Sandvika beach with view of bridge leading to Sommorøy Island. We rented a car in Tromsø and drove through the beautiful island of Kvaloya. There is much to explore…Well this about says it all! We are staying virtually at the end of the road.Only a hill to climb to get the fantastic views of Sommarøy Island. From Hillesøytoppen.View out to the sea from the Arctic Hotel Tromsø on Sommorøy. See those cabins on left……We are in the second Sea House from the left. We are having a few days to relax, hike, explore and just plain hang out listening to the sea gulls and lapping waves.Of course it comes with a fabulous balcony for Wine O’clock….…with our favorite travel companions.Sommarøy Island is picturesque with many coves and areas to explore.Fun to photograph. Looking towards Senja island on far the horizon.Out exploring the beautiful coastline with truly sandy beaches that reminded us of the Caribbean.Haja Island nearby is a point of reference, visible and distinct.Beach combing on our way to see an Iron Age archeology site–not much remaining but gave us pause to think of how long this area has been explored.From our cabin, it’s looking like a perfect evening for a sunset! So we hiked west over that hill and were rewarded……Serenity!
A 45 minute ferry ride from Sommarøy–where we are staying–to the second largest island off the Norwegian coast: Senja and the Tourist Route.We went first to Fjordgard to do a “moderate” morning hike. Heston is only 2 km……but it is pretty much straight up! Looking back down at Fjordgard while the navigator calculates the route.1,500 foot elevation gain later we view the Mighty-Wall-of-the-Insta-Kongen (The Inner King). Incredible!Worthy of a panoramic photo.The iconic Segla peak rises above the Mefjord.We then drove around the Mefjorden and saw Segla. Heston is to the left – we hiked up to the saddle area between the two.We continued on the Senja Tourist Route to the Bergsbotn Viewing Platform. What a fun place to soar above the valley.The amazing landscape of the Bergsfjord “Where the ocean meets the sky” from the Bergsbotn Viewing Platform.Heading back, the Tungeneset rest area lies on the tip of the promontory that separates the Steinsfjord and the Ersfjord.We were especially captivated by the Djevelenstanngard (devil’s teeth) and all the pools of water reflecting the views, at TungenesetWow – there is the ultimate reflection! Tungeneset at Djevelenstanngard (devil’s teeth)Returning back to the car, the view was just as captivating in the other direction – into the sun and towards the other fjord, at Tungeneset.
The last morning of our Coastal Express Ferry as we depart the Lofototen Islands near Hastad.And looking the other direction. It is our first overcast day and a little windy day so……Back to relaxing with a view on the Stressless lounge chairs! Thanks Hurtigruten for your West Coast Voyage!In Tromsø, we stayed at the With Hotel (as in Richard) by Clarion Home. We had a room with a view!!!! The hotel included a nice afternoon FIKA – dessert with coffee/tea. It also included a pleasant pasta dinner, salad, soup, breads as well as a lovely breakfast buffet. Very quiet, comfortable and enjoyable! Was it some VIP’s birthday–check the date of this post?We learned more about harsh life and polar exploration above the Arctic Circle at The Polar Museum. Well worth our time.Helmer Hanssen participated on the first three of Roald Amundsen’s polar expeditions. He was one of the five-man team that were the first to reach the South Pole on 14 December 1911. He lived until 1956!The town was set up for a weekend music festival: Rakettnatt. Does that translate to Racket Night – ha!! We stopped by to assist the musicians tune the mikes with a sound check.A music store display with the reflections of the pedestrian area of Tromsø. And Motown from Michigan! Hello Detroit by Sammy Davis Jr. We enjoyed the Tromsø Harbour from our hotel room with a glass of wine. Very peaceful and relaxing evening.We bought a 24-hour bus pass and crossed over the bridge to see the cathedral up close. We also enjoyed the view back towards the city.We took the bus in the morning to Arctic-Alpine Botanical-Garden, the world’s most northern botanic garden. Wow – what a goregous arrangement of plants from all over the world! Grouped by Continents. And such a perfect day to enjoy wandering outdoors!
