We’re back and where to begin – I really don’t know. I think the best way is to describe it all is as it happened.
Day 1 – we sailed on the overnight boat, reached Aberdeen 07:00, taxi to airport, plane to Oslo, train to Hamar, hire car to Dalsbygda where we were staying a couple of nights.
A good night’s sleep and then off to Røros – a little mining town (for copper 1644 – 1977)
It was snowing lightly when we arrived and the stalls were setting up.
The buildings were beautiful.
“The modern-day inhabitants of Røros still work and live in the characteristic 17th and 18th century buildings which have led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Røros has about 80 wooden houses, most of them standing around courtyards. Many retain their dark pitch-log facades, giving the town a medieval appearance.” – Wikipedia
People were gathering for the opening ceremony. We started at the bottom of the hill and walked up.
This is Røros church – apparently the 5th largest church in Norway and built in 1784.
We went inside the next day (photos then) and it was beautiful.
This is a typical traditional Norwegian “sod roof” or “torvtak”, ie turf roof.
The turf is efficient insulation whilst the birch bark underneath gives the waterproofing.
There were stewards ensuring everyone was where they should be.
We arrived early (an hour) to get a good spot for photos.
And then it started. First music, some speeches, singing, drama and then wonderful dancing.
First up, were the reindeer pulling sledges with their Sami handlers.
I am now rather in love with reindeer.
And then the horses arrived…….
to be continued……./
And huge thanks for Nick for holding the fort in my absence. I told you he was good!
I never knew before how much I NEED to go to Norway (with stops in Sweden and Denmark to visit ancestral homelands)!
You take amazing pictures, not just quality, but content. I love those reindeer too, especially the freckles on the nose and those big feet! Can’t wait to see more!
Oh, oh! Reindeer! Frances, you definitely have to adopt one (or two)!!
Good to have you back, Frances. Looking forward to the next installment.
Lovely photos! I see why you fell for the reindeer – cute! How did you and Daisy handle the snow?
Snow was easy. Ice was easy. We had bought great fur lined lace up riding boots for walking around in, plus good pure mohair wool socks from Corrymoor
Add a pair of Yaktrax and I was good to go!
No cold feet. Plus thermals and a lovely coat! I never felt cold, once!
I can vouch for Yaktrax. My Iceland trip last year would have been impossible without them!
yes, I am in love with reindeer too!
It looks so cold there! The mittens, socks and caps are beautiful.
Pshaw. She got the ‘to be continued’ idea from me! 😀
Pshaw, indeed! And who on earth says pshaw!
Well you just did…
Welcome back! Um, is it just me, or do a couple of those reindeer look awfully thin? are they supposed to be that way? They certainly are handsome beasts! I love all the bright colors against the backdrop of snow, so pretty! (and the house with the red windows) This promises to be another interesting week….
PS Thanks for giving us Nick while you were away!
Those were not thin reindeer. They looked just right.
Here are some thin reindeer for comparison – http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/skinny-reindeer-kent-christmas-fair-outrage_uk_5852518fe4b0986a1562602a
Oh my…..what wonderful pictures. I can’t wait to see more. I love the buildings and the reindeer and the dancing…..it looks like such fun. Thanks for taking us there through your pictures!
How exciting!! I love your photos!!
May be time to add some reindeer to your family?? hee hee!
Wonderful, interesting post! It’s marvellous to have an insight into other countries and their traditions – I really enjoyed the photo’s and am looking forward to more. Is Norway somewhere you have always wanted to go, I wonder, or have you been before? Gosh it does look cold, but so historical and interesting. I would never have thought about going to Norway. Thanks for sharing your holiday. P.S. I enjoyed Nick to – he was very good!
Wow, how wonderful! And what a cliffhanger!