"First Trip to Scandinavia" a Bergen Travel Page by AnnS

I had wanted to visit Scandinavia for a long time but had never managed to find a deal that suited my budget. Package holidays from the UK were too expensive, with hefty supplements added for single travellers, and the flights were perpetually too costly.

But I continually scan what's on offer and in November 2003 I spotted a scheduled return flight from London Gatwick to Bergen with SAS/Braathens for £89 return. So then I set about finding a comfortable hotel that wouldn't break the bank and having done that, I was off! The flight left Gatwick in the evening and there was hardly anyone else on the plane so it felt like a REAL adventure.

Arriving in Bergen late at night was not the stressful experience it can be in other places. The bus to the city centre was waiting right outside and the driver asked me which hotel I wanted and said he'd give me a shout when we got to my stop. After about 25 minutes he told me it was time to get off, hopped out of the bus to help me with my luggage and gave me excellent directions for the remaining short walk to my hotel.

I was greeted warmly when I arrived at the hotel and directed to an urn of soup in the lobby where guests coming in from the cold could help themselves at no charge.

I was very impressed with my welcome to Norway and looking forward to my stay.

As I'd arrived late at night, it was the next day before I got my first look at Bergen. My hotel was close to the water so it was't long before I was looking across the harbour to the famous Bryggen in the distance. At this time of year, the scene was very peaceful and I felt it had more charm than perhaps it would in the height of the season.

The weather was grey and threatening but not actually raining and it was cold... but I'd expected that and packed accordingly. During my stay, it did rain heavily, but mainly at night and I also had a day of wonderful sunshine.

Regardless of the unpredictable weather, I'm very pleased I visited Bergen when I did. The tourists had virtually disappeared and I was able to see the city as the locals do.

The only thing I wasn't prepared for was the high cost of living and I guess I didn't do my research properly beforehand. Normally, coming from Britain, I find most places cheaper or at least equal, but Norway is very expensive indeed, especially for eating out. Nevertheless, it is possible to keep body and soul together for a few days if you settle for fast food and modest snacks and avoid the smarter restaurants.

Bergen is also a good base from which to explore the region as the public transport system is excellent. I stayed 5 nights and felt it was just right to get a taste. In the future, I would like to go again and perhaps hire a car to get to the more remote areas, but I would thoroughly recommend Bergen as a short break destination.