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Europe 2025
  • Peter Dannock
  • Peter Dannock

Europe 2025

A 39-day adventure by Peter Read more
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  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    St Olaf’s Church

    September 18, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    St. Olaf's Church is an Anglican church in the village of Balestrand in Norway. The church was built in 1897 as a stave church imitation and has 95 seats.
    St. Olaf's Church is notable as the inspiration for the chapel in Elsa's coronation scene in the 2013 Disney film Frozen.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Fjærland

    September 18, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Fjærland is a village in Norway. The Fjærlandfjorden is a branch going north off the Sognefjorden, the longest fjord in Norway. The village area is located about 31 kilometres northwest of the municipal center of Sogndalsfjøra, along the Norwegian National Road 5. The village and its surrounding area encompass rich farming country, including the nearby areas of Bøyum and Oygard.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Jostedalsbreen

    September 18, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on the European mainland. From the glacier plateau, many glacier arms extend down into the lush valleys. Here, you can experi-ence the glacier up close and witness the development of landforms and vegetation. High and steep mountains, waterfalls, and lakes with turquoise-colored glacier water have attracted tourists since the 1850s.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Fjærlandsfjorden

    September 18, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Fjærlandsfjorden is a fjord in Vestland county, Norway. It is a fjord arm that branches off the main Sognefjorden to the north, running through Sogndal Municipality. The 25-kilometre (16 mi) long fjord begins at the village of Fjærland in Sogndal, flowing to the south until it joins the Sognefjorden near the village of Balestrand. The Esefjorden and Vetlefjorden are two small fjord arms that branch off the Fjærdlandsfjorden. The fjord is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) wide, with steep mountains on both sides of the fjord. The head of the fjord is the only habitable area around the fjord. It is a flat river valley extending north of the fjord. The inner part of the fjord where the village of Fjærland is located is only accessible by boat or via long road tunnels through the surrounding mountains. The western end of the Frudal Tunnel sits very near the shore of the fjord.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
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    Balenstrand to Fossbergom

    September 19, 2025 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    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

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Fossbergom

    September 19, 2025 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    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).Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Dalsnibba

    September 20, 2025 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Dalsnibba is a mountain in Stranda Municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located at the end of the Geiranger valley, about 7 km south of the village of Geiranger and the Geirangerfjorden. The 2-square-kilometre lake Djupvatnet lies directly to the southeast of the mountain. The mountain is located very near the county border with both Innlandet and Vestland counties, in the southeastern part of Møre og Romsdal county.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Geirangerfjorden

    September 20, 2025 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Geiranger Fjord is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is located entirely in Stranda Municipality. It is a 15-kilometre-long branch off the Sunnylvsfjorden, which itself is a branch off the Storfjorden (lit. 'Great Fjord'). The small village of Geiranger is located at the end of the fjord.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Fossbergom to Stranda

    September 20, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Today’s drive from Fossbergom to Stranda was another stunning journey through some of Norway’s most breathtaking scenery. We headed west on Highway 15 before switching to Route 63 towards Geiranger, covering about 150 kilometres. Along the way, we passed through the mountain village of Grotli, which has a hotel and skiing centre that caters to skiers during the snow season. It was very quiet this time of year, but I’m sure it’ll be thriving once the snow arrives. We had the chance to detour to the famous Dalsnibba viewpoint, which offered an incredible panoramic view of the Geirangerfjord from a high vantage point. The road itself was an adventure, featuring winding mountain passes, steep descents, and numerous hairpin bends, especially as we neared Geiranger.

    Perched at the end of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, the pretty village of Geiranger is surrounded by waterfalls and soaring mountains. The Geiranger Fjord was absolutely stunning. This fjord is a 15-kilometre-long branch of the Sunnylvsfjorden, which itself branches off the Storfjorden, or ‘Great Fjord’. We’d planned to take the ferry along the Geiranger Fjord, but the cost was a bit steep. So, we ended up travelling by road, tunnel, and ferry to our overnight spot in Stranda.    Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Ålesund

    September 21, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Ålesund is the administrative centre of Ålesund Municipality. The centre of the town of Ålesund is situated on the islands of Hessa, Aspøya, and Nørve, with newer developments located on the island of Uksenøya. The outer parts of the “urban area” even stretch onto the island of Sula, which is in the neighbouring Sula Municipality. The town is the main headquarters for the Norwegian Coastal Administration. Ålesund is the ninth-largest town in Norway. The city has evolved into an urban agglomeration during the late 20th century, and the metropolitan area has expanded into the neighbouring Sula Municipality.

