Be careful what you wish for, you might get it! When we sailed into Bergen, Norway, one of the rainiest and coolest cities in Europe, the weather was sunny and warm.
Sailing into Bergen, Norway
Besides, they were having a Tall Ships event, many sailing ships in the harbor, a beautiful sight to behold. How lucky can you get, right? Not quite!
Tall Ships in Bergen Harbor
Welcome to the Tall Ship Races 2014 Bergen
The Tall Ships event had attracted too many tourists, plus there were four or five cruise ships in town.
Cruise Ships and Tall Ships in Bergen Harbor
Crowds Enjoying the Tall Ships
Polish Tall Ship in Bergen
Carnival Atmosphere in Bergen
The crowds were horrific, and it was oppressively hot, with no breeze. After my hikes in Iceland and the Faroe Islands, I felt energized. In Bergen, by 2:30 PM, I was tired, hot, and totally drained.
Long Lines at the Fløibanen Funicular Ride (by Arjan Post)
I went back to the ship to sit in our air-conditioned cabin. It appears Bergen broke the record temperature for the date (81 F, 27 C). The previous record, 26 C, was set last year. Global warming? Nah! That is one of those new-fangled theories, like evolution.
Bergen is far from a dreadful place, however. It is very picturesque, with lots to see and do.
Famous Bryggen Market
I did have a delicious strawberry tart in a bakery in a back street, away from the crowds, one of the few where I did not have to stand in line too long.
Downtown Bergen (by Arjan Post)
Back Alley in Bergen
I’d like to come back to Bergen in the off-season when it is a little cooler and when there are no cruise ships in town. The tricky part will be not to have rain.
Sailing Out of Bergen (by Arjan Post)
In the evening we sailed out of the fjords onto a totally calm ocean, like glass. The setting sun was on our balcony. We could sit there in our summer / night / very few clothes. That was wonderful.
The Placid Atlantic Ocean
Photos © 2014 P.J. Gardner & Arjan Post. All rights reserved.