 |
| Thought this Stave Church was one of the best we have seen. |
We had an empty gas cylinder
(we carry two 11kg cyclinders) and yesterday spotted a filling station not far
away from where we camped so this was our first stop this morning, and it was done
very efficiently at a cost of 250 NOK (NZ$38). We use this for the fridge,
water heating, elements and stove and it seems to last approx. 3 weeks,
although guess when it gets cooler and we are using it to heat the van will go
through it a bit quicker.
Stopped to fuel up with diesel
and were pleasantly surprised to see it at 10.89NOK/Litre. It varies so much,
depending on the day of the week! We have even paid well over 13NOK in out of
way places.
Had read up a bit about
Kongsberg last night and found it had an interesting history as silver was
discovered here in the late 1500’s, the only place in the world where silver
could be found in its pure form and for two centuries it sustained the town,
making it the biggest town in Norway. The silver works closed in 1805 but by
then it was the site of the royal mint, which still employs staff today. The Kongsbeg Kirke (church) was funded by the
mine owners and evidently is one of the finest baroque churches in Norway.
Thought it a good idea to visit but sadly we spotted a hearse and lots of cars,
and the building was covered in scaffolding so a “no show”!
The River Lagen tumbles through
town and there are some pretty impressive rapids so we parked Ruakiwi in the
same parking area as yesterday afternoon and went for a walk to check them out.
Certainly very impressive and enjoyed ambling over the town bridge that crosses
the river, enjoyed the statues on the bridge and the plaques celebrating the
silver industry. Found Kongsberg to have a good feel as we wandered through the
streets again and picked up some supplies before heading off South West on
E134. Decided to take what is marked on the map as a scenic route to
Kristiansand, which it really was, and thoroughly enjoyed the drive even with
another section of hairpin bends, but this time the road was a little wider.
Just past Nottoden at Heddal we
stopped at another Stave Church, they have really caught our imagination, and
this one was supposed to be the largest standing Stave Church…and once again it
was closed! But it really was pretty impressive.
Onwards through a farming
valley with lots of well painted farm buildings and once again we saw so many
of the store houses decoratively placed in front of houses. Then it was a climb
up in the mountains and saw the beginnings of a 7km tunnel due to be completed
in 2019 that will cut many km’s off this road. The Norwegians certainly know
how to deal with their mountainous terrain.
Back down through forested
country to some large lakes and spotted a really nice pull off right beside the
lake – perfect for an overnight stop.
Worked out tonight that we have
been 32 days in Norway, and only 7 have been spent in campgrounds at a total
cost of NZ$225. To be able to stop in some of the most scenic places at no
charge is pretty special, and will certainly miss this when we get back to the
rest of Europe.
 |
| The rapids in Kongsberg |
 |
| The hills are full of colour at the moment. |
 |
| Amazing details |
 |
| These old huts and store huts looked to be in original condition |
 |
| Picture perfect scenery |
 |
| And more hairpins! |
 |
| View from tonight's camp |
 |
| The lake glowed as the sun set. |
Comments