Sunday 18 September 2011

A Perfect Ending


Sunset in Nordfjordeid

Olden and Nordfjordeid
It was a beautiful sunny morning as we sailed into Nordfjord.  At 106km long it is the sixth longest fjord in Norway.  Our first stop was in the town of Olden. The population (2009) of Olden is approximately 480. 
Two bus loads of happy people departed the pier at 08:30 to visit Briksdal Glacier. Briksdal glacier is a part of the Jostedal glacier icefield, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland.  It is located about 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of Olden, at the end of the Oldedalen valley.
People had the option of hiking three kilometres from the parking lot or they could take “Troll cars” – which are sort of like Norwegian golf carts.  The hike to the glacier is really great along forested paths with beautiful waterfalls along the route.
Waterfall on hike to Briksdal Glacier
In the afternoon we cruised deeper into the fjord and at 16:30 dropped anchor outside of Nordfjordeid.  People were free to wander about the very pretty community on their own.  The Nordfjordeid Sunday flea market was still in full swing and we were invited to the local church for a performance by the choir.
Back on the ship we were treated to a barbeque on Deck seven.  It was a perfect way to end the cruise.  As we sat on the stern enjoying delicious food and great company, the sunset keep getting more and more dramatic as the sun sank below the horizon.
Briksdal Glacier

Our superb bbq!!!

Nordfjordeid