Bergen - Up Top!

View of Bergen from atop 

 Warming up at a hanging fire second day of roaming included visiting the Fløibanen funicular,  a tram which carries locals and tourists up a steep hill to view the panorama that is Bergen.

We got instructions at the hotel on finding the tram, but we got a little lost. Imagine how cranky I was hoofing it, then discovering I had no idea where the silly tram was. 

Even when lost, the town was soothingly beautiful to me

Though lost, we managed to convince ourselves that we'd wandered down this particular road, with intent to see the clever and interesting artwork along the way. 

After queries at a local book store, we found our way to the Funicular and its ticket office. We paid for our fares, then headed to the gateway (shown below).  The impressive entrance reminded me of the World's Fairs I visited a zillion years ago, in New York City and Montreal Canada. The SHINY!

The tram fare was reasonable and we were soon boarding the tram. More on that ride later. 

End of the line, atop the mountain

The end of the line was the beginning of adventure on the mountain top. There were all sorts of nature trails to hike (no I didn't), a few shops of souvenirs, a beautiful restaurant, and even a play ground for the kiddies. 

Come for the view, stay for the 'mat' (food).

The restaurant, further uphill

From Floyen you can even see your way to New York, off on the right I believe

I spent a lot of time trying to spot birds, but the only one I really got any sort of look at was this European Magpie. I miss Magpies!

Gordon Setter

I also enjoyed a great deal of 'dog watching' on this trip. On Floyen I 'spotted a Gordon Setter, a Scottie dog, and a Husky.  I saw a total of 12 dog breeds on this trip, including Dalmatian, Greyhound, Britany Spaniel, Cardigan Corgie and Pekinese. But know what? Not a single Labrador or Golden Retriever! Quite shocking considering how many  you see in the states. 

Best spotted breed? Two Norwegian Lundehund! Sad I couldn't get a photo of the facinating little breed. 

V. Silvery Scottish Terrier

Feeling peckish, we headed up hill to the big restaurant

Yes... the restaurant had me at the doors and doorknobs!

Beautiful venue with window seats that take in the panoramic view

Lots of luncheon choice, including huge pots of several soups

I talked myself out of getting dessert, but I did enjoy
a Shrimp salad with cucumber and plenty of lemon juice. 

AH! Now back to the tram. Here's a super short vid of the ride on the Fløibanen funicular.