Nancy van der Woey tells you all about this mind soothing day:
Wake up in Norefjell
In the morning we woke up at this beautiful resort in Norefjell where we stayed the night before. Once we had packed our luggage we went back to the main cabin, where the chef prepared an amazing breakfast for us. Scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruits, cheeses, fresh bread - everything was there.
Travelling west
After this wonderful breakfast we left Norefjell with our touring bus to drive back to the mainroad no. 7 towards Bergen. A lot of frozen lakes and great views to explore on our way.
On our way we pass the village Gol, where we are turning on to the road 52, which goes all the way through Hemsedal. The mountains become higher and higher and the view is getting greater and greater.
After a few short tunnels we come into the area of Lærdal, where we are going through the longest tunnel in Northern Europe. The Lærdal tunnel is almost 25 kilometres long.
Beer tasting
Just coming out of the tunnel we arrive very quickly in Flåm, where we have lunch in a nice brewery. The owner explaned how he started up Ægir Brewery in 2007. In a short time they had received national and international press and awards. They were named “Brewpub of the year” in 2008 and 2009 for all of Norway.
We are lucky to try five handmade beers; Bøyla Blonde Ale, 4.7%, Ægir India Pale Ale, 6.5%, Rallar Amber Ale, 4.7%, Sumbel Porter, 4,7% and Natt Imperial Porter (10%) together with a nice sandwich with pork meat. Lovely!
Exploring the fjords
After lunch we have some time left to go to see the Flåmsbana (Flåm railway), the train which departs from Flåm into the mountains. But we have to get on the boat heading for Gudvangen.
The boat trip starts in Flåm, in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, and continues into the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. These two fjords are branches of the 204 kilometres long and up to 1308 metres deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountain sides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, this is a real paradise and great experience.
On our way, the ferry makes a stop in Undredal, where we get to try different cheeses. White cheese, but also the famous Norwegian brown goat's cheese. It is very creamy, soft and sweet. A very special taste that I have not discovered anywhere else so far.
Back on the boat, the fjord is getting narrower and the mountain walls are getting steeper. Also it seems to become colder, and we can see ice floating on top of the water. And then we suddenly see this lonely seal in the water. What an exciting moment.
Next stop Voss
We are witnessing how the boat breaks through the ice and is finding its way to the docks in Gudvangen. We get back on land where the bus is waiting. Our destination is Voss, where we are so lucky to stay at Fleischer’s Hotel. This Swiss style hotel was built back in 1889.
After a break to refresh ourselves and coffee or wine in the lounge, we had a great dinner in the hotel restaurant - again, day after day - we are so spoiled. We love Norway, we love the people who are really so kind. And we like the nature, the sceneries and every second of this once in a lifetime experience.