A final wander around Bergen. A quick stroll through the back streets and alleys, which appear to have grown organically over the centuries. No straight lines here. Charming is the word.
Then onto UNESCO registered Bryggen. Hanseatic merchants were trading here from around 1350, with Bergen being hundreds of years older. I clambered around the narrow stairs of the Rosenkrantz Tower, a 13th-century tower, once home to King Eric Magnusson until his death in 1299, then later governor of Bergen Erik Rosenkrantz (1519-1575). Its dungeons would have seen the end of a few unfortunates.
Looking out from the top of the tower you could see hordes of tourists descending onto the Bryggen waterfront, time to plan my escape.
The Hakonshallen practically adjoins the fortified tower and is still in use for its original purpose of banquets and sundry celebrations, even by the current royalty. The largest medieval structure still in use in Norway today.
Back to the hotel as some serious rain started, a taxi to the departure point for the next leg of my journey on the MS Nordkapp to Kirkenes. I met my friends Lauren, Bridget and Nicola just before boarding. Three weeks of living in each others pockets will prove that friendship.
