Do some armchair vacation travel with me to the village of Jelsa in Suldal, Ryfylke, Norway. This amazing little fjord community of about 250 people surely has a pace of its own. It is definitely one of my favorite spots. Enjoy!

Do some armchair vacation travel with me to the village of Jelsa in Suldal, Ryfylke, Norway. This amazing little fjord community of about 250 people surely has a pace of its own. It is definitely one of my favorite spots. Enjoy!

Jelsa

This time we visit the home of norwegian painter Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) in Jølster. Although his paintings would later sell at $5-600,000 he was never a rich man and died in pneumonia at the age of 47. His home in Jølster still has a definite and beautiful natural feel to it. It's peaceful and quiet and you can easily understand why he chose his immediate surroundings as his favorite motives. At the end of today's episode I have added a short 3D movie clip. If you are watching this episode on a 3D TV you should be able to enjoy the thrill. If you have no such option you can watch it cross-eyed (although somewhat distorted).

This time we visit the home of norwegian painter Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) in Jølster. Although his paintings would later sell at $5-600,000 he was never a rich man and died in pneumonia at the age of 47. His home in Jølster still has a definite and beautiful natural feel to it. It's peaceful and quiet and you can easily understand why he chose his immediate surroundings as his favorite motives. At the end of today's episode I have added a short 3D movie clip. If you are watching this episode on a 3D TV you should be able to enjoy the thrill. If you have no such option you can watch it cross-eyed (although somewhat distorted).

Home of Nikolai Astrup

17th of May is our Constitution Day. And what a day it was this year. People in their finest, happy children, festivities and all the colors of springtime.

17th of May is our Constitution Day. And what a day it was this year. People in their finest, happy children, festivities and all the colors of springtime.

Constitution Day 2010

The west coast of Norway is blessed by the warm waters of the Gulfstream passing by and keeping the temperature a bit more pleasant than you would experience in the eastern and northern parts of the country. Under normal circumstances we would have only a few weeks of snow, but this winter has been exceptional, as we have had continuous snow from mid December to April. Join me for a Sunday afternoon of ice-skating in January. It will be obvious from these images that we are not very familiar with skating around here. I have also included a short driving sequence shot late March as the snow had just started to melt. It is slush time!

The west coast of Norway is blessed by the warm waters of the Gulfstream passing by and keeping the temperature a bit more pleasant than you would experience in the eastern and northern parts of the country. Under normal circumstances we would have only a few weeks of snow, but this winter has been exceptional, as we have had continuous snow from mid December to April. Join me for a Sunday afternoon of ice-skating in January. It will be obvious from these images that we are not very familiar with skating around here. I have also included a short driving sequence shot late March as the snow had just started to melt. It is slush time!

Winter Memories

One of the main visuals of Norway, in addition to the (seawater) fjords, are the rivers, waterfalls and lakes found everywhere. And most of the time that water is in motion. God loves this country so much he washes it all the time. :-) And that water moves about a lot before it plunges back into the sea.In fact the major electric energy production in Norway is hydroelectric tapping this water on the move. Join me for a round trip to see just a few of these freshwater sights.

One of the main visuals of Norway, in addition to the (seawater) fjords, are the rivers, waterfalls and lakes found everywhere. And most of the time that water is in motion. God loves this country so much he washes it all the time. :-) And that water moves about a lot before it plunges back into the sea. In fact the major electric energy production in Norway is hydroelectric tapping this water on the move. Join me for a round trip to see just a few of these freshwater sights.

Freshwater!

Before the Viking king Floke Vilgerdsson, with all his family and belongings, sailed off to become the first settlers on Iceland (around 900AD), he built a varde. A varde is a stone fireplace placed on a mountain top or other location that can be seen from afar. It was used to signal to others about enemies arriving and other major events. The spot Floke placed his varde was later was known as Ryvarden. Floke himself was later known as Ramnafloke due to the two ravens he brought with him to help locate land when approaching Iceland. (GPS didn’t work that well back in those days.)In more recent times a lighthouse was built in the same area and houses was built to cater for the lighthouse attendant and his assistants. The lighthouse was later automated and Sveio commune transformed the area and its buildings into a “Cultural Lighthouse” with art exhibitions and a cafe.

Before the Viking king Floke Vilgerdsson, with all his family and belongings, sailed off to become the first settlers on Iceland (around 900AD), he built a varde. A varde is a stone fireplace placed on a mountain top or other location that can be seen from afar. It was used to signal to others about enemies arriving and other major events. The spot Floke placed his varde was later was known as Ryvarden. Floke himself was later known as Ramnafloke due to the two ravens he brought with him to help locate land when approaching Iceland. (GPS didn’t work that well back in those days.) In more recent times a lighthouse was built in the same area and houses was built to cater for the lighthouse attendant and his assistants. The lighthouse was later automated and Sveio commune transformed the area and its buildings into a “Cultural Lighthouse” with art exhibitions and a cafe.

Ryvarden Lighthouse

Come with me to the heart of the fjords of Norway, Geiranger. The nature surrounding this village of a few hundred souls draw 700,000 visitors every year. Now, you get a chance to experience "first hand" what the place is all about.

Geiranger

While roaming around in the Dovre Mountain National Park I came across a herd of 7 to 8 wild muskoxen. I was thrilled being able to capture the moment with my Sony. While editing the video I also noticed the little disobedient calf so unwilling to part with his mouthful while being chased by his parents. It reminded me of something ... ;-)

Wild Muskoxen!

