Today’s journey from Stavanger to Røldal was an incredible one, involving two ferries and some sensational scenery. Between the two of us we took over 400 photos therefore it was really hard to choose which ones to share.
The first ferry left from Stavanger Ferry Wharf (Fiskepirterminalen). We enjoyed the views looking back to Stavanger from on board the ferry.
The weather was perfect, the water very calm and we enjoyed the 40 minute crossing to Tau.
Tau is a small village with a population of just over 3,000. We drove alongside the Bjoreimsvatn Lake, stopping to take a few photos.
The drive through to Hjelmeland was just over an hour and before we knew it we were lining up to board our second ferry to Nesvik. This time it was only a quick 11 minute crossing.
After we departed the ferry we found a well placed lookout where we could see back toward the terminal. It was loading up passengers to make the trip back to Tau.
The drive along Jøsenfjorden was stunning and made a great backdrop for a quick selfie.
We decided to stop for a coffee on a wharf alongside the fjord. Near the wharf was a large fish farm. It’s not unusual to find salmon or trout fish farms in the cool waters of the fjords in Norway.
We drank our coffee in the silence. We could hear the fjord’s wildlife – fish jumping and the birds flying overhead. Not to sound corny, but it really was a rare moment of peace and calmness. We felt so connected to this relatively untouched part of the planet.
Our route took us away from the fjord past the River Ulla and up into the mountains. These pictures were taken from a great rest stop/lookout. Here we found the Georg Fjellberg Memorial Stone. Georg was part of the Norwegian resistance in WWII. After the war his neighbours and friends collected money and raised this memorial stone.
Approximately 20 minutes from the Memorial Stone lookout and only a couple of minutes from where the Fv632 meets the RV13 is the unmarked and now abandoned Kvednahola at Vasshus.
These old facilities are good examples of the pre-industrial use of water power. Surrounding farms used to mill their grain here. In addition to two mills there is a grain drier and a water-driven sash-saw. You’ll need to keep an eye out if you’re driving past as it’s easy to miss. There is space just after the mill to park. You can then carefully walk back to see this interesting piece of history.
Only 25 minutes outside Røldal is the Flesåna Waterfall. There is a rest area, heaps of parking on both sides of the road and a really nice spot to walk around and explore the waterfall.
We arrived at Røldal. It’s a small village of less than 400 community members and lies in the Røldal Valley along the Storelva River on the north end of Lake Røldalsvatnet. It’s in a fairly remote location and it is unspoilt nature at its best. Even the petrol station has a great vista.
Røldal is a popular tourist destination for two reasons, firstly it is noted as receiving the most snowfall of any populated area in Norway and secondly it proudly houses the Røldal Stave Church.
The estimated construction date of this Stave Church is between 1200 and 1250, and it is still a current parish church where services are held twice a month.
After looking around the church we made our way to our hotel. The first photo below was taken from the hill above showing where our hotel was situated.
The Hordatun Hotel was surprisingly impressive and the staff were most welcoming. We had a freshly made pizza for dinner which was delicious. After dinner we went back to our room to enjoy the incredible view.
Still no Moose!
Cool Stuff We Did 