Balenstrand to Fossbergom

Today we hit the road again, heading from Balestrand to Fossbergom, a trip of just 177 kilometres. The journey is an absolute stunner, taking in some of Norway’s most stunning natural scenery. We crossed back over the ferry to Hella and made our way through Sogndal and Lustre, taking in the views of waterfalls, glaciers, and lush valleys. The highlight of the drive was the Sognefjellet National Tourist Route, Europe’s highest mountain pass, which provided a breathtaking view of some snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and the dramatic landscape of Jotunheimen National Park.

Our overnight stay will be in Fossbergom, the administrative centre of Lom Municipality in Innlandet County, Norway. The village is situated on the south shore of the River Otta, at the northern end of the Bøverdal valley. The 1.47-square-kilometre (360-acre) village has a population of 839 (as of 2024) and a population density of 571 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,480/sq mi).

While wandering around the town of Fossbergom, we observed that all the homes and buildings are painted black. The dark colour helps absorb sunlight, which is especially helpful in cold climates to keep warmth during long winters. Black also creates a bold contrast against the snowy landscape and natural surroundings, boosting the visual appeal of the architecture. This style aligns with the minimalist and nature-focused design principles characteristic of Scandinavian architecture.Read more