Day 4 – Bergen, not a fairy tail

After somewhat of a stormy night at sea, thanks to the depression that still lies south of Norway, we moor at 8 am in Bergen, capital of Western Norway.

Bergen is built on seven hills surrounding a harbor. The city stood model for the Arandelle kingdom from the Disney movie Frozen and since the release of the movie, Bergen  is not only included in the cruise program of the traditional cruiselines but also of Disney Cruise Line. Due to the success of the film, the number of visitors has increased dramatically. Fortunately, Lisa and Emmi are unaware that boppi and nona  are in 'Arandelle’ today. Perhaps just as well, because when the curtains open ... we see rain. That is obviously the fault of that depression, but admittedly it rains in Bergen normally about 220 days a year. On days when it's not raining, the sun only shines on just 60 days. Never forget an umbrella in Bergen. Fortunately we have one.  As the ship docks in the old port, we can explore the city on our own. We therefore leave right after breakfast. Our hope that the clouds may  clear soon disappears as the weather forecast predicts 100 pct rain. It is not only wet but also chilly. I have mapped out a walk of the main attractions all within walking distance.

Reportedly, the city was founded in 1070 by Olav Kyrre, but  it is certain that the area around the perfect natural harbor and shelter was inhabited much longer. In the thirteenth century, Bergen was the first capital of a united Norway. The city developed into an important religious center. Bergen lost its status as capital to Oslo but remained for a long time the largest city in Scandinavia. Today Bergen is with 235,000 inhabitants approximately half the size of Oslo.

We start our walk at the Bergenhus, where once stood the ancient royal palace from the time when Bergen was the capital of Norway. Then we continue our journey along the water to the Bryggen. These living houses and warehouses from the Hanseatic period were built after the great fire of 1702 in which many buildings were destroyed. They are on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

A little further is the Korskirken with behind it the Domkirke, the cathedral of Bergen. This cathedral was rebuilt due to destruction by fire as many as five times. Despite the horrible rain, there is a rush at the fish market where both freshly caught fish and ready meals are sold. It smells delicious.

On the way to the ship, we stop at the St. Mary's Church which was built at the beginning of the 12th century and has a beautiful baroque pulpit. It is the oldest building in Bergen which is still in use.

We had planned to go up the fjord by cable car so we would have a view of the city, but given the bad weather there is no point in it. Our visit to Bergen was not really a Disney fairy tale for us ...

Fortunately, the nice dinner  makes up for the day. Petrina Johnson entertains us tonight in the theatre. She is apart from being a singer, also TV presenter and above all a star of the West End in London. She starred  among others in Evita and Sunset Boulevard. With her beautiful voice she sings not only musical numbers for us but also some classics.

After the performance in the theater, we go to Billboard on Board. Tonight there is no fixed set list, but they play audience requests. And we, of course have also some requests.

I choose, amongst others, "Your Song" by Elton John. Rachel (one of the pianists) becomes my hero as she opens the evening with another request of mine : ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie. It is also Eddy's turn as Rachel and especially Anderson bring an epic version of ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel. Simply fantastic.

Meanwhile the Koningsdam  has left Bergen to sail to the north to Geiranger by sea. Just after 4 am tomorrow morning we will make our turn into the inside passage.

The weather forecast : somewhat rough seas and in Geiranger: sun, clouds, a chance of rain and thunderstorms. A bit of everything...  It can’t be any worse than today in the chamber pot of Norway.