Norway

Only one and a half weeks into the school year, we had a four day weekend for the National Day of Catalunya. After being in the city for a couple of weeks, we, with our friend Holly, decided we were desperate for some fresh air and invigorating nature... so we went way north, to Norway. All we knew about Norway was that it was supposed to be really expensive and really cold. We had no real idea of the beauty awaiting us. We researched the fjords and hikes, and decided our main hike would be to a famous rock called Trolltunga. We would fill in the other days with whatever we found in the area once we got there!

We landed at 10am, and after driving three hours with our jaws on the ground while we starred out the window, we arrived at the small village of Odda, which is in the Hardangerfjord. The tourist center in Odda told us about a glacier just a couple of miles away that we could hike to with the remaining daylight. Even though we had been awake since 4am, we were so invigorated by the crisp air and high peaks, that we were completely ready to go explore our surroundings!

On the ferry ride on our way to the fjord from the airport.

The glacier hike was about three hours, during which we frequently had to use ropes to pull ourselves up the side of some rock structures. The whole hike was alongside a large flowing stream and provided incredible views of the valley behind us. It was a great introduction to Norway!

On the drive to our campsite from the glacier, we found that the fjord was lined with apple orchards and fruit stands. They would leave pears, apples, plums, and zucchini out on the side of the road with a sign of how much they costs, and people were just supposed to leave the money in a small box. We loved the quaintness of this and had trouble not stopping at each one!

The next day, we hiked Trolltunga, which deserves its own post, so stay tuned to hear about it!

Our last full day there, we hiked into the fjord by our campground. The hike was called "the four waterfalls," which raised our standard for waterfalls to a whole other level! Each one was stunning, unique, and huge. Again, the trails were hardly marked, and we found ourselves slipping and sliding at many points. But it was all worth it when we were picnicking in the sun by a lake, surrounded by mountains, listening to waterfalls, and trying to make the moment last forever.

Our last day we spent in the city of Bergen. Bergen is surrounded by 7 hills, so although it is a city, it hardly feels like it! It is on the water, and everywhere we looked, we saw people in activewear, taking advantage of the sunshine. We had our suitcases with us, so we spent a couple of hours sitting outside a cafe, drinking chai tea and reading, and afterward, explored the area of wooden houses called Bryggen.

After a weekend of perfect weather, rejuvenating nature, and physical challenges, we all bumped Norway way up on our list of favorite places we have been. We can only hope to go back, as there is much more to be explored!