Fjords, Ferries, Tunnels and Mountains: Norway Part 2

NORWAY- PART 2:

We spent one more jam packed day in Bergen; a highlight was the Kode Art Museum which houses one of the largest Munch collections in the world. We discovered evocative works of art by the Norwegian Modernist painter Nikolai Astrup that depicted pastoral mountain scenes.

We took a fun ride on a funicular to the top of Bergen and were treated to a bird’s eye view of the city and harbor.

And, of course at the top, I had to pose next to a touristy and kitschy troll!

Afterwards, we treated ourselves to cups of bittersweet hot chocolate at Fjak, an organic chocolate shop.

It was located on the same charming side street where we had dinner reservations that night at Les Mathis, an excellent small French bistro.

We enjoyed pan seared cat fish with a caper vinaigrette and pickled vegetables served over greens along with a bowl of roasted potatoes. A wonderful day!

The next morning, we picked up our rental car. As we left Bergen, ahead of us were rugged mountains and the roads quickly became steep and narrow; the next part of our adventure began!

Fearless hang gliders were soaring down the side of a mountain!

Countless tunnels cut through ranges of dramatic and imposing mountains. One tunnel was over 20 miles long!

We were headed to the tiny harbor town of Solvorn on the innermost part of the Sognefjorden; about a 5 hour ride from Bergen.

The scenery was so breathtaking; it was hard to not stop the car every few miles to take pictures!

The road would abruptly end with signs for a ferry crossing.

At one crossing, while waiting to board the boat, I noticed a German license plate and van called a Burstner; I ventured out and had great fun practicing my German with the owner!

Solvorn is an exquisitely beautiful town on the innermost branch of a long fjord with breathtaking views in any direction.

Our destination in Solvorn was the historic Walaker Hotel; the oldest hotel in Norway, it has been operated by the same family since 1690.

From the window of our small cozy bedroom, there was a view of the harbor.

The room also included a four course dinner. Before the feast, we took a small walk to the harbor.

Just down the road was a lovely little cafe with a deck that extended out over the water.

We ordered two icy glasses of local organic blueberry nectar; we had arrived in heaven!

It was time to return to the hotel for dinner.

We were warmly escorted to our table in the charming small dining room and presented with an appetizer plate that included reindeer sausage, local cheeses, Norwegian crackers and a cream fraiche spread that was delicately flavored with nutmeg. Along with a glass of white wine, this would have been a delicious small supper!

The first course was a creamy but light carrot soup garnished with toasted coconut, scallions and a basil puree.

This was followed by poached cod with a delicate paprika sauce.

We were starting to be quite full, but somehow managed to find room to enjoy tender and succulent duck breast with potatoes Anna and a brightly flavored lingonberry sauce.

And of course, we were able to happily devour a dessert of warm chocolate souffles served with local strawberries and creme anglaise!

By this time, it was 10:00 at night and still light outside. Between the excellent courses, we had the luxury of talking to our heart’s content!

The next morning was misty and cloudy; stunningly atmospheric and beautiful!

After enjoying the plentiful breakfast buffet with homemade jam, it was time to move on to our next destinations; to Balestrade located in another small harbor village on the Sognefjorden, to Stalheim, perched high in the mountains and then back to Bergen with a visit to Troldhaugen, the Grieg home.

STAY TUNED for Norway: Part 3

AND: Of course, here is the “Tree of the Week”!