New: Five-month Scandinavian road trip with a campervan / Adventures of Sigi, Lisa and Martin
The five-month Scandinavian trip by campervan continues.
Part 4 through Norway
An adventure through Scandinavia
Five months of adventure in our campervan and BYD through the breathtaking landscapes of Scandinavia – that sounds like pure freedom, untouched nature, and unforgettable experiences. And that's exactly what we're aiming for! Together with our "boss," Sigi, and our loyal dog, Lisa, we set off to discover the fascinating facets of Scandinavia. In this blog post, now part 4, I invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Look forward to highlights, the challenges we encountered, and practical tips for anyone planning their own unforgettable Scandinavian trip.
Wednesday, August 12th: Off to the North Cape!
Today, full of anticipation and excitement, we set off towards the North Cape. Our curiosity about the untouched landscapes, the winding roads, and the majestic fjords drives us onward. My camera is at the ready, poised to capture the beauty of nature – weather permitting. Currently, the temperature is hovering between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius, and the damp air surrounds us as we embark on this thrilling adventure.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Our nightmare continues: Despite the elaborate filter cleaning, the hoped-for success failed to materialize, and after only 100 kilometers, our journey came to an abrupt end. Now we have to keep our fingers crossed that this diesel monstrosity will get us safely back to Alta. After a nerve-wracking drive in limp mode, crawling along at a snail's pace of 40 km/h, we finally reached our destination. The garage has informed us that they have time on Monday and Tuesday to replace the faulty part. I immediately called my garage in Switzerland and asked them to send the particulate filter by express. But now the pressing question remains: Will the mail and the plane arrive quickly enough? During this tense time, the three of us will motivate each other and keep our cool. We're a strong team and we won't let this get us down. Travel is an adventure, and Robinson Crusoe knew that.
A dramatic wait
Thursday, August 13, 2026, Week 5 – the odyssey continues. DPD has once again returned the package that holds so much hope, this time due to a missing tracking number. The waiting hangs heavy over us, and the current status of the package remains a mystery. There is an oppressive radio silence.
A rollercoaster ride in the workshop
Things are getting tense in the workshop; the atmosphere is electric. Two mechanics who work with us have stayed home because their children are sick. The tension has reached a critical point, over 100, and we're all incredibly nervous about what the coming week might bring.
The rising costs
The hotel where we're staying is pleasant enough, but the prices have increased drastically – from CHF 180.00 to CHF 250.00 per night – as all the rooms are booked due to events. Sleeping in the workshop is out of the question, mainly because of Lisa's situation, which makes it impossible. We've already made this desperate attempt twice, and it seems like everything is coming together to form an ominous picture.
A spark of hope
When everything is covered in soot, only darkness remains. But deep inside, we yearn for a glimmer of light that could lead us out of this shadow .
A package full of thrills
Tuesday, August 18, 2026: DHL took control of the package on Monday, and I should be relieved. But the tension is palpable. We're now tracking the package hourly live on our screens, and the route is taking us through Zurich, Basel, Leipzig, and Oslo. Today at 3 p.m., it should be only two hours away from us in Hammerfest, a place where we've already spent a few days.
But five minutes ago came the bad news: the package missed its connection and is now lying idle. The tension in the air is electric as we wonder if it will arrive in time for Wednesday's repair. The clock is ticking, and every second counts.
We listened with great excitement and anticipation to the bells ringing in the church tower .
What had happened? All night long, and even at nine o'clock in the morning, the package was still in Hammerfest according to DHL. Luckily, I'd broken my nail-biting habit years ago. At breakfast, we looked at each other and wondered what to do. How could we get to Hammerfest to pick up the package ourselves? Given the workshop's location, we all knew it had to be there today. We went back to our hotel room and checked on the laptop, but the package hadn't moved. Suddenly, for the first time in almost six weeks, the church bells next to our hotel rang. We looked at each other, and Sigi asked me what that meant. On impulse, I exclaimed, "That's a sign! Get up, we have to contact the workshop!"
