The Viking Experience, “RO! RO! RO!”: Discovering Norway on Two Wheels with Edelweiss

It’s Sunday, and our Norwegian adventure is officially underway! While we aren't firing up the engines just yet, today is all about the heart of any great tour: the people. Some riders arrived early to shake off the jet lag and explore Ålesund, the stunning Art Nouveau gateway to the fjords. It’s fantastic seeing so many couples in the group who share a passion for two-wheeled adventure—the energy is already electric! Breaking the Ice in Ålesund We kicked off the official program with our welcome briefing: 🍹 A warm toast: Shaking hands, sharing stories, and raising a glass to the road ahead. 🗺️ The game plan: Going over essential safety tips, route insights, and insider tricks for navigating Norwegian roads. 🤝 Connecting: Turning a group of individual riders into a unified crew. The Calm Before the Throttle We wrapped up the day with a memorable dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the bay. As the sun dipped over the water and the conversations flowed, you could feel the anticipation building at the table. The bikes are prepped, the routes are loaded, and the group is ready. Tomorrow, we finally hit the road!

We couldn’t have asked for a better start: clear skies, bright sunshine, and perfect riding weather. Our journey kicked off in Ålesund, where a cool morning breeze accompanied us up to the top of Aksla Hill for an unbeatable panoramic view over the entire bay. After this quick warm-up, we headed east on the E136, easing into the calm pace of Norwegian traffic. Fjord Coffee & The Legendary Trollstigen Our first coffee stop set the tone for the trip: sipping hot brews right by the fjord while discovering the region’s local specialty—artisanal goat cheese. But the main event was still ahead of us. The crown jewel of the day was the iconic Trollstigen (The Troll Road). This spectacular mountain pass carves its way through jagged peaks and dramatic cascades, including the breathtaking Stigfossen waterfall. Once at the summit, we grabbed a quick bite while taking in the high-altitude panorama. Strawberries & 11 Hairpin Turns As we descended into the valley, the scent of fresh strawberries filled the air. Naturally, we pulled over to sample the local strawberry cake paired with another great cup of coffee. From there, we crossed the scenic Storfjord by ferry before tackling the famous Eagle Road (Ørnevegen) down into Geiranger: 600-meter vertical descent 11 tight hairpin turns Jaw-dropping views (definitely not for the faint-hearted!) By the time we pulled up to the hotel, our faces were aching from grinning all day. What an incredible way to kick off the tour!

What a wonderful morning to wake up in our beautiful hotel overlooking the Geiranger Fjord! The top-floor breakfast restaurant offered such a breathtaking panorama that we almost forgot about the buffet... almost. Luckily, we didn't, because the sheer variety of food was incredible. After breakfast, we gathered in the lounge bar for our daily briefing, buzzing with excitement for the ride ahead. Before long, we were geared up and back on the bikes. Climbing up to Dalsnibba As soon as we hit the tarmac, the famous Geirangervegen swept us away with its iconic turns and winding switchbacks. Wanting even more, we decided to push higher up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint. The toll road up might not be cheap, but it is worth every single cent—standing at nearly 5,000 feet, the view over the fjord is simply stunning. Eventually, it was time to move on. We descended and chose an old gravel road over the modern tunnel shortcut. After all, we’re here to ride, soak in the views, and embrace a little adventure! The unpaved route delivered incredible panoramas and was exactly what we were looking for. From Turquoise Lakes to Picnic Breaks Following a quick photo stop and a coffee break at the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center, we swung back onto the bikes. We navigated twisty, increasingly narrow roads until we reached the famous Lake Lovatnet. There, one of our guides had prepared a fantastic picnic for the group. We enjoyed our lunch while staring in disbelief at the scenery around us. History, History, and Glacier Views With full stomachs, we continued toward our evening destination, stopping briefly to refuel and then visiting the Glacier Museum in Fjærland. While a few riders opted to head straight to the hotel to relax, the rest of us explored the museum before regrouping for the evening. Before dinner, the hotel owner gave us a fascinating brief on the history of the local village and the glacier sitting right on our doorstep. "The Best Riding Day of My Life" Dinner began, and what can I say? The menu was exceptional. As we chatted about the day's highlights, one of our riders made a bold declaration: this was the best riding day she had ever experienced. Keep in mind, she hasn't just been riding since yesterday—she’s been in the saddle for ten years! To beat a decade worth of motorcycle adventures speaks volumes about today's route. To top off an already perfect day, dessert arrived with a burning candle as the entire group burst into song. It was one of our rider's birthdays, and we celebrated in style! We lingered over drinks and conversation a bit longer before turning in for the night—rested, happy, and ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

