Norway was a lovely road trip in the new car! We traveled across the country side from Oslo to Røldal Friday, August 9th. Located in the RøldalValley at the foot of Lake Røldasvatnet. The rain had let up by the time we got there, but the mountains surrounding this little jewel of a valley were gushing with waterfalls. There is magnificent hiking in these hills, but rain and Donna’s gimpy knee prevented us from taking advantage of the hikes. In winter this is a ski area with both downhill and telemark skiing available.
The next day we took the scenic route to Odda, on the southeast end of the Sorfjorden. We had been told that many towns on fjords are quite industrial, taking advantage of hydropower. But Odda was beautifully scenic. We did see an industrial area at the edge of town, but it was otherwise pretty pristine.
After lunch in Odda (more fish soup!) and a bit of a walkabout, we headed towards Bergen. Failing to find an Airbnb in Bergen proper, we spent one night on Stord Island near Leirvik, south of Bergen, and overlooking the harbor of Hardanger fjord. The name “Stord” appeared on the map near the northeast end of and island. As we drove off the ferry, it dawned on us that what we thought was the name of a town, was the name of the island. The island’s name floats around the image of the island. But the island was beautiful and it was a short drive from the south end to a ferry at the north.
The following day we drove up to Bergen. (By “up” we mean northward. ) Although it feels like a small town, Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. It is considered the gateway to many fjords and lies at the at the base of seven mountains. Founded more than 900 years ago, Bergen has roots to the Viking age and beyond. As one of the main offices of the Hanseatic League, Bergen was for several hundred years (1100’s to 1400’s) the center of prosperous trade between Norway and the rest of Europe. The Hanseatic Wharf, which survived a devastating fire in 1702, is the most obvious remnant from this time, and is home to many of the city’s restaurants, pubs, craft shops and historical museums. The Hanseatic league was a federation of north German towns formed in the 12th century CE to facilitate trade and protect mutual interests. At one point this powerful group controlled the majority of trade in the Baltic region.
Still no Airbnb in Bergen proper! But we were lucky to get a room at Fjordslottet (Fjord Castle) in the town of Fotlandsvåg on the Osterfjorden. This hotel, about 30 minutes out of Bergen, is situated in the home of a prosperous merchant, built in 1850. The public areas are gracious with vintage furnishings and decor. Our room was small but clean, quiet and very comfortable. Our view of the river was a serene delight! LuLu was very much welcomed and enjoyed a few frolics on the lawn next to the hotel. Breakfast and dinner were included and were delicious! We were all happy!
At this point we had 2 weeks to get to St. Rémy de Provence and the beginning of our five month rental. So we were moving quickly. The weather was quite rainy, overcast and cool, so there were no strong burning desires to stop and smell the roses! We stopped one night at Geilo, a ski and hiking resort between Bergen and Karlstad for two nights and on to Jönköping. Lots of small lakes and craggy granite terrain had us thinking of the high Sierra, but it was only 2600 feet above sea level.
In Karlstad, Sweden, we had the time to do a little wandering. What a delightful little city with an abundance of floral displays. Every street, park, bridge and plaza was awash with flowers! After a long, dark, cold Swedish winter, they appreciate the light and warmth and make the most of it!
We spent one night in a lovely little cottage on a working organic farm outside Jönköpin. We loved the contrast between the vintage and the modern!
Next stop, Copenhagen! We are still very much enjoying Scandinavia, but each day we travel south increases our excitement about getting to France!
We send our love to all of you!
Sam, Donna & LuLu
August 20, 2019
LuLu's Outta Town 