In July 2014 my husband and I flew to Bergen to start our trip. From there we took the "snøgbåt" (fast ferry [pronounced 'snoog-boht']) through the fjiord to Flåm (pronounced 'Flohm'). From Flåm we took the train to Oslo.
This sign means "exit" in Norwegian. It is pronounced "oot-shur-shel" (roughly).
A Sami sales booth in the square at Bergen.
The Sami (formerly called "Lapplanders") live in the northern regions of Norway, they are reindeer herders.
The Fløibanen funicular takes visitors to a spectacular overlook of Bergen (and lots of souviner shops and restaurants).
This is the view from the overlook at the terminus of the Fløibanen funicular.
The yellow line marks the trail to Rundemanen (The Round Man) mountain above Bergen.
There are LOTS of steps up to Fløyen if you don't take the Fløibannen.
The white flowers are an orchid.
A view of Bergen from the Rundemanen trail.
One of the nice aspects of not going on a cruise or organized tour on some of our trips, we have the freedom to get out to see off the beaten path areas. This was the view we enjoyed about half-way up the Rundemanen ("Round Man") trail to the top of the mountain.
Sheep on the top of Rundemanen
It is very common to see sheep along the roads and trails in Norway. I liked hearing their bells tinkling as we walked up the mountain.
When we started seeing lightning and hearing thunder when we were on top of Rundemanen we knew it was time to head back down the trail! We got to the bottom a lot faster than we did to the top!
Butterwort; "Tetttegress" (Pinguicula vulgaris)
This is an interesting carnivorous plant, it catches small insects on its sticky leaves. I spotted this plant along the trail to Rundemanen.
These tacky troll souviners were in a gift shop at the at the Fløibanen funicular terminal.
Seeing whale meat in the Bergen fish markets was as surprise, other than Native Alaskans, not many people in the United States eat whales. In Norwegian, the word for whale meat is "Hval kjøtt" (pronounced "hval shurt"). "Fisketorget" is fish market.
Norwegians love salty licorice! It is an acquired taste!
There was an Iron Maiden band concert in Bergen when we were there, we met some interesting people who were going later that evening. When I commented on this guy's plastic Viking hat he said I could pose with him!
Many of these buildings date back to the 1600's. The harbor was packed with boats of Iron Maiden band fans. The soccer World Cup was going on that weekend too, so the harbor area was rocking!
We took the fast ferry (Hurtigferge) through the fjord to the town Flåm (pronounced "Flohm"). The views of the mountains, waterfalls, and villages were spectacular!