For whatever reason, I looked in the safe and realized with horror: NO! How were the mechanics supposed to start working on the car today if the key was here? "Sigi, you have to take the quickest route by taxi and bring the key over!" No sooner said than done. Suddenly my phone beeped. YES, the package has arrived!!!!!! When Sigi arrived at the garage, it was confirmed, and the mechanics started replacing the PDF this afternoon, August 19, 2016. Now all that's left is the anxious wait: I hope it's the right part. Guys, I could really use a drink right now.
Fate plays its cards
Live is live – or what do you call our fate? The tranquility in the hotel was deceptive as we feasted on breakfast. A selection of cheeses and the enticing aroma of fresh salmon tantalized our senses. The salmon, so tender and succulent, seemed to make time stand still. Every bite was a feast, slowly unfolding in my mouth. Mmm, that aftertaste – a true masterpiece of seafood. "Enjoy your meal, everyone!" I called out, but the anticipation of what was to come gnawed at me.
The pressure is mounting
So far so good
But the fun quickly turned serious. The tension could no longer be ignored, and we hastily packed our things to check out of the hotel room. While Sigi and Lisa lingered at the hotel entrance, I rushed into a taxi that was supposed to take me to the garage. Once there, I saw that the part had already been replaced and the mechanics were putting the finishing touches on the job. The atmosphere was relaxed, but my nerves were on edge. Would everything be alright?
An ominous feeling
The final stretch began. The computer took over, old data was deleted and new data imported – routine work, one might think. But suddenly I noticed the mechanic's nervousness; he hurriedly called for help. An uneasy feeling came over me. Instructions were exchanged between the workshop staff, and while I waited for the sign that everything was okay, the tension became unbearable. And then, finally, the test drive.
A glimmer of hope and a setback
The tension was palpable as I kept glancing up at the sky. The sun shone with a pleasant warmth of 17 degrees Celsius. Our car returned briskly from the test drive, but my gut feeling was anything but positive. The boss was fiddling with the computer, and as he started setting up the PDF, an unpleasant odor wafted out. Initially, there wasn't much to see, and then came the sobering news: our engine oil was only 50% good quality, and the oil filter was overdue. Great! With timid words, I tried to persuade the mechanic to finish the job. No sooner said than done – we were able to drive off with fresh, clean-smelling engine oil and do our shopping for the onward leg of our journey.
An adventure with obstacles
The refrigerator was full, and filled with joy, but also a sense of inner caution, we continued our journey. Too much of a good thing, too little adventure – the weather was beautiful, Sigi was laughing, and Lisa was happy to be together. But the engine seemed to have misunderstood everything. Suddenly the gear disappeared, a beeping sounded, and the voice of the navigation system came on again: "Take it to a garage, have the engine checked."
An unexpected ending
What I said next is something you probably don't want to hear, but it impressed the Fiat so much that it drove back to the garage without any problems. And so it happened on August 20, 2026, an evening when no one was working anymore, and they said: "We'll be happy to help you again tomorrow." Thus, we spent our third night in front of the garage.
Good night everyone and thank you for the good wishes.
Fiat Ducato when switching PDFs
A drama full of panic and suspense
The drama continued with unbroken intensity the next morning.
It began with the mechanic's large, worried eyes meeting our small, sleepy gazes. Lisa's excited barking added to the nervous atmosphere.
The chain reaction was set in motion:
After the first test drive, another error message appeared, and the search for the cause began. The mechanic discovered a faulty sensor that urgently needed replacing. Tension mounted.
The second test drive followed, but another power supply fault sent adrenaline coursing through his veins. Everything, from the refrigerator to the electronics, had to be thoroughly checked. Finally, he found another defective part.
The next test drive was due, and another error message appeared. The search began anew, and the tension was palpable. It turned out that the connecting hose to the turbocharger had been damaged by the sharp stones on the dirt roads, leading to a dangerous air intake problem. Naturally, there was no hose in stock, but the mechanic demonstrated his resourcefulness and borrowed one from another car.
The upcoming test drive was marked by nervousness, but in the end we experienced pure joy. After eight hours of intensive work without a single error message, the relief was palpable.
