Norwegian Woods

In Norway, I've been told that Sundays are a day that are typically used for the family to spend time together. More often than not, this means going up to a family cabin, or just taking one of the many hiking paths scattered throughout Norway. While there is still snow on the ground, many take to the trails adorned in their best cross country skis.

Helene and I hit the trails with typical winter gear, except we were trekking with normal boots.

We started on our way to our destination, a cabin owned by a family who now opens it up to the public for refreshments and a way to warm up before heading back down or continuing through the woods. The trail was well groomed, and wide enough for skiers on both sides, as well as a large center lane for anyone that needed to climb slopes with skis on.

The whole hike was really endearing. People of all ages were speeding by us. Kids as young as maybe 3 years old were being pulled along by their parents. Young couples, or entire families; best friends, or lonesome adventurers; they were all out. I really began to understand what a culture it is to have such a strong pastime that really excluded no one.

It was scenic to say the least. We passed by birch and pine forests. Man made dams that cascaded water in streams below. Bridges, ice dams, snow capped boulders dotted the pathways. As we climbed we wound around large lakes draped in a obscuring mist.

The climb was tough, as we slogged through soft snow. Skiers own the trails. So, pedestrian hikers better move. By the time we reached the cabin, it was a little more than 4 kilometers, uphill. As promised, there was a large fire warming up tired hikers, and skiers alike. I stopped in for the national candy, Kvikk Lunsj, which is a slightly saltier, darker chocolate version of a Kit-Kat bar. I was told this is what parents incentivize their children with to make a cold and challenging hike to cabins every Sunday. I also scarfed down a sweet waffle folded over with butter and that caramel goat cheese (dairy and bread products are a theme here). I'm calling it a Norwegian lunch.

A quick bathroom break and a few swigs of water, and we were ready to head back down the path. Luckily the mist was beginning to lift, but the head wind was there the whole time. By the time we made it back to the lake, I was able to get a clear shot of it.

Exhausted, we crawled back into the car to set off back to the apartment where I could plan the next steps of my trip. Overall, we were out for maybe 3 hours, and walked 8 kilometers.

We lit up the wood stove to dry out and warm up. I should state that this is the coolest stove I have ever seen. I'll leave you all with that.

Next up, the scenic railroad and fjords.