A threatening sky greeted us in Bergen, and our excursion to Ole Bull’s island in a local fjord. During the early 1800’s he was a noted musician, actively promoting Norway.

Reached by a tiny ferry our group of 15 or so, were the only guests so it was a very personal tour with a knowledgeable guide. Despite numerous money problems, and wives, (not necessarily related I might add) he actively promoted Norwegians to use their language and folk music, until then Sweden had dominated the arts. His “house” or retreat on the island was a mixture of styles from all the countries he had visited, for instance the 3 different chandelier styles. This produced a fairy tale effect.

He was friends with Greig, and the island had a similar feel to Greigs house where he composed music, and is in fact only a short distance away. Set in some delightful gardens, surrounded by a mossy forest it felt a real haven.