There are so many waterfalls in the fjords of Norway, that after a while, my kids would only half respond with enthusiasm whenever Mark or I pointed one out. I was constantly impressed by the sheer power of the icy cascading water, and envisioning vikings throwing people over to their deaths. I actually don't know if vikings did this, but then again, I also kept imagining Toothless or Gronckle flying overhead.
What's even crazier though, is that people lived and continue to live on top of the these steep, waterfall drenched mountains. They have for hundreds of years, doing stuff like FARMING on unforgiving, precarious land. On a ferry route from Gerainger to Hellesylt, an automated guide described how some families would leash up their children to keep them from going over the edge. Livestock routinely swan dove over the cliffs too, flying past stable footed mountain goats. But you can't beat the view, right?
In addition to waterfalls and fjords, this section of Norway is also hugely popular for its hair pin roads that wind around mountain passes. On a particular sunny day we drove up the Trollstigen, a skinny paved road that reaches 858m (2,815 ft) above sea level. Trollstigen's website link is adorable saying the views will give you an "adrenaline rush." In part that may be true when walking across the clear bottomed platform at the top, bu twe all know the real fun is riding your bike up and down the 10% graded roads. Mark and I were so wistful. It's been a long time since I've suited up in maxi-pad-spandex.
Ah. Well. Can't unsee that, can you?
What's even crazier though, is that people lived and continue to live on top of the these steep, waterfall drenched mountains. They have for hundreds of years, doing stuff like FARMING on unforgiving, precarious land. On a ferry route from Gerainger to Hellesylt, an automated guide described how some families would leash up their children to keep them from going over the edge. Livestock routinely swan dove over the cliffs too, flying past stable footed mountain goats. But you can't beat the view, right?
In addition to waterfalls and fjords, this section of Norway is also hugely popular for its hair pin roads that wind around mountain passes. On a particular sunny day we drove up the Trollstigen, a skinny paved road that reaches 858m (2,815 ft) above sea level. Trollstigen's website link is adorable saying the views will give you an "adrenaline rush." In part that may be true when walking across the clear bottomed platform at the top, bu twe all know the real fun is riding your bike up and down the 10% graded roads. Mark and I were so wistful. It's been a long time since I've suited up in maxi-pad-spandex.
Ah. Well. Can't unsee that, can you?
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| This flat, easy hike takes less than 30 minutes for a literal behind-the-scenes waterfall experience. It's a 15 minutes drive from Stryn. Park at the nearby school and head along the road. |
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| Tvinnefossen |
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| Behind the roaring Tvinnefossen falls. |
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| Road/trail for Tvinnefossen. The trails are maintained by Norwegian 4H, and have toys and crafts to play with along the way. |
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| Flowers along the Tvinnefossen trail. Credit: Mark. |
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| Trollstigen Road, view from the summit. |
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| From Trollstigen summit, viewing the town of Gerainger |
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| Views along the Trollstigen Road. Credit: Mark |
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| The ferry that transported us and the car from Gerainger to Hellesylt. |
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| Seven Sisters Waterfall, view from the ferry. |
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| People lived these mountains! Incredible. Dragon credit to Deets. |
Love the dragons!
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