We arrived at Bergen on the posh ferry, “Hurtigruten” a week last Sunday. Everything was on schedule and the Loadmaster was fairly flexible allowing Moe to enter the car deck with me and the luggage. In theory only the car driver with no luggage can enter the car and the other passengers with all luggage are supposed to alight via the terminal building. We again needed to use the car lift, which was very tight for the California, in order to disembark.
We had reserved a pitch at Bratland Camping a few miles outside of Bergen for 12 nights. We wanted to stay in one place for a while and also use it as a base for travelling to Oslo. The site is conveniently located on a regular bus route and we had a campervan pitch high up with great views. The toilet facilities were all individual cubicles and allocated to our area, the panorama section.
On the less positive side, the pitches were small and the around 15 campervans were sharing the 4 toilet and shower cubicles. Most people were using it as a transit site so there was a high turnover of inmates. There was also some traffic noise from the nearby road.
The views were lovely.
We caught the bus and tram into Bergen on several occasions. Although the tram is presently being replaced by a bus service due to engineering works.
For us, the main highlights of Bergen were…
Bryggen, the old Wharf of Bergen, is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century. This UNESCO World Heritage centre is constructed entirely of timber and many fires, the last in 1955, have ravaged the characteristic wooden houses of Bryggen. It’s rebuilding has traditionally followed old patterns and methods, thus leaving its main structure preserved. Some 62 buildings remain of this former townscape.
The esplanade between Bryggen and the water is a haven for outside trendy bars and restaurants.
The Floibanen is a funicular railway which connects the city centre with the mountain of Floyen with its mountain walks and views of the city. The line is 848m long and covers a height difference of 302m, carrying in excess of 2 million passengers every year.
