CVE2501 Viking experience
Norway on Two Wheels: From Oslo to Vrådal Today’s ride took us deep into the heart of Norway, from the elegant charm of Oslo to the peaceful mountain village of Vrådal — a journey filled with culture, nature, and a few thrilling curves. We set off from the beautiful Lysebu Hotel in Oslo under a soft, cloudy sky. The morning air was crisp, with the kind of quiet you only get in the mountains. After a smooth start, we soon found ourselves winding through Norway’s timeless countryside, where every bend reveals a new postcard view. One of our first highlights was a visit to the Heddal Stave Church — Norway’s largest and perhaps most impressive stave church. With its towering wooden spires and centuries of history carved into every beam, it was a powerful reminder of the country’s deep cultural roots. Surrounded by green hills and silence, it felt like stepping back in time. Later, as we traced the path of the Telemark Canal, we stopped at the Vrangfoss Locks — the largest and most complex lock system along the canal. Watching the water rise and fall as boats navigated through was a fascinating glimpse into Norway’s engineering past, and a great excuse to stretch our legs. But the real cherry on top came at the end of the day: a twisty mountain road packed with switchbacks that demanded full attention and rewarded every turn. It was pure riding bliss — the kind of road that reminds you why you ride in the first place. We rolled into Vrådal in the early evening, tired but grinning, ready for a well-earned dinner and some lakeside peace. Tomorrow brings a new route and new surprises, but today’s ride will be hard to beat.
Today we headed more to the west. First we drove out of the Telemark Mountains and were able to see the first beautiful lakes and mountains, some of them with glaciers. Again and again we saw the traditional houses with the meadow on the roof, also called Grasdakkhus and a lot of sheeps. At lunchtime we had a great picnic in the most beautiful side of Norway. After we had regained our strength, the highlight of the day came: 28 hairpin bends over 5 km with an altitude difference of 700 m. Once we arrived in Lysboten, the route led us west to Sola, our destination for today, a great hotel right on the sandy beach on the west coast of Norway
Three Paths, One Adventure: Exploring the Stavanger Region Today was all about choice and adventure, as we split our group into three smaller teams—each setting out to explore a different side of the stunning Stavanger region. Whether it was by foot, throttle, or city stroll, everyone found their own rhythm—and a story to tell. Group One stayed local and dove into the charm of Stavanger itself. With its colorful wooden houses, lively harbor, and cozy cafés, the city offered a laid-back contrast to the days of twisty roads. Some wandered through the old town, others visited the Norwegian Petroleum Museum or simply enjoyed the relaxed vibe along the waterfront. Group Two geared up for a more active day: a ride-and-hike combo to the legendary Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). The motorbike approach alone was already beautiful, carving through winding mountain roads. Once at the trailhead, they laced up their boots for the hike. Sadly, the famous viewpoint at the top was shrouded in clouds today—but even without the panorama, the sense of accomplishment and raw nature made it worthwhile. Group Three opted for a scenic motorcycle tour along Norway’s southern coast. It was a day of open roads, salty sea air, and stunning coastal views. The route wound through small villages and rocky shores, and the group topped it off with a peaceful coffee break in a charming greenhouse café—a perfect moment of calm with warm drinks and good company. At the end of the day, stories and laughter filled the dinner table as the three groups came back together—each with a unique version of the same great day on the road.
Riding Through the Elements: From Sola to Bergen on Two Wheels Today’s journey took us along one of Norway’s most breathtaking routes — from Sola to Bergen, through a landscape that felt like it was pulled straight from a fantasy novel. It was a day of extremes: towering waterfalls, mystical fjords, and relentless rain, all wrapped in the kind of atmosphere that makes riding in Norway an unforgettable experience. The ride began near the coast in Sola, with damp roads and grey skies hinting at what was to come. But no weather could dull the raw beauty of the landscape. As we wound our way north, the scenery became increasingly dramatic — sheer cliffs rising from the water, waterfalls crashing down beside the road, and fjords stretching endlessly into the distance. What made it truly magical were the low-hanging clouds, drifting between the mountains like smoke, giving everything a surreal, dreamlike quality. It felt like riding through a Norse legend — every turn revealing another hidden valley or thunderous cascade of water plunging down the rocks. Of course, it wouldn’t be Norway without a little challenge from the elements. The rain was intense at times — constant, soaking, and unyielding — but with every drop came another layer of connection to the wild nature around us. Fortunately, we were well prepared with proper rain gear, so we stayed dry and comfortable throughout the ride. As we arrived in Bergen, we felt that quiet thrill of having completed something special. It wasn’t just about the destination — it was the journey through wind, water, and wonder that made today so unforgettable. Let me know if you’d like to tweak the tone, add more personal touches, or translate it!
