Just Back: Norway

By Natalie Lockyer

Norway was literally a breath of fresh air—one I didn’t even know I needed. I took my two daughters Kate and Sam along to explore Bergen and its environs and confirmed it is a destination that can be photographed but simply cannot be captured.
 
From the moment we touched down at the airport, we felt our shoulders drop. A sense of calm overtook us, as we immediately relaxed. The opportunity to get together and reconnect just the three of us is rare these days, as Kate is at university in Scotland and Sam is busy with her photography gigs.
 
Bergen offers an impressive café culture and classic Nordic gastronomy scene centered around Røkelaks (smoked salmon) which is paired with everything—our favorite was with eggs and dill. We followed a maze through narrow alleys lined with colorful wooden houses, minimalist in design. The legacy and ancestry of Viking culture is wrapped in the warmth of modern-day Norwegians. 
 
Traveling in the fall provided scenes of bright foliage including shades of gold, red, and orange creating a spectacular contrast to lovely red houses that pepper the hillsides. A funicular brought us to the top of Fløibanen Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the city and harbor. We hiked alongside locals (not tourists!) every day which highlighted the fact that Norwegians truly embrace the outdoors. Throughout our trip, we took advantage of the opportunity to pause and connect with nature. We also hustled to find the best spot to watch the sunset.
 
Bergen is the perfect launchpad for countless fjords—a magical place to behold raw dramatic scenery. To access Eidfjord and Hardanger Fjords we drove through idyllic fishing villages and expansive mountain tunnels.
 
Our excursion to the mighty Vøringsfossen Waterfall really got our hearts pumping, as did our hike behind the Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall. Watching my daughters’ adventurous spirits and curiosity touched my heart and experiencing this new country through their eyes put a smile on my face.  
 
Norway left me and my girls wanting to explore more of this pristine region of the world—and we all plan to prioritize time each year to reconnect with each other somewhere new.