20 Aug A Photo Essay: Norway
Our favorite experience in Norway has to be sitting on a cliff overlooking the Sognefjord on our hike back to Flåm. In the middle of a harrowing hike along a fairly busy, narrow road on one end and the edge of a drop off on the other, we found a lookout point where we paused for a picnic break to relax and soak up the peacefulness. As we sat there, smiling and eating the lunch that we picked up from the grocery store earlier that morning, we reveled in the quietness and beauty that surrounded us.
You know the feeling of complete content and satisfaction you get in those serene moments that can only be created by chance? This was one of those moments, and I was smiling from the inside, and this is the feeling I get when I think of Norway. It was a perfect place to wind down after the crazy (but utterly amazing) schedule that we had packed to the brim in Iceland. The moments that make me smile are the days spent aimlessly wandering around the small town of Flåm and the thriving city of Oslo, exploring the fjords and watching the beauty effortlessly float by outside our train windows. Reminisce with us through our photographic journey of Norway:
In the Oslo Fjord directly out front of the Opera House, rests a beautiful sculpture called She Lies. The sculpture is built from steel and glass and can turn and move with the winds and tides so it looks like a boat floating along in the fjord.
You can walk all around the sloping white marble roof of the Opera House that rises straight out of the fjord.
It was a gorgeous day in Oslo and the city came alive with everyone basking in the sun in the park and even on top of the Opera House.
For great views of the city, climb to the top of the Opera House and look out over the Bjørvika district.
We love street art and Oslo has plenty to offer throughout the parks and streets in the city.
Karl Johans Gate is a popular street in Oslo that connects the Norwegian Royal Palace to Oslo Center Station. Along the path are many shops, restaurants and museums.
There are numerous street performers in Oslo paying music for the masses out on a Sunday stroll.
We really enjoyed these musicians–they were playing an upbeat, folky style of music.
Much of the design and architecture throughout Norway is clean and modern–we really enjoyed looking at the unique styles throughout Oslo.
The Freia clock located in Egertorget square reminds passersby of the popular Norwegian treat: Freia branded chocolate.
The Oslo Harbour rests along the Oslo Fjord and the area always seems to be busy with people going for a stroll.
The Flåm Railway makes a photo stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall where you can see this roaring waterfall tumbling down the side of the mountain.
At the photo stop to see the Kjosfossen Waterfall, you will also catch a glimpse of a surprising performance that seems to appear out of nowhere.
One of the tiny villages along our journey into the valley of Flåm.
When the snow begins to melt throughout the mountains in the spring, the waterfalls come alive.
Descending into the valley of Flåm while riding The Flåm Railway.
This beautiful view of the fjord was right outside of our hotel, the Heimly Pensjonat.
The Flåm Port is one of the most popular ports in Norway.
Situated at the end of the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, tributaries of the Sognefjord, Flåm extends beautiful views every way you turn.
The Sognefjord is 204 kilometers long and is the longest and deepest fjord in the world.
Looking back at the small town of Flåm while taking a ride on the passenger ferry down the fjord.
A view of our hotel, the Heimly Pensjonat, and surrounding houses from the ride along the fjord.
The cliffs surrounding the fjords reach heights of over 1,000 meters.
We traced Micah’s family history and found this is where his great-great grandfather lived before moving to America.
Taking a boat ride or cruise along the fjords is the perfect way to see the breathtaking mountains towering from the valleys of the fjord.
The small town of Aurland is located in the Aurland Harbour District along with the other towns of Flåm, Undredal and Gudvangen.
The perfect place to contemplate life and the beauty of nature.
The Aurlandsdalen Valley area is known as the Grand Canyon of Norway and has beautiful hiking trails.
On our hike from Aurland to Flåm we passed this waterfall cascading its way down into the Sognefjord.
The Flåm Railway twists and turns its way up and down the mountain between Myrdal and Flåm.
It’s no surprise why this train journey has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world.
Watching the stunning landscapes float by our train windows.
Heading into one of the 20 tunnels on the journey along one of the steepest railways in the world.
Wandering through the historic Akershus Fortress in Oslo.
The Akershus Fortress was built in the 1920’s and has served as both a fortress and a prison. Today, the fortress consists of a museum and it is also still a working military area.
The Monolith sculpture in Vigeland Park stands a towering 14 metres tall and consists of 121 human figures carved in a single stone.
Flowers were starting to bloom throughout the entire city of Oslo; it was fun catching a glimpse of the city awakening from it’s winter slumber.
We watched the glow of the sunset over Oslo while resting on the slanted ceiling of the Opera House.