside. Our plan was to stay in Trondheim for one night and taking the scenic Hurtigruten coastal cruise to Ålesund next day morning.

Old Town Bridge

A must do in Trondheim is a visit to the city’s old port area at the mouth of the Nidelv River. There are a lot of colorful old wooden warehouses built on piles above the water. The best view of these stunning buildings is from the bridge.

Restaurant Nidelven

Better come hungry to the Norwegian breakfast table! The title “Best Breakfast in Norway” is well deserved. We chose to stay at Scandic Nidelven Hotel simply because of the breakfast. 🙂

There are a lot of choices. Cheese, salami, smoked salmon, tomato mackerel, home made liver pate, freshly made omelet, Cereals, freshly baked bread & pastries, yogurt, smoothies, juices, pancakes, etc. Don’t forget to try their brunost (brown cheese).

Definitely overfed myself again…