Sunday 19th August 2018
It is hard to describe how insignificant you feel when standing in the Geiranger valley, next to the fjord of the same name, looking up and around at the gigantic landscape that surrounds you.
But it is also hard to put into words the ever changing views that you will experience 1500 metres high at Dalsnibba looking down towards the Geirangerfjord and the mountains around. On a clear day 😉
About 13 miles from the village of Geiranger, taking the twisting and turning road up the side of the valley we made our way towards Mount Dalsnibba. The views alone from the car journey up are spectacular enough!
There are several spots where you can stop, traffic permitting, to take in the breathtaking views and scenery. The main viewpoint area being Flydalsjuvet.
A small section of early road building skills named Knuten can also be experienced on the drive up or down from Geiranger.
As we climbed higher the temperature began to drop and the landscape changed from verdant green to a mountainous landscape. Snow capped mountains, glaciers, scattered boulders, fast moving streams and waterfalls completed the picture.
Although we did spot a trio of sheep enjoying what little vegetation they could find.
As we approached Lake Djupvatnet we took a left towards the toll booth and the road known as Nibbevegen which leads to the Geiranger Skywalk at the top of Mt Dalsnibba.
We paid 140 NOK for the privilege. Some would argue that this is a little over the top, when you can enjoy views over the Geirangerfjord from Eagles Road for nothing but these major road building projects have to be paid for somehow?
The skywalk is relatively new and was only opened in 2016.
On the day we visited there were very few people there although it was close to 5 o’clock and the shop was closed but toilet facilities were open.
The temperature had plummeted to 4 degrees and despite the clouds forming and obliterating the views some of the time, they quickly dispersed and we were able to enjoy the wondrous landscape in peace and quiet, albeit a little chilly 😉 Although not as chilly as someone who got out of their car wearing shorts and a tee-shirt! He quickly recognised the error of his ways and returned to his car for some extra layers 😉
Time to head for home and enjoy the views all over again on the way back.