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Our Nordic Adventure
  • Bruce Hassold
  • Stacy Hassold

Our Nordic Adventure

Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Scotland Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 13, 2022
    Our Nordic Adventure
    Copenhagen Stadhus
    A spectacular bakery recommended by our dear friend AnnetteStrogetBishop Absolon, Founder of CopenhagenChristian V at Kongens Nytorv (King's New Square)NyhavnNyhavn1NyhavnChristian XFredrik's Church (Marble Church)The Queen's GuardKing Frederik V, Amalienborg Square1Denmark's flag over Christian VII Palace at Amalienborg1The King's GardenRosenborg CastleQueen CarolineKing's GardenKing's Garden

    Copenhagen

    June 14, 2022 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    We spent the afternoon exploring Copenhagen and doing our best to avoid jetlag. We walked from our hotel to the Stadhus (town hall), then down the Stroget (walking/shopping street) to Nyhavn, a picturesque small harbor lined with colorful houses. We grabbed lunch from a street vendor then visited Amalienborg Palace to see the Queen's Guards. The King's Garden and Rosenborg Castle were beautiful. We'll have one more day at the end of our trip to see a bit more of the city.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Arriving at the Bergen airport
    Car ferry crossing Sognefjord1The road to FørdeDriving along SognefjordFørde

    To Bergen and Førde

    June 15, 2022 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    Today was a travel day. After a delicious breakfast we took the Metro back to the airport and flew from Copenhagen to Bergen, Norway. From there we drove north and crossed the Sognefjord by ferry. We continued on along fjords and through scenic valleys to the town of Førde on the Førdefjord.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Helgheim Kyrkje
    JølstravatnetGoat crossing near the town of SkeiNordfjord near UtvikOldevatnet in the Briksdalbre Glacier ValleyLovatnet, near LoenHellesyltfossenHellesylt ferry terminalWaiting for the ferry at HellesyltGeirangerfjordThe Seven Sisters, GeirangerfjordGeirangerfjordGeiranger1The view from our hotel in Geiranger

    The journey to Geiranger

    June 16, 2022 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    We're calling this the OMG day! Spectacular scenery was waiting around every turn. We ran into a Norwegian traffic jam caused by a herd of mountain goats but still made it to Hellesylt in time to catch the car ferry to Geiranger. This was a day we'll never forget!Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Geiranger from the Ørnesvingen viewpoint
    Geirangerfjord from ØrnesvingenEidsdal valleyLeaving Eidsdal on the car ferry to LingeGudbrandsjuvetGudbrandsjuvetValldølaNorwegian Scenic Route 631Norwegian Scenic Route 63Norwegian Scenic Route 63 near AlnesvatnetNorwegian Scenic Route 63 near AlnesvatnetTop of TrollstigenTrollstigenTrollstigenÅndalsnes valley below TrollstigenStigfossenReturning to Eidsdal

    Day trip to Trollstigen

    June 17, 2022 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    We left Geiranger this morning on a round-trip to Trollstigen (The Trolls' Ladder.) We climbed the switchbacks of the Eagles Road out of Geiranger to the Ørnesvingen viewpoint overlooking the Geirangerfjord. Continuing over the mountains we arrived at Eidsdal and took the car ferry to Linge. We stopped at Gudbrandsjuvet to see a spectacular waterfall cascading through a narrow gorge. We grabbed sandwiches for a picnic lunch and continued climbing through the alpine valley to Trollstigen. We made the drive down the 11 treacherous switchbacks. It was so much fun we made a u-turn and climbed back to the top before retracing our steps back to Geiranger. It was another day filled with breathtaking scenery.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    The Queen's Chair
    Above GeirangerØvstefossHjelledalenOppstrynsvatnetGaupanger StavkyrkjeKaupanger-Gudvangen ferryNærøyfjordNærøyfjordNærøyfjordNærøy KyrkjeNærøyfjordFlåm marinaCottages by the Flåm marinaAurlandsfjord from Flåm marina