Lisa as a guard dog at the camper van Motorhome breakdown in Norway: Our motorhome and its damage Motorhome breakdown in Norway: Our motorhome and its damage Motorhome breakdown in Norway: Our motorhome and its damage Motorhome breakdown in Norway: Our motorhome and its damage
Although I initially wrote negatively about the way things were done here due to my emotions, I now feel a sense of regret. As soon as the necessary materials were available and the mechanic found time for us, he was always highly motivated and gave his best. Two days filled with Google Translate between German and Ukrainian were also amusing and brought us closer together as friends.
A heartfelt thank you to Garage Mathisens Landbruksservice AS and its dedicated employees. Despite all the challenges, it was an exciting time with you.
A heartfelt thank you to the garage for their great efforts. Many thanks to annerturgi Nutzfahrzeuge AG for quickly organizing a PDF exchange. Thanks to your incredible will and dedication, everything finally worked out.
End of the odyssey from July 14, 2026 to August 22, 2026
"On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson
We've been driving for over three hours now and treated ourselves to a well-deserved, delicious dinner. Good night, dear friends, and thank you for keeping your fingers crossed.
A magical adventure to Sommarøy
Our adventure continues towards Sommarøy.
The drive took us past the well-known city of Tromsø. A stop there was necessary to refill our empty gas cylinders. During this visit, I learned that electronic gas level gauges are unreliable. For 100 Swiss francs, the device indicated a third of the cylinder was still full, but in reality, it only held 1.5 kg of the 11 kg cylinder. Removing and lifting the gas cylinder is still the best method.
Through rain and frustration
With our gas cylinders full, we continued through the rain. We had high hopes of finding a break in the weather in Sommarøy. The scenery is supposed to be breathtaking. Along the way, we were incredibly frustrated after all our previous experiences. And what did we see? "Rain, rain, drops, it's raining on our campervan." We drove as usual along the fjords and into the heart of the majestic cliffs.
The beauty of nature
But then, what a miracle! We looked and cheered, for it became more and more breathtaking. What a landscape, what a world! On the roads, we suddenly encountered sheep and reindeer. We recognized the magnificent bright blue of the water and the beach, shimmering white and yellow, covered mainly with tiny shells and hardly any sand. We had never seen anything like it before, simply breathtaking. This landscape with its many small islands must be experienced, for pictures cannot capture its beauty as well as seeing it with your own eyes.
Sommarøy Camping & Marina
Arriving at Sommarøy Camping & Marina, which is highly recommended and reasonably priced, we settled in for the night and enjoyed the enchanting surroundings. The next morning we were rewarded again, as we were able to enjoy the natural beauty and the fishing harbor without any rain. The peace and quiet here is wonderful, and from here it's just a short walk to the Atlantic Ocean. This is a beautiful end of our wonderful planet.
Norway trip from Alta towards Sommarøy
Tunnel nightmare in Norway
With great excitement and a thrill of anticipation, I want to tell you about a unique experience we had in Norway. In a previous blog post, I shared a picture showing the impressive number of tunnels in this country. These tunnels are damp, foggy, dark, and often very narrow. For a Swiss person, driving through these dark passages is a breathtaking adventure – it feels like descending straight into hell.
The tension is palpable as we maneuver our 231 cm wide motorhome through the tunnels. Our thoughts race: we hope no car, tractor, or even a reindeer comes towards us! With eyes wide open and full concentration, we navigate through the narrow darkness. Suddenly, a light flashes – the end of this wild ride seems to be in sight! But oh no, there are several cars! I switch to high beams, the other driver does too, everyone flashes their lights and stops. At that moment, I feel the adrenaline surge. Like a brave driver, I accelerate and attempt the impossible.
Yes, I'm the best! I did everything right! We continue our journey with great joy, and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Laughing, I realize that we're not going to hell, but to Torksen.
From Sommarøy to Torsken via Heia
We had the pleasure of experiencing an exciting drive in changeable weather. It was simply breathtaking what we encountered. Once again, it proved that it's worthwhile not to take the most direct route to a destination. We drove through vast plains in autumnal brown hues, saw lush green meadows, passed steep cliffs, and traversed numerous tunnels. These tunnels aged us a few years, haha, which, thankfully, is still possible for us. I can truly recommend this route to everyone; it's a pure adventure.
