The Norway Fjord Chronicles

Welcome to the fjords of Norway. Fjærland was one stop along our epic journey! All photography is the property of EuroTravelogue™. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Welcome to the fjords of Norway. Fjærland was one stop along our epic journey! All photography is the property of EuroTravelogue™. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

From my first glimpse of the Norwegian landscape from the plane on approach to Stavanger, the clouds parted to reveal the scenic splendor and glory that is the Norway fjords—God's country as I would continue to discover throughout my unforgettable epic journey in a country I have long wanted to visit. Ever since I received my invitation from Innovation Norway and Fjord Norway to accompany them on this epic voyage through the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords along the southwest coast, I started to imagine that soon, I too, like many Vikings before me, would traverse these legendary fjords—spectacular glacial valleys and sparkling azure waters cradled by majestic mountains that stretch upward through diaphanous clouds that shroud their peaks with soft wispy-white billows. And clinging to their shores, the most picturesque villages and pastoral farmlands—welcome to the grandeur of Norway! And once you're here, you'll understand immediately that awe-struck wonder that captivates all those who embark on this journey through idyllic splendor!

Plying the waters of the Lysefjord aboard Rødne Fjord cruise to Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock.
Plying the waters of the Lysefjord aboard Rødne Fjord cruise to Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock. 

In this new series about my trip to Norway, I will escort you through some of the most breathtaking scenery and grandest of vistas that you've never dreamed possible. We'll ply the waters aboard many a fjord-going vessel to behold towering mountaintops laden with snow and plunging waterfalls down craggy slopes.

One of the world's most scenic railways—the Flåm Railway.
One of the world's most scenic railways—the Flåm Railway. 

The Village of Flåm as seen from the railway. Later, we'll visit this Flåm Kyrkje built in 1667.
The Village of Flåm as seen from the railway. Later, we'll visit this Flåm Kyrkje built in 1667.

Later, we'll hop onboard one of the most scenic railways in the world to the enchanting village of Flåm; and along the way, we'll stop at a thundering waterfall in search of the Hulder, Scandinavian mythical sirens who live deep within the sodden mists to lure unwary travelers into their realms!

Kjosfossen or Kjos Waterfall en route to Flåm. Look closely at the middle right and you may just see the Hulder who sing their enchanting melodies to lure unwary travelers into the mists.
Kjosfossen or Kjos Waterfall en route to Flåm. Look closely at the middle right and you may just see the Hulder who sing their enchanting melodies to lure unwary travelers into the mists.

We'll embark on a cruise upon the Fjærlandfjord to visit the enchanting village of Fjærland where the Bøyabreen glacier rests upon its lofty perch beckoning to adventurers and tourists alike. Nearby at the Norsk BreMuseum, we'll learn about Ötzi, the iceman who lived nearly 5,000 years ago and was recently discovered in 1991 during an expedition through in the Alpine mountains near the border of Italy and Austria. We may even encounter a mammoth or two along the way!

Close-up view of the Bøyabreen Glacier in Fjærland, Norway.
Close-up view of the Bøyabreen Glacier in Fjærland, Norway.

In Avaldsnes, we'll travel back in time to the Viking Age that emerged circa 800 and even meet William the Longhair at the Nordvegen History Center where we'll explore a reproduction of a a Viking settlement, and then up the hill to Saint Olav's Church, the site of Saint Mary's Needle—the granite pillar that could spell doom for us all.

Could this be William the Longhair or just our Viking guide at the Viking Settlement just a short walk from the Nordvegen History Center at Avaldsnes?
Could this be William the Longhair or just our Viking guide at the Viking Settlement just a short walk from the Nordvegen History Center at Avaldsnes?

Along one of the world's deepest and longest fjords—Sognefjord, we'll stop in the enchanting village of Balestrand replete with storybook cottages and charming inns including the Kviknes Hotel which we called home for a couple of days while we were there. As it turns out, Balestrand is where I made my Norwegian LIVE TV debut on NRK's Sommeråpent, a Norwegian Broadcasting Company series seen by 1 million Norwegians as I would come to find out just before the broadcast; elevating my state of anxiety to its breaking point.

My Norwegian LIVE television debut on NRK's Sommeråpent on the 4th of July!
My Norwegian LIVE television debut on NRK's Sommeråpent on the 4th of July!




At the end of our journey, we'll ride the funicular to the top of the Gateway to the Fjords—Bergen, Norway's onetime capital and its second largest city after Oslo. Later, we'll descend upon the historic centre of Bryggen to learn about city's past, present and future. Then, it's onto Troldhaugen to listen to a lovely concert performed at one of the most beautiful concert halls I have ever seen—the Edvard Greig Museum and villa.

An exterior shot of the Edvard Greig concert hall in Troldhaugen.
An exterior shot of the Edvard Greig concert hall in Troldhaugen.

Interior of the Edvard Greig concert hall with a view out to the lake—truly one of the most beautiful halls I have ever seen.
Interior of the Edvard Greig concert hall with a view out to the lake—truly one of the most beautiful halls I have ever seen.
The view of Bergen from the top of the Mount Fløyen. The funicular to the top is quite an exhilarating experience! And wait until you behold this view in person!
The view of Bergen from the top of the Mount Fløyen. The funicular to the top is quite an exhilarating experience! And wait until you behold this view in person! 

And after the thrills of the day, we'll settle down in many a cozy inn surrounded by charming villages and of course those friendly Norwegians, most of whom grew up in the villages we visited along the way. When we take a closer look at some of these historic inns, we'll hear a tale or two of the friendly ghosts who continue to haunt these rustic retreats!


