Jutland again…

We stayed overnight in the charming city of Aarhus in the coast. Lovely exploring…

Up right and early as we had an extensive farm on reclaimed land to visit before a quick whizz to the ferry for our journey to Gothenburg, Sweden.

A mind blowing view of extensive grain farming!

Jutland

As we drove through the countryside there were huge areas of cropping. Paddocks as big as the eye could see. Of particular interest were 2 impressive properties which were established many years ago. The first was Hofmasvgave Park. Founded in 1750’s with the trees planted in the late 1790’s. The farmer shared great information and we were impressed and amazed at his operation. He was employed by the owner.

The cows were milked by robotic machines. The next shed which was under construction blew our minds. It was wow!

The new milking barn was massive with a lot of very modern technology to come.

Denmark - Copenhagen 13 and 14/7

Interesting views as we entered the port this morning disembarking around 10ish. Met our Copenhagen guide and after a short bus ride we headed off on our walking tour. Lovely historic buildings mixed with modern. And, then it poured!! 

And the next day the sun came out. A great explore on a glorious day where the locals were making the most of their environment. Tivoli Garden in the evening was busy, interesting and delicious - ate a beautiful meal in one of the oldest restaurants with the grumpiest waiters. 

Oslo 2

And then we were back in Oslo. Interesting to be back in this vibrant city with a local guide. We visited the Vineland Sculpture Park (amazing) and the From Museum (an excellent exhibition related to the race to ‘the poles’). Pics below of the boat that survived the poles expeditions and our team in Lillehammer.

Boarded our overnight ferry mid afternoon and set sail not long after. Twin bottom bunks. Comfort levels just perfect.

Lillehammer

We visited two really interesting farming enterprises today. Annette has a mountain farm (Puten Seter)and she told us about her summer block and the land they crop in the valley. Cattle are currently grazing in the National Park forest where they run accommodation and have a cafe for summer walkers and winter skiers. The valley farm produces grass and barley to feed stock in the winter.

Love the natural roof on this lodge.

And our afternoon visit was to a co-operative farm with dairy and bull beef. Really impressive.

Following that we made a visit to the Olympic Ski Jumping facilities near Lillehammer. WOW! We walked down from the top - over 900 steps.

The road to Lom was very windy…

Our farm visit this morning was a dairy farm which the Moe family have farmed for over 300 years. With summer country which allows for winter feed to be grown and stored, they can have 30 cows. These are sent with those from 4 other farmers for the summer grazing period.

We wound our way up and onto the Songe Mountains with incredible vistas and we even saw some very friendly white sheep before descending again to the National Park village of Lom. A great place for the adventurous.

The stave church in Lom. One of only

26 left from ancient times.

Naeoryfjord

Today’s visit was to a sheep farm with added value. We tasted a variety smoked and cured meats as well as flatbreads like lavish and yoghurt. Then… we were introduced to their major revenue stream - sheep’s heads.. quite a delicacy so we’re told.

One of our party was charged with burning off the sheep’s wool… in the traditional way.

Then we were off to board our cruise in the Naeoryfjord. Beautiful landscapes and very warm. Passed lots of scout groups on kayaks enjoying the water. When we reached our port, Flam, we discovered a cruise ship - over 250 km out to the sea from there.

After a wee drive, a 24.6 km tunnel through the mountains, a car ferry ride and on to Solengal where we’ve spent the night. Great day!