fjords – Messy Suitcase Travel Blog

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023

Tour of Scandinavia, Day 4: Cruising Through a Norwegian Fjord

We started the day by visiting the spectacular 100-meter-high Trollafossen Waterfall, which means Waterfall of the Trolls. Then our group was treated to an unforgettable boat cruise through the narrow Sogner Fjord, where we found ourselves surrounded by jaw-dropping cliffsides rising from the blue water on both sides, with crystalline waterfalls snaking down the faces from distant peaks.

After the boat cruise, we visited the positively Seussian Borgund Stave Church, possibly the best preserved and most distinctive Norwegian stave of the 13th century, featuring lavishly carved portals, crosses, and carvings of dragons’ heads on the roofs.

Note Lisa’s new scarf and Bob’s jacket, both purchased in Norway.

ITINERARY

This is what the TourRadar itinerary listed for the day:

Day 4. Domingo, 25 De Septiembre De 2022
BERGEN , OSLO
Total distance: 510 km.

Scenery: Spectacular scenery. Impressive views of mountains and fjords and landscapes permanently covered in snow.
Note: Have warm clothes at hand to enjoy the snow and the short stretch by ferry between the fjords. The schedules of the cruise can be modified; according to that the schedule of the rest of the day may also undergo changes.

07.45hr. – Bergen –Departure-. We set out amidst beautiful scenery and enter the fjords region.

09.45hrs- Waterfall of Tvindefoss. Short stop to admire this beautiful waterfall 100m of height also call Trollafossen or waterfall of the Trolls. Its waters have the reputation not only of rejuvenating but also of increasing the sexual potency.

10.15hrs- Departure to Sogner Fjord, the largest Norwegian fjord and often considered the most beautiful one. We continue our journey through impressive landscapes and come to Gudvangen.

10:30 h. – Gudvangen. We visit this tiny city and then take a boat cruise on the fiord (departure scheduled for 12.00 h.). The cruise lasts for just over 2 hours and takes us near impressive cliffs. We recommend having lunch on board.

At about 14.10 h. we land in Flam, and then continue our journey surrounded by woods, lakes, isolated mountains with peaks covered in snow all the year round and glaciers.

After passing through the 24.5km Aurland tunnel, considered one of the longest in the world and using innovative techniques to rest the eyes and avoid the monotony of the drivers, we will arrive to the Borgund wood church, possibly the best preserved Norwegian temple of the 13th century, where we will make a brief stop to admire and take a photo (entrance included).

19:30 h. – Oslo –Arrival-. Free time in this pleasant Norwegian city next to the fjord that bears its name and surrounded by mountains. We can visit its port, streets and the works of art of the Frognerparken.

INFO:

Tourradar
Europamundo
Narrow Fjord Cruise
Borgund Stave Church

September 9, 2023September 7, 2023

Tour of Scandinavia, Day 3: Breathtaking Bergen, Gateway to the Fjords

Another incredible breakfast kicked off the third day of our Tour of Scandinavia before we headed out on the bus through Norway, with breathtaking views of fjords and sea landscapes. After a stop at a statue called Three Swords in a Storm, built to remember the Vikings who forged so much of European history, it was off on another ferry ride, with the Norwegian Alps all around us. Next, we rode a bus through the world’s deepest tunnel. Finally, we took another short ferry ride to the port city of Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The only drawback was the man who kept coughing behind us on the bus. We were masked but most people were not.

Bergen was indescribable. Surrounded by seven mountains and with a historic harbor on a breathtaking fjord, Bergen offers scenic Bryggen Wharf as a walking history lesson as you pass by colorful wooden houses that are centuries old. You can enjoy mountain hikes, city walks, shopping (Bob found a winter coat), water activities, culture, and even a funicular up Mount Flouyen, which offers a spectacular mountaintop vista.

For lunch, we were faced with a choice: reindeer sausage or a moose burger? Bergen demands more time for exploration. Enjoy!

ITINERARY

This is what the TourRadar itinerary listed for the day:

Day 3. Sábado, 24 De Septiembre De 2022
STAVANGER, BERGEN
Total distance: 170 km

Scenery: Beautiful fjord and sea landscapes. Many bridges that will make you feel you are travelling between the “sea and the land”. Deep tunnels. Two sections travelling by boat.
Notes: Wear warm clothing during the boat crossings. There may sometimes be queues to board the boats, and we may arrive at Bergen later than planned.

07:30 h. – Stavanger –On leaving the city, we will stop at the “Swords in Rock” monument, where we will remember the Vikings before continuing on along the coast and soon come to Mortavika where we take a boat and cross Skunden fjord, which takes just over half an hour.

Arrival at Aarsvagen where we continue to travel through amazing scenery dominated by the sea. We then pass through the deepest tunnel in the world, below the sea.

At approximately 11.30 h. we arrive at Sandvikvag where we make a boat crossing lasting 45 minutes surrounded by spectacular fjords.

13:30 h. Bergen –Arrival-. We ascend on the funicular railway to Mount Flouyen (price of trip included) where there are fantastic views of the city and its fjords. Then visitors have a free afternoon in Bergen, to enjoy its lively atmosphere.

INFO:

Tourradar
Europamundo
Bergen

September 6, 2023September 6, 2023

Scandinavian Tour, Day 2: Crossing the Baltic Sea

After an awesome buffet breakfast at our hotel, our bus took us to the first ferry of our tour. It was mostly a travel day with tiny pockets of exploration. We crossed the Baltic Sea to Norway, and got our first view of the magnificent fjords.

ITINERARY

This is what the TourRadar itinerary listed for the day:

Day 2. Viernes, 23 De Septiembre De 2022 – AARHUS, FERRY, KRISTIANSAND, STAVANGER
Total distance: 420 km

Scenery: Attractive woodlands and mountains in Norway; first view of fjords.
Notes: The times of the ferries between Denmark and Norway often vary and so the times during this part of the circuit will depend on those changes. We recommend you wear warm clothing for the boat crossing. In Norway, the currency is the Norwegian Krone. We suggest your change your currency on the ferry.

08:00 h – Aarhus –Departure-. We set out for the northern part of Denmark, amidst attractive scenery.

10:30 h – Hirsthals. We take a tour of this city and port before embarking on the modern ferry to cross the North Sea to Norway-. Normally our boat sails at 12.15 h. The crossing takes about three hours. We advise you to change your currency on the boat and have lunch.

15:30 h. – Kristiansand – We land and then continue our journey-.

17:00 h. – Flekkefjord –A town on a fjord, with wooden houses and tiny restaurants. Time to explore.

17:45 h. – Flekkfjord –Departure-. The scenery is even more attractive.

19:45 h. – Stavanger –Arrival-. Free time to explore this beautiful lively city next to the sea.

INFO:

Tourradar
Europamundo