Sunday, June 24, 2018

Flam



Took Oslo-Myrdal and flam train  known as flamsbana   


My little seductive princess


The Huldra is a Norwegian seductive forest creature. A secret troll princess hidden near the Kjosfossen waterfall. Other names include the Swedish skogsrå meaning lady ruler of the forest and Tallemaja the pine tree Mary.
 
Photo taken in Norway at the Kjosfossen waterfall. For those who wander... Mary is real, no photoshop manipulation. People who travel with the famous Flåmsbana train know this Huldra show .
 


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Monday, May 28, 2018

Norway Tour options



This is  "Scrach pad" for the trip planning to Vestlandnet( Western/Northern) Norway

Tour options

Day 1:
Arrival Oslo (June 23) 
Day 2:
Train to Flåm -> Ferry to Balestrand (June 24) 
Day 3:
Fjordcruise to Bergen, Explore Bergen  June 25) 
Day 4:
Fjordcruise to Baroniet in Hardanger (OPTIONAL) June 26 
Day 5:
Explore Bergen on your own. Rosendal ? -> Embark Ship June 27
Day 6:
Arrival Ålesund | Drive to Geiranger June 28 
Day 7:
Fjordcruise Geiranger (OPTIONAL) | Driving to Lom  ?? 
Day 8:
Enjoy your morning in Jotunheimen ??  | Drive to Åndalsnes
Day 9:
Drive to Innerdal and onwards to the Atlantic road
Day 10:
Kristiansund to Trondheim | Depature Norway (July 2)  D

Day 11 : stockhol, Day 12 : Fly back to EWR 

Tushar :  (https://www.kimkim.com/tp/qM51mQMd?kimkim_user_token=Qm8pv3-ANuazbn9gC2jvURMph7gN6WQrs3nbt5j

https://www.kimkim.com/tp/qM51mQMd


Person in Contact, Norway: Ingrid Thornes
Company name: Ethical Travel Portal 
Phone number: +47 41645722 (please call me at this number of any emergencies/ concerns as I will have my phone with me at all times!)
E-mail: ingrid@ethicaltravelportal.com / 
Web: www.ethicaltravelportal.com

Amita-Kumar : (Firebird :https://www.firebirdtours.com/client/itinerary-a081A00000sOT8Y-0060h000015tjQd)

I  Oslo 

II Bergen

visitbergen.com

Interactive Map: https://fjordmap.no/map#/

Organized Day trips 
1) Hardanger round trip with a bus: https://www.norwaynutshell.com/hardangerfjord-in-a-nutshell/     Timetable   map

II Alesund

visitalesund.com  +47 70163430 ; info@visitalesund.com 


(suggested  Dovre-Sunndalsfjella National Park is a Norwegian national park located in the high mountain area of ​​Dovre and Sunndalsfjella,  but too far in East) 
Alesund-Loen   86 Miles  2hr 44 min. 

 Day by Day layered customized Map 

 1) Day1 (June 28)
1)Alesund - Gerianger 67 Miles  2 hir 17 min ( actual 3 hours with Ferries)
Overnight Geiranger 

 2) Day 2 (June 29) 
2a) Geiranger -Dalsnibba  13 Miles    -54 min
2b) Dalsnibba- Strynefjellasvegan (25 miles 1 hr 2 min)
2c) Strynefjellasvegan- Loen skilift  (38.3 Miles, 1hr 4,in) : great view of Nordfjord on top.

 if time permits glacier hike to  Glacier  Briksdalsbreen or Kjenndalsbreen

 Overnigh: Loen 

 3) Day 3  (June 30)
3a) Loen to Trollstigen  ( option stop at Valldal ): 3 hrs 146 Miles 
3b) Andalsnes  -  Overnight  Andalsnes 

 4) Day 4 ( July 1)

 4a) Andalsnes- Atlanic  Raof  (62 Miles  2 hours)
4b) Kristainsund -40 Min (optional  detour to Kvernes where you will find one of the few old wooden stave chirches.)
4C) Kristansund- Trindheiem    (123 mile 3 hor 30 Min) 

 5) Day 5 (Jul2)
Sight seeing Trrndheim - till 4:00PM, Depart at 6:30 PM 

 Valldal 

Travel guide:  https://issuu.com/visitalesund/docs/6046_guiden_2017__hr_enkeltsider_en



III  Geiringer  fjord 

Dalsnibba Skywalk  ( 1400 NOK toll) :  Opens in Mid -June. Europe’s highest fjord view from a road. The spectacular platform, Geiranger Skywalk, guarantees you an airy experience. It is quite possibly the world’s finest view – 1500 m above sea level.

