We’re reminded here of our proximity in northernmost Scotland to Norway’s gems… so God tur to Bergen.
That despite its remoteness in the Norwegian fjords it is still the nearest train station or airfield to the Shetland Islands.
Which the Scots took from Norway in a medieval royal dowry which the Viking islanders will never let you forget to this day.
Bergen and the fjords are, of course, best negotiated, as they traditionally always were, by ship.
But with the time pressures of the modern traveller that isn’t always possible.
The Wilderoe North
Just as well then that Wilderoe, the largest airline operating in the Nordic countries, is at hand.
And flies from Aberdeen and London to Bergen.
For us, coming from Dublin as we were in our 13 years there, then it was a bit more circuitous, but deliberately so.
As we flew in to Hamburg, then up to Kiel before hopping on an MSC cruise up via Copenhagen to the fjords.
We know though that you might be strapped for time.
And/or you want to explore further afield in Norway… and that’s where Wilderoe’s extended timetable comes in.
Embraer force
For Irish Nordic lovers or Vikings returning home, Wideroe have been filling that gap.
Operating the Dublin to Bergen route since April.
And for this winter, flights will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays using the compact Embraer E190 Jet aircraft.
At the convenient departure time of 12.15 from Dublin and return time of 11.05.
And now I know about this bird having flown on her wings down from Dublin to Waterford on a memorable morning back in my days on my other island.
Flight time from Dublin is just 1hour 45minutes offering an ideal break to the beautiful coastal city of Bergen.
Convenient onward connections operate to many Norwegian cities, including Tromso, known as the Paris of the North.
Troll through the fjords
Now we’ve shared here with you the charms of Bergen, its lively Fish Market.
Its Grieg, Munch and Dahl art at the Kode and its walks, shape-shifting trolls and goats.
While, of course our friends at ASM-Ireland remind us that it is perfectly situated between the two biggest fjords in Norway, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord.
And that Bergen is an ideal starting point for fjord excursions.
Norway in a nutshell
While they helpfully point us in the direction of the legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour.
Which will take you through Norway’s UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery.
So God Tur to Bergen. And what does that mean?
Well, look closer, it’s written there on your headrest.