EU Part 2 Norway 1 Snow and Ice
Monday, 25 March 2019 8:49 am
Todays temperature starts this morning at a cool 3*C
It is farewell to Denmark and now we sail yet further into the deep North
9 hours Denmark to Oslo in Norway.
Camp E63: Stena Line - Truck Freight parking - after asking nicely !
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 0 metres
Today : 31 Kms by Truck , 280 Kms by ship
EU Total : 1282 Kms.
Monday 25th March 2019:
After some navigation issues with the Garmin maps not working, we struggled with one way streets, closed roads, construction, and I even think, vehicles were actually not allowed in the city centre. Fortunately the streets were empty, maybe because of the above !
First box to tick was a visit to the Viking ship museum. A must see, particularly after watching the full TV series ‘The Vikings’
The Viking ‘empire’ stretched from Newfoundland ( Canada ) across the British Isles, Europe, into Russia and Northern Africa.
The Vikings plundered, pillaged and enslaved workers, but they were great sea explorers navigating by the sun, stars, wind, clouds, birds and even the whales. They were also traders exchanging furs, walrus tusks, honey, and slaves for jewellery, gold, spices, glass, and other exotic items.
This ship built in AD840 was a sea fairing vessel that eventually became a burial ship.
One of the few remaining Norwegian stave churches, built in the 17C.
Snow covered valleys and mountains.
The main roads are clear of snow...for the moment.
Weather is clear and a warm 3*C.
Camp E64: Road side pull off
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 495 metres
Temp: 2*C
Today : 254 Kms
EU Total : 1539 Kms.
Tuesday 26th March 2019
We were actually quite warm last night even though the recorded temperature was 0.3*C
Snow caped mountains and Christmas trees covered with snow.
We head both west towards the Fiords and also ever winding further north.
Over a pass at 1000m, the temperature dips to Minus 2.2*C , and we almost have a white out.
Snow Plough...
One of our ‘must sees’ is the stunning 182m Voringsfossen Falls.
It is one of Norway’s most popular attractions with up to a recorded 43 tourist busses in the car park at one time.
We arrive and the car park is 2m deep in snow and we are the first vehicle to break the snow/ice at the entrance.
Not hidden by falling snow is the Hardanger Suspension Bridge.
It is the longest suspension bridge span in the world and also the only tunnel to tunnel bridge in the world.
Yep ! It’s Impressive...but wait there is more.
Inside the tunnel both before and after the bridge is a complete round-a-bout all in the tunnel underground.
Immediately out of the tunnel and onto the bridge.
Then off the bridge and into a tunnel drilled through solid rock.
Norway has one of the richest reserves of oil and gas yet the fuel here is A$2.20/Lt, - WOW !
2 hamburgers and 2 coffees at a fast food place A$50 ! BIG WOW !
But the tunnels and roads are impressive.
This one we drove through today is 11 kms long and travels below a glacier !
Camp E65: Road side pull off
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 141 metres
Temp: 0*C
Today : 319 Kms
EU Total : 1859 Kms.
Wednesday 27th March 2019:
The day starts with a walk up to a waterfall.
At Flam we take “One of the worlds most beautiful train journeys” and Norways most visited tourist attraction.
The train climbs steeply up the valley to 800metres through a series of 20 tunnels one of which is a figure of eight.
Very pleased we were in off-season.
We drive a mere 88kms today of which more than half is underground.
11kms+ 4.5 +2 + 0.6 + 24.5 + 10 + 3 =
55.6 Kms
The Laerdals Tunnel is 24.5 Kms long and actually has 3 rest areas inside.
Part of the zig zag road to the Stegastein Lookout overlooking the Aurlands Fjord.
When we think of Norway, it is this picture that comes to mind.
The one above that is !
Camp E66: Tourist Information parking. ‘Closed for the winter’
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 388 metres
Temp: 4*C
Today : 88 Kms
EU Total : 1947 Kms.
Thursday 28th March 2019:
First up today, tunnels that just disappear into snow covered mountains.
Boyabreen Glacier.
Impressed with the geography, the nature and the beauty !
More geography with typical glacial ‘U’ shaped valleys.
Coffee stop overlooking a Fjord.
Yes it is cold, hence the decadent sweet item for afternoon tea !
Then the ferry from Stranda to Gravaneset.
Then yet another from Vestnes to Molde.
Camp E67: Parking area for local walking trails 25kms north of Molde
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 18 metres right on the Fjord
Temp: 11*C but a VERY cold and strong wind
Today : 260 Kms
EU Total : 2208 Kms.
