The Maelstroms

At Rognan, we left the E6 and headed west on the Highway 812 to Saltstraumen. Here, billions of gallons of water are forced through a narrow channel which links the inner and outer parts of the fjords forming violent swirling whirlpools (aka maelstroms). I think that I am right in saying that these are the largest maelstroms in Europe.

Crossing the Arctic Circle

The E6 wound inexorably north, gaining in altitude as we approach the Arctic Circle. The trees thinned out and the mountains flattened into an appropriately bleak and desolate plateau. All of a sudden we came across a signpost announcing that the Arctic Circle was only 2 kilometres ahead. Despite the alien surroundings, and lack of any particularly inspiring monument to make it, it was undeniably exciting to reach the Arctic Circle.

Disaster Strikes!

We were having a stroll around Mosjøen after another very enjoyable Norwegian breakfast taking some pictures of the pretty houses and things of interest when all of a sudden AH shouted out in distress...

Hunting the Midnight Sun

Having travelled 975kms in two days, it was relief to finally reach Mosjøen. Nestled at the foot of a mountain boasting several significant patches of snow, the first thing we noticed was that it was considerably cooler.

Driving In The Rain

I took over the driving from Morten just after we passed Trondheim. Morten drives a Toyota Rav4 which I really came to appreciate. The initial drive along the E6 was pretty straight forward until we drove into the next thunder storm where I learnt all about aquaplaning first hand.

Day 2 History Trip

From Røros, our drive is now taking us through Trøndelag municipality which is known in Norway as moustache country. This is because the male stereotype here is of someone with a mullet, moustache, cap, driving an old Volvo and living in the middle of nowhere.

Contrasts in Roros

Woke up this morning with the sun streaming through the curtains which certainly made a pleasant change from yesterday’s weather. Breakfast at the guest house was a traditional Norwegian buffet of cold meats, cheeses and fish; most of which had been produced locally. We certainly ate our full.