Bergen

Bergen is the largest Norwegian city we will visit.  The entire country is roughly the size of New Mexico with a population of just under 5 million people.  As a port city it developed early into a center of commerce primarily for moving fish to other countries.  Dried stockfish became economic currency and until the development of the railroad, Bergen remained Norway’s largest city.  Now Oslo, the capital, is the seat of power.

Bergen is finding new life by using its port as a cruise ship destination.  Trying to maintain the balance of Nordic life and catering to tourists takes diplomacy and patience on their part.  We relied on the Bergen Guide Service to help us understand the city.  They are an “official agency” and the guides are certified for their knowledge and their language arts.  Ours, Solveig Mohr spoke impeccable English, including idiomatic expressions and sarcasm. 

During our 2 hour tour (which lasted more like 2 ½) we learned about Norwegian and Bergen history, economics, political science and cuisine.  It was very enjoyable and the time passed quickly.  One of the sites most tourists visit is the Floibanen Funicular which takes you to the top of Mount Floyen.  Incidentally, at the base of the mountain there is an organic bakery which serves a delicious lunch which is very reasonably priced.  Called Godt Brod lets you pick out your favorite bread and then custom makes your sandwich to order. 

We did dodge of few sprinkles in the morning and again atop Mount Floyen, but that isn’t unusual in this climate.  Solveig (pronounced Soul-Vay) says the residents of Bergen sing two songs.  “Here Comes the Sun” and “Singing in the Rain.”  It seems that often those songs can be sung multiple times in the same day.