This time we will set sail to cruise along the coast near Bergen in the three-masted barque called Statsraad Lehmkuhl. This ship offers tourists and locals a unique afternoon experience of the Gateway to the Fjords. All accompanied by the samba rhythms of the on-board live orchestra. Ship o'hoy, mates!

This time we will set sail to cruise along the coast near Bergen in the three-masted barque called Statsraad Lehmkuhl. This ship offers tourists and locals a unique afternoon experience of the Gateway to the Fjords. All accompanied by the samba rhythms of the on-board live orchestra. Ship o'hoy, mates!

Statsraad Lehmkuhl

Apple blossom in Hardanger Fjord. Snow capped mountains. Lush and green fjord gardens. Waterfalls. It's a fairytale.

Fairytale.

My Virtual Window: Norway in HD is an Apple TV compatible video podcast mostly about nature, places and people in Western Norway - the best kept secret of Europe. Be prepared for majestic fjords, snowy mountains and fresh, crisp and clear air that fills your lungs with that much needed oxygen. Since it is a window for you to observe the world through, this podcast has mostly natural sounds. As with most windows, the view may appear somewhat static at times. This is intentional and part of this concept.

I am of Norwegian descent and have only made it to Norway once, but these videos are the next best thing until I can get back!  Even though they make feel sad in longing for Norway, they make me happy remembering why I love it so.

Very Well Done!

Thank you so much for posting and especially filming these wonderful movies of Norway. You make it seem like a dream. Excellent job. Keep them coming !!

Your bound to get noticed

Heaven In Norway

My Virtual Window: Norway in HD is an Apple TV compatible video podcast mostly about nature, places and people in Western Norway - the best kept secret of Europe. Be prepared for majestic fjords, snowy mountains and fresh, crisp and clear air that fills your lungs with that much needed oxygen. Since it is a window for you to observe the world through, this podcast has mostly natural sounds. As with most windows, the view may appear somewhat static at times. This is intentional and part of this concept.

Norway in HD

It’s April and spring is back. The leaves are back on our trees and nature is green as it gets. In Bergen and other cities all over the Kingdom another spring phenomenon is unfolding; the senior students in high school – The Russ – are out on the streets wearing their red or blue overalls. The Blues are students from business oriented high-schools and the Reds are students from other high schools. Expect to see some unusual behaviour …

It’s April and spring is back. The leaves are back on our trees and nature is green as it gets. In Bergen and other cities all over the Kingdom another spring phenomenon is unfolding; the senior students in high school – The Russ – are out on the streets wearing their red or blue overalls. The Blues are students from business oriented high-schools and the Reds are students from other high schools. Expect to see some unusual behaviour …

Bergen in April

Come with me to Bergen - the Gateway of the Fjords! It's a winterly Bergen that greets us this time as we explore the view of the city from the Nordnes district. The tallship in the harbour next to the famous Bryggen is the S/S Statsraad Lemkuhl. Enjoy!

Come with me to Bergen - the Gateway of the Fjords! It's a winterly Bergen that greets us this time as we explore the view of the city from the Nordnes district. The tallship in the harbour next to the famous Bryggen is the S/S Statsraad Lemkuhl. Enjoy!

Winter in Bergen

This 40 minute ferry ride takes you across the Bjoernefjord and is a compulsary part of the E39 between Stavanger and Bergen. Enjoy!

The ferry from Sandvikvag to Halhjem

Norway declared herself a sovereign kingdom in 1905 ending almost one hundred years of a union with neighboring Sweden. As a fairly young nation, the Constitution Day on May 17th is still one of the big annual celebrations. On this day children of all ages dress up in either one of the many national folklore costumes or their Sunday best. At 10am the Children’s Parade pushes off.  The children march to the tunes of their school's brass band accompanied by their teachers. A long the route parents and other relatives watches their offspring with pride. For the rest of the day the children can enjoy their privileges of non-stop supply of ice-cream, hot dogs and soda. The Senior High School students celebrate following their own traditions. Easily recognized in their red or blue overalls they have been up all through the night and "marching capabilities" may at this point be somewhat limited ...

Norway declared herself a sovereign kingdom in 1905 ending almost one hundred years of a union with neighboring Sweden. As a fairly young nation, the Constitution Day on May 17th is still one of the big annual celebrations. On this day children of all ages dress up in either one of the many national folklore costumes or their Sunday best. At 10am the Children’s Parade pushes off.  The children march to the tunes of their school's brass band accompanied by their teachers. A long the route parents and other relatives watches their offspring with pride. For the rest of the day the children can enjoy their privileges of non-stop supply of ice-cream, hot dogs and soda. The Senior High School students celebrate following their own traditions. Easily recognized in their red or blue overalls they have been up all through the night and "marching capabilities" may at this point be somewhat limited ...

Haugesund, Celebrating May 17th

Here is a compilation of great shots that never made it to the podcast in 2008. Thank you for your support through the year and see you again in 2009!

Happy New Year from Norway!

Strong icy cold winds and waves breaking onto land is a common sight in our part of the world. Particularily so during the winter season. Enjoy this natural theater in today's episode.

Strong icy cold winds and waves breaking onto land is a common sight in our part of the world. Particularily so during the winter season. Enjoy this natural theater in today's episode.

Ferkingstad: Waves and Gale Winds

Welcome back to my garden. The wonderful autumn colors are here and I just couldn't resist sharing it with you.

My Garden Revisited (Autumn Colors)

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