Driving the Dalsnibba Pass video1   ; Video2 
Dalsnibba  Bus Map 


IV  Jotunheiman  National Park ?? ( to be determined ) 

  with  Jotunheimen | Drive to Åndalsnes, Kristiansund , Tondheim 

https://outtt.com/en/norway/jotunheimen?ref=hp

https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en/routes  (Geiranger-Trollstgen scenic road, 1 of 18 in Norway)

Driving map   with  Jotunheiman   (878 KM, 15.5  hours  4  days if all done ,)

    Driving Maps (11 horus, 619 KM)

    With out Interdalen ( 8 hours 20 Min , 440 KM) 

    Jotunheimen: https://www.jotunheimen.com/
    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g2328863-Activities-Jotunheimen_Oppland_Eastern_Norway.html
    https://www.nasjonalparkriket.no/en/destinations/jotunheimen-national-park

    Hiking near Lom
    https://aktivilom.no/?produkt=hiking-in-jotunheimen&lang=en


    Online References

    http://www.frammr.no/FRAM/Travel-like-the-locals#aalesund

    https://www.lifeinnorway.net/a-norwegian-road-trip-day-2/

    V Interdalen  ?? 


    https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/fjord-norway/northwest/listings-northwest/hike-to-innerdalen-the-most-beautiful-valley-in-norway/11857/

     http://www.danielalford.co.uk/projects/#/norwaysmostbeautifulvalley/


    VI  Trondheim


    Kristiansund : City on four Islands: 

    Stiftsgarden - Largest wooden palace   from 1774

    VII Stockholm 

    Sergel  torg (normalm)
    Fotografiska in Stockholm, Sweden.

     My Norway books, PDFs 
    https://iamaileen.com/norway-road-trip-itinerary-for-1st-time-visitors-best-travel/

    Epic Drive :
    https://www.boundless.co.uk/be-inspired/driving/norwayepicdrive?k=epic%20drive%20norway

    https://issuu.com/northern_norway/docs/772042124 (travel Guide)

    https://www.visittromso.no/en/book/todo?filter=c%3D29535

    Fare Calender : https://www.norwegian.com/us/booking/flight-tickets/farecalendar/

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    Saturday, September 9, 2017

    Husafell and Langjoskull_Glacier




    Husafell and  Langjoskull_Glacier

    J



    Just about a month back the  NyTimes Travel section had this article
    "Adventure Seekers Set Sights on Wild West Iceland"  daylong excursion takes visitors, via man-made ice tunnels, directly inside the Langjokull glacier — the formerly off-the-tourist-radar Husafell has begun to attract more foreigners, a perhaps inevitable consequence of the overall boom in tourism Iceland has seen in recent years. 

     Husafell Hotel with  Geothermal swming  pool was nice, 
    Ice cave and  snowmobile was  great experience. 

     Langjokull  Glacier  

     Madhu Tushar at Husafell 

    Video 
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    Friday, September 8, 2017

    Iceland Hidden Gems: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls



     
    Looking for some Hidden Gems in Iceland (Photo album) . Get off the beaten path by visiting Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls, a quick day trip from Reykjavik! |

     Video of the falls
    ttt Life With a View. My favorite part of traveling is  Going to places that are off the beaten path! Don’t get me wrong, 
    places like Golden circle Geysir and Skogafoss are definitely sights worth seeing, but there’s something special about being the only one around  in the middle of pure Icelandic nature!

     I had my eye on these beautiful waterfalls for a while, so I was excited to finally see them in person! More so  to when the colors of the foliage has  made their presence. 
     When I first saw Hraunfossar((translates to “Lava waterfalls”) it was everything I had imagined, but BETTER.  We have  been to many  wonderful falls in Iceland and even on the planet  including the Iguassu falls and Victoria falls.  Dynjandi  in  west fjord ranked as  the most beautiful waterfall in the Iceland, however  for me this was  the ultimate waterfall, A long wall of water cascading over moss covered lava, falling into bright turquoise water!  
    I too thought that turquoise water in pictures is some effect of filter or photo post processing.   No, water is naturally turquoise.

