We ended our cruise in the beautiful city of Bergen. With a population of about 285K, it is Norway’s second largest city. Founded in 1070 on the site of an old Viking settlement, Bergen has prospered as a major trading center ever since. Today it is also a major port for North Sea oil activities. With about 300 cruise ships a year bringing a half million passengers to Bergen, tourism is very important. Colorful and architecturally appealing buildings are common in the city center. At 98 inches of rain a year, Bergen is one of the wettest places in Europe.

Bergen was a major cog in The Hanseatic League, which was a major trading federation from the 1300s into the 1700s. The league coordinated trade among almost 200 cities in seven countries around the Baltic Sea as well as Norway and London. The Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf area down by the harbor features well-preserved and colorful remnants of the quays that were set up to facilitate trade.

We took a walk through the historical area again looking for Norwegian-made “penny loafers” for Jane. But alas, one shop owner told us there were very few shoes made in Norway today. But our trek did allow us to see a “buekorps” (archery brigade) group marching through town to loud drumming. The buekorps are unique to Bergen and are youth marching groups that are managed by the youth themselves, passing the tradition and skills down from one generation to another.

Perhaps the best fish market I have ever seen is in Bergen. If you can think of it, they probably have it and will cook it for you in a nearby restaurant if you choose.