Olden/Norway

September 15, 2024 Olden

I had no plans for today and disembarked shortly after 9:00 AM with no great expectations. The tour operators' shuttles were waiting like vultures for their prey.

A young woman informed me about an offer that I liked. Bus, boat, and cable car rides, coffee and waffles, all included, lasting four hours. I liked that and agreed.

The bus took us to Loen, to the dock of the 'MS Kjenndal II' on Lovatnet Lake. We traveled the length of the lake until we reached the remote guesthouse Kjenndalstova. Along the way, we were captivated by the green glacial water of the lake, the steep high mountains, the numerous waterfalls, and the glaciers visible in the distance.

At the guesthouse, we were first taught how to eat waffles Viking-style: spread sour cream on one half, jam on the other, then fold it together and enjoy it like a sandwich. We immediately put our learning into practice and had coffee with it.

Afterward, another bus took us close to a glacier outlet (Kjenndalsbreen) of the largest glacier in continental Europe (Jostedalsbreen). The rest of the way to the viewpoint we had to walk, which we achieved in about eight minutes.

We were rewarded with a magnificent, almost surreal panorama that made us forget the cold in the rain. We enjoyed the view until it was time to return to the bus. Impressed, we traveled by boat and bus towards the ship, with one more program point to go: The Loen Skylift.

This cable car took us swiftly to the summit of a mountain over 2,000 meters high, from where there is an overwhelming view of mountains and fjords. We could even see our 'Serenade'.

Afterward, a shuttle bus took us back to the ship. After a hot tea, I listened to live music, and after dinner, I wrapped up my day's program.