I think we ticked all of the boxes, so I’ll start at the beginning with a nice relaxed drive to Manchester. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting to Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The original plan was to drive up early, stop somewhere nearby to charge the car, then drop the car off at the airport parking and do the usual airport malarkey. However, it was clear on the way up that there would be no need to charge the car as we’d arrive with close to 70% charge remaining. We would have plenty to get to Manchester and back without a charge. We were therefore at the airport even earlier than we usually would be. Not a bad thing as it meant a very chilled start to the holiday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flight with Scandinavian Airlines was pretty much on time and only took 1hr 45 to get to Bergen. Our luggage was there waiting for us and we were soon outside at a tram station in Norway working out how to buy a ticket to go a few stops toward the centre of Bergen. We soon worked it out, had the necessary apps and tickets and jumped on the next tram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Scandinavian](\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/SAS.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nWe did contemplate walking as it was only about a 30-minute walk to the hotel, but it was also midnight, we had two heavy rucksacks each and we’d been travelling all day so the tram was the easier option. It also meant that we’d know what we doing for the tram ride into the city centre the following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scandic Kolstad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Despite being midnight we were now in Norway, the land of the midnight sun! The sun had set, but only just and there was plenty of light to find our way to the hotel. As we got off the tram we did meet our first problem though. The stairs out of the tram station down to the road level were made from metal mesh that Anna could see through. Anna doesn’t like heights and certainly not when she can see through to the ground beneath her feet! She made it with a little bit of encouragement and we were soon checked into our comfy room at the Scandic Kolstad Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n
We’d picked this hotel as it was close to the airport and not too expensive. Norway isn’t cheap for anything so most of our hotels were at the lower end of the price range, but we hadn’t gone full-on budget so still had all the comforts. We even had a little kitchenette behind some cupboard doors which seems to be the norm in most rooms. Standards are pretty high in Norway though, so even their more budget options are pretty good by most standards. We didn’t have anything of a view from the window but that didn’t matter as we’d only be sleeping here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breakfast the following morning was as good as it gets. All the usuals that you’d expect from a buffet breakfast and a few local delicacies too such as a brown sweet cheese and Norwegian Pat\u00e8. Mmmm mmmm, time to stock up for the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Into Bergen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Suitably stuffed with breakfast it was back onto the tram for a pleasant 40-minute trip into Bergen. This might be a commuter route for many but for us, it was a chance to see various parts of a new city. Everything was very clean, there was plenty of interesting scenery along the way and the whole vibe seemed to be one of calmness rather than the usual hectic city feel. The trams were efficient and on time too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We got off at the end of the line right in the middle of the city and headed towards the waterfront where there was more of a festival vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nWe’re not 100% sure what was going on but it was some sort of traditional boating festival. The waters were packed full of traditional boats, the quayside had stalls selling local products and there were people wearing traditional Norwegian costumes everywhere. It was lively but with a party atmosphere and music from accordions all over the place. We wandered around, headed over to the famous waterside houses, and perused the many shops selling artwork, tourist paraphernalia and of course plenty of tourist tat. The alleys between the houses were pleasant and provided some shade from what was already a very warm day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n