The other direction

We didn’t actually get on the ship for the cruise part of our holiday until the afternoon, so that morning we had another stroll. This time we went the other direction, towards the 13^th century Håkonshallen & the Rosenkrantz Tower (I can’t help wondering where Guildenstern is). 

 

We passed this fabulous looking sailing ship, a training ship, on which you could dine in the evening while exploring the fjords. The night before hordes of poshly dressed up people were waiting to board it.

As we passed the castle we soon discovered Bergen faded out. There remained a few moorings & port buildings but that was about it. We turned round to return to the hotel when we noticed people going up a path to what looked like a park. Sure enough there was. It was the castle grounds. We didn’t want to go around Håkonshallen that day – we didn’t have time to do it justice & anyhow crowds were appearing as there was a food festival being put on around it. We just had a look around the outside.

Håkonshallen is the ceremonial hall built by King Håkon Håkonsson in 1261 for the coronation & wedding of his son, Magnus Lagabøter. It is still used for official functions.  Both this hall & the Rosenkrantz Tower are part of the ancient Bergen Castle.

One of the castle buildings

In the castle complex, still used by the Norwegian army

Part of the castle complex & grounds

Another more modern castle building

Still our little walk did show us a different aspect of Bergen.