Norway is a land of breathtaking fjords and Vikings. It has been on our bucket list for awhile so we are very pleased we are having this opportunity. Today, we embarked on another 7-hour tour to explore the heart of this Scandinavia. Ålesund. Norway.
Due to protests in Amsterdam, we have to skip our last port of Bergen, Norway. I’m happy we were able to see the few cities of this beautiful country. It’s spectacular!
Before diving into our adventure, let me tell you a little about this incredible country. Norway boasts a population of around 5.4 million spread across a vast, rugged landscape. Of it weren’t so cold, I’d love it here! Its history is intertwined with Viking history, and its fjords, carved by glaciers over a million years, are a natural wonder of the world.
Our day began with high hopes of experiencing Norway’s renowned natural beauty. Yesterday’s weather was perfect. Unfortunately, the weather today had other plans. As our driver guided us through the countryside, we encountered patches of rain and gloomy skies. While the scenery was still impressive, it lacked the vibrant charm we had anticipated, putting a slight damper on our mood.
Driving through our first town of Sjøholt, we learned it is renowned for hi its furniture industry and then passing through Stordal as the home to the charming Rose Church and it’s also famous for its delectable strawberries that are grown everywhere. They were delicious!
The highlight of our day arrived at Gudbrandsjuvet. This dramatic ravine is a true spectacle. We crossed a sturdy bridge, feeling a sense of awe at the sheer power of nature below us. The water was really powerful.
A pit stop at the Gudbrandsjuvet cafe allowed us to savor delicious coffee and indulge in the local specialty, nut rolls and cinnamon buns. The cafe offered stunning views of the Valldela River as it rushed through the ravine.
Our journey continued through the Reinheimen National Park, where we reached a viewing platform overlooking the iconic Trollstigen. The breathtaking panorama of the Troll Road, the majestic mountains, and the cascading Stigfossen waterfall was just amazing! It felt like we had stepped into a mythical realm, the home of the legendary trolls.
Unfortunately, due to past landslides and the risk of more rocks falling, the road to the Troll Wall/Trollveggen was closed so no troll hunting today.
We headed back to the city. On our drive, as if His Majesty was there to show us his masterpiece, the clouds opened up a little to provide us a glimpse of the blue skies. We decided to make one last stop at a beautiful lake surrounded by the mountains. As we returned to Alesund the cold weather remained, a reminder of Norway’s unpredictable weather. Undeterred, we embraced the fresh air and discovered the city’s hidden gem: water-heated benches. These ingenious creations provided a warm respite as we explored Alesund’s charming streets and admired its Art Nouveau architecture.
We spent about an hour wandering the city, purchasing souvenirs and searching for the elusive troll figurines. The town’s vibrant atmosphere and the warmth of the benches made it a delightful way to end our day.
While our day didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it was still a memorable experience. Norway’s raw beauty was so amazing to see and we look forward to a return trip.
So we are now off to Amsterdam to see what’s waiting for us at the entrance. Wish us luck!
May God bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 