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?