We also spent a wonderful night in the mountains with the Sami people, far removed from everything we were used to. It was a marvelous experience that once again made us appreciate the advantages of a spacious campervan with heating. Take a look at the pictures to discover everything we experienced.
Another excerpt from a fantastic trip through Norway
Our exciting journey continues!
Our sense of adventure drives us onward, and I can hardly tell whether we're heading south or back north. Our route takes us up and down, over majestic mountains and across wide, open plains in warm shades of brown, where vast moorlands stretch out. Along the way, we encounter numerous shimmering lakes and impressive fjords. It's virtually impossible to capture all the breathtaking scenery; every few kilometers, the panorama changes, surprising us anew.
An unforgettable journey to Andenes
The drive to Andenes was simply spectacular. The scenery there is breathtaking. We started in a sea of lush green, which gradually gave way to the earthy browns of the moorland, interspersed with vibrant green, yellow, and red plants. Every step across this landscape is like a dream in velvet, as the ground yields gently, enveloping your feet like a soft embrace. Lisa couldn't contain her joy; she jumped up and down with excitement and rolled around in the soft moss. It doesn't take much to bring tears to your eyes when you see her so full of happiness. Along the way, we encountered some sheep again, and I tried to play shepherd. Instead of moving away from the road, they just stared at me as if thinking, "Baa, look, a Swiss guy." The journey took us over picturesque bridges, two exciting ferry rides, and finally up the gentle plain to Andenes.
An evening full of enjoyment
It's simply incredible what we've all experienced, and in the evening we devoured the delicious dinner with great appetite. Once again, I was behind the grill, busy with three succulent salmon, while Sigi busily prepared the side dishes in the kitchen. She's an excellent cook, and I'm so proud of her. My stomach knows exactly why it has to carry so much! Sigi, you're the best thing on earth and a true master in the kitchen. Thank you for your tireless efforts!
And there's our Lisa. Where do you think she's hiding? Of course, she's waiting for a piece of salmon to fall off the grill and making sure the soft ground at our campsite doesn't get dirty with it. Lisa, you're a real treasure and simply wonderful. Thank you for not biting my juicy bum yet!
Pictures of our experiences
Now take a look at the pictures and let yourself be enchanted by the impressions of Andenes!
Norway travel photos from Andenes
Our time in Andenes was simply wonderful!
We strolled across the wonderfully soft white "sand," which is actually made of ground-up shells and a variety of marine life. It feels like sand, but is so much softer and incredibly fun to walk on. Lisa, too, could hardly contain her joy and ran happily back and forth.
We set up our chairs on the cliff and gazed into the endless distance. We witnessed a magnificent sunset and were lucky enough to observe numerous whales performing their majestic ritual in the water. Unfortunately, the distance was too great for my lenses, but it was still an indescribably beautiful experience to see their spouts of breath.
A nighttime adventure under the Northern Lights
Ah yes, our big topic was the Northern Lights! For the past few nights, they shone like a magical spectacle in the sky, and we were absolutely thrilled: "Wow, how cool! We're actually seeing the Northern Lights!" The joy and excitement around us were palpable, and I got ready to set everything up for the perfect shots. Since it still got dark late and the impressive display didn't begin until much later, we decided to get some rest. One, two, three – and we were already in our sleeping bags, ready for the big event. But what happened? The three musketeers snored like crazy, as if they were having a competition! In the morning, when the sun rose, the first question was: "Did you see anything?" We just had to grin and think to ourselves: We'd certainly earned our sleep! But fate had other plans. We had a second chance, and I'd rather not say how that bet turned out. But one thing is for sure: We made "music" in the camper van again until the first rays of dawn lit up the sky!
Later, we continued our journey to a small, remote fishing village. You'll find out how exciting the drive there was and how picturesque the village looks in a later installment.
But first, I would like to enchant you with fascinating drone footage of the magical landscapes on the way to Andenes.
Norway travel photos from Andenes
The adventure continues in the vast prairies of Norway.