     The water falls into the Hvitá River – downstream from Gullfoss waterfall! I love the look of this river, bright water carved out between sharp lava walls. 
    If it’s a clear day you can see the Langjökull glacier in the background. 
    After you cross the bridge you will see Barnafoss on your left. Barnafoss translates to “children´s waterfall” and has a
     Icelandic legend that goes along with it:

     A woman and her two children were living on a nearby farm. The woman went to church service, leaving the kids at home. When she came back, 
    the children were missing. People searched for the children and found footsteps up to the stone arch over the river.
     Devastated at her loss, the mother had the stone arch destroyed so no children could cross the falls again.
    The fury of the torrent is so highm no one  can dare to cross the fall anyway !

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    Snæfellsjökull National Park;


    Photo Albums 

    1. Selected  Snaefellsnes National Park 
    2.  Madhu Tushar at  Snaefellness 
    3. Rest  of Snaefellsnes National Park
    Snaefellsnes National Park is perhaps best known for glacier-capped
    Snaefellsjokull volcano (4,745'), with its literary and mystical associations. I had my own  association with place. In his book Journey to the Center of the Earth, (probably  my first English film  Gasford  theater, Rajkot ) Jules Verne  ( Our one of  most  favorite authors in the eight grade) described this as  the starting point for the subterranean journey of his protagonist, German geologist Professor Lidenbrock, in his epic quest. With the volcano as a backdrop, we
    walk an attractive stretch of the Arnarstapi coast past coves and inlets lined
    with cliffs that are often covered with kittiwakes’ nests. Then we’re off to
    Londrangar Pillars, two volcanic plugs remaining on the shoreline after the rest
    of the crater eroded away. The rugged pillars attract seabirds like puffins and
    fulmars who make their nests on them. We head for Djupalonssandur Beach, a
    pebble beach with bizarre lava formations and four famous stones. Fishermen
    used to lift these stones to test their strength: Fully Strong, 340 lbs.; Half
    Strong, 220 lbs.; Weakling, 119 lbs.; and Bungler, 50 lbs.! A short hike from
    Djupalonssandur brings us to Dritvik Cove, a popular landing spot for boats in
    the past. It is estimated there were between 60 and 70 fishing outfits in Dritvik
    at one time and the number of seasonal workers as high as 600. Nowadays there
    is just a lone structure remaining, a refuge hut for fishermen who run aground
    in the area.  s,

     Explored the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the many small fishing hamlets situated around the peninsula. Spectacular rock formations, mountains, lava fields, and the magnificent Snæfellsjokull glacier that towers over the tip of Snæfellsnes peninsula are among the things to explore. The peninsula is sometimes referred to as “Iceland in miniature” because it offers so many of the things found all over Iceland. 
    Hike to  Raudfeldarga  was the most demanding    A Narrow and  very deep   Chasm that rises  upright inside  a set of very high cliff.Walking up the streambed. Secret world of 100 little waterfalls and pools that keeps going up and up.    The  streambed made it impassable and  had to give up . 

    Highlights: Kirkjufell foss  Djúpalónssandur 
    Snæfellsjökull Glacier 
    Lóndrangar Rock Formations 
    Vatnshellir cave   ( Rt 574, 356; http://www.summitguides.is/vatnshellir-cave-op1r6
    45 min guided laav tour) 
    Arnarstapi Village 
    Hellnar 


    [Optional Extra:  
    Viking Sushi Boat Tour 

     (An excellent chance not only to explore the magnificent bird life of Breiðafjörður, but also to taste fresh scallops right from the sea. On this boat ride you will see some of the beautiful islands of Breiðafjörður fjord, various types of sea birds – especially popular are the puffins, which are seen around Iceland from late April to mid-August. After about 40 minutes of sailing, a shellfish plough will be lowered into ocean and selection of shellfish and sea life caught for viewing and tasting. Such as scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers and more. Some of these are possible to eat fresh, for example scallops and sea urchins. Soya sauce, wasabi, lemon and ginger is offered on board. As you head back to Stykkishólmur harbour, you will sail around more islands and look for white-tailed eagles. }
     
