I have so much to write about my trip to Norway! Finally completed my writing series about hiking in the Jotunheimen National Park. Now, time to turn to some of the other experiences from this trip. Here a glimpse into one of the coolest drives from the trip: heading from Førde to Geiranger.
Arriving in Førde and departing the next morning
Førde is a town of possibly around 11,000 folks. We arrived there after a 3.5-or-so hr drive from Bergen. We had landed from the US at a reasonable time after a very tight connection in Amsterdam (20 minutes!). Needless to say, our checked luggage did not run as fast as we did so then we had to sit at the Bergen airport waiting for the next inbound KLM flight 3 hrs later. Our start time was close to 4PM if memory serves me right. It was a relatively easy drive including a ferry ride at sunset.
In any case, we got to Førde around 9PM and headed straight to dinner as there were not that many options that were palatable after such a long day after a trans-Atlantic flight. We enjoyed some beverages at the bar at the Scandic hotel we stayed at and then said our good nights to get a fitful night of sleep.
The next morning, before setting out for Geiranger, we took a quick walk around town just to stretch our legs, breathe some fresh air, and wake up. Førde is a small but not-too-small town which made it a perfect stop for us.
On the road to Geiranger
After fueling up, we hit the road. As the map below shows, it was to be a 4 hr drive or so. One must be aware that speed limits are much lower in Norway than back home so a certain distance will take longer there. And, do not be tempted to speed – the fines are huge!
The road is very scenic and the greens are so vibrant it does not feel real.
A ferry ride to experience along Geirangerfjord
The final hour of our drive would actually not be a drive but a ferry ride that would take us down the Geirangerfjord into Geiranger at the end of it. To get on this particular ferry on our route, we need to get to the small town of Hellesylt. Maybe it is less than a small town but it certainly was charming at the feet of an impressive cascade.
This ferry not only offers transporting people and vehicles from one town to another, but also provides a very scenic tourist route. Along the edges of the fjord, one can spot abandoned farms and many tall waterfalls. Along the way, a recording provides some explanations in several languages. Though it can be cold and/or rainy, the best seat is upstairs and outside!
At last, arrival at Geiranger!
