Silversea Luxury Cruises A BERGEN

Embark on a journey to Troldhaugen - the composer Edvard Grieg's home of 22 years. Next proceed to the Fantoft Stave Church, before heading to Bryggen the old Hanseatic merchant buildings and the Fish and Flower market

Troldhaugen

Departing the pier by coach enjoy a 30 minute drive past to Bryggen" with it's old wooden warehouses from the Hanseatic period and continue through the city and suburbs to Troldhaugen - the composer Edvard Grieg's home. The unassuming light yellow clapboard house stands amidst trees at Troldhaugen, the Hill of the Trolls. Here, Edvard Grieg lived with his wife Nina for 22 years. The house was frequently used as a gathering place for many Scandinavian artists. It is filled with paintings, prints and memorabilia and, most notable, Grieg's Steinway piano. Both Grieg and his wife are buried in a tomb blasted into a rock face overlooking Lake Nordås.

Fantoft Stave Church

Your next stop is at the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in Fortun in Sogn in 1150, moved to Fantoft in 1883 and rebuilt after a fire destroyed the old church in 1992. The church has now been rebuilt just as it was before the fire. The new church is constructed exactly like the ones that were built in the Middle Ages, using timber from the Sognefjord area, North of Bergen. In the Middle Ages, there were at least 800 of these very typical churches in Norway, today there are only about 30 left.

Bryggen

After the visit to the Fantoft Stave Church you will continue your tour by exploring the famous Bryggen, the old Hanseatic merchant buildings from the middle Ages. Rebuilt in 1702 when a disastrous fire struck the area. The whole area is under Protection, and is listed on the Unesco World Heritage List. Narrow alleyways run between the rows of houses. Today artists and craftsmen have moved in and facing the harbour are restaurants and shops of various kinds. The Hanseates settled in Bergen mid-14th century and had monopoly on the trade with Northern Norway for nearly 300 years. Norwegians from the Northern part of the country brought their stockfish, dried cod, to Bergen and went back with grain, spices, textiles and more.

Before returning to the ship the coach will stop at the Fish and Flower Market in the centre of the city for guests wanting to remain in town.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking on uneven grounds. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair, or guests with limited mobility. It is recommended to wear flat comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket in the case of inclement weather. Please bring water, your camera and local currency or a credit card for any local purchases made.

Embrace the spectacular natural beauty and flavours of the Hardanger region during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Samnangerfjord, Kvamskogen and Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive northeast to the Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall. En route, pass by the Samnangerfjord, then continue towards Kvamskogen, the popular weekend and holiday destination of the Bergenser (inhabitants of Bergen). The magnificent Steinsdallsfossen Waterfall actually falls away from the cliff, which enables you to take an optional walk behind the waterfall without getting wet. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head towards the Hardangerfjord.

Hardangerfjord and Steinstø Fruit Orchard

Among the favourites of the many Norwegian fjords, the Hardangerfjord is framed by mountains reflecting in the clear water, and famous for its many orchards and fruit blossoming in May. Along the way, a visit is made to the Steinstø Fruit Orchard. This lovely farm is nestled in a scenic location at the foot of the mountains above the Hardangerfjord, and has been family-owned and operated for eight generations. Upon arrival, a family member greets and escorts you on a guided walking tour through the orchard. Apples, cherries, pears, berries, and other fruit are grown here, and some of the fruit is processed and preserved. On clear days, you can see the Fonna Glacier in the distance.