    A Day fit for a Queen

    June 18, 2022 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 46 °F

    We left Geiranger early this morning on our way to Flåm. Our first stop was the Queen's Chair dedicated to Queen Sonja of Norway. Stacy said she could have sat there all day enjoying the view. We continued west over the pass into the Breiddalen Valley then turned south to Øvstefoss and the beautiful Hjelledalen Valley. Following the shoreline of Oppstrynsvatnet we made our way to Stryn for lunch. Then it was on to Kaupanger Stavkyrkje where a wedding ceremony was taking place. We sailed on the 2.5 hour car ferry from Kaupanger to Gudvangen down the Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord. It rained most of the way but we were still able to get out on deck and enjoy the spectacular scenery. From there it was a short drive to Flåm where we had dinner and enjoyed a walk around the marina.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Boarding the Flåmsbana in Myrdal
    KjosfossenMyrdalfossen with switchback bike trailLeaving FlåmUndredalNærøyfjordNærøyfjordApproaching GudvangenStegastein ViewpointStegasteinAurlandsfjordAurlandsvangenFlåm KyrkjeFlåm KyrkjeKjosfossenAurlandsfjord from Stegastein

    To Flåm and back again

    June 19, 2022 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    As Frodo said, "You step into the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no telling where you might be swept off to." Today was a day for adventures close to Flåm. We took the scenic Flåmsbana railway to Myrdal and back. Then after lunch the ferry from Flåm down the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen with a quick shuttle bus ride back to Flåm. We fortunately had much better weather than yesterday. After dinner we drove to Stegastein Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the fjord. Then we made a visit to the charming Flåm Kyrkje.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Tvindefossen
    FlåmTvindefossenTvindefossenSkjervefossenSkjervefossenHardangerfjordHardangerfjordHardangerfjordSteinsdalsfossenSteinsdalsfossenSteinsdalsfossenSteinsdalsfossenBack at our hotel in Copenhagen

    Waterfalls along the way

    June 20, 2022 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

    We left Flåm early this morning to drive back to the Bergen airport. Along the way we stopped at three beautiful waterfalls. Tvindefossen was the largest with multiple streams and levels of cascading water. Our next stop was Skjervefossen. We took a short hike to the top of the falls, and although the roar of the water was intense the view was limited. Fortunately, a bit further down the road there was another turnout with a spectacular view of the falls. After a scenic drive along The Hardangerfjord, our final stop was Steinsdalsfossen, an immense jet of water that shoots out from the mountain wall with a hiking trail behind the falls. So yes, we got to see the backside of water (ooh aah)! Sorry, that's an old joke from my days on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. We'll be back in Copenhagen soon, even though our flight was canceled and we were rerouted through Oslo. The upside is that we get to add one more city to our adventures in Norway 🇳🇴!Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Viking Ship Museum
    Kronborg CastleKronborg CastleHolger the DaneHolger the DaneFrederiksborg PalaceFrederiksborg Palace GardensFrederiksborg Palace CathedralRoskilde CathedralRoskilde CathedralQueen Margrethe IKing Frederik IVViking Ship MuseumViking Ship MuseumTivoli GardensTivoli GardensTivoli GardensTivoli GardensTivoli GardensTivoli Gardens

    A Grand Tour around Copenhagen

    June 21, 2022 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Today we went on a small group guided tour to historic sites outside of Copenhagen. Our first stop was Kronborg Castle. It was originally built by Frederik II, but was reconstructed by Christian IV after a devastating fire destroyed all but the church. Kronborg is featured in Hamlet. The legendary warrior Holger the Dane sleeps in the catacombs under the castle. He will awake and fight if Denmark is ever attacked. Next we visited Frederiksborg Palace. It was also built by Christian IV and contains a beautiful church and gardens. We visited Roskilde, the original capitol of Denmark established by Harald Bluetooth. He built the original church in Roskilde when he declared Denmark to be a Christian nation. It was later expanded into Roskilde Cathedral which is famous as the burial location of 39 Danish royalty including Margrethe I, Frederik II, and Christian IV. Our last stop on the tour was the Viking Ship Museum which houses the remains of five original ships and a fully reconstructed replica ship. After returning to Copenhagen we spent the evening strolling around Tivoli Gardens. It was an enjoyable day filled with Danish history and beautiful sights.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Den Lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid)
    LagkagehusetNyhavnVore FaldneSt. Alban's Anglican ChurchKastelletThe Little MermaidChanging of the Queen's Guard at Amalienborg PalaceStrogetAll aboard!The end of a lovely day1Changing of the Queen's Guard

