DAY 27 - Bergen (Waterfalls & Galciers)

Another later than planned start after a late one last night. Today we planed to drive 6.5hrs to the Bøyabreen branch of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier (the biggest glacier in continental Europe - apparently it covers 487km²). The drive there included a ferry trip, providing me a much needed break from driving.

We stopped at Huldefossen (the Waterfall here was awesome) on our way through. The drive was once again incredible, driving along fjøds and through some impressive tunnels up to 7km long (some through mountains, others under lakes). Before entering the final 6km tunnel through the mountain to take us to the glacier viewing spot, we got our first look at the glacier (it is truly mammoth).

The glacier from the viewing spot extended down the huge mountain and included a section of glacier ice at the bottom that had separated from the top. At the base laid a beautifully still lake. The view was amazing but didn't stop us from wanting to get a closer look. However, a lake stood in our way.

We tried a few of the paths from the viewing spot, hoping we would find our way to the face of the mountain. The path was less than ideal, with us jumping between rocks to stay out of the water/mud (thankfully, I remembered my waterproof boots today). The first path seemed to continue up the mountain, with no tracks heading back down. The second path was much more direct but much more sludgy (rocks and branches were our friends at this point). The beaten track was worth it in the end, leading directly to the glacier.

We spent a little bit of time here but quickly made our way back before the rain got any heavier.

I drove the long journey back, with luck on my side. We made the ferry with a minute to spare, and each of the tunnel roadworks just in time (there were 4 of these, and they escorted vehicles through every 20-60mins).

Given the time, we decided to take tolls to get back (let's hope these aren't as expensive as everything else in Norway).

I'm looking forward to our Bergen day tomorrow (mostly because there is no driving).Read more