Today was an incredible adventure. I thought Oslo was amazing but Olden took it to another level! Norway’s breathtaking landscapes being luscious green valleys or amazing glacier topped mountains, my photos can’t do them justice but I’ll do my best to describe it!
Our 7 hour journey began in Olden, a charming village nestled on the shores of the Innvikfjord. The temperatures dropped to around 59-62 degrees Fahrenheit. As we set off, the fjord stretched out before us, a shimmering ribbon of blue winding its way through the majestic mountains.
Our first stop was the picturesque villages of Loen and Stryn, where traditional wooden houses clustered together, their red roofs contrasting beautifully against the lush green hills. The one thing we have never seen is a house with grass growing on the roof. It sounded weird, but it’s actually an old tradition in Norway. Those grassy rooftops are like nature’s air conditioning and heating system, keeping homes cozy in winter and cool in summer. Plus, they were waterproof, fireproof, and eco-friendly! Not as common these days but we saw many houses with the grass! It was different but really cool!
As we ventured deeper into this beautiful wonderland, we reached the serene Oppstrynsvatn Lake, a mirror-like expanse surrounded by a few snow-capped peaks. At the edge of this tranquil lake lies the Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter, a gateway to the largest glacier on the European mainland. With its 50 glacial arms reaching down into the valleys, Jostedalsbreen is a truly awe-inspiring sight. From the lake, we could see the blue lines of ice winding their way through the rugged landscape. Since it is summer, we are only getting a glimpse of the snow and ice. I can only imagine how beautiful that landscape will be in winter!
Our next destination was to explore inside the park further. We were captivated by Ovstefossen, a cascading waterfall that plunged dramatically into a deep pool below. The roar of the water was thrilling.
We continued our journey upwards, as our driver expertly navigated the winding road through several hairpin bends.
We passed through countless tunnels dug into the mountain, each a testament to the engineering marvel required to travel this rugged terrain. We ascended to Djupvatn, a pristine lake perched at an impressive 1000 meters above sea level. The panoramic views were simply breathtaking – a vast expanse of water surrounded by rugged mountains.
The most exciting part of the day was definitely our ascent to Mount Dalsnibba. At 1500 meters above sea level, we were rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. The fjord, a masterpiece of nature, snaked its way through towering cliffs, dotted with cascading waterfalls.
In the distance, we could glimpse the amazing glaciers that carved out this incredible landscape. It was a sight that took our breath away. However, the beauty of the fjord is matched by its danger. A fissure growing in the side of one cliff threatens to dislodge a massive rockslide, which could trigger a devastating tsunami capable of destroying Geiranger. Constant monitoring is in place, but the threat remains a stark reminder of the raw power of nature. It’s a chilling thought, but it also serves to deepen our appreciation for the fjord’s extraordinary beauty. It’s worth noting that Norway has a history of such disasters; over 10 tidal waves since 1888 have claimed the lives of 114 people.
Our descent was equally thrilling. The infamous Eagle Road, with its eleven hairpin bends, offered a thrilling rollercoaster ride.
To top off this incredible day, we indulged in a delicious Norwegian lunch at Hotel Union, a perfect spot to savor the local flavors while enjoying the view. It was an incredible hotel so much so that the princess of Norway, Martha Louise is getting married here. She was on site so we were able to sneak a couple of photos.
It was a very long day but this was one of our favorite spots and so worth it. We would love to visit here again someday! It’s truly incredible.
I’ll add history about Norway on my next post. This one was just all about the beauty!
Next stop is Alesund Norway, our last Scandinavian location. Bergen was canceled due to demonstrations against cruise ships happening in Amsterdam and we have to get there early in hopes to avoid them or have more time to get through the drama!
May God bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 