Our journey took us by a circuitous route to Nyksund, a fishing village with about 20 inhabitants and up to 40 tourists in the Vesterålen archipelago in northern Norway. Unfortunately, a storm front rolled in during the drive. Gritting my teeth (as far as they were concerned), I drove intently along the fjords. As always, we encountered magnificent landscapes, but either the weather wasn't cooperating or it was impossible to stop. The drive was truly exciting, with all the surprises in store for us! Precisely because of the weather, we decided to choose the fishing village as our destination. For me, it was important not to arrive in the rain. We turned at the intersection, and at first, everything looked fine. Relieved, I accelerated, but then came a curve that nearly made my heart leap into my throat. It started with the potholes. The car rattled and thundered, and I had to be careful that Lisa in the back wasn't thrown out of her crib. All joking aside, I used the full width of the road to avoid all the obstacles. Yes, so far so good, and we had everything under control... or so I thought. What was going on? We came across a sign asking for donations for road repairs. What was that all about? We soon found out: the road went up and down a bit, and it was getting narrower and narrower, more like a track. No problem, I thought, but the asphalt was gone and thousands of small stones were flying under the car... Where is this leading us? That's exactly how we damaged the PDF back then, see Part 3. We made slow, bumpy progress, one pothole after another, one pebble after another... now was the time to stop counting sheep. Driving with concentration, eyes wide open, and what did I see? Cars on their way back. I couldn't go back, and what they were doing up ahead, I had no idea. Being the brave soul I am, I drove on, and yes, they respected my large car and were able to pull over into a lay-by. We slowly crossed paths and waved to each other with a smile. The drive along this road took about 40 minutes, and we arrived at our destination visibly relieved. What a reward this sight was! A small, colorful village at the end of the world, where only the fish say goodnight to each other.
First, a few pictures from the trip from Andenes to Nyksund
Pictures of the village will follow later.
Photo documentation from Andenes to Nyksund in Norway
Nyksund – A magical village
Look at the pictures! Isn't it simply magical? For me, it was the first time discovering a village with such a unique character, dominated by old, picturesque houses. The atmosphere here is incomparable, and the vibrant life that pulsates in this small place makes it even more fascinating.
A culinary experience
This tiny village of 20 inhabitants boasts numerous cozy cafes and restaurants, all offering exceptionally fresh fish – an absolute must for any visitor. It's hard to believe that after driving along the narrow gravel road beside the fjord, you suddenly arrive in this little paradise. The impressions I gathered here will stay with me forever. It's simply wonderful to know that places like this exist on Earth.
Pictures of Nyksund in Norway
The adventure in the weather crisis
The adventure has turned into a dramatic weather crisis.
Over the past few days, we've had to make peace with the incessant rain. The sky was shrouded in a dreary gray, and the forecast to the north was anything but promising. Kilometer after kilometer, we drove through the thick fog and relentless rain, while the cold seeped into our bones. This oppressive dampness made the undertaking anything but enjoyable, and even Lisa couldn't hide her displeasure.
An evening in the camper van
When we finally arrived at the next location, the weather gods seemed to be against us. We spent the hours in the campervan, trapped in an adventure that felt more like a failed campervan odyssey than an exploration of Norway. The next morning, with everything around us dripping wet and mud puddles everywhere, we set off with renewed hope. We were convinced that exploring a city in the rain made more sense than wasting our time on the stormy coast.
Brønnøysund: Storm and disappointment
But when we arrived in Brønnøysund, we were greeted once again by a violent storm and torrential rain. I'd rather not describe our feelings at that moment, apart from the fact that the campsite was quite appealing. However, a trip into town with the dog seemed pointless, so we spent our time in the car and the immediate surroundings.
A decision for the future
Over breakfast the next morning, surrounded by the gloomy forecast, we reflected on the situation and made a momentous decision: With such weather predictions for the next seven days, it made no sense to travel to the Lofoten Islands. It would be a shame if the breathtaking scenery were hidden behind thick clouds and rain. The forecasts for the south, however, were much more promising, so we decided to change course and head directly to the southern part of the islands.
A glimmer of hope
And lo and behold, just before we set off, a window opened in the clouds, and I was finally able to capture a picture of the majestic bridge in Brønnøysund. The Lofoten Islands will now be the destination of our second Scandinavian trip next year. What happens next, what awaits us, and where the journey will lead remains uncertain and thus a surprise for all of us. But we won't let that get us down and will continue our journey with unwavering determination.
