Welcome to our second trip through Norway.
After two longer planned trips to Norway and Sweden last year, this time around was way more difficult to start. Instead of a pretty challenging adventure or a nasty one to Thailand – in the end we opted to Norway again. Which was a good idea in the end. But let’s start from the beginning. Three weeks before we decided to not go through with our risky adventure, because of missing time for preperation and to less time for the adventure directly. So we sat down for dinner and discussed what to do. After a long discussion we had a favorite – Thailand. Just having a great time all week. BUT really expensive flight or just one week and honestly the duration was also off-putting. Without coming to a fixed decision we might have ended the wednesday night around 3 a.m. with a few drinks. Further discussions ended 5 days later when I had to end it and we finally could start to plan our trip to Norway, destination Oslo.
DAY 1
a windy start
Somehow these trips started to have a weekend of being drunk as f*ck before them, last year my fathers wedding and this year a bachlors trip to Mallorca for one of my oldest friends. So I came to the airport in a fear of having diarrhea all week. Spoiler, thankfully not. This year, the plane came as planned and we did NOT drink a beer on the flight – improvement. Upon arriving at the airport and fetching our stuff, we had to wait a bit to get the rental car. Instead of a Polestar 2 – VW ID.7. I wasn’t to sure about that, but it’s now a favourite of mine. Next new thing – first time an electric car, because it was so much cheaper than a cumbustion car. Although still expensive €1000 for 7 days (instead of €1300 for a Toyota Yaris…).
Basically our target was the Geiranger Fjord, so we started to drive that direction. Buisness as every year, getting gas and food – although this time we even had to fishing rods – Pierre wanted to catch a fish every day. Through Hønefoss, along the Sperillen lake, we found our first camp spot.
CAMP No. 1
We had to park at some random forest road and walk 10-15 minutes to the spot. It was at a long beach, where an abandoned hut was rotting and you could see this spot was loved, but a few years back. So we set up our camp, this time even Pierre had a tent for himself. Not even an hour after we set everything up, Pierre caught his first one of the week, a small bass, more a snack than everything else. I even helped cutting the fish, because it was dificult for Seife due to the thorns on his back. While starting the fire, I made our dinner along the way, first again soup and afterwards some canned stew. As it was windy we went to bed “early”, well it was still bright at 10pm. The bad thing was that the wind didn’t stop, no, it was getting heavier every hour, so our sleep was sh*t.
DAY 2
escaping the wilderness
Completely exhausted we woke up at around 8ish. Made breakfast, packed our stuff and headed back to our car. Yesterday we also checked where we want to drive and what we want to see on the way to Geiranger. So we had to get back to Hønefoss and take another route. It was worth it. Scenic roads, slowly the surroundings became more mountainous. We drove many ski lifts from austrian companies, in areas where we have already summer toboggan runs since years and mountain biking is the biggest sports thing in the winter, they still get snow to ski. Slowly but steady we drove up a highland, sheep and cows everywhere. Then we came across the Bygdin and Vinstre lake, while looking for a camping spot, even on foot, we couldn’t find something even, dry and allowed place, so we payed the toll for the Jotunheimvegen and tried our luck there.
The further we came, the worse it looked for our camping options, because every spot where you could park, it was illegal to camp, so in a country where it’s allowed everywhere else we had to accept it and not be the assholes. Thankfully Seife found a hut village where we headed to, to get one for us. On the dirt road on the way, we encountered a large flock of cows, PTSD from the last years stroke again and due to our quiet electric car, they didn’t bother to make place. Finally a Jeep came up after us, we let him through and tried to follow it through the brown blockage. Pierre did great until the last three and we had to be patient to get past them, which took again a few minutes. I would say we had a 20 to 30 minute stroll with those animals.
Hut Nr.1
Finally we arrived, and it was so lovely. A hut for the three of us, no running water, no electricity, just perfect. First things first, we had dinner – then we followed Pierre to the lake and witnessed, nothing. Well we saw one or two fish in the lake but it wasn’t his day and as it started raining a bit, we stopped. To finish the evening, we had a few beers in the inn and a glass of wine each, and yes the norwegian take a glass of wine literally, it was full. Not just 1/8, it was a full glass for everyone. Cheers!