    Copenhagen & Cruising

    June 22, 2022 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We spent the morning visiting a few new sights in Copenhagen. After a delicious breakfast we set off to find the Little Mermaid. Along the way we stopped at our favorite Danish bakery, Lagkagehuset, for a kanelsnegle (cinnamon roll.) We continued down the Stroget, past Nyhavn, and through the Kastellet, a star-shaped military fortress. Along the way we passed Vore Faldne (Our Fallen) a memorial to Danish soldiers who lost their lives in WWII. We also passed St. Alban's Anglican Church. After visiting the Little Mermaid we made it to Amalienborg just in time to see the changing of the Queen's Guard at noon. We boarded our cruise ship, the Nieuw Statendam, in the early afternoon and got settled in. After a delicious dinner we enjoyed a very interesting presentation on the history of Holland America Line, and some music and dancing in one of the ship's lounges.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure

    Sailing toward Bergen

    June 23, 2022, North Sea ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Today was a relaxing day at sea. I was pleased to find the Grand Dutch Cafe on board where I enjoyed pea soup with ham for lunch. They also offer pannekoeken, poffertjes, uitsmijters, croquettes,, and several other traditional Dutch dishes. What a treat! In the afternoon we attended a talk on the city of Bergen. Tonight was the captain's bon voyage toast and dinner. The evening show was a wonderfully talented and funny magician. Tomorrow we're off to see Bergen.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    View of Bergen from Mt. Fløyen
    BryggenFish MarketStockfishKing Håkon's HallSt. Mary's Lutheran ChurchWalking around BergenMt. FløyenBergenScenic trail from Mt. Fløyen to BergenBergen

    A day in Bergen

    June 24, 2022 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    We spent the day in the beautiful town of Bergen, Norway. We joined a walking tour in the morning that gave the history of the city from the time of the Hanseatic League up through today. We saw King Håkon's Hall, Bryggen, the Fish Market, and St. Mary's Church. After lunch we rode the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mt. Fløyen for a panoramic view of Bergen. Then we walked down a forested trail back to the city center. After a bit of shopping and a stop for a Softi ice cream we headed back to the ship. We enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner tonight at Canaletto and a pop hits performance by a vocal group called Cantaré.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Molde
    NåsavatnetThe Atlantic RoadThe Atlantic RoadThe Atlantic RoadThe Atlantic RoadThe Atlantic RoadBudBud harborPanoramic view from Varden hillView from Varden hill toward MoldeMolde harborThe Rose GirlMoldeLast Norwegian Softis

    Molde and the Atlantic Road

    June 25, 2022 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    The town of Molde is Norway's city of roses. It sits at the mouth of the Romsdalsfjord and is known for having a panoramic view of more than 200 mountain peaks. We took a morning trip to see the Atlantic Road, an 8 km section of highway that crosses numerous small islands via a series of arcing and twisting bridges. It's featured in a chase scene in the latest James Bond film, "No Time to Die." On the way back we stopped at the small fishing village of Bud and for a scenic view of Molde from Varden hill. After lunch we walked the main street of town and stopped for our final softis in Norway.🍦Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure

    It's a long way to Akureyri

    June 26, 2022, Norwegian Sea ⋅ 🌫 41 °F

    It was a foggy day in the North Atlantic Ocean. You might say it was thick as pea soup. The weather certainly inspired our choice for lunch! Along with pea soup I also enjoyed an uitsmijter. This evening there was a Dutch themed party and everyone was encouraged to wear orange in celebration of the event. We're looking forward to our first day in Iceland tomorrow.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Gođafoss
    AkureyriTreats at a local bakeryAkureyrarkirkjaAkureyriAkureyri1Icelandic Route 1, the Ring RoadIcelandic Route 1, the Ring RoadGođafossGođafossGođafossGodafossLaufas folk museumLaufas folk museumLaufas folk museumLaufáskirkjaBotanical GardensBotanical GardensBotanical Gardens

