Travels with rarecat: Bergen to Svalbard

We just returned from a 14 day cruise expedition up the Norwegian coast from Bergen all the way to Svalbard in the Arctic. It was an exciting first for us, on the small ship GExpedition with zodiac landings almost every day. There were only 134 passengers on the trip but it was a broad mix of age and abilities. We did the things within our range and that was quite enough action for us. Please come along with us on this unusual trip and watch the landscape change as we headed north to the ethereal Arctic scenery.

We started off in Bergen in the southern tip of Norway. As our flight only landed a few hours before the expedition departure, we only had a couple of hours to see Bergen. All I could show here are a few things that caught my eye in Bryggen, the old town of Bergen with its Hanseatic houses.

The back alley behind the Hanseatic houses

Our next stop was Fläm, famous for its railway up to Myrdal. For that reason, we had a wakeup call at 5 am on our first day of the cruise so that we can beat the crowds that would have been generated by the arrival of two other large cruise ships on the same day. And beat the crowds we did - we were almost the only ones on the train and at the mountain top where we were treated with waffles and coffee/tea, the first of many waffle treats on our way up the Norwegian coast. This was a spectacular ride although I honestly think it pales in comparison to the Rocky Mountaineer ride in the Canadian Rockies. Still it was very enjoyable and there was a smashing waterfall half way up where we were allowed to get off the train for photos. On the way down the mountain, there was even a dance performance by a lady in red (see video).

PRACTICAL TIPS: Advice for the Fläm train on the internet had been to sit on the right side going up and the left side going down. In reality if you sit on the same side of the train going up and down you would have seen both sides and they were both good. If you want to take photos, best to stand near the door where one of the windows can be opened.

Typical fjord scenery

Sweeping views of the valley from the train

View of the switchback beside the waterfall

View at the top in Myrdal

View of the valley from Myrdal

We were early enough for dew drops still on the plants at the top

A spectacular waterfall half way up where we were able to stop for photos. There was even a dance performance on the downward trip. See video below.

Picturesque village with church

In the afternoon we cruised to Urnes where we visited a beautiful Stav church, built in the 11th century with no nails in the construction. We had the option of walking up to the church or taking a shuttle bus. We chose the latter to avoid the uphill hike but walked down from the hill after visiting the church. The easy hike was worth it as there were lots of spring flowers and quaint farm buildings along the way.