Norway is like that girl at school who is always, always well-presented and put together. You know, the one who exudes class, grace, ethereal beauty, and enduring coolness. We all know this girl, and may even love to hate this girl. But I guarantee you that you’ll only be able to love Norway. She is just stunning.
We spent four days exploring the western part of the country and were completely under her spell. Liebling and I had numerous conversations about how we could live here, could start a little brown family here, and buy a house and a car and become blue-haired pensioners rocking in little Norwegian rocking chairs on little Norwegian verandas here.
Yup, it was that serious.
We started our adventure in Bergen, Norway’s second most populous city and gateway to the fjords. Walking off the plane at 11:30 pm on a Friday, we were struck by one thing: the lightness of the sky. This far north, the country profits from an extraordinary amount of sunlight. It was nearly midnight and yet the sun had just barely set; dusky blues, oranges, and pinks streaked the horizon. While I had already experienced this phenomenon on my visit to Iceland two years ago, it was still strange to see.
Another surprise: the chill of the atmosphere. London is far from sizzling in June, but here in Norway, it was becoming abundantly clear that my thin, double-breasted jacket was not the best choice of travel garment. But with the cold air came something else my nose had become unaccustomed to after 7 months in London and 2 years in Hong Kong: fresh air. The air was crisp, but unfailingly clean. I inhaled deeply and greedily on the bus ride to our hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Norge.
After a deep sleep and hearty breakfast at the hotel, we took to the streets of Bergen. Bergen is one of those pretty little towns one immediately wants to put in their pocket and take back home with them. It may be Norway’s second city, but with only 265,000 inhabitants, it’s still quaint to a big-city girl like me. Our first stop was a walking tour of Bryggen, the oldest part of the city, which dates back to the 11th century. The tour guide, decked out in traditional Norwegian dress, explained how the ancient commercial buildings that comprise Bryggen are in fact a symbol of Norway’s cultural heritage, gaining Bergen a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Next, we took a funicular high atop the city and observed beautiful Bergen from above.
It was lovely, but extremely brisk; the wind beat me about the face and head and my ashy fingers were gnarled from the cold. Solution? A chic Norway hat and some knit gloves acquired from a souvenir shop at the summit! Problem solved!
Bergen has tidy landscapes that surround the city, well-manicured lawns filled with flowers in full bloom, and brightly coloured houses bordering on neat public squares. You probably know from my post on Valparaiso, Chile that I am in love with buildings painted in vibrant hues- I am happy to report that Bergen did not disappoint.
The beautiful views didn’t stop there. The harbour is filled with boats large and small, and flanked by more charmingly decorated buildings.
Call me superficial, but I am often easily swayed by the aesthetics of a place: well-maintained cities, where every detail is painstakingly taken into consideration, get me really excited. This tends to happen the more I get older. While I love grittier, chaotic destinations, it was so nice to have a relaxing vacation in a place as pristine and beautiful as Norway.
How important is a country or city’s aesthetic to you? Do you prefer to go to “prettier” places or are you indifferent?
I was a guest of Visit Norway, but all opinions and long-winded gushing are mine.
84 Comments
Oneika, you have done it again. Your pictures but visual and word have convinced me I need to visit for myself. 🙂 I’ll move there with you & your Liebling even though I don’t care for the cold.
Yay!
Great stuff Oneika…You had me with the very first line…
I figured the hot girl line would get some attention ;-0
Wow, super pretty. I love this recap so much. I am in love with your gloves. So cute.
Personally, I love pretty in a place also. Gorgeous buildings, vibrant colors, clean surroundings…my fav way to travel.
Glad you like! Which is your favourite pretty city?
I can be taken by aesthetic appeal. I fell in love with Copenhagen and Bogota because of the pretty coloured bldgs and how quaint the cities are. (I would say the same for New Orleans, only the wicked humidty made me say that I would NEVER want to live there :D). I totally feel you. Norway looks lovely. Don’t worry I am saving my pennies for a big adventure. I hope to visit some of the places that you recommend.
I’ve never made it to Copenhagen, but think it would probably be similar. I am dying to go because everyone says that it has really interesting architecture.
So pretty! It does look like the perfect city.
I agree 🙂
Love your pictures! The colorful houses are so pretty! I’m dying to visit Norway, I’ve heard only great things!
This time of year is great to visit! Not too hot and not too much rain!
Wow it’s so beautiful, it’s sur eon my list of places to go, see and experience. Thanks for sharing. I do hope that dream you and L have bear fruit.
Gorgeous, right?! Hee hee, one day we’ll have some little critters running around but for now we’re just enjoying each others’ company.
I think I can go either way, but I love places that are near water. I’m a total water person. Bergen seems pretty, relaxing and quaint. Were you in Oslo, too?
I’m also a water person (even though I can barely swim)! We didn’t make it to Oslo, unfortunately.
Gorgeous photos! Yes, I love a well-maintained city too. BTW is that a DSLR around your neck? Are you still using your point and shoot for these pics? Sorry if you answered somewhere else already but just curious!
It is! We both have one now! I alternate between using my point and shoot and dSLr usually but didn’t bring my point and shoot to Norway so there shots are all with me and L’s dSLr cams!
SO gorgeous! Norway has definitely moved up my list to one of the places I want to see most in Europe!
