After my stay in Oslo, I flew to Kristiansund to visit my friend. She picked me up from the airport and we then made our way to Molde. There was a jazz festival going on that weekend, so we thought we’d check it out. Since we arrived late in the day, there wasn’t that much to do and we just had a bit of a wander. When it was time for dinner, we went to the local Egon restaurant. Egon is like a Norwegian Nando’s or Wagamama, except you order and pay up front, like they do in pubs. I ended up eating at Egon restaurants quite a few times during my Norwegian adventures, because it was easy, the food was nice and prices affordable for Norwegian standards. After our brief visit to Molde, we drove on and stayed at my friend’s parents’ house. They live in a fjord, so beautiful! And even though I’m a cat person, I enjoyed cuddling the family’s adorable dog.

The next day, our three-day road trip started. First up: Åndalsnes! We were going to do a hike called Rampestreken. Ironically, the word ‘ramp’ means ‘disaster’ in Dutch, so I was sort of mock-dreading going up the ‘disaster trail’, haha. But, we were going for the view on top of the mountain, so we followed the ‘stikk ut!’ sign and up we went. ‘Stikk ut’ means as much as ‘get out there’. It’s something you don’t have to tell Norwegians twice and while Norwegians may be known as a reserved people, put them in nature and you’ll get to learn how excited these guys can get! I honestly wish I’d grown up with being in the outdoors like that. Being out in nature is so good for the soul! And the older I get, the more I need and want it in my life.

Being from a very flat country, going up this mountain was a challenge. I don’t know why I didn’t take my trekking poles with me on this hike, because I could’ve surely used them! The hike isn’t long kilometer wise, it just takes long because you pretty much go straight up. It took us about four hours up and down. My friend could’ve hiked it in less, but you know…she was stuck with me, haha! And don’t get me started on how sore I was afterwards! At least I made it to the top. I grinned from ear to ear while enjoying the stunning views! It was so worth it!

The view from the top was very very rewarding! If I hadn’t fallen in love with Norway already when staying at my friend’s parents’ place in a frigging fjord, I would have fallen in love right there, after the Rampestreken hike up a frigging mountain. Can you tell I love fjords and mountains? 🙂

I’m absolutely terrible at taking panorama shots, but luckily my friend is very capable. Look at this amazing view and tell me this isn’t gorgeous?! ❤

Panorama taken by my friend

Do you enjoy hiking? Is it common to go out and hike in the mountains where you live? What is your favourite kind of area to hike in?