Road tripping in Norway earlier this year in June for a few weeks, has been one of the best things I’ve ever experienced.
I crossed the country from south to north with the goal of reaching in the Lofoten Islands and headed back to the southern part of the country on a different route.
Lofoten is an archipelago located above the Arctic Circle in the county of Nordaland, well known for its untouched lands and for being an important fishing center, where the world's largest cod stocks are found.
I started by driving to Norway’s southwestern coast, heading up north through its breathtaking fjords and many national parks, visiting places like Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), Bergen, Geirangerfjord, The Atlantic Ocean Road and passing the Arctic Circle making my way up in the northern area.
Once arrived in Lofoten Islands, after many days of driving, I was suddenly stunned by the dramatic scenery of mountains and peaks, all together with the white beaches. Spending a couple of days by visiting the small and quiet fishing villages surrounded by the steep peaks that drop into the ocean was almost surreal and it really does take some time to adjust to the chilled vibe of this place. The villages Hamnøya and Sakrisøya (with predominantly red and yellow cabins) were two of my favorites.
I’ve enjoyed every morning wandering on the streets, near the colorful fisherman cabins, breathing the fresh salty air and hearing nothing than the seagulls squawking everywhere and I was lucky enough to enjoy a midnight sunset on one of the many beaches from this area.
On my way back to Southern Norway, the different route brought me in the Dovre National Park and after a short hike, I’ve reached to what was named “World Building of the Year” in 2011 - Snøhetta Viewpoint. As I stepped into this architectural viewing pavilion with large glass surface and an interior made from undulating wood, I’ve sat and enjoyed the view over the Dovrefjell mountain range, while listening to the howling wind.
This was my first visit in a Scandinavian country and I was impressed how everyone seems to be happy about life in this country, not to mention that driving on those roads (considered some of the best in Europe) without rush has been a completely wonderful experience.
I know for sure that Norway has a lot more to offer with its genuine people, that’s why I’m already looking forward to my next visit.
All the images below were taken with the Hasselblad 503CW and the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2.8/80 using Kodak Portra 400 film.
Scanned and processed by Richard Photo Lab in California.
