Fish Fire and Fjords

Fire, Fish and Fjords By Sue McCarthy As my journey began in Bergen, the "Gateway to the Fjords", I would hear many times about how fire, the commerce of the fish markets and the beautiful fjords played a part in the history of Norway.  Modern day Bergen has a population of 250,000 and is both a cosmopolitan and historic city.  Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage City, was founded in 1070 by King Olave Kyrre and is now the second largest city in Norway.  Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, has the most picturesque Hanseatic wharf Bryggen with colorful red, gold, blue and white wooden shops and houses, a Fish Market and cobblestone streets. The Great Fire of 1702 destroyed most of the wharf area and it was rebuilt along the harbor.    I spent one day and night in Bergen and did a bus sightseeing trip throughout the area, shopped in the quaint shops to buy postcards, a doll, hats and slippers for the grandkids.  When purchasing items be sure to asked about the tax-free VAT. In Norway is included in your retail price and as a visitor you are entitled to a 12-19% cash refund.  www.globalrefund.no   Bergen is also known for its university, museums and culture.  I toured the home of famous composer Edvard Grieg at Troldhaugen.  Other notables from Bergen are the artist Edvard Munch (the Scream), Henrik Ibsen and Johan Christian Dahl.   The perfect place for dinner was at the top of Mount Floyen with a funicular ride 320 meters  above the harbor watching the sunset and the lights coming on in the town below.  The Bellevue Restaurant means "beautiful view" and sitting on the outdoor terrace is breathtaking and romantic.  The Floein Folkerestaurant has been family run for four generations and was established in 1899.  The  "continental cuisine is based on Norwegian traditions" and will definitely include baked bread, fish and boiled potatoes.  www.bellevue.no