Norway (Bergen, Oslo)

Next: Denmark (Copenhagen, Lego House and Legoland!) and Germany

Worlds Elsewhere photo journal: comprehensive photos of our adventures

Instagram: @worldselsewhere

When we were planning our extended trip, Jackson and Emerson had named the Norwegian fjords as a top destination, so we set Scandinavia as the destination when they both could join us at the end of the summer. Spoiler alert: the trip exceeded even our highest expectations!

We started in Bergen, Norway, which I was pleasantly surprised to find is the hometown of Edvard Grieg, the famed composer of The Peer Gynt Suite and other orchestral works, some of which I had played many years ago. A bonus was visiting his home of 22 years, tucked away in a quiet suburb.

This small cabin, nestled behind Grieg’s home, www.troldhaugen.com, is where Grieg composed many works. Grieg and his wife Nina are buried on the grounds of the home. Below, the snug and tranquil interior of the cabin.

From Bergen, we visited Hardangerfjord, gawking at the innumerable inlets, waterfalls and majestic mountains on the way. Experiencing the centuries-old mountains and tranquil fjords brought an understanding of how the land inspired fantastic and complex mythology ages before. The landscapes constantly reminded this family of Tolkien nerds that his Lord of the Rings works were inspired by Nordic myth. (This line of thought to be continued when we visit New Zealand in February!)

Suited up for our excursion on Hardangerford. We learned about the power plant built into the mountains that supplies a significant part of the region’s electricity as well as the enormous varieties of wildlife in the area. But the best part was blasting Van Halen and the Weeknd on the speakers while our pilot floored it and created our private aquatic roller coaster!

Love this guy.

Check out worldselsewhere.net for more of Theo’s photos!!

The next day, we visited a Viking village in Gudvangen, on Naeroyfjord, where we gained a sincere appreciation for the metalwork and seafaring abilities of the Norse. Our guide dispelled two myths. First, the term Viking was used to describe the individuals who went to other lands to (among other things) take treasure, while the population as whole were Norse. Second, to Theo’s surprise as a fan of today’s Minnesota Vikings, they did not wear horns on helmets. That was invented for 19th century Wagnerian opera. From Gudvangen we cruised through the fjords and took the famed Flåm Railway up the mountain, from whence we took a train to Oslo. In true Kimke family fashion, we played cards and games fiercely the entire 5 hour ride.

It’s easy to see why the train from Flam to Myrdal has been called the world’s most beautiful train journey; its 20 hand-carved tunnels and winding tracks provide sweeping vistas and peeks into tiny villages.

The train from Myrdal to Oslo showed us countless glacial lakes at the top of mountains that feed the waterfalls and rivers.

Once in Oslo, we got to kayak through the city, down to the bay by the MUNCH Museum, where we played kayak tag. Ellen (an Oslo guide) and her husband Chris generously opened their home to us that afternoon; the boys made waffles on the terrace, then we stuffed our faces with waffles, homemade jams, and the famous Norwegian brown cheese (Ellen said she ate it every day as a child), then basked in their large fruit tree-filled garden. Visiting Ellen and Chris in their home of over 40 years felt like visiting family, and we were grateful for their welcome.

Finally, we enjoyed a Norwegian tradition: reveling in a scorching hot bayside sauna, jumping into the bay and back into the sauna. Rinse and repeat!

With Ellen and Chris in their beautiful garden in the heart of Oslo.

On the way back into the sauna after jumping in the bay!

See you soon!!!