I am going on a cruise and will be in Bergen for several hours in August. I am a senior citizen so looking for simpler and more relaxed things.
Any suggestions as to what i might do or see?
My cruise line does offer a few shore excursions. There is one on HARDANGER FJORD . It is very expensive and I think takes several hours.
If the weather is clear, take the funicular to Fløyen and enjoy the view.
It's a lovely city to just walk around the harbor and enjoy the ambience. Have lunch at the market right on the harbor.
There is a tourist information booth right on the harbor, and they can give you additional suggestions for museums and sights you might be interested in.
If you just have a couple of hours and don't want to risk mssing the boat, do a walkabout of the Bruggen (harbor area).
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/59/
Bryggen
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. Many fires, the last in 1955, have
ravaged the characteristic wooden houses of Bryggen. Its rebuilding
has traditionally followed old patterns and methods, thus leaving its
main structure preserved, which is a relic of an ancient wooden urban
structure once common in Northern Europe. Today, some 62 buildings
remain of this former townscape.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryggen
Bryggen (the dock), also known as Tyskebryggen (Norwegian:
[ˈtʏ̀skəˌbrʏɡːn̩], the German dock), is a series of Hanseatic heritage
commercial buildings lining up the eastern side of the Vågen harbour
in the city of Bergen, Norway. Bryggen has been on the UNESCO list for
World Cultural Heritage sites since 1979.
Also check out the fish market:
https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/fish-market-in-bergen-p822253
The picturesque Fish Market in Bergen is one of Norway's most visited
outdoors markets. The Fish Market sells seafood, fruit and vegetables.
Or head out of town and visit Norway’s most famous composer Edvard Grieg’s house, where you can enjoy a classical performance of his music.
I guess it depends on your statement on "several hours". If it is just 2-3, I would second Edgar's suggestion. The funicular can be a 45 minute wait.
Omg I had no idea one could have to wait so long for the funicular ! Luckily I went in last August, so I just walked up, got my ticket, and got on.
Wait times for port area activities can be dependent on cruise ship passenger count. Think about the impact on a small coastal city wien a ship dumps several thousand foreigners into the local environment and they all have to get back at the same time or miss the boat.
Thank you for your tips and suggestions. They have been very informative and helpful.
I think my time in port will be a full day like 8 hours. The shore excursion on the fiord offered by my cruise line is 7. 1/2 hours long. The other excursions are 3 or 3 1/2 hours long so I will have some free time if I take one of the other excursions.
I may decide to do my own thing when it is all said and done.
Who knows, the weather may be deciding what i do or don't do.
We enjoyed the Grieg house too. The concert was lovely. On the way back from the Grieg house we stopped at the Fantoft Stave church. We walked from the light rail stop to the church but I think there's a bus. There was a cute little coffee house/bakery/deli near the tram stop. Unfortunately I can't remember its name.
By chance I was just watching Rick's episode on Bergen last night, it has lots of pix and tips. He does go to the Grieg home and the stave church. You can find all his videos on his website here or on Youtube.
I think that I have seen Rick's video on Bergen but I am going to check it out. YouTube videos are priceless. I always check them out.
Here is a description of the shore excursion that I am considering. It is going to cost me around $200
This is the shore excursion that is 7 1/2 hours long. What are your thoughts for those who have been to Bergen?
The Hardanger Fjord is one of the favorites among the many Norwegian fjords. It’s the 3rd largest fjord in the world and the 2nd largest in Norway. A scenic drive takes you by the fortress of Bergenhus, King Hakon's Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower. Pass by the buildings of the Hanseatic period and the fish market of Bergen. Continue to the Bjornefjord, where you’ll have a short drive along the fjord with lovely views of islands and snowcapped mountains in the distance. A short ferry ride takes you from Hatvik to Venjanesetand where you continue your scenic drive to the Hardanger Fjord – the queen of the fjords. Near the village of Norheimsund, you'll make a stop for lunch and continue to the Steinsdal Waterfall. Here, the water falls away from the cliff enabling you to walk underneath without getting wet. Climb up the Tokagjel gorge via several tunnels and reach Kvamskogen mountain plateau. Descend to the fjord once more before climbing up to Gulbotn, a recreation area with lit up skiing tracks. You’ll then travel down to the Sorfjord, where you’ll find Oster Island, the largest island on the west coast.
