It was really a nice and relaxing trip, which was what I needed. We spent the first few days at an AirBnB in Bergen. The apartment was the perfect size for the four of us and our host was terrific.
Bergen was pretty much shut down for Christmas so most of our time was spent snuggled up playing games, cooking and just relaxing. Because of the high prices in Norway, we ended up bringing enough booze for a frat party (all within customs guidelines, of course). We stocked up on groceries before everything closed and had some terrific home cooked meals. There was lots of bacon involved.
The apartment was right on the Fjord of Byfjorden with ridiculous views. I spent many hours just looking out the window and watching the scenery change as the light changed. There were times when the water was a still as glass and the reflections on the water were pristine.
We ventured out a few times for walks and provisions. We purchased some fresh caught salmon at the fish market right across from the apartment. We cooked it up for Christmas dinner and it was the best salmon I've ever experienced.
Bergen was once the Capital of Norway and is known as "the meadow among the mountains." We were near the old city centre across the bay of Vagen from the crooked Hanseatic Buildings of Bryggen which date back to the 1700's.
Being there for a few days at Christmas when most everything is closed is probably not the ideal way to experience the city, but it worked for this trip. And it just gives us a reason to return. I'd love to see it from the sea nestled in among the seven mountains that surround Bergen.
The top attraction for Bergen on TripAdvisor is the Furnicular up to Mount Floyen for the views. It was open on Christmas Day and there was a lot of talk about making the trip up, but the apartment was just too comfortable and it was just too cold to make the short journey. Definitely next time.
We were hoping for a white Christmas but no snow in sight until our very last morning the day after Christmas. We woke up early to catch our train and were treated to this lovely white covering over this gorgeous city.
I feel a little bad that we didn't really experience all that Bergen has to offer, but it's absolutely one of the most picturesque cities I've every seen. Each time I looked out the window my breath was taken away and it was a beautiful place to spend a quiet Christmas.
Have you ever taken a trip for Christmas instead of going home?
