Well it’s been too long and so much has happened in the past three years. Let’s skip over all that for now and get right to it because I’m in Norway!!!
Flight logistics from NYC to Bergen, Norway were as follows:
Took the midnight flight from JFK to Copenhagen, arriving around 2 pm via SAS airlines. Thought taking a night flight would help me fall asleep, especially since I was up at 6 am but nope. Barely slept at all. Didn’t take a sleep aid as I knew I rather take one when I got into Bergen later in the day.
Had a 3 hour layover before taking an SAS connecting flight to Bergen. Copenhagen airport is beautiful and lots to shop/eat around at so I didn’t mind the layover. Plus I’m glad we took the 5 pm flight as I saw earlier in the day the noon flight was canceled! Apparently not enough people working air traffic control (according to airport update over the speaker system) so flight were canceled or delayed. The connecting flight was delayed by 40 minutes which was a bit annoying. In addition, the connecting flight gate wasn’t announced for a while so just go thru passport control anyway to the “transit center” where you can wait for your gate while you walk around the shops. It’s good to recheck the info often because they announced a gate which was later changed with no speaker announcement!
Flight over was smooth. Arrived in Bergen just after 7 pm and it was still bright and sunny! Almost had a panic attack at the luggage carousel though when I didn’t see my bag come out and the screen read “last bags for this flight are on the belt.” I asked an airport security guy what that means; he said usually that message is right but sometimes luggage will still arrive. Well nothing arrived for a few minutes and so myself and a bunch of others queued up at the baggage assistance. Luckily ten minutes later bags did show up!!! But in that time I was very concerned not having my luggage after a very long flight!
Picked up rental car at Enterprise, which is on the “Departures” floor of the airport, not arrivals. Took 40 minutes to get the car because the guy working there went to go get the car ready and do other errands (never figured out what). But long story short if you don’t see anyone at the service desk and the gate is closed, they do leave a sign saying they’ll be back soon and to call the number. This is why international cell phone service is so important when traveling! Google Fi all the way for unlimited data and cancel anytime policy! The car rental office has limited hours as well so be sure to check. For example the office was closing by 9 pm the day I landed and when I leave on a Sunday, the office won’t be open until 2 pm (with a method to return keys by a box).
Got into Bergen hotel at 9 pm exhausted. So Day 1 was a bust. Day 2 was able to explore much more though!
Day 2: bergen
After having breakfast at Clarion Hotel Bergen I headed over to the Furnicular to get up to Floyen, a nice vista view above the city. Was it worth it? Yes! Gorgeous views and the weather was sunny and warm. Picked up a tip from a reviewer on Trip Advisor, who mentioned no need to queue for tickets at the ticket window when you can easily purchase from the machines! There was a huge line for the ticket window but people didn’t see the machines which are across from the booth and no queues.
Once you get the round trip ticket, you scan your barcode to enter the Furnicular.
The ride to the top is just a few minutes long and spectacular views of the city on a clear sunny day. From here, there are several walking trails/hikes you can take (more info on walking options are on the Furnicular website).
There’s also a restaurant and cafe at the top as well as bathrooms throughout the park. However the facilities closest to the cafe are the nicest. Spent about three hours up here before heading down for lunch!
Had lunch in the middle of the city at this great, easy soup/salad/sandwich place called The Daily Pot. It’s nothing fancy—very casual but delicious and healthy soups! Had the Thai curry and the Asian soups. So full of flavor and vegetables!
Walked around the city the rest day, mainly around the harbor areas and soaking in the summer sun that didn’t set until well after 11 pm.
Dinner was at Bryggeriet. I made reservations a few weeks early and was awarded gorgeous views of the harbor with a corner table overlooking the area! The mussels were delicious and a good appetizer. The catch of the day and duck were ok but also enjoyed the fish soup. Service was nice and on the pricier side but the views were so nice!
