“If you see someone running through the Tax Free shop without buying alcohol, he or she is definitely not Norwegian.”
any norwegian
How did you get there?
There are basically three common ways to get to Norway with a car :
- Go on a cruise ship from Kiel-Oslo.
- Drive all the way through Sweden.
- Take a ferry in Denmark.
We drove our van onto the ferry (the Colorline) departing in Kiel. For us, it was a first to be on an actual cruise ship. In short, it was worth it! On board one can feast on lobster and oyster until one could eat no more. This is included in a standard buffet. It’s gonna blow off your mind (and maybe your budget too). Remember passing by the onboard tax-free store. This is your last opportunity to buy liquor (if you’re into that).
Yup, In Norway alcohol is priceless. Well, they do put on price tags, but it looks more like a bad joke.
Impressive mountains and impressive wages
The standard of living is high. On average about 500m above sea level. I’m messing around. Norwegians earn a lot more and yes prices are a lot higher. We have the impression though, that everyone tends to be wealthier and happier! Norway is one of the largest oil and natural gas exporters. The country is rich and all the Teslas keep reminding you of this.
“After days of wandering during dusk and dawn I finally spot it. Around 4pm and only 100m from home.”
Above’s quote could come from the male moose that was grazing, or Youlia that was driving around (depending on your point of view đ
I’m spending the week in Valdres! Where do I take in the majestic views?
Day 1
Your first day must be a breathtaking hike (quite literally) in Sandalen. Your reward is your name written on a piece of paper, lying in a small mailbox at the summit. Challenge accepted?
Day 2
Rest day will make you stand on your car or drive around in SmĂ„dalen. The place feels like Scotland, even if we’ve never been there.
Day 3
Reaching the top of Hugakollen is another trek that will for always make you question your life in a city, and will make your soul beg for more trips like this.
Day 4
After numbers 1,2,3 you should take it easy and try to catch a trout. Seemingly you will find yourself lacking the skill in doing so but watching reindeer cross your road on your afternoon drive across the Slettefjellvegen will make up for it. Truly astonishing!
A friendly reminder that all the above-mentioned places are toll (dirt)roads. It’s off the beaten path and more than worth paying a few NOK for. Just leave the money in an almost open box. Try not to laugh.
I want to drive further up North (but actually not yet so North)
This is so cool. Musk ox used to live next to mammoths thousands of years ago.
Google tells you that the Dovrefjell mountains are the only place in Norway, and one of the few places on earth, where you can see the mighty musk oxen. It didn’t “t tell us where we could spot them exactly. Admittedly, we were kind of lucky to have found this exemplar. Most people go on a guided tour but you don’t have to! Don’t get too close because they will charge you.
More top things we would recommend
- GaldhĂžpiggen: Climb Norway’s highest mountain while traversing a glacier. This should get you excited already!
- See a magnificent Fjord from above. One of the most panoramic views is @ Stegastein.
- Behold a typical Viking church named Stavkyrkje in Borgund.
- Celebrate Christmas in Oslo and watch two moose heads speaking to one another. Silly!
There is still so much to do! Our bucket list:
<Besseggen, Bitihorn, Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Lofoten, northern lights & Synshorn via Ferrata>So is this beautiful country with long harsh winters, expensive alcohol and a rich Viking history worth it?
We believe it is. My mother thought so too and she has been living and working in Ryfoss for quite some time now.
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