This summer I am going to Finnmark by car, driving from my hometown Stavanger. It is a long journey but I will visit several places of interest along the route.
The first scenic route that I have just visited – is Gaularfjellet. Starting at the scenic village Balestrand by the famous fjord – Sognefjorden.
The scenic village Balestrand is located in the middle of Sognefjorden – Norway’s longest, deepest fjord. This area houses several villas from the 18th and 19th century which were built in Dragon Style and Swiss Chalet Style, the historic waterfront hotel Kviknes (1752) is one of them.
Kviknes Hotel‘s traditions of hospitality go right back to 1752. The Kvikne family, which owns the hotel today, took over in 1877. Kviknes is a modern hotel with old-world charm and atmosphere and with 190 guest rooms is one of the most traditional hotels in Norway. The hotel is graced with an extensive collection of artworks and antiques, which give it its special style.
GAULARFJELLET- scenic route – starts from Balestrand, and runs along some fjords before the road begins to climb up towards the top of the mountain.
Fjord landscape along the arms of Sogneflorden: Esefjorden, Sværefjorden and Vetlefjorden.
After climbing up towards the top of the mountain you can admire the magnificent view from the rest area/view point of Utsikten
UTSIKTEN:
Along the mountain road:
LIKHOLFOSSEN
Another great stop is Likholefossen. A walk over the flexible steel bridge across the waterfall is a nice experience. From the bridge you can continue your stroll along the Fossestien, the path lining this protected river.
The hiking path Fossestien along the Gaula river follows old trails and mountain routes leading from Gaularfjellet to the Viksdalen valley. The path extends 21 km and passes fourteen waterfalls and seven lakes. To reach the path you can park in one of four different places: Eldal, Likholefossen, Longestølen and Torsnesstølen.