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    Wednesday, September 6, 2017

    Mývatn-Krafla region



    The Mývatn-Krafla region -- a volcanic smorgasbord of surreal lava fields, boiling and burping mud pools, sulfurous steam vents, explosion craters, and pseudocraters -- is Iceland's most varied place to see the earth in mid-formation. Mývatn lake is also a unique ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe, with thousands of waterfowl feeding on bugs and algae in the warm shallow water

    We  were lucky to get  beautiful  foliage colors adding  variety  to the   colors   on  a sunny day.
      Mývatn is part of the greater Krafla volcanic system, a swath of faults and fissures 4 to 10km (2.5-6 miles) wide and 80km (50 miles) north to south, with Krafla caldera at its center . It is between two very powerful watterfalls

    Myvatan area selected pictures


    Myvatan area rest of the pictures


    Myvatn Krafla area Video
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    Monday, August 14, 2017

    Iceland Itineray Madhu Tushar Sept 2-10 2017

    Here is multi-layer maps of our  possible sight seeing.  This is a draft for the planning. Each day is a separate itinerary .Please click the layers on left. The first layers has all Points of Interest(POI) . Next eight layer is  itinerary day by day. Last one has the point of interest which are of high interest.
    https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aXcXLh19rWq01bS_UAnVhAE3Big

    (please cleck above link for the multi-layered  maps. click 1st layer for the POI)



     Also  may use Alternative map of above with POI and pictures    color code by Maps

    Day 1 , Saturday, September 2 – Arrive Iceland 5:00AM  Raykajavik. Golden Circle 
    Upon arrival(( from EWR, NJ, USA) in Iceland this morning pick up your 4X4 AWD  car rental from the airport and head out, beginning our self-drive of the country..6:13 AM sunrise, 8:40 PM sunset. Take some time this morning to Reykajvik city,  See Hallgrimskirkja, church ,  Harpa,city's opera house, Sun Voayger  Sudurgata, perlan

     Reykajvik  city  http://www.visitreykjavik.is/ 
    Hallgrimskirkja Church
    City Map  
    Lonely Planet Map ;Interactive


    In afternoon, We will embark on the Golden Circle, one of Southern Iceland's most popular tours, including such fantastic attractions as the geothermal fields of Haukadalur - including the geysers, Geysir and Strokkur - the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and, finally, Iceland's largest national park, the UNESCO heritage site Þingvellir
    ? A stop at the Fontana Steam Baths is recommended.
    ? Hidden secret  Bruarfoss   (?) has the gravel road . How to get there  Video   Video2

     snorkeling tour in Silfra  may be skipped. or an evening horse riding tour!

    Hotel  Little  Geysir  and  ?? (Dhanesh)

    Day 2 : Sunday, September 3 – South Iceland; Landmanalugar hike if possible 
    This morning check out of your hotel and then head south to drive along the famous coast of Iceland, stopping to see the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls, and the quaint village of Vik . May stop at the  Sólheimasandur, plane crash

    Possible  addition   Kerud  Vlocano ( 37 min  on route  35)
    DC-3 plane wreck at Sólheimasandur. 
    [ If possible ,   take 4-5 hour jeep tour  Þjórsárdalur valley, augavegur   treck (Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk)     With   starting point near  Seljalandfoss  or proximity ( and not starting from Reykjavik).  This may require overnight on Day 2 at the Vic area instead of at Skaftafell . If needed we can stay a day more at  the southland Iceland.]
    Overnight at  Kirkgubajrklauster   ( or Fosshotel Núpar or similar near Skaftafell_

    Day 3 Monday, September 4 – Vatnajokull and Glacier Lagoon, Jokulsarlon
    See the day map  
    Today drive north and spend some time in the national park hiking and exploring.
    See see   Svartifoss  falls ,enjoy the boat/zodiac tour at Jökulsárlón and do the jeep tour.
    [If Glacier walk chosem" 
    Skaftafell Visitor Center to get fitted for crampons and other safety equipment for a 2 hour guided hike on the glacier tongue Svinafellsjokull, right off of Vatnajokull. During your hike on the glacier your guide will talk about glacier behavior, environmental effects on the glacier, and other information pertaining to glaciers. After your tour, head north.]


