IMPORTANT NEWS: National Electric Vehicle Sweden has agreed to buy the assets of Saab Automobile and the sale is expected to be finalized during the summer.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Coast of Nordland

Traveling with the Hurtigruten is truly an unique experience. Unlike most ferries I have taken, the Hurtigrute vessels don't just travel back and forth between two or three ports. No, the 11 Hurtigrute ships sail between 33 ports and cover the whole Norwegian coast from Bergen in the west to Kirkenes in the north east close to the border to Russia. A total distance of 4.716 km. The ships travel this distance in 6 days. At the ports the ships stay from 15 minutes in the smaller ports and up to three or four hours in the large ports. The passengers are free to leave the ship and explore the ports.

Most of the time the ships sail close to the coast. Often in between the coast line and groups of islands. And so the waters are mostly calm this time of year. But I have to admit that I was a bit worried about the well being of my Sonett last night when we sailed across the open sea of the Vestfjorden. The ship was rolling over the waves and it took me a while to finally get to sleep, with my mind occupied by the well being of the Sonett. But tomorrow morning we will be reunited and I am sure that I can determine that the Sonett is safe and sound.

More on the Sonett with pictures and my impression one of the coming days.

Right now I am totally blown away by the scenery along the coast. They call this the world's most beautiful sea voyage and I now understand why. If you ever get the chance to spend a day or a week on a Hurtigrute vessel, then do!

You wouldn't believe where people have settled along the wild and beautiful coast. Under a 1000 meter high and steep mountain is no problem. As long as there is a small flat spot between the ocean and the mountain, there is place to build a house!

Or why not just build the house up in the mountain side? It may be a hassle to get around since you almost need to be a mountain climber to move around, but at least you get a great view!

Torghatten with the big hole through the mountain

Crossing the arctic circle

Drying cod in Svolvær

House by the sea and mountain

Small house, big mountain

Trollfjord, only 100 meters wide.