Lunch and Bergen's City Centre

Following your tour, proceed for lunch with apple cake served in the farm's restaurant. After lunch, some free time is made available to browse some of the farm's products for sale. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier. En route, take a short sightseeing drive through Bergen City, passing the fish and flower markets, 13th-century Bergenhus Fortress, medieval King Håkon's Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower. Time-permitting, you can leave the tour at Bryggen and remain in Bergen's city centre for independent shopping and sightseeing at your leisure, then return to the pier on your own.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.2 miles-1.5 miles (about 1.96 kilometres to 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven and slippery surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and numerous steps and thresholds at the sites visited. The optional walk behind the Steinsdallsfossen Waterfall is approximately 300 yards (about 274 metres) in each direction, and over ascending/descending terrain. This tour is not suitable for guests with a fear of tunnels, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring a jacket from the ship. Local currency is required at comfort stops. Local, air-cooled vehicles are utilised on this tour. The tour sequence may vary.

Embark on this Panoramic Tour of Bergen, from the comfort of the coach. See the most interesting sights of the city and stop for photographs along the way in beautiful Bergen.

City Tour

Depart the pier by coach for a tour around the city. Pass through Sandviken and Skuteviken, they are the two oldest parts of the city - with characteristic tiny, white-painted wooden houses. Next continue through the peninsula of Eidsvaag where you will have scenic views of the surrounding islands. Afterwards return to the city center, passing St. Mary's Church - the oldest stone building in Bergen, and Bryggen, a row of Hanseatic timbered houses with characteristic pointed gables facing the harbor. See the bustling Fish and Flower Market as you continue to the peninsula of Nordnes, passing the Aquarium and Fredriksberg Fortress from where you enjoy the sight of both harbors in Bergen. Proceeding to the city's outskirts, you will drive past green slopes, ragged mountains, and suburbs with old well-kept houses and gardens. You will also see Gamlehaugen residence of Norway's Royal Family when visiting Bergen.

Return to the city and to the port passing King Haakon's Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking. It is suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair and guests with limited mobility, who are able to embark and disembark the coach via the coach steps. Wheelchairs must be foldable. The order of sights may vary. Local currency is required for restroom facilities. Local vehicles are utilised.

Bergen was founded in the year 1066. Up to the 1830's the City was the largest city in Norway and a centre for commerce and shipping. For several centuries the Hanseatic Merchants had one of their four major overseas trading offices in Bergen - The German Office at Bryggen.

Bryggen

Start from the pier and enjoy the guided walk past the fortress of Bergenhus with the Coronation Hall and along "Bryggen" with all the old wooden merchants buildings that once belonged to the German merchants of the Hanseatic League.

Walk through some of the small alleyways and learn about the unique architecture and history. Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as one of the world's most significant examples of the history and culture of a medieval settlement. Today Bryggen is a fascinating honeycomb of active workshops, where painters, weavers and craftsmen produce fine-quality and original items.

Hanseatic Museum

At the end of the pier you will stop to visit the Hanseatic Museum. The museum is situated in one of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in Bergen. It is furnished in the style of the 1700's to give an intimate picture of the life of a hanseatic merchant. To fully enjoy the visit you must climb a steep staircase inside the museum to reach the various rooms.

Mt. Fløien

Your next stop is at the funicular station. The Mt. Fløien Funicular will take you safely up to 1050 feet (320 meters) above sea level. The ride takes 5 minutes each way. From the top of Mount Fløien you can enjoy the magnificent view of the beautiful city of Bergen, the surrounding mountains and the sea. There is time for some shopping in the souvenir store before returning to the city. You will take the funicular down to the centre of Bergen and walk down to the Fish and Flower market.

Fish market

You will have some time at the market to explore before heading back to the ship.

Please note: This walking tour requires an extensive amount of walking on cobblestones and uneven grounds with some steep steps to climb. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair, or guests with limited mobility. It is recommended to wear flat comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket in the case of inclement weather. Please bring water, your camera and local currency or a credit card for any local purchases made.

Experience Norway's cultural hub from central Bergen hotel. As the city's largest accommodation, the Radisson Blu Hotel Norge, Bergen stands out for comfort, convenience and size. Adjacent to Lille Lungegårdsvann Park, this hotel in Bergen offers 347 rooms and suites with modern décor and superb amenities. Guests delight in the spa and complimentary fitness centre with indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.