National Tourist Roads

Travelled:225km on end of National Roads 63, Gamle Strynefjellsvegen R258 from Videsaeter to Grotli, Sognefjellet R55 from Lom to Gaupne.

Stay: Luster on Sognefjord,free parking at picnic area, WC, 61.4165 7.4408

After going to the service point near the port we drove up from Geiranger to the last view point of the fjord. Two new cruise ships had arrived early this morning and they smoked up the valley. 

We continued up and over the pass, then down to Road 15 where we turned right and drove through 3 long tunnels until we reached Videsaeter, the start of the 27km National Road Gamle Strynefjellsvegen R258 to Grotli. The road was built in the late 1800's with its long row of stone guard stones lining the narrow road. 

We even came across a small ski resort with people taking the lifts up to the summit. 

As we went up in elevation the snow became thicker and in some parts it was up to 2.5m on either the side of the road. 

It was truly a beautiful place and before we knew it we were descending down to Grotli. We then followed the R15 to Lom where we stopped to look at the Stave Church, filled up with fuel and did a quick shop. 

From here we took the R55 to travel along the Sgnefjellet National tourist route that has the highest pass (1434m) in Northern Europe. It was initially built as a transport artery for trade. There we numerous places to stop along the way to admire the amazing views of the Hurrungane Massive and the Fanaraken Glacier. 

A different way to ski.

We left the snow capped mountains and descended again into another valley to the Sognefjord, where on its shores we found a lovely picnic area to stay for the night and spent a couple of hours chatting to a lovely German couple exchanging travel stories. 

Geiranger

Travelled: 67km plus 1 ferry Linge-Eidsdal

Stay: Geiranger- free spot along the fjord on the otherside of town. 62.1002 7.1940

Today was blue sky and sunshine!

 Before we set off we had one more quick walk to the lookout and then we were heading towards Geiranger. It was beautiful along the pass with the snow capped mountains and lakes. There were a few spots to park with walks.

 We continued on until we reached the Gubrandsjuvet parking area where we stopped for breakfast and a walk along the very unique steel viewing platforms to have a look at the gorge where the river gushes through. 

On our way to Valldal we drove through a fertile valley with plenty of strawberry farms and a crystal clear river. 

In town we stopped to do some shopping before taking the 15min ferry from Linge -Eidsdal 

(213nok- 6.5m 197 + 16 senior). 

As we drove up the 63 we came to a large carpark with our first view of the Geirangerfjord. 

A little further there was another lookout called Ornesvingen, situated above the 11 hairpin turns down towards Geiranger. The parking was a bit chaotic with cars, Motorhomes and buses all vying for a spot, but we managed to get one and enjoyed the great view of Geiranger and the cruise ships. 

Shower time 

We then descended down into town and made our way past the camp ground to the otherside of the fjord where we promptly found a spot on the water. 

We decided to enjoy the rest of the day here, walking through the town, having a closer look at the falls and the busy port area with its souvenir shops and cafes. 

There's Bluey 2nd from the left...