JOTUNHEIMEN NASJONAL PARK means “Home of the Giants”. It is well known for its 60 glaciers and 275 peaks rising above 2000 m above sea level. Sounds so good we chose it for the first encounter with the glacier.
We were on the road leading to Lom. We decided to get some information and maps there. Yes, we found tourist information, but no, we didn’t get any map. Why not? They weren’t available at tourist information! You could buy them though few meters further the road. We concluded the oral guidelines were sufficient. In Lom, we filled the container with water from the city pomp and saw, from the outside, the stave church from 1170 r.
South from Lom goes a magnificent scenic SOGNEFJELLET ROAD. Constructed in 1939 r. by unemployed youths, rises up to 1434m, which makes it the highest mountain road in Northern Europe. It is usually open from May till September, depends on weather conditions. The snow never melts up there and it piles up few meters on both sides of the road. In some parts, the path is wide for one car only. And it is also used by cyclists. Well, it was quite demanding for our car, so respect for them!
Sognefjellet Road meanders rising gradually among white peaks. Suddenly, you find yourself in the winter land. White and cold as far as you can see. Skiers are chasing here and there. If you want to get warmer, drive down. The road falls rapidly so very quickly you leave the snow behind and you find yourself among green, forest mountains. I must admit, the drive down was painful for my ears. I was happy Tomek was deep asleep and didn’t suffer from the fall.
But before we left the snow land we made a stop in KROSSBY. The tourist guide from Lom told us that here we could start short and moderately easy trek to see the glacier. We were hiking through the broad valley. Tomek was in the backpack on Jurek’s back. The hardest part was to cross snow capes over the streams. It wasn’t hard physically. It was just the knowledge that you don’t really know what is underneath. Especially that few holes after unfortunate other people’s steps were visible.
We didn’t make it to the glacier. The water stopped us. There was a swift stream with few pebbles in it scattered far from each other. It was possible to jump through it. But with Tomasz on the back, it was quite difficult to keep balance and it was dangerous on the slippy surface of the stones. So we decided to finish the walk and go back. Another time.
It was cold high in the mountains so we drove down for a dinner. The route was following charming LUSTRAFJORD. We stopped by its waters. Unfortunately, the rain didn’t allow us to play outside. Jurek was preparing dinner at the back of the car and I was introducing Tomasz to the car’s wheel and gear shift.
Traditionally, we were looking for a camping area long and moreover, in the rain. Tired, we turned to the parking lot with only one toilet working. And only with a urinal. Anyway, we stayed.
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