We awoke to a gloomy morning, but it was not raining.
We headed out with our large group who signed up for a walking tour of this, the second largest town in Norway after the capital Olso. Our guide took us to the historic places which make up the character of this town which has a rich and varied past.
Much of what we saw dated from the 1700s when Bergen was part of a trading network dominated by the German Hanseatic league, which could loosely be described as a forerunner of today’s unions. There are very few stone buildings in Norway, timber being plentiful. This does present the danger of fire and many such fires have also shaped the town.
This was a lovely way to end our cruise
Bridges and tunnels are an essential part of life in Norway with so much water challenging transport – hmmm perhaps Sydney could learn something ….
These fortifications date back to the 13th century and still maintain a military presence
If you look closely you can see the date carved in the stone on the lintel - 1714
Flags and memorials were plentiful in town to commemorate Peace Day – the end of WWII
The houses where the merchants lived and taught their apprentices – men only
Last year of high school students wear their distinctive last year uniform. Red for arts and languages and blue (trousers) for economics etc
The Bryggen, part of the ancient wharf area
Evidence of early German influence – the eagles can be seen in lots of decorations on buildings
Dried cod in the Hanseatic Museum. Still a traditional part of Norwegian life
A merchant’s bed adorned with a ‘pin up’ of the time
The dining and kitchen area
Hanseatic coins. Each town in the network had their own seal
Entrance to the funicular in the white building
The sun came out for our journey to the top – the view was stunning
Rhododendrons and tulips were the spring offerings
The fish markets are an important part of daily life – notice the dried cod hanging up as well
The Bryggen and other views from the other side of the harbour. Spot the Aussie! (Hint - Bottom right)
Another sea day –packing this time – before we disembark in Copenhagen. We still have a day there to enjoy
We headed out with our large group who signed up for a walking tour of this, the second largest town in Norway after the capital Olso. Our guide took us to the historic places which make up the character of this town which has a rich and varied past.
Much of what we saw dated from the 1700s when Bergen was part of a trading network dominated by the German Hanseatic league, which could loosely be described as a forerunner of today’s unions. There are very few stone buildings in Norway, timber being plentiful. This does present the danger of fire and many such fires have also shaped the town.
This was a lovely way to end our cruise
Bridges and tunnels are an essential part of life in Norway with so much water challenging transport – hmmm perhaps Sydney could learn something ….
These fortifications date back to the 13th century and still maintain a military presence
If you look closely you can see the date carved in the stone on the lintel - 1714
Flags and memorials were plentiful in town to commemorate Peace Day – the end of WWII
The houses where the merchants lived and taught their apprentices – men only
Last year of high school students wear their distinctive last year uniform. Red for arts and languages and blue (trousers) for economics etc
The Bryggen, part of the ancient wharf area
Evidence of early German influence – the eagles can be seen in lots of decorations on buildings
Dried cod in the Hanseatic Museum. Still a traditional part of Norwegian life
A merchant’s bed adorned with a ‘pin up’ of the time
The dining and kitchen area
Hanseatic coins. Each town in the network had their own seal
Entrance to the funicular in the white building
The sun came out for our journey to the top – the view was stunning
Rhododendrons and tulips were the spring offerings
The fish markets are an important part of daily life – notice the dried cod hanging up as well
The Bryggen and other views from the other side of the harbour. Spot the Aussie! (Hint - Bottom right)
Another sea day –packing this time – before we disembark in Copenhagen. We still have a day there to enjoy
No comments:
Post a Comment