Day 16 (25 March), Voyage South Day 6

In 33 days, we'll be on our final day of our time on the Capella for the voyage south. We'll pull into Bergen and disembark around 2pm, giving us time to do a little exploring!

Bergen was founded in 1070 by King Olaf III. It was Norway’s capital until the late 13th century and became a major trading hub. As a key member of the Hanseatic League (a powerful medieval trade alliance), its Bryggen wharf flourished in the 14th-16th centuries, shaping the city's economy and culture. Fires frequently ravaged Bergen, but it was always rebuilt. Bergen was so susceptible to fires because of the wooden architecture, narrow streets, windy climate, frequent use of open flame and lack of fire fighting resources.

The city remained Norway’s largest until the 19th century, when Oslo surpassed it. Bergen played a key role in WWII, suffering bombings and German occupation. Today, it’s Norway’s second-largest city.

The multicoloured buildings on Bergen’s waterfront are part of Bryggen, a historic wharf and UNESCO World Heritage Site. These wooden buildings, painted in shades of red, yellow, and white, date back to Bergen’s time as a key trading hub in the Hanseatic League (14th–16th centuries).

In 33 days, we'll be standing where my great grandparents came from. Or not far from it. Stavanger, just a couple of hundred kilometres from Bergen, was home to them before they emigrated to Australia. Looking forward to exploring the city, treading in the footsteps of family generations ago!

We're staying in an Airbnb here, located in Bryggen, on what looks to be on a narrow, cobblestone street. A perfect base for the next few days!

Our Airbnb in Bergen