We took the train direct from Oslo to Bergen, using our Eurail pass, but needed to book seats as well. We decided not to do the Flam alternative route as it seemed very long and somewhat of a tourist trap. The train journey was very comfortable, food and drink available from the cafeteria, including fresh waffles, yoghurt, pizza, sandwiches, beer, coffee, juice etc, there was also a play carriage for kids and everything was clean. The views from the train were stunning; lakes, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, quaint villages, even spotted a glacier. I highly recommend this train trip.

On arrival in Bergen, it was a short walk from the train station to our hotel near the harbour, where all the action is.

On our first evening in Bergen, we took the funicular railway to the top of Mount Floyen, with spectacular views over the city and harbour. At the top there is a restaurant and bar, so you can enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the town below.

Then we decided to walk back down to the town. There are a series of great walking paths from Floyen, we chose the fairly direct route back into the town, through cool lush green forest, over streams via a winding walkway that has a gradual gradient, suitable for all abilities. It was a pleasant way to end a long day, wracking up 17,000 steps, despite having spent several hours sitting on the train.

The next morning we checked out the old town area, with its signature timber buildings painted in strong colours. This is interesting but pretty touristy, with loads of souvenir shops. Later we took a walk to another part of town, away from the busy harbour area, where two cruise ships had docked. We found a local public swimming pool, with suanas and access to the sea. So we went for a swim, had a sauna overlooking the water, then a quick dip in the cold water of the North Sea (17 degrees C), it was a lot of fun and very refreshing on a warm day. On the way back to town we found a small cafe for lunch, then finished up at the waterfront for waffles.

The next day we decided to go for a hike. we took the bus to Flatøy, then set off on the hike to Håøytoppen, with our backpacks containing a picnic lunch and drinks. The walk was supposed to be about 5 kms return, but it was a bit longer than that maybe about 7 kms. Along the way through forest, we saw wildflowers and picked lots of wild blueberries. Parts of the track were easy enough, but other parts were a bit trickier for old folks, but we had our trusty hiking sticks which came in handy on some steep rocky bits. we reached the summit of Håøytoppen, stopped to enjoy our lunch with a view, then headed back to catch the bus back to town. The buses are great, easy to use, very frequent and going to all the places you want. It was a really enjoyable day.