After lunch at the picturesque Utne Hotel, the current owner told us about the friendly ghost, Mother Utne, who continues to manage this inn after her passing. Mother Utne is just one of the ghosts we'll meet along the way on our journey through Norway.
After lunch at the picturesque Utne Hotel, the current owner told us about the friendly ghost, Mother Utne, who continues to manage this inn after her passing. Mother Utne is just one of the ghosts we'll meet along the way on our journey through Norway.

Throughout my chronicles of Norway, be on the lookout for the Troll Hunter seeking photo opportunities with these pesky creatures of Norse legend!


The Troll Hunter!
The Troll Hunter! 

As you can see, I have many memories to bring to life for you so be sure to visit often for more chronicles and postcards from my epic journey through Norway's fjords.


Special thanks to Innovation Norway and Fjord Norway without whom this trip would not be possible! As always, my opinions and thoughts are mine and mine alone.

Comments

  1. how lovely hope to get back to Norway one day to see the Fjords only got to Oslo

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    1. Hi there Rebecca and thank you so much for stopping by. Yes, you must get back to Norway to experience Fjord Country!! You'll never forget it!! And I must experience Oslo and the north! Hope to one day soon!! Thank you again!

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  2. We were in Norway's Fjord Region last year - the scenery is beyond breathtaking! We absolutely must return (soon) and explore much more of Fjordland and Norway. Jeff, we love following your adventures in one of our most favorite countries.

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    1. Hi there Viv and Jill and thank you SO much for stopping by to share your Norway experience! I remember when you were there and followed you closely as you made your way through the country. Also, thank you for you kind compliements! They go a long way with me!!

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  3. Wonderful blog and pictures from our TV star. Can't wait to go next year.

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    1. Hi there Susie and thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind compliments! I really appreciate it! There will be many more articles to come on Norway so be sure to stop by often to help you prepare for your own epic journey to Norway!

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  4. All of the pictures are beautiful, but that first one is truly spectacular. I would love to travel to Norway someday soon. But in the meantime, I will follow your Norway posts instead!

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    1. Hi there Katherine,

      I couldn't agree with you more about that first picture which is why I positioned it at the top. Thank you for your kind words and indeed stay tuned, lots more Norway coming your way! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts and I certainly hope you make it to Norway one day soon!

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  5. Wow, seeing your photos of Norway just melts my heart - I loved it so much there. So many memories! And congrats for being on TV! :)

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    1. Hi there my friend and thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words! Norway stole heart as well! It's truly remarkable in every detail!!

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  6. Well these pictures are fantastic! I have wanted to visit the fjords for a very very long time and really need to cross them off my list. Can't wait to read more about this very exciting adventure of yours!

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    1. Hi there Debbie and thank you so much for all of your kind words!! You must visit Norway...it will literally take your breath away!!

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  7. Norway looks the voyage of a lifetime, Jeff! I could almost see the Hulder lurking beneath the waterfall in your photo. The Greig concert hall and Flam railway would definitely be on my list of things to see if I were lucky enough to get to Norway. I look forward to more of your inspiring pics!

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    1. Hi there Lesley and thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words! I hope you make it to Norway one day soon to enjoy the grandeur of this country...truly spectacular in every way!

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  8. The Fjords of Norway and the scenic country side of Norway is just spectacular. Ive had the fortune to visit Norway just this month and enjoyed the trekking and views from the spectacular Priekestolen, the climb to Trolltunga and a return visit to climb onto Kjeragbolton! Bergen is charming and Oslo has everything to offer that any big city has. Stavanger has some of the most spectacular scenery and I wish I could have seen it all, but oh well the beauty is staying put till I return!!

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    1. Hi there Steve and so glad you stopped by!! I bet we were there at the same time!! I bet the hikes to all three were breathtaking!! I opted for the Lysefjord cruise that day instead and looked up at Pulpit, and wondered what the view was like from up there! Norway is indeed spectacular and enchanting at the same time. Thanks so much for stopping by to share your experiences and please stop back as I share more of my journey from the 1st week of July!

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  9. What a spectacular post and even more spectacular photography!

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    1. Hi there Charu!! Thank you my dear friend for your kind words! I really appreciate it!! This is only the beginning of many more Norway posts to come so I hope you'll stop by often and share your thoughts!

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  10. Oh my gosh, the photos are fantastic and you have totally enticed me with your teasers of what's to come. I will be following along. What an awesome trip! It's also nice to know a TV personality, too -- well done!

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    1. Hi there TWS and thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words! Norway must be experienced by all!!

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  11. My father was Norwegian so I've had the good fortune to travel to Norway many, many times. Of course, I began taking my own daughter and now, my grandchildren. The youngest (9 years old) will take his first trip with me this November. I look forward to being "home" again. All of your pictures bring back such good memories. Thanks for sharing them.

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    1. Hi there Lise and thank you so much for stopping by to share your Norwegian experiences. You are indeed very fortunate to have traveled there so much and continue to do so with your family! I am so happy that you enjoyed the article and please come back for more tales from Norway!

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  12. an other excellent article. what I like about your writing is the practical and local insight into that part of the world that no one can possible get hold of by simply reading. It should involve actual experience and that is in abundance in your articles. congratulations!

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    1. Hi there Ilgen and thank you for stopping back once again! Thank you so much for your kind compliments my friend! You just made my day and weekend too!

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  13. Fjærland looks like a painting with all of its gorgeous colors.

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    1. HI there my friend and thanks so much for stopping by! I couldn't agree with you more. I believe Fjærland was the most picturesque of all the places I visited in the fjords of Norway! Positively enchanting!

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