Norway, fjords and trolls

On our Scandinavian adventure, we embark on remarkable traffic-free roads, passing through the famous Telemark region before stopping for lunch and exploring one of Norway's historical gems: the Stave Churches. These "wooden churches" are magnificent, but few have survived fire over the past 100 years. We then return to the roads that wind along the stretches of water.

We take the last of the Norwegian subsea tunnels and head towards the famous Preikestolen rock, which overlooks the fjord from over 600 meters high. The bravest among us abandon their motorcycles for a hike until midday and an extraordinary picnic with a view of the Lysefjorden. Guaranteed thrills and breathtaking views. Then, we return to our motorcycles and head to our accommodation.

Departure for beautiful Bergen, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled at the foot of seven mountains. From 1350 to 1830, Bergen was one of the four Hanseatic centers in the north, aimed at promoting trade with the Slavic world. We explore the city freely, discovering its secrets, the Hanseatic wharf... If the sun is shining, we won't miss the ascent to Mount Fløyen for refreshments and ice cream.

We reach the heart of the Norwegian fjords. The Aurlandsfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Lustrafjord are the most photographed fjords in the world. We enjoy views of the fjords in all their splendor and have lunch in an unexpected location. Back on the road for more majestic views, a visit to a craft brewery, or exploring the history of the railway in the late 19th century; the day is filled with emotions. Our last stop is in a small village classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site before arriving at our hotel on the shores of a fjord.

The arrival in Geiranger, below, is triumphant. We embark on a small cruise on the most spectacular fjord in the world. No road runs alongside it, and magnificent waterfalls adorn its cliffs, which rise more than 1500 meters. In Norway, exceptional roads are legendary; we travel on two of the most beautiful ones. If "the Vikings" are with us, as if beauty and wonder were a bottomless well, we end the day with an exceptional view of over 200 mountain peaks.

In order to better enjoy the pleasures and charm of Trondheim, after Bergen, we make another stop in the itinerary. The presence of numerous students makes Trondheim, the third-largest city in the country, particularly dynamic. It is one of the flagship locations of Norway's cultural and artistic revival. History, too, has left its mark on the heart of the city.

This morning, we take one of the many scenic routes of the country. It crosses the county of Rondane, where the first national park was created in 1962. Remaining untouched by any wild construction, it shelters, among other things, herds of Eurasian elk and muskoxen. Dreaming of traveling back in time? The Maihaugen Museum in Lillehammer grants us this little fantasy. It's the largest museum of Norwegian arts and traditions. We conclude our evening in the heart of the Olympic city.

We have until tomorrow evening to appreciate the audacity of this extraordinary European capital, in perpetual effervescence. Throughout the year, Oslo lives to the rhythm of cultural, artistic, and historical events, and there is no doubt that this city of human scale adds its final touch to this fabulous road trip. The Viking Ship Museum will be closed until 2025.