DAY 3
exploration day
Good Morning! Well it‘s already 10 in the morning and we slept really long. After a nice breakfast of porridge and blueberries we started the day by trying to avoid the cows this time. Before that we had to pay our stay, which was due to the drinks last night more expensive than it should have been, but yeah we’re on our holiday and want to enjoy our time here. Direction was through the Jotunheimen national park and after nearly minutes we knew already we were on the right path. We saw a so many raindeer! So we stopped at the next possibility. That was unfortunately a bit further than we hoped, so we started the drone and flew right next to them, watch:
Next up we found a stream where we filled our empty bottles and hopped in a f*cking cold mountain lake. It was more ice jumping than ice bathing. On my search of finding remote places and streets we found „Gamle Strynefjellsvegen“. This road is f*cking unbelievabley beautiful. I later found out my cousin has also been there mere months ago – and even camped there! While driving through, I also thought about camping there for one night, but it was more a caravan camping spot rather than a tent spot, so we just enjoyed this tremendously marvellous nature there.
At the end of the road we saw a little hut, we knew from our past adventures that often those can be rented for even just one night so the boys made there way to check it, I had my fun flying the drone in the meantime.
No that hut was not open for us this time, so we continued our journey through the last part of that highland. That ride down was impressive, along numerous waterfalls, ending in a beatiful lake. What followed is the part we had the most experience, finding a camping spot. We checked two options on Google Maps, very near to each other. The first one, we cruised past because we had a perfect view already in the car and we knew it was good, only downside, directly next to the road on a little island. So we instantly drove the the second one. After a short tunnel directly on the left side. After jumping over the fence, we checked if it was suitable. It took us nearly 20 minutes to get to that spot, but the way there was really cool, directly along a steep wall. Mystical as f*ck.
The issue was, that it just didn‘t feel right to camp there, our car was standing directly at the driveway as well as we went through two barriers, so we decided against that one and drove but to the one we saw from the car.
CAMP No.2
The biggest disadvantage was also our biggest advantage, since we were next to the road, the parking spot was also right next to our camp, so it was easy to bring our stuff. First thing to do, like always, setting up the tent, plus as we expected rain, the tarp. Next step was for Pierre to try and get us some fish, but that spot hasn‘t been to nice to us. It was more like a bit of cardio. It was already half past 9 and still not dark. So we sat together and Seife helped Pierre to create the Heizungskaiser-Website. I made our dinner next to that. Cream soup and a stew as usual.
The longer we sat at the fire the heavier the rain got. We had to ajust the tarp multiple times and at 11pm we quit the day and went to bed/tent. Meditation tent.
DAY 4
Geiranger
One rainy night later, we woke up pretty early compared to the last days, but for a reason. We drove to Hellesylt to take the ferry to Geiranger.
On the ferry we really started the day. Since it was only half past 8 we had to brush our teeth and enjoy breakfast. Traditionally norwegian Sveler with butter and sugar, as well as creamcheese as the filling was the choice. The butter/sugar combo was so delicious we had to get two more. While eating, we were in the midst of one of Norway‘s most famous places: the Geirangerfjord. The Seven Sisters, Devil‘s Crevice, Bringefossen. Unbelievably beautiful. Although it was foggy and rainy, it was a marvellous view all the way to Geiranger. Maybe because of the weather it looked so mystical.
Right when we docked at Geiranger the weather cleared and it was nearly perfect for our fishing trip. We rented a boat at Geirangerfjorden Feriesenter – not too cheap, but it was expected at a tourist attraction such as Geiranger. It was one of the happiest moments in my life so far. I always wanted to right a kayak through the Fjords of Norway – even though it was „just“ a motorboat it was a dream come true. I think you could see that in some pictures. Pierre‘s biggest aim in that holiday was: one fish for every day. So he started fishing – we even got a second one from the boat rental shop so Seife can fish as well. We had an App called Fishing Buddy to tell us where which fish usually lives. It worked really well and we came nearer and nearer to catch one. Since we only had one in that week, Pierre was motivated to get more. It took us a bit more than an hour to get our first catch. „Fish! …I think?“ These words from Seife came as a surprise – but a very welcomed one. The first pollock – of many – you’ll see. Nearly the same time later – 15 minutes before we had to bring the boat back – Pierre finally caught one as well. Also a pollock. All in all successful fishing trip and we had enough for dinner tonight. Next task was to gut the fish, since we weren‘t experienced at all, we were weaponed with a knife, a bucket and a youtube video. On the way to the river we met a guy from the netherlands. He saw in our eyes, we don‘t know anything about gutting a fish. So he offered us help and we took it in an instant. The filets came our like it was nothing, not really surprising after he told us he is fishing every day and usually gifts his catch to the local guys in his 3 months at Geiranger every year. Such a legend, thank you!
