Day 5: Hardanger/Bergen
It was nice to wake up this morning without an alarm. We had time to leisurely pack up our things and have breakfast before saying goodbye to Odda and its teeny tiny streets.
There was a quick discussion of which route to take to Bergen. We decided on the scenic route over the one with two super long tunnels. That turned out to be a good choice as we passed some pretty cool spots along the way including a hydroelectric power plant (good use of all those waterfalls), orchards, and more fjords/cliffs.
After our cherry break, the orchards were done, but the views were not. Here’s some proof that not all roads in Norway are at the base of a steep slope next to a body of water:
We took another Ferry to get across the Fjord from Jondal to Torvikbygd (which was pretty hard to say to the ticket dude). On the way to Bergen we passed Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall which was probably more powerful than usual due to the summer snow melts and the recent rains. There is a trail that takes you up and behind the falls where you are able to stand under it and not get wet.
We made it to Bergen around 6pm and found much of the crowd returning to their cruise ship after a day at port. Checking into the hotel, we were pleasantly surprised to find out (or remember) that the hotel offers free dinner!
After we ate a few bowls of delicious lamb stew, we walked a couple of blocks to Floibanan, the Mt. Fløyen Funnicular. We bought tickets and rode up to the top — no hiking up crazy trails today. In addition to taking in the great view of the city, we meandered around the forested park area at the top and hung out with a friendly duck for a while.
Still light out when we came back down at 9pm, we wandered the streets of Bergen for a while longer. ALERT! First sighting of McDonalds and Starbucks in Norway. We also went to the famous Bergen Fish Market where we were offered samples of smoked salmon and whale meat. While not too excited to eat any more whale, we will definitely be returning for lunch tomorrow for some fresh seafood.
We plan to continue to explore Bergen tomorrow before heading over to Flam.
I want the house over the waterfall.
Hey Jo, ever concider dropping the teaching thing and just being a writer for Colbert, Fallon, or Kimmel? (Noah left out intentionally. I heard working conditions are bad)
Does this ‘Hardanger’ region have anything to do with the traditional Norwegian art of hardanger? Beautiful scenic area and the photos are wonderful. Love the goat photo lineup – took me a minute to catch the joke! You get extra points for trying whale! The painted, wood sided buildings in Bryggen look just charming.