Norway in the Summer

In January last year my parents and I spent a week in Bergen, and I fell in love with Norway! And I saw parts of the country all covered in magical snow! But I wanted to experience Norway in its summer glory. Several of my friends had recommended a Oakhall which is a Christian travel company conveniently they had a 7 day trip to Norway perfectly aligned with my days off!

I must say I was slightly nervous as it was my first time travelling this way, but it was all for nothing! I met some amazing people.

We landed in Bergen and spent the afternoon exploring the city, before heading to the centre we were staying at for the week. It was great to stroll the snow free streets, but as typical Norwegian Summer - it was pouring with rain! The fish market was open and sold a bunch of interesting things, none of which I am afraid to say i was brave enough to try! I then headed up the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen which over looks the city. I was awestruck after having had stood in the exact same spot 7 months before when it was covered in snow!

We then traveled by road over a few fyords to our accommodation at Brandoy Ungdomsheim which is a Christian conference centre right on the banks of the Skanevikfjord. It is an amazing facility with incredible views. They provided all meals and packed lunches when we were out! and had several activities to keep you busy around, such as canoeing along the fyords, local walks, climbing walls and the best part - a trampoline!

On our first day at the centre a few of us headed out for a hike up one of the mountains in the area, it was described as a 'typical Norwegian hike', it was beautiful and so so green, but oh so very very muddy! One definitely needs some decent waterproof shoes for these walks! Regardless of my soaking muddy feet, the hike was indeed amazing, with the greenest scenery you have seen. Norwegians are well known for the folklore of trolls and 'hidden folk' in the woods, after seeing these paths I can totally understand all the stories!

The following day we headed out to Folgefonna Glacier, the thirds largest Glacier in Norway covering 220 km. On our way there we stopped to admire Latefossen, a twin waterfall, one of the nine largest in the world. Folgefonna is a beautiful park with a short 20 min walk before your gaze hits the majestic glacier. If you are brave enough, you can swim in the lake at the bottom, i will warn you it is COLD, but a definite MUST do when you visit, but even just the walk in the park is breathtaking.

The Oakhall trips work by planning a few excursions, but also allow for a day off here and there. On out day off, a few of us ventured off for another Norwegian Walk - a 10km walk through the mountains, in a full on thunder storm! Can't say I have ever dine that but it is great to see how the Norwegians don't let the rain stop everyday life, with some decent waterproof gear you'l be nice and dry!

Our second excursion took us to a beach in the town of Akrahamn, which is off the North sea, luckily the rain cleared up while we were there and I have an unspoken rule of if you at the beach, and you have your costume ...you have to swim.

After our swim we headed to the adorable town -Skudeneshavn, which i instantly fell in love with. Skudeneshavn is one of the towns in Karmøy, it is one of the smallest town in Norway, and won second prize in NORTRA's competition for Norway's Best Preserved Small Town. I will just let the pictures show you how picture perfect it is!

We also spent a day exploring the town of Haugesund, which is a slightly larger town with its own harbour overlooking the island of Risoy. On our way to Haugesund, we stopped off at the Norwegian History Museum in Avaldsnes, which is a great way to learn more about Norway and the Viking history. Once you done in the museum, and you've tried on some traditional dress you can take a walk out to a traditional viking farm. Avaldsnes is also home to one of the oldest churches - Olavskirken, originally built in 1024 and refurbished in 1250. Definitely worth a visit!

On our last day we travelled to Stavanger where we were able to freely explore before heading off to the airport. Stavanger is a definitely must see, with great harbour full of festivities. It also has its own old town, as well as several streets of shops to explore. Stavanger, has its own touch of culture with several very characteristic, colourful streets - Øvre Holmegate with an adorable coffee shop - Bøker og Børst. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is well known, and recommend, I did not manage to get there, but heard great reviews from my fellow travellers. There are still tons of thing in the surrounding areas I would love to do, so another trip is definitely in the pipe line!