Geiranger Fjord

Today we visit Geiranger Fjord, probably one of the most known and magnificent fjords, belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here you can see world's biggest cruise ships offering people views of amazing waterfalls, breathtaking panoramas and nature at its best. The best way to get here is to take a car and start from Ålesund (100km, ca. 2h of driving) but you can also get here from Bergen (370km ca. 6h of driving). I actually did both-reached Geiranger from Ålesund and then on my way back took the Bergen route.

Geirangerfjorden from the road climbing towards Dalsnibba peak

Pearl of the West Coast - Bergen

This city, the former capital of Norway, is 1000 years old and in my opinion is one of the most charming cities in this country. Bergen lies among seven mountains (like Rome :) ) and is known for raining (you can even buy a jar with "bergensk" rain as a souvenir! ). This is due to its location between stormy Northern Sea and Norwegian high mountains.

Nordnes peninsula in Bergen seen from Mt. Fløyen

Ålesund - the Phoenix City

Another interesting city during our travel to Norway is Ålesund. It is a relatively young city, established in 19th century, but seriously experienced shortly after, when it was totally destroyed during a night in a great fire. Unbelievably only one person was killed then.

Ålesund surroundings seen from the city

The Arctic Circle - Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Archipelago is situated on the Arctic Circle, but the climate here is relatively mild due to the Gulf Stream. The islands steep rocks seem to raise directly from the ocean, while the small pieces of land between the mountains are almost flat, inviting to cycling tours. Lofoten islands are connected by bridges, sometimes extremely narrow and curvy. Here you can hike and climb, paddle a sea kayak, go for a whale safari and much, much more. In the fishing season you can observe wooden constructions with tons of cod hanging on them for drying and spreading well ... a peculiar smell ;)

Sand beaches of Lofoten Island

Far North - Tromsø

Main city of Northern Norway is Tromsø which lies well behind the Arctic Circle on the Norwegian coastline. You can get here by plane, by fast boat (called Hurtigruten) or by bus/car. There is no railway, sorry :)
In 19th century there was a plan to build a railway to Tromsø, but the realisation was abandoned after building a railway station, which now is transformed to a restaurant.

I visited Tromsø in late May (that means really early Spring in that region), looking closely on the picture you can see snow still covering the mountains surrounding this small but charming city.

Tromsø seen from the East