That seals it. Norway is for sure going to be on the itinerary for August. Can’t wait. You did a beautiful write up, girl!
Awesome! Thanks lady!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures and commentary on Norway! I just added to my list of places I need to visit!
Yes!!
Hi! I came across your blog and really enjoyed reading your posts! I loved the metaphor of the girl and Norway! Really cute!! Seems like you had a wonderful time in Bergen. I’ve had Norway and the fjords on my bucket list for quite a few years now, I hope to make this trip some time in the near future!!
Hi Anji, thanks so much for dropping by! You have to go to Norway!
Love your toque – as we say in Canada. The bright coloured buildings remind me a lot of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia – also a fishing town – as is Valpariso. I wonder if there is something behind ocean-side towns being more colourful – left over paint from the boats?
Haven’t heard the word toque in the longest! I’m not too sure what’s up with the colourful seaside towns but I like it!
Welp, Norway looks like it’d be a good choice for a Scandinavian country.
You must add to list asap!!
Great post. Must add Bergen to my travel list. I was just curious have you visited any countries in Africa? If not are their any countries in Africa you would like to visit?
I can’t wait to visit Bergen – hopefully we’ll squeeze it in this summer.
You will love it!
Oneika, glad you finally made it! You seemed to have been lucky with the weather in the notoriously rainy Bergen. Good for you!
Norway never fails to make a good first impression on people who don’t live here, but I’d think twice before making a permanent move. Either that, or get your business (namely a stable, permanent job, for both you and your fella) in order BEFORE you make the move, if you ever make the move. There’s no polite or sensitive way to put it, but Norway is quite nepotistic and xenophobic. Unfortunately. Foreigners — especially those considered to be “coloureds” — don’t have an easy time here finding work and integrating into the society; and with Norway among the top 5 most expensive countries in the world, you wouldn’t want to get stuck here without your livelihood. If you don’t already know people who can pull strings for you both, you’ll easily find your dreams of wedded bliss up in smoke. Don’t say you haven’t been warned! 🙂
Nepotistic and xenophobic sounds like most countries I’ve been to/ worked in, LOL. Thanks for the tips. Norway is definitely a place we could see ourselves being; realistically, however, we would never move without jobs or a strong financial base from which to draw while we waited to find jobs. 🙂
Ooo looks beautiful. I went to Oslo at the start of the year and had an incredible time. Me and my boyfriend were exactly the same about planning how we were going to live there. There’s just something about the incredible fresh air that draws you in. Hopefully I’ll get to see Bergen soon!
I’m definitely going to hit up Oslo the next time I’m in Norway!
Wow! You really got some very good weather! I’ve just came back from Bergen but I only had one sunny day out of three.
I hear that it rains a lot there! We really did luck out!
Oneika,
I know exactly how you felt and it was and is still the most magical place in the world for me. That’s why my partner and I have decided to go for it… we bought a house, that we currently rent out until we in a few years take the step to move and live the magic.
Have a look here : http://www.villasognefjord.com and the next time you’re near the Sognefjord, let us know 🙂
all the best (lykke til)
Katharina
Amazing!
I live in Bergen and i’am flattered by your words, had no idea that this is how our city looks and feel from a visitors point of view… thank you, i will cherish my city even more from now on!
It sure is gorgeous!
I stumble across your site, absolutely love it. Much luck to you and thank you!
Thanks Claudena!
Hello Oneika, Thanks for sharing this. I’m in a bit of a panic mood as I’m going to Bergen for a weekend this week and I’ve not done detailed research on the place. Considering its winter, I suspect my options will be limited but I wanna make most of it. Any recommendations for joints to hit would be greatly appreciated. Obviously will do the tourist stuff during the day.
Sorry, I’m just seeing this, I hope you had a good time! Sadly, I didn’t go out at all when I was in Bergen, I collapsed in a food coma in the evenings.. 😉
Hello, guys, my weekend break to Bergen was fantastic and absolutely loved it even though there wasnt any snow (we hardly get any here in London), Its only 2 hrs away from London Stayed in an area called Florida. My host couldn’t tell me why its called Florida…
People are distant but warm. First day I went to Bryggen, a picturesque Unesco-listed area of reconstructed medieval homes, warehouses and gables. (The area is not a museum – many of these old warehouses are occupied by design and software companies – but that adds to its charm).
To put Bergen in its proper perspective, I#d recommend anyone to take the “Floibanen funicular” – a mountain railway that hoists you 1,050 feet above the city in seven minutes flat. It takes you to Mount Floyen, one of the seven mountains that surround Bergen. From the top, you can appreciate the deep blues of the sea, the greens of the land and the pastel colours of the houses – and, if you wish, explore trails on the mountain. Too bad it was windy, slightly cloudy and cold but I still loved the view from the top.The area is not a museum – many of these old warehouses are occupied by design and software companies – but that adds to its charm.
Loved the architecture, clean streets and of course more importantly its people.
I guess being black meant I got more than enough share of stares and attention. I kinda loved the extra warm attention I got (lol).
They could do with a train to and from the airport. But I didn’t mind the bus ride.
Too bad didnt hit the night club so not sure about its night scene. WIl definitely go back for more during spring.
Thank you for the report! I agree that Bryggen and Mount Floyen are gems! Glad that you had a good time!
apologies for brevity as Im using a mobile phone to post. Cant find edit tab.
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