Bergen

We arrived in Bergen last night in the dark fog and drizzle. A 20 minute walk up the cobblestones brought us to our hotel for the next 2 days. There is so much history about this city that I am including an excerpt from Rick Steves Norway to explain.

And another to explain the Hanseatic League

Here are some pics from our walk through Bryggen - the first buildings built in Bergen in the 12th century and unchanged today, after being re-built in the 1700's after fires. Bryggen and this Hanseatic Wharf have aplace on UNESCO's world heritage list and the city of Bergen is designated as a World Heritage City. Here are some pics of this wonderfully city with lots of steep hills and winding streets.

Fisketorget - the fish market which has thrived in the city Center since the 1500's when fisherman rowed in their catch and haggled with hungry residents. Today no locals shop here and the only haggling I saw were tourists snapping photos of some interesting looking fish. Lots of smelly photos.

Some more streetscapes...

Refuel with coffee

A walk to where the last patient died of leprosy in 1946 at the leprosarium in St Jorgens hospital. Although the museum was closed for the season it was interesting to read about this and learn that up until the 19th century as much as 3% of norways population had leprosy.

And end of the line for today's blog...