Today was one of those pure riding days—300 km of incredible roads laid out ahead of us, wrapped in Norway’s untouched wilderness. Traveling through Norway also means getting used to fjord crossings by ferry. It’s always a surprisingly relaxing experience: boarding and disembarking are seamless, the modern ferries are practically silent, and they even offer surprisingly comfortable amenities on board. The Legendary Aurlandsfjellet (The Snow Road) Once back on dry land, we headed straight for the iconic Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, also known as the Snow Road. This 47-kilometer stretch between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri climbs dramatically from lush fjords up to an alpine plateau of rock and ice. The contrast between the deep blue of the Aurlandsfjord below and the desolate, lunar-like landscape at the top is nothing short of incredible. Over the summit, the road winds its way back down along a series of fun, twisting—and occasionally very narrow—switchbacks. Before reaching the valley floor, we pulled over at the famous Stegastein Lookout. Hanging 30 meters out from the mountainside and hovering 650 meters above the fjord, this viewing platform offers an unforgettable panoramic view. Midday Feasts & Cascading Waterfalls By then, stomach growls signaled it was time for lunch, so we made our way to our reservation at the Stalheim Hotel. The hotel sits in a spectacular location perched atop Stalheimskleiva, overlooking the breathtaking Nærøydalen valley. With half the day behind us, it was time to pick up the pace, but not without fitting in one more classic stop. We pulled over at the gorgeous Tvindefossen Waterfall for a quick coffee and a few photos by the rushing water. Arriving in Bergen For the final stretch, we continued southwest along the E16. Traffic naturally built up as we approached Bergen, but the reward at the end was worth it: our hotel was located right in the historic center. There is nothing quite like navigating your motorcycle right through the heart of a city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

We spent our first rest day of the tour in the breathtaking city of Bergen—the gateway to the fjords, nestled perfectly between the North Sea and surrounding mountains. Of course, no visit here is complete without admiring Bryggen, the iconic historic harbor lined with colorful wooden buildings and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A rest day means everyone is free to explore at their own pace. But since we’re here to ride, we organized an optional morning excursion for those who couldn’t stay off two wheels! Exploring Sotra & Fjell Fortress Taking it easy with a relaxed 10:00 AM rollout, we set off toward Sotra, an island just west of Bergen. Sotra is home to Fjell Fortress, a massive WWII coastal defense installation built during the German occupation. We took a guided tour through its fascinating network of underground chambers and tunnels carved directly into the rock. Perched high on a cliff, the visitor center sits right atop the authentic fortress structure, offering a unique look into local history. After wrapping up the tour, we couldn't resist taking the long way back to Bergen for a few extra miles of riding. Hot Dogs, Fish Markets, and Harbor Views Back at the hotel, a few riders traded their motorcycle gear for casual clothes and headed out to grab what locals claim is the best hot dog in Bergen! The city was buzzing with energy. From the vibrant Fish Market—which draws visitors from all over the world—to the picturesque, cobblestone alleyways, Bergen is a joy to explore on foot. To wrap up a fantastic rest day, we gathered for dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the marina, enjoying good food and great company with views of the harbor.

Another morning, another wakeup in Bergen! It had been raining all night, making the weather the main topic of conversation over breakfast—especially since the forecast predicted rain all day long. During our daily briefing in the hotel lobby, we presented two options: stick to the full, longer route or take a shortcut to dodge the downpours. Unsurprisingly, every single rider chose the full tour! With our gear on, we set off into the wet weather. Underground Roundabouts & The Hardanger Bridge After riding through the rain for a bit, we made a quick stop to stretch our legs before heading toward one of the day’s main highlights: the Hardanger Bridge. The bridge itself is massive and truly impressive, but getting there was half the thrill. We rode through a tunnel when, out of nowhere, we hit a subterranean roundabout—followed shortly by a second one built entirely inside the mountain! We pulled over to take a few photos of the spectacular suspension bridge before making our way toward lunch. Pop Culture, Waterfalls, and Coastal Roads One of our riders got especially excited when she realized our lunch stop was in the town of Odda—the real-life filming location for the series Ragnarok! As the day went on, the rain began to taper off, giving way to a few welcome stretches of sunshine as we rode toward the magnificent Langfoss Waterfall. Standing beside its roaring waters, you really appreciate Norway's raw natural beauty. Winding Down by the Sea After a quick photo stop at the waterfall, we hit the road again, navigating a series of scenic coastal routes toward the ferry. Once across, we quickly refueled the bikes and headed straight to our beachfront hotel. After hot showers and a chance to dry off, we gathered for dinner—wrapping up an epic day of riding with cold beers and live music.

