I was so very fortunate to have booked the 6 hour sightseeing bus trip through Arctic Buss on a day that there were no other bookings, so was picked up from my hotel in a beautiful black Mercedes.
My driver (sorry I can’t remember his name) was a fountain of knowledge and gave me loads of historic and new information about the Lofoten Islands.
As there was only me on this tour, my guide was able to show me perhaps a little more than expected and whenever I wanted to stop and take photos he happily obliged.
The scenery is nothing short of spectacular and in autumn, the colours so very vivid. I got to see the start and end of rainbows, experience both sunshine and rain, cute little fishing villages and bigger towns with a lot of history. The Lofotr Viking museum was filled with artefacts, stories of the local chieftain and the chieftain long house was incredible.
I would highly recommend using Arctic Buss as these guys really know their stuff and go to all lengths to ensure that you get to see as much as possible and are highly knowledgeable on the Lofoten Islands.
My stay at Anker Brygge, without a doubt, was my favourite in Norway. I stayed in one of the rorbuers right on the water which provided not only great views and subtle maritime sounds, but the accommodation was warm and cosy.
Equip with a mini kitchenette, I was able to cook for myself and have that all important morning coffee. The bed was warm and comfortable and lounge area, spacious and relaxing. The staff in reception were extremely helpful. Breakfast was served in the adjacent pub (more on that later) and was a hearty delicious meal in itself. Thanks to Phon for the chats and her hospitality. It was a pleasure to meet you.
Anker Brygge – Pub
The friendliest, most generous, and knowledgeable staff if ever there was! I spent 2 nights as a bar fly, hearing stories, learning about the Lofoten Islands and Norway and participating in numerous conversations with the locals and the bar manager Yohnas. He went above and beyond the call of good service, advising me on food options (his mother’s own recipe was a delight), allowing me to sample dried fish and other local
delicacies and most importantly trying out a few shots of Akvavit! Yohnas is a credit to the pub and the owners should be very proud of the lengths he goes to to ensure customers are relaxed and happy! I was fortunate enough to witness the northern lights right from outside the pub which was a huge treat, gazing up into the sky, belly full of local food and beer! How perfect.
Click here to find out more about Anker Brygge accommodation and pub
Bergen has many a great hotel, but most are well beyond the mid range budget. Especially if you want to stay close to the water. However I was lucky enough to stumble across a true gem of a mid range motel.
Immediately upon walking into Bergen Bors to enquire about a room I was met with the friendliest most accommodating receptionist, who answered all my queries happy and helpful.
After cancelling an Airbnb for my last night in Bergen I went on the hunt for somewhere closer to central Bergen and the airport bus as I had a very early departure the next morning. I had spent the day frozen to the bone after the Norway in a Nutshell tour and as my luck had it the same receptionist was there to greet me. She must have felt sorry for me and gave me an upgrade with the offer of anything else I could possibly need.
The room I had was simply stunning, the bed comfortable, and most importantly the shower was absolutely delightful and was soon able to warm me up. All the reception staff were lovely, very helpful and so enthusiastic about helping their guests. I had a very nice glass of French red in the bar on the third floor and a great conversation with the barman and a guest.
Breakfast the next morning was quite delicious. But the best thing about my check out was the same receptionist walked me over to the bus stop with umbrella as it was raining heavily. Exceptional service. I highly recommend Bergen Bors as a really great, clean, high standard hotel, but it is also their staff who are a huge credit to the hotel. My only regret was not staying there longer. Click here to check out the accommodation at Bergen Bors Hotel
