Summary
For those who have been following our Instagram updates over the past week, you may have noticed our recent enchanting visit to Bergen, Norway, which was an aspiration realized.
Bergen has been a city of intrigue on our travel list for quite some time; thus, it is unsurprising that I was ultimately delighted to embark on a flight to finally explore it.
Bergen is merely a two-hour flight from London, yet it presents a remarkably distinct and captivating atmosphere upon arrival. The first impression after disembarking was the extraordinary warmth displayed by the locals, known colloquially as Bergonians (though I find the precise term elusive). Every interaction felt akin to a welcoming embrace.
Everyone I encountered exhibited genuine friendliness and hospitality, which is certainly a commendable characteristic of any city. Furthermore, the weather was remarkably pleasant, characterized by bright blue skies that adorned the city from sunrise to sunset.
At this juncture, I should note that London was shrouded in gloom at the time of our departure, inducing a heightened sense of joy upon our arrival in Bergen. Whether such excitement is justified or not remains debatable.
Recently, I have adopted a tendency to embrace a bit of unpredictability during our travels.
And before you envision extreme activities such as BASE jumping, synchronized parachuting, or traversing icy roads, my inclination toward risk-taking translates to not checking the weather prior to our departure. This is not due to negligence but rather a desire to welcome whatever climatic surprises await us upon arrival. Quite unconventional, perhaps!
I find that I remain unperturbed regardless of whether it rains, snows, or is sunny; it appears to stem from the thrill and anticipation of encountering the unknown.
Returning to our arrival experience in charming Bergen, it quickly became evident why so many individuals are captivated by this locale.
The city, characterized by its charm and beauty, seamlessly integrates with the breathtaking natural landscapes that surround it. I have seldom visited an urban center boasting such a raw, preserved, and diverse environment just minutes from its central district.
As a coastal city, Bergen is endowed with the rich blue hues of the North Sea; however, my attention was essentially captured by the majestic mountains and forests that unfolded before me upon arrival.
The allure of the surrounding mountains and forests is accentuated by their accessibility. An abundance of well-marked and safe hiking trails crisscross the mountains, and with a sturdy pair of hiking boots and a modicum of time, one can part take in an unforgettable ascent.
As evening approached, and after indulging in a delightful meal of fresh fish and decadent chocolate desserts, I deemed it wise to take the funicular to the summit of one of the mountains.
Unlike many other hill railways, this service is utilized by both locals and visitors alike, providing not only vital transport for those residing in the mountainous areas but also an ideal means for tourists to appreciate the stunning vistas when pressed for time, or after indulging in sumptuous desserts!
The funicular certainly can be aptly termed the FUN-icular; while that may be a trite joke, the experience was indeed delightful! Ascending the mountain at a thrilling pace likened to a “gallop of a horse” offered an exhilarating start to our journey.
Upon reaching the summit, we were instantly reminded of Bergen’s beauty; the confluence of city and sea shimmered under the sun’s warm glow. We chose to venture along one of the trails situated at the peak, which allowed us to delve deeper into Bergen’s natural offerings.
This may seem a peculiar observation, yet the forest was so strikingly beautiful, with its vibrant colors and diversity, that it felt like we had been transported into an Alice In Wonderland fantasy.
It is genuinely challenging to articulate the exquisite beauty of Bergen.
There are very few cities that feature such enchanting natural spectacles, which remain an integral part of their identity.
The pride and protectiveness of the Bergen locals towards their environment are evident in their discussions about the landscape.
Before making our descent via the Funicular to our hotel, we chose to watch the sunset from the mountain peak.
As the city sparkled beneath a deep orange hue, I understood why Bergen never fails to leave a lasting impression. The only enhancement to my experience would have been additional chocolate cake!