Arctic Circle Crossing! Around 8 AM and another beautiful day to celebrate this moment!So much blue!We are enjoying all the islands with this amazing clear weather! Near Bodø – along the way to our first stop above the Arctic Circle. At this Latitude the tree line is at around 200m (600 feet) above sea level, compared to 11,000-12,000 feet in Colorado!!We had some time to explore the modern town of Bodø . Felt good to stretch our legs! Of course we found a nice bakery for a nice sampling of their pastries.WHOA! We have now entered the Lofototen archipelago, cheering as another Hurtigruten ship passed by with this impressive backdrop.We docked at Svolvær for an evening stroll under the almost endless evening twilight of the Arctic dusk.A magical time without trolls. We crossed through the Trollfjord in darkness on our last night onboard for us… next up Tromsø.
Sailing into Trondheim we received an informational talk about the history and various uses of Munkholmen (Monk Island). The islet has served as a monastery, a fortress, a prison, and a World War II anti-aircraft gun station. Today, Munkholmen is a popular tourist attraction but we are going to enjoy walking around Trondheim.Loved the colors! Trondheim Bakkandeyt. Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city with a large student population attending its highly regarded universities.Trondheim’s Gamle Bybro (old town bridge, 1861) over the Nidelva River led to great areas on both sides to stroll: cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.The Nidarosdomen (Catherdral) the world’s most northerly Gothic church. Work on the church started in 1035 as a humble wooden chapel on the burial site of St Olav, the King, martyred in 1330. It was finished some time around 1300.Another King – OlavTyggvason – founded the city in 997. Not saintly! But he did try to bring Christianity to this part of Norway.Very fun “Street Art” umbrellas – colorful and eye catching. Luckily we didn’t need any of them on such a clear day.Finally onboard relaxing again!Passing the Kjeungskjær Lighthouse, built in 1880 – an octagonal shape. Nicely silhouetted against the glare of the afternoon sun.
Late afternoon boarding in Bergen on Hurtigruten’s Richard With. Named after the Ferry Line founder who started the original Coastal Express in 1893: provided regular shipping service along with Postal delivery along Norway’s long coast.Leaving Bergen as the sun was setting. We feel like we are following the Hansiatic on our own voyage.Enjoying one of the nearby harbor bridges at sunset.We woke to a perfect morning to cruise the fjords. The Coastal Express is still a Post service as this is the easiest way to reach some of the rural areas along the rugged coast.Geirangerfjord – UNESCO world heritage site. Our port stop was only for passengers disembarking for a land excursion tour while the rest continued enjoying the fjord cruise back towards Alesund.Luckily we spent 2 nights here in 2023. We have the same picture of the road into town!Seven Sister Waterfalls (fussens) was spectacular in full sunshine.Really a gorgeous day to be on deck and watch the world cruise by……Or hang out in the lounge in some nice Ekornes Stressless chairs! The coveted seats in the lounge and bar at the bow of the ship. We passed this way also in 2023 and saw where the chairs were manufactured.An evening walk on shore at Alesund while the boat waited for us. More of Alesund from our visit in 2023.
Sunshine greeted us on our return to Norway! This is the historic Bryggen area of the Hansiatic merchants from the 13th century. Today the city of Bergen is Norway’s second largest.By 1250 the Hansiatic League had established themselves here – stockfish (cod) from northern Norway was traded for grain from the Baltics as well as luxury goods from England and Flanders. We toured preserved trading rooms and cookhouses in the Schotstue complex.The fish market is still thriving – since the 1500s -it is a good area for some fish and chips! and people watching.Overlooking the Vagen Harbor – what a view! What a day!We stayed on the other side of the channel and crossed over this interesting pedestrian bridge. It is opening for the sail boats to access the harbor and the North Sea.Live, Play, and Dream! ‘Livet, leiken og draumane’ by Arne Maeland was nearby on the boardwalk. Seems like good advice: What is life without games and dreams?
