Norland – Bearweb

Norway and Iceland

Skolden, Norway

Our first port was Skolden, a small town near the head of Lustrafjorden. We walked up a path that led from the visitor center to a scenic overlook along the side of the fjord.

Skolden, Norway

The last 50 m were rather steep and slippery. We enjoyed the climb, along with quite a few of our shipmates.

Skjolden

I was there, too.

Skjolden

This is the view from the road on the opposite side of the fjord.

Skjolden

Back on board Sky Princess, we watched Skjolden recede into the distance.

at Sea

Josie always enjoys the view as we cruise along the fjord and return to the open ocean.

Olden

The Oldeelva River drains into Nordfjord, the sixth longest fjord in Norway, near the town of Olden.

Olden

We rode a bus up the Kjenndalen Valley to what was the foot of the Kjenndalen Glacier about 20 years ago. The glacier has receded significantly since then.

Olden

The bus parked about half a mile from the view point. A steady stream of tourists walked along a path to the glacier. Stepping off the path to get out of the crowd, we enjoyed scenes like this.

Olden

This was as close as we could get to the Kjenndalen Glacier. Years of steady melting have left scattered debris all around. Josie disparaged it as a “Colorado glacier”.

Olden

We turned back towards the bus a little early, to give us time to explore a peaceful sidetrack. The relative solitude was refreshing.

Olden

We enjoyed lunch at a cafe set on the edge of Lake Lovatn.

Olden

After lunch, we boarded a boat on Lake Lovatn. It took us most of the way down the valley, where our bus was waiting to take us back to the port in Olden.

Alesund

The first thing we noticed when we docked in Alesund was this path leading from the city park to the top of Mt. Aksla.

Alesund

Part way up the path and its 485 steps we could see Sky Princess docked near the mouth of Geiranger Fjord.

Alesund

The viewing platform at the top of the mountain provided panoramic views, including this one of the city and inner fjord.

Alesund

The top of Mt. Aksla is quite flat. We followed a small path where we found some gnomes hiding in the scrub.

Arctic Circle Crossing

We crossed the Arctic circle on our westward journey through the Arctic Sea toward Iceland. It was the 1st of July. The sun never set.

Arctic Circle Crossing

Our Captain signed one of these silly certificates for each of us.

Akureyri

The first of our four ports in Iceland was Akureyri. This pedestrian path follows the edge of Eyjafjordur for several miles. The tourist bureau maintains signs like the one at the lower left explaining the nearby landmarks and their historical significance.

Akureyri

This is one of the oldest houses in Akureyri. It is clad with stone plates to protect it from fires.

Akureyri

The Lutheran Church dominates the entire hillside above the fjord.

Laufas Folk Museum

The Laufas Folk Museum is located about 30 km outside of Akureyri. It was a wealthy farm into the 1930s.

Laufas Folk Museum

Aside from the church, the structures are all built of sod. They are furnished as they were near the turn of the 20th century.

Laufas Folk Museum

The church is built of wood and includes this very ornate pulpit.

Godafoss Waterfall

Iceland is known for its spectacular waterfalls, many of which are used to provide hydroelectric power. This is Godafoss Falls, so named because the law speaker threw idols of the old gods into them when he converted to Christianity.

Akureyri

Somewhat surprisingly, Akureyri is home to an extensive botanical garden. These are some native Icelandic poppies.

Sudureyri

Settlements along Isafjardardjup date back to the 9th century. These fishing boats are docked in Sudureyri, resting because it was Sunday.

Sudureyri

Sudureyri is a small fishing village, trying to expand its economic base to include tourism. Cod is drying in the traditional manner in this open shed.

Sudureyri

Like the harbor, the streets of Sudureyri were virtually deserted on Sunday.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsjökull is a glacier perched on top of a volcano. It is visible from almost anywhere in Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Ancient lava flows were responsible for many of the rock formations in the park. Our tour stopped long enough to explore several of the short paths along the bluff overlooking the ocean. This is Djupalonssandur Beach.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

A ship was wrecked offshore in 1948. The crew got out safely, but the ship was never salvaged. Iron debris still litters the beach.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

The Malarrif Lighthouse guides sea traffic near small fishing villages.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

We took a pleasant walk along part of the National Park trail system.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

The rock formations are dramatic.

Westfjords

We enjoyed perfect weather for this day in the Westfjords.

Westfjords

We watched a crew unload fishing boats as we rode our tender back to Sky Princess.

Reykjavik

Our final port was Reykjavik, the only major city we visited. We made an obligatory visit to The Pearl, a museum and restaurant with a rotating glass dome built atop several huge (geothermal) hot water tanks on Oskjuhlid Hill. Most of the city is visible from the observation deck.

Arbær Open-Air Museum

We saw these Icelandic horses at the Arbær Open-Air Museum. It is a collection of buildings from an abandoned farm that were moved to a location near the center of Reykjavik. The buildings have been restored to their 19th century condition.

Arbær Open-Air Museum

There are several rather small sod buildings, each dedicated to a specific purpose. This is the kitchen.

Reykjavik

The National Cathedral in Reykjavik is known for its pipe organ. We were fortunate to hear it play during our brief visit.

Reykjavik

Josie and I left our tour near downtown Reykjavik and walked along the harbor wall to return to Sky Princess. We stopped to eat our snacks near the Sun Voyager Sculpture.

Sky Princess

In addition to our adventures ashore, I enjoyed the good life on Sky Princess. The Atrium extends from Deck 5 through Deck 7. It is the venue for informal musical and other entertainment throughout the day and provides a friendly gathering place.

Sky Princess

The chandelier hangs from the ceiling on Deck 7. The streamers reach almost to the level of Deck 6. The decor is quite over the top, but it is blue.

Sky Princess

One of my greatest pleasures was sharing good food and drinks with my dear friends Georgeann, Charlie, and Josie. We gathered for Happy Hour most evenings. This was in the Vista Lounge, where we were served by Aldrin, our favorite bartender.

Sky Princess

Dinner in one of the main dining rooms is always a spectacle, especially on formal night. We sipped champagne, anticipating our dinner of lobster tails.

Sky Princess

Mykita, our waiter in the Soliel Dining Room took good care of us.