Viking Homelands – 30 May 2023 – Snapshot of Bergen Tour

Our bus tour takes us through the center of Bergen, past the fort that protected Bergen, the Tower where the King resided starting in 1200, a sailing ship that is for training new sailors, and stopping at St. Mary’s Church where we get off the bus for a short walk. The church was originally built in 1070, rebuilt in 1349 and again in the 1700’s. Apparently, we are told fires occurred regularly around Bergen and destroyed the city several times. In fact in the early 1700’s, 80% of the city burned.

Bergen is surrounded by mountains and the only access is by boat. The climate is tempered by the Gulf of Mexico current. During the Hanseatic period, a settlement of traders was located within the city, a city within the city. This area is call Bryggen and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Germans lived here from 1349 to the 1800’s Now a museum, we enter and spend time learning about their life and trade as we walk through the old buildings (restored). Most of the trade was in fish brought from Lofoten, a town north of Bergen.

This fish was dried and would last literally forever until it would be soaked and eaten. It probably has a name which is not in my memory bank.

Gathering rooms were typical with the kitchen separate. The gathering rooms were heated by metal stove boxes that had knobs on the top. The highest ranking person could remove these and take into their bed at night.

Back to the bus and a drive past the tents for the fish market open in the summer, old houses not destroyed by the most recent fire, the only cemetery left in the center of town, opera house, music hall and arrive at a Stave Church.

This church was brought from an island and reassembled for historical preservation. These churches were used for a combination of Christian and Pagan worship traditions. A medieval stone cross nearby is possibly from the early years of Christianity in Norway before churches were built. The woods surrounding this church were of beech trees.

Our final stop is at the funicular railroad to the top of the highest mountain overlooking Bergen. At the top is a great view of the city. There are goats, a playground, the Troll forest, restaurant, and stores. Definitely worth the trip.