A few impressions without rain
Here are a few impressions from the last trip, which fortunately took place without rain.
Pictures from the Scandinavia trip in Norway
The journey took a dramatic turn as we battled through relentless winds, torrential rain, and blazing sunshine. As usual, we tirelessly wound our way up and down the mountains. The surrounding range was majestic and multifaceted, with its rugged, towering peaks and gentle hills. As far as the eye could see, dense fir forests stretched, and with every sharp bend, the breathtaking spectacle began anew – a dreamlike landscape that captivated us. The steadily dropping temperatures told us we were ascending to dizzying heights, and we turned the car heater up higher to combat the icy drafts. The awe continued; to our left and right, enormous waterfalls plunged into the depths, their sheer size dwarfing even the most impressive Swiss waterfalls. Unfortunately, all I have left is the memory, because the roads didn't allow for any stops, and the rain kept starting up again.
The drive continued uphill with intense concentration, but the potholes increasingly slowed our progress. Fatigue overcame me, and I was immensely relieved when we finally reached our destination at just under 630 meters above sea level. This altitude may sound low to a Swiss person, but the landscape here is like that at 2700 meters, and we currently have temperatures of 6 degrees Celsius in the morning and 3 degrees Celsius at night on September 4, 2026.
We settled in, and it was time for Sigi to do some laundry again. Yes, it was time to do the laundry, and Røros Camping offered excellent facilities for this. Ideally located for visiting the town, the campsite had everything we needed. So the day ended for all of us, and the next morning, after another rain shower, we set off to finally explore the charming town of Røros.
Røros is particularly known for:
Charming and well-preserved wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries with blackened timber-framed walls and grass roofs.
Røros Copper Works : The foundation of the city, in operation from 1644 to 1977.
Climate : The place is known for being one of the coldest in Norway, with a temperature record of −50.4 ℃.
See for yourselves a few close-ups of the houses.
Picture of the suspension bridge to Røros
The Unknown Adventure
And the unknown adventure continued on the roads from Røros to Lillehammer.
Special experiences
I have to be careful that the text doesn't become boring over time, because, as always in the mountains, the terrain is quite hilly. This time we saw many unique houses, and the weather allowed us to photograph some impressive scenes. The Ringebu Stave Church in Ringebu was particularly fascinating. The oldest part of the church was built around 1220 in Romanesque style as a stave church on the foundations of an older church. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the churches are not open to the public, and there was no one there to open the door for us.
Unique landscapes
Our route first took us across a breathtaking plateau. The colorful stones and lichens in the natural surroundings completely surprised us. Capturing the entire scene realistically in photographs wasn't easy. An unforgettable landscape stretched for over 100 km of pure nature. High up in the solitude, we met an older Swedish couple. I immediately offered them coffee and cake, and we spent two hours exchanging amusing conversation topics. It was wonderful, and another unforgettable day came to an end. To round off the day, we had some lovely visitors at a campervan. They were living the pure camping lifestyle in a 1976 Toyota, even in the rain.
Visual impressions
Pictures of the trip to Lillehammer can be seen.
the roads from Røros to Lillehammer
Exciting discoveries in Lillehammer
After arriving in Lillehammer and finding a parking spot near the Olympic Halls, we were immediately struck by the city's charming topography. With a twinkle in my eye, I remarked to Sigi that every descent is followed by a ascent. Her reaction was rather reserved, and she encouraged me to choose my words more kindly and encouragingly.
The city of Lillehammer
But my expectations of this city were completely different, and I was pleasantly surprised.
The large town center exudes a village-like atmosphere, characterized by small, old wooden houses painted in vibrant colors. These picturesque buildings and the numerous small shops and garden cafes brought back memories of my youth in Laufenburg. We strolled through the "village" while Lisa happily played with other dogs. Her joyful barking was sometimes hard to miss, as she was determined to make herself heard. We all had a great time, and our shopping bags filled up as usual.
Insights into the center of Lillehammer
The wild west in Lillehammer
The adventurous journey to Lillehammer and Bergen on "tarmac" and "gravel roads".
