We based ourselves at Lunde, which is on the Telemark canal. We were also allowed to pitch our tent for Tas beside us for when she arrived, which was perfect. A great campsite with a senior discount for over 55's if you stayed 3 nights or more!
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| The lock at Lunde |
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| Gates are opened by a bar and rack system |
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| The old lock keepers house |
Tas arrived via Ryanair at Sandfjord, near the coast so we picked her up and returned to Lunde where we had planned some days out from.
We visited the town of Rjukan, further into the mountains where we took the Krossobanen cable car. It was the first to be built in Northern Europe in 1928. It was a gift from Norsk Hydro so the towns people could go up and get some sun during winter because the town is located in the narrow Vestfjord valley and is always in the shade.
In 2013, mirrors were built high up on the mountain overlooking the town so the suns rays can be diverted into the square - 100 years after the idea was conceived. We were surprised that a mirror arrangement like this even exists!
At the top we had a good view of the peak of Gaustatoppen (1883m) peaking out from the clouds. The weather was a bit grim, including some hail, which Tas liked for novelty factor! Luckily we found a nice wooden shelter for lunch before walking back down to the truck.
The next day we had booked a 'floating' sauna at Lien Gard in a beautiful location - which is known for apples, raspberries, gooseberries and honey. We bought some lovely, smooth honey from here.
The weather was better outside and we had the sauna at a temperature of between 70 and 85 degrees C and the lake was 12 degrees C for a cold dip - brrrrr! Tas did very well to get in - the sea is about 24 degrees C in Bali! It was a really great experience :)
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| Tas found the water quite cold! |
Later we visited the Heddal Stave Church, built in the 13th century from wood and was very impressive. As was the chocolate cake from the cafe :)
Our last day while based at Lunde was spent visiting a Silver Mine near Kongsburg where we took a tour starting with a train ride over 2 km inside the mountain before a guided walk.
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Taking Purdy for a walk in the middle of
nowhere on the way to the mine |
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| The carriages were like a prison! |
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| Our pitch at Lunde |