Sola is a charming Norwegian beach resort nestled near Stavanger—the country's bustling economic hub and oil capital. We wake up to heavy humidity and a light drizzle. The forecast isn't promising either, with rain locked in until 4:00 p.m. It’s a bit of a shame: bad weather means tackling Preikestolen (the iconic cliff towering over Lysefjord) is off the table, and riding the bikes wouldn't be much fun. But every cloud has a silver lining—we decide to turn the morning into a slow, relaxing retreat at our hotel spa. Afternoon Maintenance & City Exploration By early afternoon, we take advantage of the downtime to get our hands dirty and do some routine maintenance on a few of the motorcycles. Once the bikes are sorted, we head into Stavanger to explore the city streets and pick up a few things. Luck is on our side as the weather begins to clear up, making the afternoon fly by. Winding Down in Sola After a great dinner, we gather at the hotel bar to end the day on a high note. Surrounded by good company, cold beers, and fantastic live music, it turns out to be the perfect rest day after all.

Sunday starts early. By 9:00 a.m., we’re already in the saddle, facing a solid 200-mile ride ahead. Heading east, our route winds through rolling hills toward the breathtaking Lysefjord—a name meaning "light fjord," inspired by the pale granite cliffs that flank its waters. It’s also home to the world-famous Preikestolen cliff. While skydiving is huge here, we’re on two wheels, which delivers just as much of an adrenaline rush on these roads. After snapping a quick photo of the fjord, we pull over for our first coffee break at Byrkjedalstunet. This spot is truly special: the walls are adorned with vintage photos and artifacts from a mid-1800s cheese dairy and local homesteads, filling the room with warm history and rustic charm. Conquering the Hairpins of Lysevegen Next up is one of the absolute highlights of the trip. We climb through a surreal, lunar-like landscape for 25 kilometers before reaching Øygardstøl, a panoramic cafe perched above Lysevegen—one of Norway’s most spectacular roads. Featuring 27 hairpin bends and an elevation drop of over 900 meters, it’s a rider’s dream. Built in the early 1980s for the Tjodan Hydroelectric Project, the road’s engineering is fascinating. To tackle the sheer rock wall known as "Råså," engineers built a unique corkscrew tunnel inside the mountain that pops out onto the "Okslå" ledge. From there, the road spirals down, opening up into incredible views of Lysedalen, Lysebotn, and the fjord below. Today, though, fog and rain obscure the view. The steep drop-off makes a few riders cautious, so they opt to stay warm at the shelter on top. The rest of us? We’re like kids in a candy store, tackling the tight curves up and down. Luck stays on our side: the rain stops, and the skies begin to clear. Fuel Drama & Mountain Passes The day isn't done with surprises. Suddenly, finding a gas station becomes urgent—someone is running on fumes, and nobody wants to push a motorcycle up a mountain. Luckily, as soon as we hit the main road at the valley floor, a station appears. A few bikes roll in with literally 0 km of range left on the display... crisis averted! Re-fueled, we hit Suleskarvegen, the highest road in southwestern Norway, linking Suleskar in Sirdal to Brokke in Setesdal, taking us over the peaks toward Dalen. Before dropping down into the Telemark region, we’re treated to another highlight: our second legendary Edelweiss picnic. The mountain air is crisp, but spirits are high. As we descend, the temperature jumps from a chilly 7°C to a comfortable 20°C. One last coffee stop warms us up before we enjoy the smooth, sweeping curves leading to our final stop: the Straand Hotel in Vrådal. A Rider's Welcome in Vrådal The Straand Hotel has been welcoming travelers since 1864, when Kari and Olav Straand first established a coaching station here. That heritage is everywhere, especially in the cozy central lounges with their original timber walls and antique furniture. Still owned and run by the Straand family, it effortlessly blends rich history with modern hospitality. It’s not every day you’re greeted at a hotel entrance by a taxidermy bear standing next to a state-of-the-art motorcycle—and as riders, that’s exactly our kind of vibe!

All good things must come to an end. Today marks our final day in the saddle, and we’re making every kilometer count. We kick off the day riding through the heart of the Telemark region. Sweeping down quiet back roads away from the tourist crowds, this stretch is all about the pure joy of the ride—enjoying this incredible journey to the absolute fullest. To cover the 320 km separating us from Norway’s capital, we pick up the pace, soaking in every twist and turn. It may be our last day, but the adventure isn't over yet. We charge full speed ahead toward Hardangervidda National Park, the largest plateau in Northern Europe. As we draw closer to Oslo, the traffic gradually picks up—a stark contrast to the vast, empty roads we’ve had to ourselves over the past few days. Once we pull up to the hotel, it’s time to celebrate the end of an epic journey. We guides set up the legendary "bootbeer"—because honestly, what’s better than a ice-cold beer (or soft drink) the second you step off the bike? With a touch of melancholy, our riders hand back their motorcycle keys. Later, at our farewell dinner, stories flow as everyone shares their favorite moment from the road. It’s time to say goodbye. SKÅL to all our fellow bikers—may the roads ahead be long and full of fun!