Embarking on a journey to Norway is like stepping into a fairy tale, where breathtaking landscapes, charming cities, and the enchanting Northern Lights await. In this blog, join me as I recount my unforgettable trip to two of Norway’s gems – Bergen and Tromso. From the colorful harbors of Bergen to the mystical allure of Tromso’s Arctic wonders, each destination offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Bergen: The City of Seven Mountains
Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, is a picturesque coastal town nestled between the majestic mountains and the serene fjords. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Bergen stands as a captivating destination for travellers seeking a unique blend of nature and urban charm.
Day 1: Bergen
I flew from London to Bergen, it was an early morning flight. As soon as I landed, felt this breath of fresh air, clicked a couple pictures outside the airport, there’s a huge sign that says Bergen :) I then booked a taxi transfer to the apartment, dropped off my luggage and headed to the city centre. Strolling through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf was absolutely amazing, there are many iconic colorful wooden buildings that reflect in the calm waters of the harbor creating a picturesque scene. The Hanseatic architecture and cobblestone streets look pretty an evoke a sense of medieval charm. There is also the Fløibanen Funicular that can be seen from the streets which is Bergen’ best-known attraction that takes you on top of Mount Fløyen for views over the city, fjord and other mountains.
Day 2: Bergen
The next day I visited the famous Bergen Fish market – Fisketorget. It’s a famous outdoor fish market located in Bergen situated near Bryggen Wharf. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and other local delicacies. The market is not only a place to purchase fresh seafood but also a vibrant and lively cultural experience. Local vendors and fishermen gather to sell their catches, and the atmosphere is filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling market. In addition to seafood, the Bergen Fish Market also offers other local products such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and traditional Norwegian crafts. Visitors can enjoy exploring the stalls, tasting fresh seafood, and interacting with the friendly vendors. The market is a great place to experience the maritime culture of Bergen and indulge in the rich culinary traditions of the region. Later I visited the shopping centre Galleriet – shopped around a little and enjoyed some delicious local food. Spent the rest of the day just exploring around.
Day 3: Bergen
The third day was the Scenic Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen. This is a popular excursion for those looking to explore the scenic beauty of the region. The cruise departed from Bergen harbour and took us on a journey through the narrow and picturesque Mostraumen fjord. The cruise offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and cliffs. The narrow passages of Mostraumen fjord provide a close-up experience of the stunning natural landscapes. One of the highlights of the cruise was passing by several impressive waterfalls along the fjord. The most famous waterfall is the 20-meter high “Bridal Veil” (Brudesløret), which cascades down the mountainside. The area around Mostraumen is known for its rich marine life. During the cruise, you may have the opportunity to spot seals, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds. The fjord cruise also provided informative commentary in multiple languages, offering insights into the geological formations, local history, and wildlife of the region. The duration of the Mostraumen Fjord Cruise is four hours, making it a convenient half-day excursion from Bergen.
Day 4: Tailored Norway in a nutshell
Day four was ‘The tailored Norway in a nutshell journey’. This journey helped me experience some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes in a relatively short period. I took the VY train from Bergen to Voss, the journey from Bergen to Voss took around an hour as Voss is located approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) east of Bergen. It took me through picturesque landscapes, including valleys, mountains, and the scenic Flåm Railway. The train offered large windows, providing passengers with excellent views of the surrounding nature. Arrived in Voss and had some time to explore around, it is a centrally located train station making it convenient to explore the town and its surroundings. The next segment was the Skyss bus journey from Voss to Flam, the Voss bus terminal is located just outside the station. This journey offered stunning views of the Norwegian landscape. The bus journey itself is scenic, but you may also catch glimpses of nearby attractions, mountains, and rivers along the way. Arrived in Flam and had an overnight. Flåm is located along the Aurlandsfjord. The Aurlandsfjord, on which Flåm is situated, is one of the most beautiful and serene fjords in Norway. The village provides a perfect starting point for exploring the dramatic Norwegian fjord scenery. It is surrounded by steep mountains and lush valleys. Flåm also has cultural attractions such as the Ægir Brewery and Pub, where visitors can enjoy local craft beer and Norse-inspired cuisine in a historic setting. Whether you’re interested in the natural beauty of the fjords, the thrill of the Flåm Railway, or outdoor activities in a stunning setting, Flåm is a must-visit destination for those exploring Norway’s scenic wonders.
