Loen, Vestland, NorwayNice sunny day and it's time to hit the road again. Hate to leave Geiranger and spent a few hours enjoying the incredible views this morning.
Lots of stops driving up the mountain behind Geiranger along Fv-63 for the various view spots. Union Hotel for a quick stop at the stop of the hill.
Norwegian Fjord Center: Large parking and a great place to see the waterfall we could see from the campground. Small, compact museum with informative displays on the formation of fjords, local floral-fauna, history of the area, cinema, café and gift shop.
Walkway leads to the stairway system going down the mountain along Storseterfossen waterfall. Impressive! Even a rainbow.
Continued the drive up passing Fossevandring Falls.
Flydalsjuvet viewpoint, which isn't very far from town, had an even higher perspective of Geiranger town and the lush sides of the fjord far below. The size and scale of the majestic fjord can truly be seen, with the cruise ship seeming almost toylike in comparison.
Kruten (the Knot): Historical landmark stone arch over Norway's first ascending loop road that was opened in 1882.
Dvanndalsfossen waterfall from road--two waterfalls in the distance.
Turned off on Nibbevegen road (paid toll to the guy in the booth) that goes to Dalsnibba, which is Europe’s highest fjord view at 4,900' above sea level.
Whoa! Lots of fun along this steep, windy road with lots of staggering switchbacks. Stunning scenery with the high mountain lakes with the bluest water.
The Skywalk is a clear platform that juts out 1640' above the rocks below.
The grand finale was the epic view far below of Geirangerfjord.
Totally WOWed by the vast mountain-studded panorama.
Oh my gosh, it was freezing cold way up here. Warmed up for a bit in the gift shop. Bought a warm hat and pastries. Nice having a camper to make hot chocolate.
This area was beyond spectacular and truly is a photographer’s dream spot.
Back down this crazy road to 63. Gorgeous drive along Djupvatnet Lake surrounded by the snow-capped mountains.
South on Rv-15 with a detour to Videster Hotel to see Videfossen waterfall. Parking lot just up the road from the hotel.
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Short walk to the bridge that looks like a piece of art and goes right over the middle of the gushing waterfall. Feels like being right in the waterfall.
The site is situated on a cliff overlooking Hjelledalen Valley and the Skålafjellet mountain. So glad we made time for this little detour to such a Fabulous Spot!
Lots of stops driving up the mountain behind Geiranger along Fv-63 for the various view spots. Union Hotel for a quick stop at the stop of the hill.
Norwegian Fjord Center: Large parking and a great place to see the waterfall we could see from the campground. Small, compact museum with informative displays on the formation of fjords, local floral-fauna, history of the area, cinema, café and gift shop.
Walkway leads to the stairway system going down the mountain along Storseterfossen waterfall. Impressive! Even a rainbow.
Continued the drive up passing Fossevandring Falls.
Flydalsjuvet viewpoint, which isn't very far from town, had an even higher perspective of Geiranger town and the lush sides of the fjord far below. The size and scale of the majestic fjord can truly be seen, with the cruise ship seeming almost toylike in comparison.
Kruten (the Knot): Historical landmark stone arch over Norway's first ascending loop road that was opened in 1882.
Dvanndalsfossen waterfall from road--two waterfalls in the distance.
Turned off on Nibbevegen road (paid toll to the guy in the booth) that goes to Dalsnibba, which is Europe’s highest fjord view at 4,900' above sea level.
Whoa! Lots of fun along this steep, windy road with lots of staggering switchbacks. Stunning scenery with the high mountain lakes with the bluest water.
The Skywalk is a clear platform that juts out 1640' above the rocks below.
The grand finale was the epic view far below of Geirangerfjord.
Totally WOWed by the vast mountain-studded panorama.
Oh my gosh, it was freezing cold way up here. Warmed up for a bit in the gift shop. Bought a warm hat and pastries. Nice having a camper to make hot chocolate.
This area was beyond spectacular and truly is a photographer’s dream spot.
Back down this crazy road to 63. Gorgeous drive along Djupvatnet Lake surrounded by the snow-capped mountains.
South on Rv-15 with a detour to Videster Hotel to see Videfossen waterfall. Parking lot just up the road from the hotel.
[
Short walk to the bridge that looks like a piece of art and goes right over the middle of the gushing waterfall. Feels like being right in the waterfall.
The site is situated on a cliff overlooking Hjelledalen Valley and the Skålafjellet mountain. So glad we made time for this little detour to such a Fabulous Spot!
Back to Rv-15 with our first sight of the northern edge of Jostedalsbreen National Park, the largest glacier in Europe. For the next week we will be skirting this glacier park and should have views of the various glacier arms.
Jøl bru, old stone-vault bridge from 1883, had so much vegetation around it that it was hard to spot. Could not see the arch at all.
Hjelletunnel was being repaired so had to drive around instead of through the mountain. Turned out to be one of our most gorgeous drives. Hjelle is the most perfect looking little lakeside village. Passed a group of town people having lunch at their picnic table that struck us as being the most idyllic scene.
