Mixed feelings today.   After two days at sea, we are back on land again with sightseeing to do.   We are in to our last week, so it will soon be back to the grind.   We visit Norway and the fjords for the first time, which we are so looking forward to.   Like Manchester, it always rains in Bergen, so what will the weather be like?   The approach should have been fantastic through the islands and fjords, but this always happens in the early morning, while we are still asleep, so that the ship can dock at the port early.   We found quite a nice map of the city which should be useful as we are here for two days.

On our first day here we are taking the Hardangerfjord excursion.   This is quite long but we should see a lot, weather permitting.

Hardangerfjord is without doubt one of Norway’s favourite fjords. It is framed by mountains that peer into the water to gaze in awe at their own beautiful reflection. Leaving from the ship in Bergen, you will pass the Fortress of Bergenhus, King Hakon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower. Watch for the gabled buildings of the Hanseatic period and the fish market. The scenery quickly changes as you leave the city behind. Passing through the community of Os, you will cross Fusafjord by ferry. Look out for the lovely views across Bjørnefjord with islands and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Venjaneset, on the opposite side, is the first of many small communities you will see, complete with typical west coast scenery. You will reach the tiny, wooden church at Holdhus — a distinctive landmark dating back to the days of the old stave churches. At Mundheim, the road links up with the Hardangerfjord. Norwegians call this the Queen of the Fords. Why? See for yourself as you take a one-hour drive along its shores with views to the majestic mountains on the opposite side. On a clear day, you'll glimpse the Folgefonna Glacier, the third-largest in Norway, and orchards wearing wreaths of blossoms bedeck the fjord in brilliant springtime color. You'll break for lunch (a typical Norwegian buffet with hot and cold dishes, desserts and coffee) along the way. You'll also stop at the Steinsdal waterfall for the thrill of walking under the falls without getting wet, then ascend the Tokagjel gorge via a series tunnels before reaching the mountain plateau Kvamskogen. This is a popular recreation and winter ski resort area for the people of Bergen. Before returning to the city, you will pass the largest island on Norway’s west coast, Oster Island. Notes: This tour involves approximately 125 miles of scenic driving. Restroom facilities are limited before and after lunch.

We started this excursion with a brief city tour before heading off towards the ferry at Fusafjord.   This was quite interesting as we could get off the coach and wander about the ferry, good for photo opportunities but not for bird watching.   To my surprise there was very little bird life there, (the same in Hardangerfjord).   OK it is sea water, not fresh water; but grebes, divers, cormorants and some ducks are happy with either fresh or salt.

After the ferry we did a small diversion to a wooden church.   These are famous and rare, many were destroyed deliberately, some by accidental fire so that those that are left are now national treasures.   For me it was just a church and not worth the diversion down narrow lanes.   Carol spotted Gerrit and Joan (who were on the other coach) and caught a candid snap of them in the churchyard.   We continued on and finally came to Hardangerfjord, this was pretty with the road along the edge winding in and out of inlets and bays in the side of the fjord.   After a while it all got to be much of the same, and to be honest not much more spectacular than any of Norway's fjords which are all to my mind very scenic and beautiful.

We stopped for lunch at the Hardangerfjord Hotel (check out their photos link) in Øystese. They provided a very nice buffet, with both hot and cold available.   A guest sitting near us had filled her plate from the cold buffet before finding out there was hot available, so she went back and piled on more, and then only ate half of it.   No wonder tourists get a bad name.

3D.   After lunch we retraced our steps back to Norheimsund, quite a pretty place, I would have liked a photo stop here.   We turned away from the fjord and followed the route 7 on our way back to Bergen.   Only a short way down this road we turned off for the waterfalls at Steinsdalsfossen.   We had time to go up to the waterfall where you could walk behind the falling water.   I decided to do this and try and take a photograph through the water.   I didn't get far before realising that my foot (still painful) wouldn't stand the steep path up to it, so I stayed below, tried another 3D shot and had an ice cream instead, (yes weather still fine).

This was our last stop before the long drive back to Bergen via route 7 and 16.   It was an interesting journey with spectacular scenery, tunnels, fjords, bridges and more tunnels, but it was a bit long.   The rest-rooms on this trip proved not to be so much of a problem (with one exception), provided you are not on water pills.   However there was a lot of coach driving, and although the fjords are scenic they are, after a while, much the same as you go along.   This seemed to be the consensus view, nice trip but too much driving and not enough stops.   The rest room exception was after the ferry crossing, a long queue developed here.   There were no restrooms at the church stop.

Captain Albert's Blog: Bergen, Norway.