The next day I took a bus via Gudvangen to Voss and the train back to Bergen. I spent some time in Gudvangen which is the home to the Viking Village of Njardarheimr, where visitors can experience a recreated Viking settlement. The village provides insight into Viking history, culture, and daily life.
Next destination: Tromso – A gateway to the Arctic
Tromso is the city nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of northern Norway. It is a vibrant city, located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, it is not only a fascinating destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts but also offers a rich cultural tapestry, outdoor adventures, and a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Day 5: Tromso
From Bergen, I boarded an early morning flight again to Tromso, the view during landing in Tromso was mesmerizing. Booked a taxi transfer to my apartment again, dropped off my luggage and headed out to explore the city. First attraction I visited was the ‘The Arctic Cathedral’. This church is situated in the Tromsdalen Valley just across the Tromsø Bridge. Its distinctive triangular design, immediately captures the attention of visitors, promising a harmonious blend of nature and spirituality. Approaching the Arctic Church, I couldn’t help but marvel at its architectural brilliance. It is designed by the Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig and offers a contemporary contrast to the rugged Arctic landscape. The interior was beautiful and stepping inside felt like entering a sacred cocoon. Next I headed out to the city centre to have some lunch. The city centre is so beautiful, colorful buildings lining the waterfront, Norwegian shops, hotels, restaurants and the harbour with all these cruises docked. The entire city was covered with snow making and it look even more wonderful.
Storgata – The Main Street: Serves as the bustling artery of the city centre. this lively thoroughfare offers a glimpse into local life. Whether you’re in search of Arctic souvenirs, cozy cafes, or a taste of local cuisine, Storgata is the place to be. During winter, the street transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and the occasional snowfall.
Later in the evening, I had the reindeer sledding tour booked. We were picked up from the city centre hotel and transferred to the traditional Sami Camp by bus where the reindeers eagerly waited for us. Here, you step into a lavvu, a traditional tent, and warm up by the crackling fire. Before the sledding begins, you have the opportunity to meet the true stars of the show – the reindeers. These gentle creatures, with their impressive antlers and thick coats, exude a sense of calm and strength. You can learn about their role in Sami culture, their unique adaptations to the Arctic environment, and feel a connection with these magical beings. We fed the reindeers and that was so much fun! We then experienced the reindeer sled, wrapped in warm layers, you settle into a traditional wooden sled, the reins in hand, as the reindeer lead the way. The rhythmic sounds of hooves and the creaking of the sled create a mesmerizing soundtrack to your Arctic adventure gliding gracefully into the Arctic wilderness. After this we headed back to the lavvu and enjoyed some hot reindeer meal. I also witnessed a glimpse of the northern lights, they were quite light that day but still a beauty to the eye. I later engaged with Sami hosts, listened to stories of their nomadic lifestyle, and savoured hot beverages that added an extra layer of warmth to the encounter. Reindeer sledding is like a passage into the heart of Arctic magic.
Day 6: Tromso
Started the day with some breakfast at a local café, tried the hot chocolate in Tromso and it’s one of the best I have ever tried must say! Later headed out to the city centre again, did some local shopping and spend some time at the harbour enjoying the beautiful view. I could also spot the Fjellheisen – it’s an iconic cable car journey that unveils breathtaking views of Tromso. It offers glimpses of snow-covered peaks, Arctic wilderness, and the sprawling expanse of the Norwegian Sea. During nights, the cable car becomes a gateway to witness the enchanting Northern Lights. Alternatively, in the summer, when the sun never sets, Fjellheisen offers a unique opportunity to experience the Midnight Sun, bathing the landscape in an ethereal glow, must try! Later headed back to my apartment where I spent the rest of the night.
Day 7: Departure from Tromso
Checked-out from the apartment for my transfer back to the airport and flight back to London. As hard it was to leave, said my goodbyes to this amazing city, lovely country and the kindest Norwegians. Exploring Bergen and Tromsø was a journey into the heart of Norway’s natural and cultural wonders. From the historic charm of Bergen to the Arctic magic of Tromsø, each destination left an indelible mark on my travel memories. Whether you seek cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights, these Norwegian cities promise an unforgettable and enchanting escape.
By Lourina Barretto
Baltic Travel Company (all rights reserved)
This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 at 12:23 pm; on the subject of Nordic, Northern Lights, Norway.