Views like those of the Molde Panorama can only be enjoyed. It is fantastically beautiful when the weather is right and you have a grandiose view. And then being able to spend the night there is rather rare. That's why we left there with a heavy heart. We wanted to use the good weather for our next points because it shouldn't last that long. Maybe you will be so lucky again.
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Trollstigen - Serpentinice and beautiful vision
After enjoying the great view over coffee Molde panorama have enjoyed, it went on for us. First we bought some groceries and then we're heading Andalsnes drove. The route there was again a dream, along the Romsdalsfjord. In Andalsnes there is a gondola that goes up the Nesaksla. From there we would be heading Ramp routes walked, which has an observation deck overlooking Andalsnes. However, we didn't see a single gondola ride on the way there.
Of course you could also hike high, but it was too steep for us and Basti had some problems with his knee. So we drove on and when you could take a look back, the gondola actually went. Annoying as it was now too late to drive. I was also annoyed with us that we didn't even check how the gondolas were going. Now the moment was over and we are on to the Trollstigen hazards.
Before you go up the switchbacks there is a small parking lot where we stopped. From there you could see half of the waterfall and the viewing platform at the top. After a few pictures we are further and I was allowed to drive. Once at the bridge with the waterfall, Basti got out and took photos. The waterfall itself had little water. When snowmelt or heavy rain, the car may well get really wet from the drizzle.
There was a lot going on on the switchbacks. I was just glad that no coach came towards me, as the curves were sometimes tight. And since we drove up and was always able to see a piece of the wall, it was not always easy to tell whether someone was coming down. So my heart went really fast sometimes.
Once at the top, we managed to get a place for ourselves in the full parking lot. There are 3 viewpoints from where you have different angles of the Trollstigen and the valley beyond. We took a lot of photos and then drove on.
Shortly after the Trollstigen we found a large parking lot, where we wanted to stay overnight. It is located between the mountains directly on a stream. With the exception of a small wagon castle and a car, everything was still free, but that was to change at a later hour. The sky is still relatively clear and the sun is slowly casting its shadows. There is a wind that is really fresh, but it's not cold yet.
Since all three of us didn't feel that great the next day, we stayed a second night. I had to do with my circulation because of neck pain, Basti with his knee and Finja had woken us up a few times during the night because of diarrhea. So we relaxed a little, did everything in peace and enjoyed the beautiful weather. After 2 quiet nights we drove on.
Geirangerfjord - view with horn from the cruise ship
It went to Geirangerfjord. It is one of the most famous fjords in Norway and has been a UNESCO cultural heritage since 2005. The route is breathtaking again. Since Basti usually takes pictures out of the car, I drive and of course don't see that much of the area. First we went down the serpentines to the fjord, with lookout points to stop and take photos. The last point was a little tricky to park as it was on the oncoming traffic side and there wasn't much space. To get to the lookout point, we went along the road and so I stayed on the bus with Finja so that Basti could take photos.
The view from up here over the fjord was unique. There were also 2 cruise ships going downstairs, a large one and a small one. The big one then honked several times, which is probably always the case when they come to a place. When he got to the platform, Basti had seen 2 eagles, but could not take photos.
Then it went down the switchbacks into town. We actually wanted to stop there to look at a waterfall. But the place was really overcrowded and parking spaces were often only assigned, e.g. for a hotel. After we filled up drinking water at a campsite, we drove up the serpentines on the other side.
To have a great view of Geiranger and the fjord beyond, we went to the Dalsnibba viewpoint driven, also called Geiranger Skywalk, which is 1500 meters above sea level. The way there is a toll road and cost us € 25.00. But honestly, they were worth it and you don't do that every day! Once at the top, the panoramic view was unbelievable! One had a wide view of Geiranger and its fjord, as well as of the mountains with their glaciers all around. Magical and definitely worth the money. We then walked a little more with Finja and climbed a small rise.
Behind it was a small lake that was mostly frozen over and covered with snow and that was at the end of August !! It was just great up here and the weather had played along too. Blue sky and sunshine, it couldn't be better!
Looking for a place to stay, we found a really great one on a river. Besides us, there was only one camper a few meters away from us. And down here by the river it was really warm, so we could turn off the heating again. We slept well that night and took our time in the morning.
When the others were gone, we still used our outdoor shower, although I had to be persuaded in the cold. But after showering I was warm too. Then we went back on our way. We have to have our gas bottle filled up and so we drove to Lom first.
What else you can do in Geiranger can be found at VisitNorway: https://www.visitnorway.de/reiseziele/fjord-norwegen/der-geirangerfjord/
Sognefjellsvegen - cows playing around the car
In Lom we then looked at the stave church. A nice church, but Basti couldn't get in. In addition, an entrance fee of around 9 euros would have to be paid ... There should be a gas filling station in Vagamo, so we drove there for half an hour. When we got there, the station was closed or broken and there weren't any more in the vicinity. Since we still have the small bottle, we risk driving on. So back half an hour and drove 1 hour for free. Now we have to be careful with the gas so that we can get through to the next filling station. It won't be so easy though, as the nights are already quite cold and we need the heating, at least here in the mountains.
With Lom we are then on the Sognefjellsvegen drove and continued into the mountains. There we looked for a parking space for the night. It wasn't exactly nice, but it was free. Here was a big place where stones and pebbles were put down. But on the outside there was enough space to stand and there was still a couple with caravans. In the evening while running, we saw sheep roaming free. We're used to that now. The night was quiet and we slept well.
It got exciting over coffee in the morning. I saw a herd of cows running freely from afar and at first thought it was exciting. We hadn't had them before and it was fun to see how they came to this square and spread out. A few minutes later, I didn't find it funny anymore. The herd came closer and closer to our polar bear and there were some young animals among them. They raged around and suddenly the cows ran past us on both sides of the bus. In front of the bus, 2 young animals were practicing fighting. I panicked as it was very close to the hood.
Basti had fun and watched the cows with amusement. They stood on either side of the bus, pushed the back of the suitcase and looked inside. Actually, I still had to cook carrot soup for Finja, but I couldn't get away from it all. Basti went out twice and chased away the cows that were very close to the car. Here, too, I panic again. We then saw that some cows ran to the trailer and continued their game there. The Swiss took it easy and left the trailer to drive away.
We then drove up the street to stand at the viewpoint for the time when the soup was cooked. Was that exciting? Seems to be the rule here, however, as we saw several signs that indicated herds of cows. Well, you don't need an experience like this a second time. After the soup was ready, we drove on.
You can find more pictures in the Photo gallery Norway.