The drive towards Lillehammer, followed by the onward journey to Bergen, turns out to be a true adventure. The landscape unfolds majestically before us, captivating us with its breathtaking views. Sometimes we glide along paved roads, while at other times we bump along rough gravel tracks. The roads are not without their challenges: potholes and cracks are everywhere, and the unmistakable thumps cause the car to constantly bounce up and down. Our Lisa remains calm and relaxed, while Sigi repeatedly gasps in surprise. The memories of Alta are still fresh and vivid in our minds. But despite the challenges, it's great fun to drive for hours through this lonely, stunning landscape. Such solitude on four wheels is an experience you simply have to have for yourself.
The journey to Bergen continued before the heavy rain arrived.
Bergen - An adventure in a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Bergen, the vibrant heart of the Norwegian fjords, combines breathtaking nature, lively culture and exciting urban experiences in a fascinating way.
After an exciting and adventurous journey that pushed us to our limits, we finally reached the enchanting city of Bergen. As is often the case in larger towns, we had planned a two-night stay. The weather forecast promised everything from sunshine to rain, which only heightened our anticipation. We set off from Bratland campsite, full of excitement.
And luck was on our side:
We found the last parking spot for our campervan! To our amazement, the majestic Aida was right in front of us in the harbor, a gigantic ship from which countless passengers were streaming – an impressive spectacle!
Everything seemed to be going perfectly. I locked the car, grabbed my camera, and we set off in search of the most iconic mountain scenes. But no sooner had I taken the first few photos than the sky above us opened up: it started to rain! Another chapter in our weather-plagued adventure. I quickly packed the camera into a plastic bag, and we plunged into the next adventure: "Hunting for photo opportunities in the rain."
Our first impression of the city was simply enchanting. Modern architecture and old wooden houses stood harmoniously side by side, without anything seeming jarring. We marveled at the sheer number of old wooden houses, each more beautiful than the last, and discovered narrow alleyways, no more than a meter wide. A fire in these cramped streets would truly be a nightmare! But now our "nightmare" continued. It rained harder and harder, and after some back and forth and up and down the alleys, we decided to end our plans and visit the city again next year.
When we finally arrived at the highly recommended Bratland campsite , we were surprised: our pitch had turned into a small lake! There was over 10 cm of water there. So, we parked the car, took off our shoes, rolled up our trousers, and plunged into the water with our calves exposed – and I took the opportunity to give our campervan a thorough wash.
What an exciting day! Our camper van was now gleaming in its new white paint. Simply fantastic!
Thousands of cairns surround the lake in Norway.
Dramatic journey from Bergen to Haugesund
And the journey continues, with growing frustration, from Bergen to Haugesund.
Guys, I could sing a song: "Rain, rain, little drops", it's constantly raining on my head."
We fled from east to west, from north to south, as the weather forecast recommended. Great, we arrived at our destination to find gray clouds and it started to rain. It stopped, and then the rain came back even faster. It made no sense for us to drive any further, as we had already reached kilometer 14,000.
We enjoyed our time in the beautiful town of Haugesund, where I also had to buy a new camera backpack. Everything was put to the test in this weather, and eventually everything gives out.
A look back at the days in Haugesund
Here are a few pictures that made sense to me weather-wise from the last trip from Bergen to Haugesund.
The journey from Bergen to Haugesund in Norway
The escape continued south, naturally in the heaviest rain. They then took the large ferry for a four-hour journey to Denmark. Hopes were high that they would find better weather further south.
The tension mounted, and miraculously, everything remained unchanged; the rain continued to pursue us. We just managed to snap a photo in Denmark before it got wet again. And so the trip comes to an abrupt end, and I thank you for your attention and the consistently wonderful feedback.
On September 14th, we all arrived home healthy and with great joy, and we said to ourselves that it was absolutely wonderful and that we were a strong team in every situation.
Sigi, Lisa and Martin
PS. Next year, health permitting, we'll go back up and running for another four months and try to make up for what we couldn't do this time.
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Goodbye and stay healthy
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Photographed with mobile phone, Sony A1 or DJI drone © Martin Schnetzler
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