It
is utterly impossible to visit Norway without going to the fjords!
But before going any further, what is a fjord? To make it simple, it
is a U-shaped valley, dug into the rock by the movement of the
glaciers. As the glaciers withdraw, the sea rushes into it. That
happened more than 3 million years ago.
The
word is Norwegian, the reason is that most fjords are in Norway.
We
chose to go to Balestrand from Bergen, by ship crossing the
Sognefjord. It is the country’s deepest (1’308 metres) and
longest fjord (204 kilometres, cutting the country horizontally). It
also runs alongside mountains whose highest summit reaches 2’405
metres!
We
took a ferry-boat of the company Norled - the tickets were bought
ahead on the internet. The line Bergen-Flam goes via:
-Bergen
-Lygra
-Vardetangen
-Mjomna
-Skjerjehamn
-Sollibotn
-Rysjedalsvika
-Lavik
-Nordeide
-Vik
The
ferry-boat is equipped with a bar. During the cruise, the captain
gives tourist information in both English and Norwegian.
We
sometimes stopped in odd and barren places.
On our way to Balestrand,
we even passed by oil platforms.
The cruise allows us to enjoy
wonderful and verdurous landscapes. Indeed, the green wild spaces
provide a stark contrast with the deep blue of the sea.
Balestrand
We
decided to stop in Balestrand, small village of 1’500 inhabitants
along the Sognefjord and surrounded by impressive mountains from
whence we can easily go for a hike.
Do
not also miss Saint Olaf’s beautiful wooden Anglican church. It was
built in 1897.
We
stayed at the youth hostel called Balestrand
Vanderhjem,
with fully-equipped common areas: large lounge, two collective
kitchens, laundry room, game room. Excellent quality/price ratio.
Located
on the wharf, the tourist office is a prerequisite to enquire about
the hiking trails. We hiked for three hours up to Burasi (at the
altitude of 575 metres). Beautiful views over the village and the
Sognefjord and also on the surrounding snow-capped summits.
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