Beautiful Bergen--gateway to the fjords!

This is some seriously gorgeous country around here.

I didn't know that Bergen is usually cloudy and rainy.

We had a cloudy day (and a half), but mostly, it was just stunningly beautiful.

I think I could actually use the phrase "achingly beautiful"--whether the weather was cloudy, or not.

We took the funicular to see the city from the top of the mountain,

(Can you see the path and the station at the top of the mountain?)

We were treated to beautiful views, excellent hiking and even a little bit of canoeing on a mirror-like lake.

We hiked back down to town on foot.

(Potty break.)

And then explored Bryggen.

These (really old) buildings are shifting and sinking, but they are being preserved as well for their historical importance and beauty.

Check out the condition of this doorway.

Our hotel was right across from Bryggen (the old buildings), the fish market and the souvenir stalls.

The kids weren't too thrilled with the fish market and the whale steaks, 

but they loved the souvenir stalls!

I think we are ready for crazy hat day at our house!