From Eidfjord (featured in our last post) we traveled about 2 hours north to the tiny town of Gudvagen, Norway located at the end of the Naerofjord a UNESCO world heritage site. At any given point in this tiny fjord town, you can see at least 10 different waterfalls cascading from the surrounding green mountians. The beautiful Kjelfossen waterfall is the most famous of these, dropping 2,477 feet in total, it is the 18th tallest waterfall in the world and creates a mystical atmosphere for those passing through. We spent two nights camping at the 3rd generation, family owned Vang Camping in the perfect little cabin for two situated at the base of yet another gushing waterfall.
Our favorite stop by far in Gudvagen was or stop at Neroydesign. This adorable shop is located in a traditional little red house owned by the most adorable Norwegian women who collects local goods like finely painted tea sets, traditional Norwegian dresses, hand knit hats and gloves, and so many other treasures to discover. We spent an hour or so with our new Norwegian friend who not only sells vintage trinkets, but also serves delicious brewed coffee, and freshly baked homemade waffles topped with cloudberry jam and sweet cream. We had no idea that cloudberries even existed, but were so glad to discover this local treat!
We wanted to find a day hike in the area that would take us to see some more historical mountain farms and of course more waterfalls, so we decided to hike the Aurlandsdalen Valley. We hitched a ride with a sweet Danish couple uo to Osterbo (the top of the valley) and worked our way down the 12.5 mile trek ending in Vassbygdi (where we left our car). The trail meanders along a beautiful river that flows through the valley and pools into a number of calm lakes that in turn, empty into rushing mountain streams.
About 15 minutes into the hike, you come to the first historical mountain farm, Nesbo Farm and lake. The farm was built in 1664 and was abandoned about 100 years ago but has been beautifully restored by its new owner. Most farms in this area were abandoned in the late 19th century when the farmers left to find promise of better land and livelihood in America. You will also pass Sinjarheim Farm and Almen Farm along this hike.
Our favorite part of this hike were the incredible waterfalls that seemed to spill over every cliff and mountain top into the lush green valley below. With each turn you discover a new waterfall, each unique in height, shape, and power. I have never seen so many waterfalls on one hike before, and each so different that they don't loose their charm. The hike took us about 6 hours with a few stops to take in the views and eat our lunch.
Our next stop on our Norway trip was Olden (which I will write about in our next blog post) but to get to Olden from Gudvagen, you can either drive through the Laerdal Tunnel (the longest tunnel in the world at 15.2 miles), or in the summer months you can drive the 29 mile Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route up and over the plateau. We decided to go the more scenic route and drive over Aurlandfjellet, a stunning plateau that takes you from Aurland to Laerdal. The landscape honestly feels like you're driving on another planet with its rocky barren landscape, brightly colored green and orange lichen, tranquil mirror-like lakes, cascading waterfalls snowy streams, gnarly shrubs and other signs of life in the short summer months. Coming down from the plateau you once again descend into a completely different landscape, the lush green farm land of Laerdal.
It took us about two hours to drive up and over the plateau with lots of stops to explore and take pictures. Depending on the weather, the road is open between the months of June through October and is well worth your time if you are in the area during these months.
Labels: Aurlandsdalen Valley Blog, Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route Blog, Cloudberry, Gudvagen Blog, Kjelfossen Waterfall, Neroydesign, Norway, Norway Blog, Travel Blog, Travel Photography, TRLT, Vang Camping
