Norway

(Photos of the diary entry can be found at the end of the text).

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Uuuaaahhh I yawn after the restless ferry ride and the almost 1,500 km long journey to Norway. “Although I haven’t slept much, I feel really good,” I say. “Me too. You sleep really well in our Terra Love,” Tanja replies. “Now I’m really excited about this great country.” “What can my travel guide tell me about this great country?” Tanja asks with a smile. “Hmmm, let me try to list the facts. Norway is one of the largest countries in Europe in terms of surface area, an incredible 1,752 km long and very sparsely populated with just over 5 million inhabitants. Moreover, Norway is still a kingdom, has its own currency and, would you believe it, is not a member of the EU. Norway was one of the founding members of NATO in 1949 and is a member of the European Economic Area, which accounts for more than half of world trade at 19.2 trillion US dollars.

Norway is one of the most developed countries in the world, is one of the most committed participants at international environmental and climate conferences, is considered the most democratic country in the world, is very, very rich thanks to its oil and gas reserves, hydroelectric power generation, tourism, etc. and has one of the most generous and best social systems on our mother earth.” “Wow, sounds like it’s a good place to live,” Tanja interrupts. “Sure, certainly one reason why the population has more than doubled since the 20th century. But let me tell you a few more facts that might be important for our journey,” I say and continue. “As I mentioned at the beginning, the distances from south to north are enormous, and if we want to reach the North Cape and meet up with the off-road group in Kirkenes in time, we’ll soon have 4,000 kilometers ahead of us. Unfortunately, that means we have to hurry a little. That’s a shame, because there is an incredible amount to discover in this country. There are 150,000 islands in the country, and you have to let that number melt in your mouth. The most famous of them are the Lofoten Islands.” “Yes, yes, I know them. That’s where we want to go. You’d better tell me what I don’t know,” Tanja interrupts again. “Well, you’re good, I don’t know in detail what you do and don’t know. I’m just trying to give you a brief overview of this country.” “Sorry, please go on,” she apologizes. “Well, the Arctic Ocean includes Svalbard with Spitsbergen and Bear Island, as well as the island of Jan Mayen in the North Atlantic. However, Peter I Island in the Southern Ocean, which is claimed by Norway, and Queen Maud Land in the Antarctic are not internationally recognized.

But hold on tight now. Norway has around 160,000 lakes, over 50 fjords, well over 300 rivers, countless waterfalls and, at 860 meters, the highest mountain in Europe. This makes the country one of the most water-rich in the world. Norway is characterized by mountain ranges, glaciers and plateaus. 188 mountains stretch their peaks over 2,000 meters into the often cloudy sky, making it a dream for hikers and mountaineers. Before us lies a country of superlatives with unique natural treasures, bordering the European Arctic Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the North Sea to the south. It shares borders with Sweden to the east and Finland and Russia to the northeast. I don’t know where to stop, because everything I’m about to tell you is only a small part of what this state is all about. I think we could travel here for years and not have seen everything,” I finish. “Phew, that was an extensive list. I wonder how you know that and how you can remember it all?” “I read it when I was trying to pass the time on the ferry. Apart from that, I can’t remember it all. It would be too good, but from last night to this morning my brain cells were able to store it,” I say, swinging my feet over the edge of the cozy bed to go for a little morning walk with Tanja and Ajaci.

We don’t leave the rest stop on the main road until 11:00 a.m. to make our way towards Stavanger, Norway’s fourth largest city. The partly narrow road winds along the southwest coast for over 400 kilometers. The route takes you past fields and trees, through miles of tunnels, extensive sandy beaches and dunes, past white and red lighthouses that look as if they have just popped out of a fairy tale book and through charming villages with colorful little Norwegian houses. “It’s a shame we don’t have more time. I’d love to go swimming down there,” says Tanja dreamily, pointing to a picturesque bay. “Well, me too, but it’s still a long way to the North Cape and I’d love to see it. You just can’t have everything,” I reply. “You’re right about that. So off to the North Cape!” exclaims Tanja, full of zest for action.

About 40 kilometers after the city of Stavanger, we discover a lake shining in the evening sun not far from the road. A tiny public parking lot huddles on its eastern shore. Three campers have already settled in for the night. We stand by it. We immediately strike up a conversation with a very happy-looking Danish family. “This is our first trip with a camper and we’re only on our third day on the road. The plan is to tour the world for a year. We’re excited to see what’s in store for us,” says the father of the family, while one of his two sons removes the freshly caught fish…