Having fallen in love with the fjords, we set off once again in convoy to find more breath taking views. Our first point of call was Norway’s second largest city, Bergen. It is an old and colourful city, with a real juxtaposition of the old and the new. Life is centred around the picturesque harbour, where old German trade buildings have been repurposed as cafes and shops, but still retain their charm.
After exploring the alleyways and rickety staircases, we camped on the bank of a scenic fjord and enjoyed the setting sun. Tomorrow we will head of to Stavanger by yet another ferry and on to Preikestolen, known as Pulpit Rock.
Preikestolen has to be one of the busiest and most photographed sights in Norway. Accessible from the visitors centre and car park, it is a steep and fairly strenuous 2.5hr ascent and early in the year the proper equipment is essential. Crampons are available to rent and even at Easter there’s a lot of ice to negotiate and we saw several parties slipping and falling in very inappropriate footwear and clothing. In the shade it was very cold, but in the sun you were at risk of sunburn. The rock itself sits 650m above the fjord and is breathtakingly beautiful, well worth the effort. There is a large and well equipped campsite close by with a very warm reception and great facilities. There are many adventurous activities locally from kayaking and mountain biking, to climbing, helicopter tours and a zip wire.
The Pulpit Rock – Preikestolen
This for me was the highlight of the tour. Stunning views rewarded the effort and even someone of moderate fitness can and should achieve the climb. Care should be taken and appropriate gear worn and carried, but wow! So worth it!
The Little Red Bus 