Kathleen and Joanna toured the summer palaces of the Danish royalty of the 1600-1800s and the rest of us toured the city palaces. Talk about opulence. We saw the Danish Crown Jewels as well. Then, of course, it was time for lunch at an open air cafe.
We are having our farewell dinner at the famous Tivoli Gardens which was the amusement park which influenced Walt Disney to create Disneyland. We are doing lots of walking in this diverse city. People watching is fun with lots of young people, music, and fashion statements.
After a morning flight to Copenhagen, we were joined by Hanna a local guide to understand the lay of the city and its history. Another perfect day--perhaps a little too hot! The palaces, the shopping, the canals, and the little mermaid.
Bergen was the medieval capital of Norway. After the Vikings left, the German Hanseatic merchants took over the city, building these houses for the apprentices.
All of us rode the funicular during our free time. There was a wedding reception at the restaurant on the top with guests all in the national costumes. We were also serenaded by opera singers in the city for a festival.
Before arriving in Bergen, we followed a journey called Norway in a Nutshell which included a cruise along the Sognefjord and two mountain rail crossings, the gateway to Bergen. Here is our last group picture.
We cruised the fjord, and took the Flan railway to see Norway in a Nutshell. We went cruising on the Sognefjord. Then on to the medieval seaside city of Bergen--a Hanseanitic City.
What exactly is Norway in a Nutshell? Check out this video from Rick Steves for more of the amazing views!
This hotel was occupied by the Nazis in WWII. A good strategic position during the occupation and an amazing view. You can learn more about the hotel here.
I know it is strange to take a photo out of my hotel window, but I could not resist.We slept with our windows open and listened to the cow and sheep bells along with mountains. What a view!!
We have certainly had good weather mojo (thanks to Kathy Lundburg). After our fjord cruise, we took many switchbacks to the top of the mountains carved by glaciers and looked back at the harbor. Note all the cruiseships.