Went to a World Heritage site

03-07-12

Drove from Grenen to Hirtshals – much of the northern tip seems to consist of sand-dunes. Sailed on the Fjordline MS Bergensfjord to Bergen. Very calm crossing that took 18 hours.

04-07-12

Landed at Bergen. Brief look at the town and then headed off to Gudvangen as the scenery became increasingly more spectacular when not in a dark tunnel. Slept near by to Gudvangen.

Hemmed in at sea

05-07-12

Decided to do the touristy thing of taking a boat round trip along the Naeroyfjord (a World Heritage site) and the Sognefjord from Gudvangen to Kaupanger. Great views of mountains and waterfalls.

Particularly struck by the presence of the Stiganosi mountain between Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjorden.

 

Also visited the tourist town of Flam, popular with giant sized cruise ships

Slept at Langhuso which is in a small gap between two very long road tunnels on the E16.

 06-07-12

Jonadalen

Walked from Langhuso through birch woods by the Jonadalen river and then up the steep sides to the snow covered plateau of Stiganosi (1761m, P680) the highest point in Syrdalsbreen. It was very hot and the slight breeze on the summit was welcome. Great views of snow covered mountains in every direction.

Stiganosi summit

Slept by the river Dylma near Borgrund.

07-07-12

As it was raining and I wanted to move on the day was spent travelling and relaxing. Picked up young Czech couple, Mikael and Hanna near Laerdal and drove them over the dramatic toll road between Ovre Ardal and Turtago. They camped alongside my van at Jotunheimen Fjellstue.

Apparently serious floods in England. Whereas here in Norwegians are obviously used to the mass of water that pours down the rivers as the snow melts. My friend and keen paddler, Cliff, would be delighted by the waterfalls, cascades and standing waves that appear to be the norm in the rivers at this time of year.