Sognefjellet - the roof of Norway

Or also "Northern Europe's highest mountain pass" at 1434 meters. We should go over it today. Unfortunately, the weather forecast is not great, but let's just go anyway. I couldn't resist taking on the pass with my racing bike.

In high spirits, I followed the bike signposts in Lom, which resulted in me standing on a gravel road after a few kilometers. After a short distance back, I discovered a bridge over the river, which I'm sure will lead me to the main road. There's no harm in trying, let's go. Down the gravel to the river, over a bridge that didn't inspire confidence, and from there up a steep gravel path, I reached the main road.

The road wound gently into the valley at first, increasingly interrupted by inclines and growing headwinds. I remembered why I enjoy riding serpentines; you can see what you have accomplished and the wind comes alternately. We passed the turnoff towards Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest mountain at 2469 meters.

Unfortunately, the sky continued to darken, the wind grew stronger, it noticeably cooled down, and rain was already in the air and shortly thereafter, also felt. I was very relieved when I spotted Louise, quickly put the bike away and got inside before it started pouring.

So we drove the last kilometers uphill in pouring rain. Up there is a "Sommerskisenter" (summer skiing center) and there were numerous young cross-country skiers from different countries. In pouring rain, they grabbed their skis and headed out onto the trails, respect!

Once again, it was a very impressive landscape, with views of glaciers, still a lot of snow, and slowly thawing mountain lakes. It must look amazing in better weather.

After numerous curves and a lot of braking, we have almost reached the bottom of the Sognefjord. A parking spot with a view of the Asafossen waterfall, quite something. The restaurant at the parking spot has a good reputation, so today, after exactly three weeks on the road, we will eat out for the first time; we are excited!

PS: Today is also Midsummer, which I imagined completely differently, with celebrations in all the towns, decorated houses, joyful people in flower dresses, dancing, etc. I didn't see any of that. A quick look on the internet reveals that unlike Sweden, Midsummer does not have such a high significance in Norway. It is called "Sankthans", and is usually celebrated on June 24th with bonfires, sausages, potato salad, and beer. Well then!