This night we decided against a camp and search for a small hut to cook the fish in a pan and dry our stuff after the last rainy night. So we came to Innfjorden, but on the way we came through another marvellous nature sight – Trollstigen.
Hut Nr.2
After cooking the dinner – cream soup, fish and mashed potatoes – top. First we wanted to go to some bar, but there was nothing like that near to us – so we just had some beers and enjoyed the fire.
DAY 5
fishing with friends
What a f*cking day yesterday – how can we top that today? Yeah, somehow we did. Well started already the day before at around 11pm. We searched for a boat rental. It was way more difficult than expected, we tried to call the companies, but at that time no wonder nobody picked up. So we tried again in the morning. The heros at Fjordpoint.com picked up and told us to just come and we‘ll figure something out. So we drove there and the lovely pair from the Netherlands, told us they unfortunately don‘t have anything for us, because they only rent for a whole week, nevertheless we were guided to „the big house next to the water“. Romsdal Fiskeferie. We should ask for Björn. Well we did and his wife had no clue about that. After her calling him we were sent to the dock greeted with the question who has the license? Answered by silence, we „forgot“ it for today. So we rented a fisherboat, I was the skipper basically and we headed our way. At the beginning we just went the same way as two other fisher boats, and even caught our first fish of the day. Next we went around the shoreline and tried to get a different fish. Pierre dreamt the whole holiday about a big one, where he had to fight to get it up. Well now it was time, he had one on the hook and we immediatly noticed this is a big one. He struggled to not break the fishing rod, had to give more and more line, until finally he was able to get a hang of it. It took him a bit more than five minutes to get it up. After the cruel part of killing it, our dinner was saved. Pierre was exhausted but unbelievably happy. Good Boy. Since we were only out there for mere 90 minutes, we „set sail“ – direction: Molde. The town that Seife, me and another colleague from school were fans of. The be exakt of Molde FK due to there Europa League run in 2016. Manager then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a Manchester United Legend – since I am a fan of the Red Devils, it was a connection made in heaven for me. It was Pierre‘s turn to stear the boat to the place he tried to get a different fish again. This time the idea was to let every catch free, so when he caught the next one with Svens favourite fishing rod, we wanted to get the hook out at let it live. What we saw next was just bad luck. The hook went through the fish‘s eye, as we tried to remove it with as much patience as possible the eye plopped. The fish would have been blinded on one side, so we took the hard decision to relieve it from it‘s pain – more dinner. Oh and did I tell you that we got the same one three times? Always pollock. Again the most difficult part lies ahead. Gutting the fish. As we went to the designated place at „Romsdal Fiskeferie“, the first cut went already wrong as we cut to deep and blood was all over the smallest one. So we had to ask for help, again. Even though they 100 per cent made a bet if we could catch anything at all, Sven, the one who showed me how to ride the boat, helped us. He finished in mere minutes, it would have taken us at least an hour to get it right. He even vacuumed it for us. Those guys there have been so nice to us and helped whenever we needed it. Angeln mit Freunden!
Next stop: camp. Where? You are right, Molde. So we had to drive to the ferry, the buy some stuff and went our way. On the way to the possible camp option we found the perfect place with surroudings we didn‘t even imagine to dream of.
Camp Nr.3
First we had to hike 30 minutes to our target point, we found a few different bunkers, for example Batterie Julsenet, pretty impressive. In the end we found the perfect camp for tonight.
The perfect hut for that night, even fireplaces were already there. We strechted the tarp to have a windbreaker from the side and a perfect view in the front to the sea. While preparing for dinner, we found out we made a horrible mistake: there was no cream soup left. Without cream soup, no dinner. The only solution, we had to drive back to Molde an get some. On the way we randomly checked for Molde FK, and when they have their next game, well they played that day, and won 1:0. So we tried to get to the stadium, which was easy because the parking lot was empty. We went a bit around the stadium, we even saw some players in the lounge and made a step into the stadium. It was a real fanboy moment, to be in and around Molde FK. Another dream came true that holiday. Unbelievable. Oh and we were only two, Pierre was waiting at the camp and preparing every else for dinner. So we had to end it at that step and get back. We bought cream soups and beer. Well no beer was not possible, because on sunday after 6pm alcohol cannot be bought anymore. So no beer for tonight, next to the 4 we still had from the night before. Back at the camp we started the fire and had a feast for the ages.
