We were told we would be entering  the Hardangerfjord at 1 am, arriving at the town at 9am. 

Apparently there are 20,000 reindeer in area

Longest suspension bridge in Europe, 22nd in world and longer than Golden Gate….. built in 2013. The ocean is 160 ft below the deck meaning our cruise ship could get under it but not others. This fjord is the 2nd longest fjord in Norway.  Eidfjord at the end of that fjord that is 180 kms long. 

It is cool today….8 C with wind. 

Last ice age eroded and cut the land here to what we are seeing,  10,000 years ago. 

The sea water in Eidfjord is less salty (brackish) than further down the fjord where all the fresh water mixed with the ocean sea water. 

The next branch of the fjord we are travelling to is Simangerfjord. 

The goat farm way up the mountain at 2000 ft, has been in existence for 350 years. 

There is a huge power plant at the end of the fjord that is big enough to supply enough power to city of Bergen for 1 year. 

Power plant is in a 700 metre tunnel through the mountain from the lakes. The plant is actually built inside the mountain. 

Now on the bus…..

They never run out of water in Norway. 90% power is from water power. Gas is exported as is hydro power and oil. 

The fjord doesn’t ever freeze although the lakes do. There are no commercial fishing in the fjord…. because there are not enough fish. 

Apples are grown, mostly for cider production. Cherries & plums are also grown. 

The population of Eidfjord is only 970 but increases with the cruise ships from April to October, at the latest. 

Lots of fish farms, not that I saw any. 

RV parks are private usually owned by farmers ….to make extra income. 

All the animals have to be kept inside during the winter cuz there is too much snow. 

Lots of tunnels have been built because of rock falls on roads exposed. With tunnels, the roads don’t get covered with snow in the winter either. 

We are told that we are lucky today because it’s not raining and the clouds will not be preventing us from seeing the waterfall.  As it turned out there were also sunny breaks…almost!

Vøringsfossen Waterfall is a 318 metres (500 ft)drop.

In the winter the falls is frozen a blue colour. The falls are closed October to April, there are no tourists

Reindeer are hunted in the fall. 

Northern Norway is busier in the winter because people come for the northern lights. This area is all about skiing where children learn at as young as 3 years. 

Not much sun in winter for 6-8 weeks because of lack of daylight and shade from mountains. 

12 cubic metres of water must be allowed to go down the river at all times otherwise there can be no waterfall.

Houses must have ladder on the outside so the chimney sweep is able to access the chimney from the outside. Because there is a fire in the chimney at Christmas, Santa comes to the front door….

Smoked salted ribs of lamb is the treat for Christmas dinner.