Trip Notes, Chapter#10, The North Sea Route,

On our way, from Stavanger to Kristianasand we visited Flekkeroy which  is an island situated outside the town of Kristiansand municipality but, since 1989 it is connected to the mainland through the Flekkeroy Tunnel which is 2,320 meters long. 

Flekkeroy,  is one of  quiet, peaceful place that I loved.

So modern and well protected old vessels are together with a nice harmony, there.

In 1990’s, “Northern Exposure” was one of my favorite TV serie, I really don’t know why this little town reminded me that little place in Alaska.

So, quiet, peaceful, gray, foggy and colorful...Isn't it colorful, look at this beauty!

Magma Geopark is one of the must place to be visited on this road.

It was a breath taking view, wonderful nature...

A close-up photo of that lovely dwelling unit, good road connection!

More close-up to see that little, lonely island. There are some cartoons, showing  survived person, asking what three things you should get with you to live on this island??? LOL!!! 
I like nature, serenity but this is too much, let's go back to civilisation.

We kept driving on the north sea route, Nordsjovegen, to reach our next destination, Mandal.

Mandal is a town and municipality in Vest-Agder county, Norway. Mandalselva is a salmon river that flows through the town and has its river mouth outside town. Mandal has many small, white-painted wooden houses, which is typical of towns at the South Coast of Norway.

Mandalitten Statue is a symbol of this little town.
By the way, there are so many similar words in my native language Turkish and Norwegian such as mandal. Of course, their meanings are different but to see same words is so interesting....Also, there is another place which is called Asker, before Oslo.
Mandal is also  known with famous Gustav Vigeland who was born here, 1869,  son of a master carpenter. As a boy he showed exceptional ability as a woodcarver and got an apprenticeship in Oslo when he is 15 years old  and he soon realized that he was destined to be a sculptor. I'll tell more about him at another Chapter when tellin Vigeland Park, Oslo.

Travel Notes, Norway Chapter#2, Myrdal-Flam

So, our second day started so early, in Bergen, Norway.  In the morning our train adventure begun, all early risers were waiting departure with great excitement.

We started our journey from Bergen by Bergen Railways changed to Flamsbana scenic railway at Myrdal station.  No reserved seats, from the beginning to end of the journey! 

Myrdal Station is a mountain railway station and junction, located on the Bergen Line  regional mainline inAurland, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. The  railway station is also the upper terminal of the Flam Line local railway, which ascends from the valley floor of theSognefjord to the mountain-top junction, providing a vital public transport link, but deriving a majority of its passengers through tourism. Most passengers using Myrdal station are changing trains between the two lines.

 All those little villages breath taking fjords views, waterfalls were amazing.

There are many  small stations so nice, peaceful, quiet places! 






The most important issue of this The Flam Railway adventure is the train stops at Kjosfossen in the mid way, which is a very impressive waterfall. 

You’re able to get off the train to see view and take photos. But be sure that several hundred people will get off the train at this stop! I know this is only once of life time experience for those who come from so different places, from other continents but at least they can be more respectful to others who also tries to take photos or videos. I hope there must be a solution to avoid this disorder. 

 Kjosfossen is a waterfall located in Aurland municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. The waterfall is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Norway. Its total fall is around 225 meters. There is a small power station on the waterfall which is used to power the Flam Line railway.

When we were trying to take photos a music and lyric performance of an actress dressed as legendary Huldra (a seductive forest creature in Scandinavian folklore)  started, she was dancing on the that old shack with a wonderful music, foggy weather and water particles from the water fall was making her performance more interesting.

We've learned that this is only summer time tourist entertainment and the Huldra actresses are all students from the Norwegian ballet school.

 But, I must admit that the crowd and noisy of tourist groups doesn’t allow you to take photo and enjoy the sound of the waterfall and music. I still couldn't find the name of the song!

It was raining but we felt the mist from the waterfall, it was refreshing.

 If you do this journey yourself as we did, there are some things you should be prepared for. Follow cruise tour programs and select a free time other than high season.

Anyway, it was an enjoyable trip! 

 It was really beautiful ride takes you through spectacular Norwegian scenery with snowy peak mountains, green valleys, water falls and of course  lush fjords landscapes. To able to see both  mountain and fjord on the same journey and the train follows the river all the way up is an amazing experience.

Our Flam tour and  Balestrand journey is later.....