Classic starter was cream soup with crispbread, as usual. Followed by fish filets with mashed potatoes. After that we had to take a break from eating as we were already full as f*ck. In the meantime Pierre was fishing again and I started the drone.
After some free time for the hobbies, it was time for the next course, as we still had so much fish left. So we had fishburgers. But it was still so much that we ate until one in the morning, but weren‘t able to finsih everything. So we had to throw away half a burger, because otherwise I would have exploded, two and a half burgers were already way to much. In the end we had this amazing view for the night.
DAY 6
road through nothing
That night was one of the most tremendous ones in my life. It rained nearly the whole time but I slep like a baby. In the morning while it was still raining we were lying in the sleeping bag, just enjoying the moment, until I had to piss really hard. That was the initiator to start the day.
Next stop, we had to show Pierre the Aker Stadium (Molde FK, you know).
So we have reached our target, the most northern point of our journey, and no? We have to get back to Oslo. So we started to get on the ferry to Åfarnes, followed ride through the Sandgrovboth-Mardalsbotn naturreservat. It was such a scenic drive through the wet rocky mountains which were reflecting the sun in such a beatiful way.
So when a rode, a river and railway tracks, there was no chance for me to miss that opportunity. I had to take the drone out and capture it. Maybe I should have checked the weather better before. It started off great, perfect weather, I perfect spot to stop the car, I started the drone and then it happend. It was caught in the wind, which was blowing around 30 to 50 meters above our head. The drone was uncontrollable anymore. Not able to stop or go down anymore without crashing it. So it flew in 30 height with at least 1000000 km/h left and right. To the left there was directly the mountain. To the left there was the wide riverbed as well as the railtracks. After trying to somehow land it for ten minutes, without a sight of success. I changed the target, crash it not far from our parking spot and go search it. A few minutes later, a tree caught it and I went on the journey. Luckily I had the GPS location and you the drone makes sounds as well as turns the light on. It didn‘t even take me five minutes to look for it. To my suprise nothing broke, at first sight. Only the power button had an issue, as I tried to fix it afterwards at home, the issue was bigger then I thought, it was absolutly gone and has to be properly prepared…but on a bright note, I took that picture:
That was a shock, so I was just eager to get away from there, frustrated and disappointend in myself that I crashed another drone. So we followed the Romsdalsvegen, until Google Maps made as enter Slådalsvegen. At first it was steep, stoney and dusty, however, once we were in the hill it was a beautiful nature road – with only a few cars on the dirt road and vast hills.
SEVENTY minutes later we found our way back to civilization. We booked a apartment in Sandnessætre. It‘s a ski resort on winter and a hiking paradise in summer. So we took a walk to Lake Lemnsjøen, had dinner – raindeer patties with fries, carrots and lots of gravy.
That was the end of the nature trip, nevertheless not the end of our holidays. We still had a night left in Oslo. I will keep that short. We checked in. Went for dinner and got Pierre his mussels, went back to the hotel rooftop bar. Seife and me recognised it as we where there already in 2018. Asked the waiter where we can go to party a bit more. His first idea was a billard bar, with the 3 of as and 2 barkeepers we were 8. Two whiskeys later we went out again. But then, really silent, from afar, there was music. So we followed and entered a young single guys heaven. A student party for first years in norway. So many beautiful young, blond women. Wow. And me? I was tired and just wanted to go to sleep. After Seife failed to get us in, he bought a table for 600 euros and we got a bottle of Dom Perignon. Told everyone it was my birthday, so the waiter poored the champagne from above in my mouth so…yeah. At 3 a.m. I finally got the chance to leave and I ran away. However, it was still a very fun night and I‘m glad it happend. With a fresh hangover we had a stroll through the town in the morning before heading home.
After so much time discussing what to do, and the decision to go „again“ to Norway. It always the greatest pleasure to spend time with those guys. I just love them, even if we have sometimes differences and heated discussions, we always are there for each other and try to have the best time together. When thinking about our first trip, compared to this one, wow how much we learned. From not being able to prepare the fishing rod, to catching three in an hour. Or finally riding on a boat through a fjord, how easy it feels now to find a good camping spot. I‘m just eager to get onto the next adventure one with them. Thanks, my boys.
TF4 