Last summer I was escaping NYC heat wave in fiords of Norway. Yes, there is snow in mid-July higher up in the north, and direct sunlight is rare and yes, we camped (at least most of the time) but I will take it anytime instead of sweating in daunting 104F city chaos.
The first day we left in the early afternoon and drove north on E16 and then E51. Only at sunset stopped at the lake to admire some views.
This view in particular makes me realize how the Earth could have been considered to be flat or dome shaped, held by turtle or elephants or some other creatures in the four corners. Imagine yourself as Viking looking at this view – there is no way to see that earth is round. Instead, there is some much mystic and beauty in it that definitely something supernatural should be holding it in place!
Was way after 11pm when we pulled in the camping. Good thing it doesn’t get pitch dark during the night in the summer. So at midnight you see well enough to build a tent and cook some soup.
I woke up really early in the morning, partially because of the annoying pre-dawn cold (I know I asked for it, right?) and because my jet lag from US haven’t completely cleared yet. Everything was covered in frost that morning! Decided not to suffer and make myself a cup of hot tea in the kitchen and read a book until everybody wakes up.
Second day we passed through the Lom Stavekirke – the church built as place of worship in 12th century and then rebuilt into cruciform church in 17th century. This stave church is actually one of just a very few stave churches of which the original medieval crest with a dragon head still survives.
Then we took the scenic route E55 through the mountains observing snowy peaks of Galdhøpiggen.
Here we are mini-hiking to the first patches of snow that we met on our way. The scenery here is amazing. All those tones of green, grey and brown mixed together, everything from stones to plants covered in moss – no wonder that tired travelers would see trolls appear. You can practically see all kids of creatures lurking around – that’s how mesmerizing it is.
This is how we enjoy breathtaking mountain views in modern world:)
We arrived to Breheimen Glacier on the late afternoon. It was 2 h hike one way in drizzling rain but was much worth it – we even saw the piece of ice chip off and fall. Global warming, folks!
We spent the night in the hostel in Skjolden this time. Who minds bunk beds when is the view from the window!
Third day we ventured to explore fiords. Here are some views on the way to the hiking place along the coastline.
There are plenty of trails around Sogndalsfjøra: from guided treks to glacier peaks to easy family trails. We chose intermediate one in Molden. It was pretty difficult at some points, I have to say… the trail was muddy and steep in parts, really warm in wooded areas and very chilly in high plain ones. It took 2h+ to go up one way. But the views were breathtaking.
These following views are from the very top of Molden. No more grass or trees, just melting snow, stones, moss and…trolls:)
Here is me sitting on the peak just like Ragnar Lodbrok! Photo credit: Dainius Norvaisas.
After the hike we took a ferry from Kaupanger and continued west on the route E16. Here are some shots from the ferry – mountains were looking especially dramatic that evening!
We spent the night I the fancy camping with the heated indoors pool and sauna – worked well for the sore muscles after the long hike:)
Fourth day we had a plan to take a ferry ride around the fiords to see how they look from down below on the water. But we had to pass through the mountains again. Snow, yey!
Again, there are many options and routes for the ferry rides, but since we arrived last min, we got only on the small, passenger only ferry from Gudvangen to Flåm.
The same day, after approximately 6h drive we returned to Oslo. It was overall 4day trip, with great balance of car ride and physical activity.
Thanks to Dale, Oske and Dainius for riding along. Iceland next summer, anybody?
