It’s no secret that Norway has a beautiful coastline, especially considering those world-famous fjords. But for the very best of Norway, I prefer to head a little more inland. And up. Up and up and up, until I’m above the trees.
Actually, in Norway you don’t have to go that high up before you pass the tree line – I guess because it’s so cold here? In fact, over a third of mainland Norway is above the tree line. Which means…
Views forever!
I love the landscape above the tree line, where trees are replaced by small shrubs and berry bushes, and everything is covered in a thick layer of soft moss – perfect for throwing myself onto when the hike gets too hard and I just can’t go on.
There’s just something about being high up above the trees. I’ve never had much interest in diving deep into the sea (okay fine, just the thought of diving fills me with clausterphobia) but climbing high up a mountain towards the heavens I get. I can’t get enough of it. I guess it’s that same hubris that keeps me stubbornly climbing to a peak when all my body wants is to collapse on the soft bed of moss beneath me.
After spending a night in my friend Eirik’s cabin last weekend, we all went on a 4-hour hike up Tostenkollen. And I only collapsed twice!
I think I was still a pain to hike with though, because I could not stop taking photos. Those colors! Those views!
It was the perfect place to stop for some chocolate and hot tea. Well, except for the fact that it was super windy and cold.
But in Scandinavia there’s an old saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing,” and so when Eirik saw me shivering he rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a wind sack for me to warm up in!
Are wind sacks really a thing? I had never heard of them before, but now I need to get one because it was magic! Like having your own personal tent that you can walk around in. Plus it’s so stylish!
It even had little arms so that I could continue taking photos of the pretty view.
It’s always sad heading back down a mountain, but this time we had something to look forward to: dinner at Eirik’s parents’ home! We practically ran down the mountain in hunger and were rewarded with a delicious meal that included moose meat and milk fresh from the cows. Because Norway.
Eirik’s family runs a farm that has been in their family forever. As in, before the United States was even a country forever. When Dan heard this he eagerly asked if my Norwegian family didn’t have a farm they were looking to pass down to me, but sadly I think I’m just about last in line to inherit my grandmother’s family’s farm, sigh. I mean, whatever, I’d rather run a hostel anyway.
The best Folldal accommodation
While I stayed at a friend’s cabin in Folldal, you can also stay in a traditional Norwegian cabin at Løkken Fjellgård, right on the edge of Rondane National Park. This is like the ultimate Norwegian experience – way better than staying in a generic hotel in one of the crowded tourist hubs! Check current rates for Løkken Fjellgård here
Another wonderful place to stay in Folldal is Kverbergsøya Gård, set on a farm from the 1600s. Again, this is just such a better experience than staying in a generic hotel in a tourist city – definitely a memorable experience to have in Norway! Check current rates and availability here
Where would you rather go – deep into the sea or up into the mountains?
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Rachel says
The pictures look amazing! Wow Norway! And also amazing in a geeky/techy/resolution way!
Those views look incredible, I’ve never really thought about the tree line until I read this. I think definitely need a wind sack too, how have I – as someone who is perpetually cold – not come across one of these?
Rachel says
Oh, and best of luck job hunting!
Silvia says
Thanks! Um, embarrassing but I once again managed to put it off another week, ahhh.
Silvia says
Right? When I Googled it I only found a Scandinavian brand selling them, so maybe wind sacks aren’t a thing anywhere else yet? They should be!
Rachel says
Ah, maybe I’ll get one when I come over to Norway next spring then! Haha, putting of job hunting, hee hee, that sounds like something I’d do!
Silvia says
Yesss I hope you do see them! Um, the job hunting thing is so bizarre, I think because to work here I need to stop freelancing, but since I don’t have a job yet I don’t feel like I should turn down any freelance opportunities… but that means I have no time to job hunt. I’m caught in a cycle!
Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki says
A wind sack, I need one of these! The colors are so pretty, hiking is my favorite thing to do in Iceland!
Silvia says
I was always secretly jealous of your weekend hiking trips so now I feel like I’m living the dream! haha
Joella says
I love the new header! I don’t know about the pathetic part (err who wouldn’t want sparkly icons!) but I remember feeling pretty satisfied with myself when I changed my blog design haha! There is something so satisfying about googling code and and it actually doing what you want! I love the wind sack too- such a great idea, everyone should have one!
Joella says
I actually couldn’t see the sparkly icons earlier because I was on my ipad. Now I’ve come back to check it (yes..I’ve been dreaming of them all day…!) and I’m totally jealous! Haha! Did they come with your template?
Silvia says
Haha I love that you came back to check! I made two sets of icons in picmonkey (I found a swatch of glitter background online and cropped it into a circle) and then I used this tutorial to set the sparkle versions to appear when you hover your mouse: http://www.carrieloves.com/2013/03/how-to-add-cool-hover-effect-with-social-media-icons/.
Silvia says
Not understanding the codes definitely makes it seem like magic when they work!
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says
Well, I currently spend my time under the sea, so I’d LOVE a change of pace and do a hike in Norway! It looks absolutely stunning!
Silvia says
Haha a mountain in Norway would definitely be quite the change of environment for you!
Melanie Fontaine says
The wind sack is one heck of a fashion statement! 😉 I fell so in love with hiking when I lived in Norway and I miss the mountains around Bergen almost every single day – there are pretty landscapes in Germany as well, but nothing that comes even remotely close to the epicness of the Norwegian mountains and so soaking up your pictures is such a joy for me! 🙂 Good luck with your job search! 🙂
Silvia says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos! Epic is the perfect word for Norwegian mountains!
Mary says
I LOVE the new layout! And I LOVE your photos. I can’t imagine how beautiful it must be at the top of those mountains. Nice camouflage!
Silvia says
Ahhh so glad you like the new layout! I did it so quickly that I suddenly thought maybe I had made a huge mistake, ha.
Mary B says
Mountains! I’m also a scuba diver, but I prefer exploring in places where I don’t need an oxygen tank to survive.
Also: I <3 the glitter.
Silvia says
Haha agreed, I like to breathe on my own 🙂 I’m ridiculously proud of the glitter – so glad you like it!
CavaforLunch says
Wonderful photos! It really makes me miss the Norwegian mountains – but I must admit that the Scottish Highlands are pretty cool as well xx
Silvia says
If you’re going to exchange Norwegian mountains for anything, I think the Scottish Highlands are a good choice 🙂
Chalsie says
Wow, those views! I’m heading to Norway soon. I cannot wait!!
Chalsie x
Wayfare | Travel and Life Blog
Victoria@ The British Berliner says
I love all your photographs Silvia! Norway looks amazing and so does the new layout. I’m sure that I’ve mentioned it somewhere before but if I haven’t, glitter forever!
So to answer your question, it would have to be mountains. I like wind, valleys, streams, rivers and rocks! Oh and a helping hand to actually get up them LOL!
Silvia says
I’m so glad you like the glitter!!! And that you’re a mountain girl – definitely the right choice!
MARILYN LEVIN says
Looooove Norway. My son and his family lived there for 4 years and I visited 8 times. Beautiful scenery and people.
A MUST!!!!!