    Akureyri, Gođafoss, & Laufas

    June 27, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ 🌧 43 °F

    We spent the morning walking around the town of Akureyri before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we went on a tour that visited Gođafoss, the waterfall of the gods. When Thorgeir Thorkelsson, a former pagan priest, established Christianity as Iceland's primary religion he cast his idols of Oden, Freya, and other Nordic gods into the falls. Hence the name. We continue along Iceland's Route 1, the Ring Road, to the Laufas folk museum, a group of earthen roofed homes built into the hillside as protection from the harsh Icelandic weather. The vicar of a small community church lived here with family and farm workers. As we returned to town we stopped at the second most northerly botanical gardens in the world.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Súđavík
    ÍsafjörđurArctic Fox CenterSúđavík Lutheran ChurchValley at the end of HestfjörđurDinner at Tamarind

    Ísafjörđur & Súđavík

    June 28, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 43 °F

    Today we visited the western fjords of Iceland. The winters here are very long and harsh. From mid Nov to mid Jan there is limited daylight and the sun is blocked from view by the walls of the surrounding fjords. In 1995 Súđavík experienced a major avalanche that took the lives of 12 townspeople. The survivors, in a show of resilience, rebuilt the town just a short distance away in a safer location. We visited an arctic fox preservation center and the town's Lutheran church for a beautiful performance of Icelandic folk music. We had a delicious dinner at Tamarind, an Asian themed restaurant.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Gullfoss
    Mosfellsheidi HeathThingvellir National ParkThingvellir National ParkThingvellir National ParkThingvellir National ParkThingvellir National ParkGeysir Geothermal AreaGeysir Geothermal AreaGeysir Geothermal AreaGeysir Geothermal AreaGullfossGullfossGullfossGullfossGullfossJardhita Syning Geothermal Energy PlantGeothermal Energy PlantReykjavik Harbor

    Reykjavik & The Golden Circle

    June 29, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We began our Golden Circle tour with a drive across the Mosfellsheidi Heath to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A massive geological fault runs through the location where the Icelandic Althing (parliament), was established in AD 930. Icelandic chieftains convened here each summer for nearly eight centuries. Our next stop was the Geysir Geothermal Area where we witnessed an active geyser erupting. The highlight of the day was Gullfoss, a massive two-tiered waterfall fed by runoff from Langjökull glacier in the Icelandic highlands. We also made a short stop at one of Iceland's largest geothermal energy plants that supplies both electricity and hot water to Reykjavik and surrounding communities. We enjoyed another beautiful and unusually sunny day in Iceland.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Kleifarvatn
    Seltún Geothermal AreaSeltún Geothermal AreaSeltún Geothermal AreaSeltún Geothermal AreaSeltún Geothermal AreaSeltún Geothermal AreaValahnúkamölReykjanes LighthouseValahnúkamölBridge Between the ContinentsBridge Between the ContinentsBridge Between the Continents

    Picture Perfect Iceland

    June 30, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F

    We went on a photography tour today that was hosted by a wonderful local guide. We visited several beautiful locations following a loop around the peninsula southwest of Reykjavik. Our first stop was Kleifarvatn, a scenic lake with a black sand beach. Next we visited the Seltún Geothermal Area where we were encouraged to focus on close-up photography rather than landscape. Our next stop was Valahnúkamöl, a stunning set of cliffs and basalt pillars along the coast that have become the nesting ground for the Arctic Tern. Our final stop was the Bridge Between the Continents that spans between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Icelandic Skyr
    Djúpivogur HarborEggín í GleđivíkAlaskan LupineDjúpivogur

    Djúpivogur

    July 1, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    Djúpivogur is a VERY small fishing village situated in the eastern fjord region of Iceland. We decided not to go on an excursion today but to explore the town instead. The stone sculpture Eggín í Gleđivík, or the Eggs of Merry Bay, is the town highlight. 34 polished stone eggs are representative of bird species native to the area. The Alaskan Lupine was in full bloom throughout the town! We stopped briefly at an eclectic exhibit that used driftwood, stones, and fish bones to form unique pieces of art. It's our last day in Iceland and we were running out of time to try true Icelandic skyr. So we headed off to the local gas station / liquor store / post office / coffee shop / grocery store and found genuine Icelandic skyr for our afternoon snack. It was delicious!Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure

