At Bergen

The next day, we cycled into Bergen over the big bridge. It´s not very far, but it is pretty hilly, both up and down.  This is not fair.

It had rained in the night, but was clear by the morning, and alternated overcast with hot and sunny spells.  This was quite contrary to everything we had heard about Bergen, ie. it rains all the time.

We were surprised and delighted to find the internet cafe in Bergen library was free.  Signs say usage is limited to 30 minutes, but no control appeared to be in place. After spending a little time there, we walked to the Bryggen - a Unesco World Heritage site, which is the old Hanseatic Wharf and buildings, and one of the best known urban areas from the middle ages in Norway. Tall and colourful wooden warehouses huddle closely together on the waterfront.  The area is basically unchanged since the 12th Century. In 1360 the German Hanseatic League set up one of its import/export offices at Bryggen, dominating trade for almost 400 years.  We meandered down the the fish market at the end of the Bryggen: many stalls were selling all kinds of fishand seafood, everything from dried cod to live lobsters, some of which can only be described as enormous.

Next, over to the cathedral, with its unusual assymetrical floor plan.  Surprisingly small for a cathedral, it was also tucked away from the main streets. A very plain interior, but a few nice stained glass windows, and the organ was being played too which added to the atmosphere.

We actually heard a plane, and saw a helicopter today. We haven´t heard any since southern Germany.

Noticing a big red brick church perched high on the hill, we trekked up there. The Johanniskirche is often mistaked for the cathedral due to its size and prominent position.

After visiting the church, we got a few groceries, but carefully avoided certain items. Chocolate ( a Bounty bar) about 23NOK (over 2.50 sterling), a two day old English newspaper, 45NOK, and spring onions, a bunch of 5, very small, 25NOK. However, some other things are ridiculously cheap, like a hot dog is 20NOK, and available in nearly every petrol station and newsagent.

Back to the aire, and we marvelled at the cleanness of the harbour water. It was crystal clear, and were it not so cold, it would have even been nice to swim in.