(5)- In Search of the Greatest Hike: Bergen
On our last day in Norway, we booked a day hike with a local guide to show us around Bergen. It was 2 days since the epic hike of Trolltunga, and we told our guide we were a little weary from the long day and would prefer something a little less energetic. He was very accommodating, and then shared great stories about the area's history and natural beauty. It kept us walking and listening. A stroll down one beautiful little lane was called Scotch St, because many Scots had landed there, and lived amongst each other. Eventually the strolling and stories evolved into a 10 mile day. Just when we thought our long hikes were behind us after tackling Trolltunga, we found ourselves enchanted by Bergen's scenic views. About halfway through our tour, we stumbled upon a charming fire station museum where we chatted with some locals and triedy our hand at some old-fashioned equipment. Afterward, we wandered through a spectacular botanical garden, where vibrant flowers and lush greenery created a stunning tapestry of colors and fragrances. It felt like a serene escape from our itinerary, allowing us to appreciate nature's beauty in a moment of stillness
To cap off the day, we enjoyed a delightful dinner at the charming tilting restaurant which shared the menu from the famous Einhornen Restaurant, but we can’t remember the name. Einhornen (One horn, or Unicorn) is located just off the famous Bergen waterfront. Our restaurant was tucked a little way down the alley; the floors were not level, the off-pitch walls and ceilings gave you just a touch of vertigo, all the furniture was shimmed to not slide, and even all the paintings are hung slanted. It added a quirky charm to our great meal. . With the sun beginning to set, the only thing left was our flight back to Stuttgart, a bittersweet end to an unforgettable chapter of our journey.
An explosion occurred in Bergen, Norway on 20 April 1944.
The Dutch vessel ST Voorbode loaded with 273,000 lb of explosives caught fire and exploded by the quay in the center of Bergen Vågen at 08:39. 158 people (including 98 civilians) were killed and some 4,800 wounded. 131 houses were destroyed outright, while 117 were so damaged that they had to be condemned.
