Forks in the Trail: Norway - July 2005, The Long Hike

April: We both agree that to date, Norway has been our absolute favorite section of our world tour. We experienced our first stay in a hostel in Norway, and loved it so much we stayed in them whenever available from that point forward. They allowed us to cook our own meals, as well as meet many interesting people from various countries. Norway is an absolutely breathtaking country, with majestic fjords, countless waterfalls, glaciers, lush forests, and incredible mountain lakes. I learned that there are polar bears in Norway too.

Of course the best part of our stay in the Norge country was our 43-mile hike from Finse to Aurland. We planned the trek from the small ski town of Geilo, and then once we felt confident we were prepared to live through this ordeal, we packed up our things and took the train to Finse. We woke up early the following morning, dropped off what we would not need in a locker at the train station, and then began the steep incline to the Geiterygghytta Hut. After miles of boulders, glaciers, snowfields, and rough terrain, Royce was ready to jump into the drink. The glacier runoff was much colder than anticipated, but after his limbs went numb, it was almost bearable. The next day we hiked to Kongshellerhytta Hut, barely missing the rain. This was a self-service hut in the middle of nowhere. They bring in supplies once a year, and all payments and dealings with the hut are based on the honor system. We met some Norwegians staying in the same hut, who we played cards and had a great conversation with that lasted late into the evening. We were very excited to get to our next hut, Osterbo Fjellstove, but even more elated when we arrived at our final destination of Aurland, Norway.

In the end, our bones ached; we could barely walk, and were dying for a meal. We had survived on Cup O Noodle, apples, and cheese, salami, Snickers, cookies, and breakfast bars. When it was all said and done, our total distance traveled was 68.8km, taking us 26:15 hours. We were sad to leave and have already begun discussions regarding our return to Norway. Next time we would rent a car and dedicate more time, it is well worth it!