    Sailing to Scotland

    July 2, 2022, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌧 50 °F

    Today was another relaxing day at sea as we made our way toward Inverness, Scotland. There was a presentation on our upcoming ports of Inverness and Edinburgh, and an interesting talk on the history of wireless communication technology from Marconi to the present. We had a delicious dinner tonight at the Pinnacle Grill.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Eilean Donan Castle
    Loch NessLoch NessA hairy cooLoch AlshEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan Castle1Eilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleEilean Donan CastleThe Scottish highlandsHighland Hotel, Strathpeffer

    The Scottish Highlands

    July 3, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Today we toured the Scottish highlands. We made our way from our port in Invergordon, through Inverness to our first stop at Loch Ness. We made a strong effort to spot Nessie but didn't have much luck. We continued through the highlands to Eilean Donan Castle. The Jacobite forces were defeated here in 1719 by British marines who snuck into the castle and exploded the gunpowder stores. The McCrae family purchased the land and rebuilt the castle in 1932. It was John McCrae, of this family, who served as a Canadian physician in WWI and wrote the famous poem "In Flanders Fields." We returned on a different scenic route through the highlands.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Edinburgh Castle from Vennel Street
    Victoria StreetDean VillageDean VillageWater of Leith walking pathCircus LaneCircus LaneWojtek the soldier bear1Ross Fountain & Edinburgh CastlePrinces Street GardensThe Royal MileSouth Queensferry1Happy 4th of July!

    Edinburgh

    July 4, 2022 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Today we visited Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. We found a self-guided walking tour and decided to explore on our own. As we made our way into the center of town we walked down Victoria Street. This curving street lined with colorful shops and restaurants gave J.K. Rowling inspiration for Diagon Alley in her Harry Potter books. Our first stop was the Vennel Street viewpoint for a picturesque look forward Edinburgh Castle. From there we walked to Dean Village, a charming spot that sits along the Water of Leith. We continued along the walking path until we reached Circus Lane, a narrow street lined with colorful homes and flowers. From there we made our way back toward the center of the old town, stopping in Princes Street Gardens to see the statue of Wojtek the soldier bear who served with polish forces in WWII and retired to the Edinburgh zoo. Ross Fountain provided another great viewpoint of Edinburgh Castle. We walked through the gardens and down the Royal Mile before returning by tender from South Queensferry to our ship.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Sunset over the North Sea

    Crossing the North Sea

    July 5, 2022, North Sea ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    Today we crossed the North Sea on our way back to Copenhagen. It was a joy to visit Norway, Iceland, and Scotland. The scenery was spectacular and the people were warm and inviting everywhere we went. We had a wonderful time cruisng on the Nieuw Statendam. The service was fantastic and the music and performances were entertaining and fun. We're already looking forward to our next Holland America Line cruise to Australia and New Zealand in March of 2024.Read more

  • Our Nordic Adventure
    Hans Christian Andersen Statue
    What is Hygge?Memorial Anchor for civilian sailors who died in WWIIOpera HouseRoyal PavilionsHDMS Peder SkramHolmenChurch of our SaviourChristianshavnBishop Absalon StatueDinner in NyhavnMusic and hygge with dinnerOff to his next gigWalking past Sankt Jorgens lake on our way back to our hotel

    Finding Hygge in Copenhagen

    July 6, 2022 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    We disembarked our cruise this morning in Copenhagen and after dropping our bags at our hotel we set off for a final day of exploring the city. We decided to go on a harbor cruise and ride the hop-on hop-off bus around the city. We finished the day with a delicious seafood dinner at a cafe in Nyhavn. A street musician performed throughout our dinner so the atmosphere was hygge! Just as we were finishing he decided to move to a new location. Somehow he was able to pack up his guitar, amp, and the rest of his gear onto his bike; a true Dane! We're back at the Avenue Hotel for a restful night and delicious breakfast. Tomorrow our vacation comes to an end and we fly home. It's been a wonderful trip, but we're both ready to be home again and see Daisy and Nala. Now that will truly be hygge!Read more

    Trip end
    July 7, 2022
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