There were several options today. If you felt like it, you could take a nice rest day motorcycle ride and explore the archipelago gardens on the Straume peninsula near Bergen. There was also a lot to see in Bergen, of course the historic bryggen district, a ride on the cable car to enjoy the view of the city or a stroll through the fish market. In the afternoon, Bergen offers many stores for strolling and shopping, as well as a variety of culinary specialties adapted to Norwegian cuisine.
Today's holiday takes us further inland towards the east to the large glaciers. We leave Bergen and set off in heavy rain. But this doesn't stop us, because Norway is known for its giant waterfalls, which today carry even more masses of water with them. Our first stop takes us to Tvindefossen, which plunges over a rugged cliff into a picturesque river valley. We drive along rushing rivers and make our lunch stop today at a fjord. We then continue to the Stegastein viewpoint. Here we have a magnificent view of the entire mountain range. We reach Aurlandsfjellet, a high mountain range at over 1200 m with lots of snow. Finally, we head back down into the valley and end the day with a cold drink at a great hotel by the fjord.
Epic Roads & Perfect Weather: From Fjærland to Geiranger There are good riding days — and then there are the days you’ll talk about for years. Today was firmly the latter. With the sun shining and temperatures just right, we left Fjærland behind and decided to make the most of it: take the longest route, ride all the best roads, and enjoy every moment of it. The morning kicked off with a stunning series of curvy mountain roads full of switchbacks, climbs, and sweeping views that made it hard to decide whether to focus on the road or the scenery. Norway’s landscape felt like it was showing off — snowcapped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and deep valleys all glowing under perfect skies. Around midday, Julian had something special planned: a picnic at Lake Lovatnet. But just as we arrived, the van decided to take a break — refusing to start. Luckily, it picked the perfect spot to break down: right on the lakeshore, with a breathtaking view of the turquoise water and towering mountains. So, without missing a beat, we rolled out the picnic and made the most of it. Sandwiches taste better in the sun, especially next to a fjord. In the afternoon, we continued along what many of us agreed was the best riding route of the entire week. The roads were pure joy — flowing curves, quiet stretches, and the kind of terrain that reminds you why Norway is a dream for motorcyclists. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, we finished with a spectacular gravel section, remote and wild, with sweeping views and just the right touch of adventure. We rolled into Geiranger in the early evening, tired in the best way possible. The iconic fjord unfolded beneath us as we descended into town — a picture-perfect end to an unforgettable day on two wheels.
From Fjord to Coast: Riding from Geiranger to Ålesund After the dramatic peaks and deep valleys of Geiranger, today's ride to Ålesund brought a beautiful shift in scenery — from high alpine landscapes to the open sea. It wasn’t the sunniest day of the trip, but with mostly dry roads and only a bit of rain here and there, it was perfect for riding. We left Geiranger with one last look over the fjord, twisting our way up the Eagle Road, its legendary hairpins giving us one final adrenaline kick before we settled into the rhythm of the ride. The route north unfolded gently, winding through quiet valleys, alongside deep lakes, and past scattered farms that seemed untouched by time. A major highlight of the day was our visit to the Trollstigen lookout. Standing high above the world-famous mountain road, we looked down at the steep switchbacks snaking through the valley below — a masterpiece of engineering and nature combined. With the clouds drifting around the peaks and cliffs, the view was absolutely breathtaking, and the scale of the landscape made us feel wonderfully small. As we continued on, the weather kept us guessing — a few light showers passed through, adding a bit of drama to the skies, but never enough to dampen the mood. In fact, the low-hanging clouds gave the fjords a mystical atmosphere, like riding through a Nordic legend. The final stretch toward Ålesund brought a change in tone: wide coastal roads, island bridges, and views out over the ocean. We arrived in Ålesund in the late afternoon, welcomed by its colorful Art Nouveau architecture and laid-back harbor vibe. After a stroll through town and a warm drink, we parked the bikes for the night — tired, content, and already reminiscing. This was a fantastic final ride to end an epic trip.