Day 9 (May 22)

We arrive in the Lofoten island area today. Our first port is Hardstat and we decide to join the costal team on a hike to Kollen mountain.

It was a small group of enthusiastic hikers that boarded a small bus on a beautiful drive to the beginning of the hike trail.

It is a nicely groomed trail with mostly stones and dirt and we have a nice time chatting with German tourists. Did we know that German students must learn Latin as a 3rd language? There is a movement to transfer over the Spanish.

Dominique and I notice the last of bugs – mosquitos, flies and such. Our guide tells us that this is due to the fact that all the surrounding water if salted water (fjords and channels). Inland Norway (more central) has the same problem as we do in Muskoka with mosquitos.

Once we reach the first plateau, we have a spectacular view over the channel and Stortland, the blue city – so many houses are painted in blue!

And again one of their trademark beautiful rounded bridge. I love them!

Our guide offered a black current hot drink that was very tasty and then suggested that we continue on one more peak to open up an even more spectacular view!

The hike down is harder on my knees as usual but I join a lovely older English woman and enjoy a wonderful lively chat on the way down.

We arrive at Sortland at the same time as the boat and just in time to board it.

Off to lunch!

Around midday, we passed along the same narrow channel and near the Trollfjord.

Beautiful photos of the fjord again but in the afternoon with beautiful bright sun!

In the evening, we have a bus tour book to take in the highlights of the Lofoten island. As with every other regions in Norway, this region was mostly depending on the fishing industry for many years. While it is still important, tourism has now taken over. They have beautiful white sand beaches but the water temperature is not quite Caribbean!

We stop at the Lofoten gallery in a pretty town called Henningsvær. The gallery features a nice film featuring a few local artists. One of which is featured in rhetorical gallery. Very beautiful!

The town is mostly deserted currently but apparently in a few weeks, it will be overrun by tourist. They refer to it as the Venice of Norway because is its pretty canals.

The view towards the sea is also spectacular.

We arrive back in Stamsund to board the boat to more beautiful scenery

Day 10 (May 23)

Today we mostly sail on our way to the small town of Bronnoysund. On the way they point the 7 sisters – 7 mountain peaks surrounded by tales of princess and trolls which are part of all the folklore in Norway.

In Bronnoysund, we take a nice stroll long the water and besides a well equipped park for children. We arrive at the main church and a beautiful large cemetery.

Chuck and I find a lovely patio on the water to share a pint and local nachos.

We also sail by the mountain Torgatten which has the particularity of have a whole at the top, carved millions of years ago during the glacier years.

Another beautiful sunset!

Day 11 (May 24)

Today is our last full day on the cruise. Tomorrow we reach Bergen and the end of this voyage.

It is also our last excursion to the Atlantic Road. Very excited about that!

We disembark at Kristiansund to board the bus but we already are sorry that we aren’t spending more time here. It is beautiful!

We drive to a local Stave church in Kvernes dating back to the 17th century. It is absolutely gorgeous inside and the local guide is very knowledgeable and regal us with amazing historical facts. These structures are very weak and must be propped up to keep them standing.

In Averøa, we stop at a lovely restaurant to experience Norvegian Bacalao – a kittfish stew, made with cod the freshest stewed tomatoes. It is bursting with flavour! They have won the award for the best one several years in a row and that’s no surprise! A mix of chili pepper, garlic salt, salt and what else? I need to know this recipe! Soooo tasty!

We then finally arrive to the 8km stretch called the Atlantic road with 8 bridges and tunnels.

Our guide tells us that the largest tunnel is near Bergen and is 25km

We arrive to Molde at the same time as the boat.

Again as we drive through, we feel sorry that we won’t get to discover this town. This area would have definitely been worth spending more time in.

Last sunset!

Last day in Bergen!

Glorious sunny day again for our last day in Bergen.

What a beautiful city, we take a stroll in the pedestrian area and discover this beautiful park cantered by a fountain and surrounded by beautiful rhododendron.

We then go for dinner at a local, hidden away gem that I found on a local blog – Pergola wine bar. The owner makes sure that we are aware that they only serve antipasto plank and pizzas, but the wine list of exhaustive!

It is all we could have hoped for on our last night and more! What a great evening!

Good bye Norway!