Gudvangen to Veitastrond:

Today we were to travel from Gudvangen to Skjolden, visiting Veitastrond on the way. Journey included the ferry from Fodnes to Mannheller.

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Laerdal Tunnel:

It is the longest tunnel in there world having a length of 24.51 kilometre connecting Laerdal and Aurland. The tunnel has 3 large mountain caves at 6 kilometre intervals. Main tunnel has white color while the caves are lighted colorful. img_4818 img_4821

Mannheller  to Fodnes by Ferry:

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Veitastrond:

Veitastrond is a small village near to Jostadalsbreen Glacier and Jostadalsbreen National Park. It is located at the northern end of an isolated valley having only one road access which passes along the side of lake Veitastrondavatnet. Veitastrond is located in the municipality of Hafslo and is around 45 km from the village of Gaupna. Road was so narrow, at a time only one car could pass and only at certain places one can move aside and give way for vehicles coming from the opposite side. But, in the whole journey of 1.5 hours to reach Veitastrond, we might have came across 2-3 vehicles. And the best part of the route were the dark scary tunnels of distance 1-3 kms. Absolutely no light and except the car headlight. From the Ceiling of the narrow tunnels, water was dropping on the front glass of the Car with splashing sound. After each such tunnel, we used to take long breath that it was over, only to realize we were near the next tunnel. All through the way, kids were asleep and we both did not utter a word to each other. I had planned that we will have food at Jostadalbreen National park. But, after reaching there, our minds were occupied with the thought that we have to pass through the same dark and scary tunnels once again while returning. I was asked, “Shall we go back to Gaupna and have food”. I said “Yes”. This was the only conversation in the whole journey of 3 hours. After reaching Hafslo, I asked, “were you scared”…answer was “YES”. I was asked, “Were you?”…my answer was also same “YES of course”. Even if we wanted to take a U-turn it was not possible at all. Everywhere along the route signs of landslides and giant stones fallen during land slides. Road was not in good condition, so if something would have happened to Car, there was no chance of getting support in a short time. And we were warned about the sheep/goat herd blocking the road inside the tunnels. Luckily, we did not find any. Don’t know if the journey was worth for what we saw. But, it was truly worth the thrill that we felt.

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Veitastrond
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Veitastrond to Vassbakken Kro & Camping, Skjolden:

Kafe Marifjora:

On the way to Skolden, we took at break at Kafe Marifjora. At this Café we asked if we could get something Vegetarian to eat. They did not have anything to offer, except a Choco Brownie. We ordered the Brownie and Kids shared it. When we went to pay the bill, the Lady in the counter did not accept to take money. She said, ” We could not offer anything you wanted. You have 2 Beautiful daughters, so this is from us to your daughters.” We insisted her to take money, but she did not agree at all. We took a photo with her for the memory and proceeded further towards Skjolden.

img_3853We stopped again near near Gaupna where we had a great view of Lustrafjorden and Feigumfossen Waterfall to have food.img_3858By around 3pm we were at Vassbakken Camping where we had booked a room in the Hostel. Just infront of the Vassbakken camping, there was a Waterfall belonging to Åselvi watercourse. Though we don’t know the name of the waterfall, with the convention we may name it Åselvifossen. We were to halt here 2 more nights.

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