    The 28.93-square-kilometre town has a population of 55,684 and a population density of 1,925 residents per square kilometre. The town features a remarkably consistent architecture, with most buildings constructed between 1904 and 1907. Jugendstilsenteret is a national interpretative centre where visitors can learn about the town fire, its rebuilding, and the Art Nouveau style.

    The term “Little London” was often used to describe the community during Norway’s occupation by Nazi Germany because of the Norwegian resistance activities that occurred there.    Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Ålesund Loop

    September 21, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Today’s weather was terrible. It started raining overnight and was expected to continue for most of the day, possibly even the whole day. So, we decided to take a drive to Ålesund. Ålesund is located near the centre of the town of Ålesund, which is on the islands of Hessa, Aspøya, and Nørve, with newer areas of the island of Uksenøya. It’s the ninth-biggest town in Norway.

    Over the late 20th century, the city has grown into a significant urban centre, with its metropolitan area expanding into the neighbouring Sula Municipality. The town spans 28.93 square kilometres and is home to 55,684 people, resulting in a population density of 1,925 residents per square kilometre. The city’s architecture is remarkably consistent, with most buildings dating back to between 1904 and 1907.

    While in Ålesund, we visited the Ålesund Museum, which is the oldest museum in Norway. Established in 1903 and housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building since 1906, it offers an engaging journey through the city’s history from 1793 to the present, with exhibits that highlight key events, such as the Great Fire of 1904, which led to Ålesund’s reconstruction in the distinctive Art Nouveau style. It also explores the city’s rich maritime heritage, including its fishing and shipping industries, as well as its experiences during World War II.

    Though the weather wasn’t the best, we still enjoyed our drive and the wonderful Norwegian countryside.    Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Sunnylvsfjorden

    September 22, 2025 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 1 °C

    Sunnylvsfjorden is a 26-kilometre long fjord and is one of the innermost branches of the large Storfjorden. The fjord ranges from 600 to 2,000 metres wide and reaches 452 metres below sea level at its deepest point, just west of Skrenakken near the mouth of the fjord. The famous Geirangerfjorden branches off to the west from the Sunnylvsfjorden.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Briksdalsbreen

    September 22, 2025 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ 1 °C

    Briksdalsbreen is one of the most iconic and accessible glacier arms of Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe. Nestled in the stunning Briksdalen Valley within Jostedalsbreen National Park, Briksdalsbreen descends from a height of 1,200 metres into a small glacial lake called Briksdalsbrevatnet, surrounded by lush forests, roaring waterfalls, and steep mountain cliffs.

    Briksdalsbreen isn’t just a natural wonder but also a symbol of climate change. It gained attention in the 1990s for advancing while most other European glaciers were retreating, though it has since receded significantly. We walked the fairly easy track past the spectacular Kleivafossen Waterfall. The surrounding scenery offers a truly immersive nature experience. The weather was a bit wet, but it didn’t stop us from seeing the glacier. It was well worth the effort.    Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Briksdal Glacier walk

    September 22, 2025 in Norway ⋅ ❄️ 1 °C

    Briksdalsbreen is an arm of the expansive Jostedalsbreen Glacier, making it a highly popular destination. The hike to the glacier follows a wide gravel path and is primarily a gradual uphill walk. Less than a kilometre into the hike, you'll come across the impressive Kleivafossen waterfall. The trail continues through the scenic Briksdal Valley and concludes at a glacial lake. This is where the breathtaking glacier arm comes into full view.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Stranda to Førde

    September 22, 2025 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    We drove from Stranda to Førde today via Briksdalsbreen, one of the most iconic and accessible glacier arms of Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on mainland Europe. Nestled in the stunning Briksdalen Valley within Jostedalsbreen National Park, Briksdalsbreen descends from a height of 1,200 metres into a small glacial lake called Briksdalsbrevatnet, surrounded by lush forests, roaring waterfalls, and steep mountain cliffs.

    Briksdalsbreen isn’t just a natural wonder but also a symbol of climate change. It gained attention in the 1990s for advancing while most other European glaciers were retreating, though it has since receded significantly. We walked the fairly easy track past the spectacular Kleivafossen Waterfall. The surrounding scenery offers a truly immersive nature experience. The weather was a bit wet, but it didn’t stop us from seeing the glacier. It was well worth the effort.

    Our journey provided us with more breathtaking vistas of fjords, waterfalls, and charming Norwegian farms. The drive concluded in Førde, a cultural and commercial centre in the Sunnfjord region, renowned for its scenic beauty and lively local scene. Our route was best taken at a relaxed pace, allowing us to enjoy numerous stops along the way, explore quaint local towns, and immerse ourselves in the unique charm of the region.    Read more

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