    Excursion:

    Jokulsardon lagoon boat ride  : http://icelagoon.is/amphibian-boat-tours/
    Super Jep  toour : http://explorers.is/tours/super-jeep-tour/ (south east side of Vatnajökull and we do the tour in the glacier outlet Skálafellsjökull. ) 

    Overnight at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon r near Hofn
    Day  4 Tuesday, September 5 – Eastfjords, MyVatn
    Continue north today, passing the picturesque Eastfjords and many fishing villages along the way.
    Overnight at Fosshotel Eastfjords or similar in Egillsstaðir
    Wednesday, September 6 – North Iceland
    Head out this morning going west across north Iceland. Stop at the powerful Dettifoss Waterfall and the Myvatn Nature
     Driving Distance: 420 - 470 kilometers 

    Overnight at MyVatn area
    Day 5  Wednesday , September 6 – Skagafjorður ?

    Drive to MyVatn. Relax in the sublime JARÐBÖÐIN VIÐ MÝVATN, a
    bathing lagoon filled with mineral-rich, geothermally-heated
    water. Marvel at the magical waterfall, GOÐAFOSS, and
    DETTIFOSS, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
    Explore the volcanic area around KRAFLA, the spectacular
    sulphur fields at NÁMASKARÐ, the dramatic lava formations
    at DIMMUBORGIR, and the pseudo craters at SKÚTUSTAÐIR.
    Or, go on a whale watching and/or bird watching tour on
    SKJÁLFANDAFLÓI, a large bay known  . Ásbyrgi Canyon . 
    Go to Akureyri today and visit Iceland’s second largest city, then continue west, overnighting tonight near the shores of the Skagafjordur fjord.

    Overnight at  Akureyri today  (Tidastoll Hotel or similar near Skagafjordur)

    Day  6, Thursday  , September 6   ??

     Dhanesh flightto Reykjavik domestic airport  at 8:15 AM
    Drive to  Stykkishólmur

     skippe Westfjords (Overnight at Guesthouse Malarhorn or similar near Strandir )?


     Ovrnight : 
    Stykkishólmur

    Day 7   Friday  September 7 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula ?? 

     Highlights : Snæfellsjökull, Snæfellsnes, Hellnar, Arnarstapi, Kirkjufell, Londrangar, Djúpalónssandur

    Head south this morning to Snæfellsnes Peninsula,  
    Overnight at Stykkisholmur Hotel or similar in Stykkisholmur ??
    The mystical SNÆFELLSJÖKULL, one of
    Iceland’s most famous volcano glaciers, is largely
    responsible for crafting the dramatic geological formations
    that the peninsula is known for – such as KIRKJUFELL,
    perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful mountain in all of
    Iceland. From the pebbly beaches of
    DJÚPALÓNSSANDUR to the multitude of bird species
    nesting on treacherous cliffs of LÓNDRANGAR and
    ÞÚFUBJARG, SNÆFELLSNES a paradise for photographers
    and nature lovers alike. Visit the picturesque fishing village of STYKKISHÓLMUR and take a ferry throughBREIÐAFJÖRÐUR, a large shallow bay studded with thousands of islands, islets,

     Overnight  Hellafess

    Day 8 : Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Langjoskull  glacier,  Husafell
     Visit the  Settlement Centre in BORGARNES and
    learn about the life of the Vikings and drive to the
    HRAUNFOSSAR and BARNAFOSSAR waterfalls; very
    special waterfalls that flow out from the lava on banks of
    the river HVITÁ. You can also take a short hiking tour on

    the GRÁBRÓK mountain.

    based on  the article in NYtimes on 7/30/2017  , like to add LangJokull, Husafells Adventure Seekers Set Sights on Wild West Iceland
     Overnight  Raykajvik
    Day  9 Sunday, September 10 – Depart Iceland
    This morning go to Blue Lagoon head back to the airport and drop your car off by 1:30pm before the  flight home departing at 3:30 PM (Wow Airlines) . Explore  the Reykjanes pennisula if time permits


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