Norway Photo Diary: Stavanger + Bergen

Thursday, September 07, 2017
Last week I went on a P&O cruise with my family to the indescribably beautiful country of Norway where we were lucky enough to visit the beautiful cities of Stavanger, Bergen and particularly Olden and Flam. I've been on six cruises with Royal Caribbean, the majority of which were in the Mediterranean but none of the places I've visited will ever compare to the Norwegian fjords, lakes, mountains and glaciers!

Today's post is all about the cities of Stavanger and Bergen as well as my experience of the P&O Britannia cruise ship and how it compares to Royal Caribbean. I will have separate posts on Olden and Flam as I have too many photos to put into this post!
Jumper: H&M
Coat: Target Dry
Jeans: Asos
Boots: Clarks/Brantano 
Let's start with Stavanger which was the first Norwegian city we visited on the cruise after a day at sea and we decided on a guided walking tour (all of the Norwegian tour guides on the excursions were amazing). Stavanger is filled with cute white wooden houses, flowers, winding and steep cobbled streets and of course, rain. Norway isn't viewed as a hot, humid or sunny country and in fact Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe, just to give you an idea...
Stavanger wasn't my favourite stop on the cruise but the wooden houses, lovely people and history of the city makes me want to move there even though it rains so often (although we live in Manchester so there isn't much difference!). We walked over 15,000 steps in a few hours in Stavanger but there was still so much of the city we didn't see and sadly we didn't get chance to visit the cathedral.

The tour excursions on P&O where pretty good although a little pricy and there didn't seem to be quite as much choice when compared to Royal Caribbean. The ship didn't seem as modern or tech filled as Royal Caribbean ships are and there wasn't as much of a friendly, fun or lively atmosphere that you get on all Royal Caribbean ships; probably because the age range for P&O is at the opposite end of the spectrum. I loved the cruise, although there were negatives and I think on the whole I do prefer Royal Caribbean but P&O is definitely cheaper and still worth checking out!
Next onto Bergen which is the second largest city in Norway and a city in which it rains around 270 days each year, I think that might even beat Manchester! From the images you see online of Bergen, there are constantly photos of cute colourful houses on the waterfront but that's just a very tiny part of Bergen and one we didn't see very much of at all so I'd love to go back.

In Bergen we went up to the top of Mount Floyen via the funicular which I think is the only funicular in Northern Europe and it was definitely a great experience! We went as part of a tour which I'd definitely recommend and at the top of the mountain, there were spectacular views over all of Bergen.
Jumper: Asos
Jeans: Asos
Bag: H&M
Boots: Clarks/Brantano 
At the top of the funicular, which is a small steep tram almost, there's a gorgeous forest, shops and even a zip line. It seemed to be an adventure park of some kind and I wish we'd had more time there as it was so beautiful - the people who are able to visit often are so lucky! If you are going to visit Bergen then you need to go on the funicular and visit the top of Mount Floyen, you won't regret it.
One thing I will say about Norway, apart from the fact that it's an incredibly beautiful country, is that it's so expensive! The mug that I bought as a souvenir at a shop on Mount Floyen cost 99 krona which is around £19, it's crazy. Everything in Norway, from small chocolate bars, souvenirs or drinks are all very expensive so that is definitely something to keep in mind if you are going to visit anywhere in Norway.
Norway has been such a surprise, it was so much more beautiful than I could have ever imagined and I can genuinely say that if I had the choice of dropping everything in the UK and living in Olden, Bergen or Flam then I would in an instant, without a second thought. From colourful houses, indescribably stunning fjords and lakes and goats in the road...Norway is such a wonderful, surprising and beautiful country. I'd love to go back and maybe visit a few northern cities within the arctic circle.
Another thing to mention is the weather, even in the summer you have to pack for all occasions as you have to in the UK. I brought jeans, boots, converse and light long sleeve t-shirts and most of the time I wore the thicker jumpers, jeans and boots as it was definitely needed. I think the warmest temperature was 16 degrees celsius; then the lowest temperature was 9 degrees celsius...in August.

A weatherproof and waterproof coat is a good idea too and you won't look out of place even with a brightly coloured option as everyone wears them! I wore my Target Dry Kendal Waterproof Jacket and it was perfect! Jeans, hiking boots or good walking shoes are also essentials along with warm jumpers and a backpack. I love Scandinavian style, it's minimal, practical and comfy.
If you are contemplating visiting Norway, particularly the fjords then I'd say go for it as you won't regret it! I've been lucky enough to visit a fair amount of beautiful European cities but Norway has some of the most incredible, especially Olden and Flaam. My next post will hopefully be a photo diary of Olden or Flaam and I can't wait to share it with everyone!

Have you visited Norway? Have you been on a cruise? 

16 comments

  1. I've never been on a cruise or to Norway but I would absolutely love to do both! I've been to Stockholm and that clean Scandinavian air is absolutely beautiful! I'm really looking forward to more of your Norway posts! xx

    Beautylymin

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  2. It is such a gorgeous place! My boyfriend and I have been talking about visiting Norway. Your post has made me want to go even more! x

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  3. Wow what a stunning place! Your photos are gorgeous! X

    Kate// itskaterose.com

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  4. cool!

    www.bstylevoyage.blogspot.com

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  5. Your photos are all so beautiful! I'd love to visit Norway one day :)
    Chantelle x
    The Girl In The Tartan Scarf

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  6. The scenery is just incredible wow and it looks like you had a fab time x

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  7. Oh wow it looks incredible! I love how bright the houses are, so so sweet :)

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  8. Norway looks like a scenic postcard - I also love your jumper x

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  9. Wow! It sounds beautiful if a little pricey! Loving your photos x

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  10. I'd love to go on a cruise, especially to such a beautiful country like Norway.

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  11. Your photos are beautiful! I want to go! xx

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  12. Oh wow it looks so beautiful. You got some lovely shores too x

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  13. Your pictures makes me want to go even more now! x

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  14. I would love to visit! Fab pics xx

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  15. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. 3d visualisering

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