What a wonderful spot on Oppstrynsvatnet Lake, one of the deepest lakes in the country. Stunning scenery along the shoreline road - glistening green glacier water and towering snow-topped mountains. Great reflections and continuous stopping and photos!
Stryn was a much larger town, lots of shopping. Kept going in order to get a spot at Sande Campground, which is very small. Road FV723 from Loen is one-lane with pullouts to let cars pass each other. Beeped horn going around the corners. This drive along Lake Lovatnet is "one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, with high dramatic mountains, glaciers, and aquamarine water."
Jøl bru, old stone-vault bridge from 1883, had so much vegetation around it that it was hard to spot. Could not see the arch at all.
Hjelletunnel was being repaired so had to drive around instead of through the mountain. Turned out to be one of our most gorgeous drives. Hjelle is the most perfect looking little lakeside village. Passed a group of town people having lunch at their picnic table that struck us as being the most idyllic scene.
What a wonderful spot on Oppstrynsvatnet Lake, one of the deepest lakes in the country. Stunning scenery along the shoreline road - glistening green glacier water and towering snow-topped mountains. Great reflections and continuous stopping and photos!
Stryn was a much larger town, lots of shopping. Kept going in order to get a spot at Sande Campground, which is very small. Road FV723 from Loen is one-lane with pullouts to let cars pass each other. Beeped horn going around the corners. This drive along Lake Lovatnet is "one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, with high dramatic mountains, glaciers, and aquamarine water."
LOEN - SANDE CAMP - 2 nights
OMG what a location. Everything about it seems perfect.
The view and the setting are out of this world with the campsite sitting on the edge of Lake Lovatnet, which is fed by the great Jostedalsbreen glacier. The Kjenndal Glacier section hangs down on the opposite side of this crystal clear lake. Eye-popping gorgeous on a sunny day.
OMG what a location. Everything about it seems perfect.
The view and the setting are out of this world with the campsite sitting on the edge of Lake Lovatnet, which is fed by the great Jostedalsbreen glacier. The Kjenndal Glacier section hangs down on the opposite side of this crystal clear lake. Eye-popping gorgeous on a sunny day.
- Hard to believe this tranquil lake has a sad history. In 1934, huge rocks fell from Mount Ramnefjell into the lake causing a tidal wave that destroyed communities; 35 lives were lost.
The BEST campsite view EVER! Wonderful owners/managers.
Enjoyed dinner the first night at the camp's restaurant up on the second floor.
The best part was relaxing by the lake and chatting with the people next to us.
Enjoyed dinner the first night at the camp's restaurant up on the second floor.
The best part was relaxing by the lake and chatting with the people next to us.
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Aug 24:
Plan was to do the walk to Kjenndal Glacier. However, Lo got a cold and headache and didn't have enough energy to do anything but sleep all day. Great place to just sit and enjoy the views.
LOEN SKYLIFT:
In the afternoon, Randy & cousin did the cable car in Loen.
Loen Skylift Lower Station for tickets to ride the cable car to the top of Mt. Hoven (3316' above sea level). Took a little over 5 minutes to the ride one of the steepest arial tram ride in the world.
Very strong winds and icy cold at the top. Breathtaking panoramic views from the viewing platform overlooking f the Nordfjord, One of he BEST viewpoints of the trip. Worth the high price for the cable car up.
Plan was to do the walk to Kjenndal Glacier. However, Lo got a cold and headache and didn't have enough energy to do anything but sleep all day. Great place to just sit and enjoy the views.
LOEN SKYLIFT:
In the afternoon, Randy & cousin did the cable car in Loen.
Loen Skylift Lower Station for tickets to ride the cable car to the top of Mt. Hoven (3316' above sea level). Took a little over 5 minutes to the ride one of the steepest arial tram ride in the world.
Very strong winds and icy cold at the top. Breathtaking panoramic views from the viewing platform overlooking f the Nordfjord, One of he BEST viewpoints of the trip. Worth the high price for the cable car up.
- Far-reaching views of Mt. Skåla, Loen and Lake Lovatnet to the east; Olden and Jostedalsbreen glacier to the south; and Nordfjorden which extends toward Stryn to the west.
Visitor Center at the top with gift shop, café, and restaurant.
The transparent panel detailing the various peaks and heights you are looking at is super cool.
What's a giant horseshoe doing way up here? Norwegian mythology - should have guessed.
The transparent panel detailing the various peaks and heights you are looking at is super cool.
What's a giant horseshoe doing way up here? Norwegian mythology - should have guessed.
- "An old folk tale claims that Mount Hoven is named after the Norse God Odin's horse Sleipner. On a mountain ride, Sleipner struck his hoof leaving the powerful scar on the mountainside that is clearly visible today."
Styrn for a bit of shopping, groceries, and pharmacy.
2025-05-22