The Norway Fjord Chronicles

Welcome to the fjords of Norway. Fjærland was one stop along our epic journey! All photography is the property of EuroTravelogue™. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

From my first glimpse of the Norwegian landscape from the plane on approach to Stavanger, the clouds parted to reveal the scenic splendor and glory that is the Norway fjords—God's country as I would continue to discover throughout my unforgettable epic journey in a country I have long wanted to visit. Ever since I received my invitation from Innovation Norway and Fjord Norway to accompany them on this epic voyage through the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords along the southwest coast, I started to imagine that soon, I too, like many Vikings before me, would traverse these legendary fjords—spectacular glacial valleys and sparkling azure waters cradled by majestic mountains that stretch upward through diaphanous clouds that shroud their peaks with soft wispy-white billows. And clinging to their shores, the most picturesque villages and pastoral farmlands—welcome to the grandeur of Norway! And once you're here, you'll understand immediately that awe-struck wonder that captivates all those who embark on this journey through idyllic splendor!

Plying the waters of the Lysefjord aboard Rødne Fjord cruise to Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock. 

In this new series about my trip to Norway, I will escort you through some of the most breathtaking scenery and grandest of vistas that you've never dreamed possible. We'll ply the waters aboard many a fjord-going vessel to behold towering mountaintops laden with snow and plunging waterfalls down craggy slopes.

One of the world's most scenic railways—the Flåm Railway. 

The Village of Flåm as seen from the railway. Later, we'll visit this Flåm Kyrkje built in 1667.

Later, we'll hop onboard one of the most scenic railways in the world to the enchanting village of Flåm; and along the way, we'll stop at a thundering waterfall in search of the Hulder, Scandinavian mythical sirens who live deep within the sodden mists to lure unwary travelers into their realms!

Kjosfossen or Kjos Waterfall en route to Flåm. Look closely at the middle right and you may just see the Hulder who sing their enchanting melodies to lure unwary travelers into the mists.

We'll embark on a cruise upon the Fjærlandfjord to visit the enchanting village of Fjærland where the Bøyabreen glacier rests upon its lofty perch beckoning to adventurers and tourists alike. Nearby at the Norsk BreMuseum, we'll learn about Ötzi, the iceman who lived nearly 5,000 years ago and was recently discovered in 1991 during an expedition through in the Alpine mountains near the border of Italy and Austria. We may even encounter a mammoth or two along the way!

Close-up view of the Bøyabreen Glacier in Fjærland, Norway.

In Avaldsnes, we'll travel back in time to the Viking Age that emerged circa 800 and even meet William the Longhair at the Nordvegen History Center where we'll explore a reproduction of a a Viking settlement, and then up the hill to Saint Olav's Church, the site of Saint Mary's Needle—the granite pillar that could spell doom for us all.

Could this be William the Longhair or just our Viking guide at the Viking Settlement just a short walk from the Nordvegen History Center at Avaldsnes?

Along one of the world's deepest and longest fjords—Sognefjord, we'll stop in the enchanting village of Balestrand replete with storybook cottages and charming inns including the Kviknes Hotel which we called home for a couple of days while we were there. As it turns out, Balestrand is where I made my Norwegian LIVE TV debut on NRK's Sommeråpent, a Norwegian Broadcasting Company series seen by 1 million Norwegians as I would come to find out just before the broadcast; elevating my state of anxiety to its breaking point.

My Norwegian LIVE television debut on NRK's Sommeråpent on the 4th of July!

At the end of our journey, we'll ride the funicular to the top of the Gateway to the Fjords—Bergen, Norway's onetime capital and its second largest city after Oslo. Later, we'll descend upon the historic centre of Bryggen to learn about city's past, present and future. Then, it's onto Troldhaugen to listen to a lovely concert performed at one of the most beautiful concert halls I have ever seen—the Edvard Greig Museum and villa.

An exterior shot of the Edvard Greig concert hall in Troldhaugen.

Interior of the Edvard Greig concert hall with a view out to the lake—truly one of the most beautiful halls I have ever seen.

The view of Bergen from the top of the Mount Fløyen. The funicular to the top is quite an exhilarating experience! And wait until you behold this view in person! 

And after the thrills of the day, we'll settle down in many a cozy inn surrounded by charming villages and of course those friendly Norwegians, most of whom grew up in the villages we visited along the way. When we take a closer look at some of these historic inns, we'll hear a tale or two of the friendly ghosts who continue to haunt these rustic retreats!

After lunch at the picturesque Utne Hotel, the current owner told us about the friendly ghost, Mother Utne, who continues to manage this inn after her passing. Mother Utne is just one of the ghosts we'll meet along the way on our journey through Norway.

Throughout my chronicles of Norway, be on the lookout for the Troll Hunter seeking photo opportunities with these pesky creatures of Norse legend!

The Troll Hunter! 

As you can see, I have many memories to bring to life for you so be sure to visit often for more chronicles and postcards from my epic journey through Norway's fjords.

Special thanks to Innovation Norway and Fjord Norway without whom this trip would not be possible! As always, my opinions and thoughts are mine and mine alone.