NTC260A Touring Center Norway - Old Friends, New Roads
Our Norwegian adventure officially started with the welcome briefing in Ålesund. We got to know the country a little better – from the Norwegian flag and its Nordic cross to Viking history, local culture, food and a few useful things to know before heading out on the road. Then it was finally time to meet the bikes. The BMWs were lined up and waiting, and after a short introduction everyone had the chance to get familiar with their motorcycle for the week. Briefing done, bikes ready – now the real adventure can begin.
Today’s ride took us deep into the world of Norwegian legends. Along dramatic mountain roads, beneath the mighty Trollveggen and through the wild landscape around Trollstigen, it was easy to understand why people once imagined trolls hiding among these enormous cliffs and misty valleys. After all those mountains, Valldal offered a sweeter side of Norway. Famous for its strawberries and surrounded by steep green slopes, it was the perfect contrast to the rugged scenery — a day full of nice roads, spectacular views and a little Norwegian mythology.
After a beautiful morning ride through valleys, along fjords and across some of Norway’s wonderful mountain roads, we finally reached Dalsnibba. At almost 4,900 ft above sea level, the viewpoint rewarded us with an incredible panorama over the surrounding mountains and the Geirangerfjord far below. From there we descended through countless bends down to Geiranger, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjord villages. Towering cliffs, waterfalls and tiny historic farms high on the slopes surrounded us as we reached the deep blue fjord — a perfect finish to another unforgettable day on the road.
A great day along Norway’s wild Atlantic coast took us over the spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road, with its bridges twisting between tiny islands and the open sea. In the fishing village of Bud, we also visited the old German coastal fortifications from World War II — a reminder that this beautiful coastline once formed part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. Of course, a coastal day also calls for some local food. Bacalao, the Norwegian version of a hearty stockfish stew with tomatoes, potatoes and onions, was a perfect match for the maritime surroundings before we continued our ride along the ocean.
Today was all about the Norwegian fjords — enormous valleys carved deep into the mountains by glaciers over thousands of years. As the ice slowly moved toward the sea, it ground away the rock below it, leaving behind the steep-sided valleys that were later flooded by seawater when the glaciers disappeared. The weather added a little Norwegian character to the day with some rain along our planned route. No problem: we simply turned the loop around, escaped the worst of it, and suddenly the day worked out perfectly again. Sometimes the best route planning is just knowing when to ride the other way!
After some longer riding days, today was deliberately an easy-going trip to the island of Runde. We enjoyed the coastal roads and stopped for a relaxed lunch at Restaurant Brügge, surrounded by a wonderful fishing and boating atmosphere — exactly the kind of place that fits a day beside the Norwegian Sea. Runde is famous for its seabirds, especially the Atlantic puffins. Unfortunately, they decided not to make an appearance for us today, but they are fascinating little birds: when hunting for fish they can dive to around 150 ft / 45 m, using their wings almost like flippers to “fly” through the water. Maybe next time!