Hardanger Fjord Area

The day started early today, as we had a ferry at 8:30 from the dock in Laerdal. We were making our own breakfast at the Pension and we wanted to make sure we got a place on the ferry as we didn't have a reservation. Breakfast at 7 and we were at the ferry by 7:45...no one else was there..not even a ticket person. Finally about 8:15 people came from the ferry to wave us on...we were the only passengers. 45 minutes later we arrived in Kaupanger where one busload of Portugeuse tourists joined us for the travel down the Narrow Fjord...a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What a magnificent sight these fjords are from the water...majestic dark brooding walls ( or at least that's how it seemed in the rain!), snow capped mountains, dark cold water. Outside it was cold and wet so we sheltered under the overhang of the boat. Some of the Portugeuse men played cards the whole time...they must have fjords in Portugal I guess.
The narrow fjord is barely 250 metres across. There are few roads here and the little settlements that occur every once in a while are boat access only. Quite a complicated life I guess, at least in the transportation department.
We disembarked at Gudvagen and travelled a magnificent winding road down to Voss. Instead of heading for Bergen we decided to stay in the countryside and sought out the Voringfoss Waterfall. Several different streams hurl an incredible number of metres down the side of a canyon to a river below..the height makes Niagara look puny.
So tonight we stay at another guest house in Ovre Eidfjord in the Hardanger Fjord area. It is a restored home with beautiful views across meadows to the walls of rock that surround this valley. The Dutch couple that have renovated it love their closeness to nature and are great hosts. We share a bathroom among 5 rooms...but the 4 of us are the only ones here. That is typical low season...but the rates don't change. 690 kr including breakfast. (divide by 5 to get the cost in US $) The view is worth it and the quiet is wonderful. The rain here makes everything very green...right now we have some sunshine again and will until it sets close to 10pm.