Outside is revolting. It started with a nice but ominous sunrise (red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning) and the weather got worse from then on.
So, these photos are from February 2017 when Daisy and I went to Norway with a Norwegian friend to see the market and horse event at Rørosmartnan.
Obviously I took my camera and had a wonderful time indulging all my main interests – shopping, horses and taking photos.
“Røros is is a town in Trøndelag county, Norway, known for its historic copper mining, traditional wooden buildings, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the interior uplands of the country, it is one of Norway’s coldest places and has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.”
I can vouch that it was very cold but good clothing solves all problems and we came prepared. We are from Shetland, after all.
It was a busy place but folk were friendly and helpful and we wandered around just looking at everything.
I loved it. It was very pretty.
The horse bit of the festival was opened with traditional dancers – it was a winter painting by Pieter Breughel.
Next the reindeer arrived.
They were all very well behaved and I can’t begin to tell you just how much I wondered if I could bring one home. Just a baby one. Who would even notice?
And then the horse driven sleighs came. Around 80 horse-drawn sleds arrive with visitors from Sweden and the surrounding mountain villages and they paraded through the village while the crowds watch.
These are just a few photos from the thousands I took.
It was all beautiful. I can still remember every minute of our fantastic trip to Norway and am now feeling very nostalgic. The photos are a good reminder of possibly one of my very best holidays.
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I can see why that lives in your memory as a very, very special trip.
Magical
Wonderful photos indeed! Looks like a fantastic trip, so interesting to see a slice of traditional life way up North. I’m very surprised that you didn’t smuggle home a wee reindeer! Where will you go for your next adventure?
Probably nowhere soon. Too many old horses/ponies here.
Were the horses. Norwegian Fjord?
Not all of them. A few. The rest were Dole or Dolehest – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%B8lehest
Well they are beautiful horses. I’ve never heard of Dole or Dolehest! Thank you for the link to learn of them. And thank you every day for your photographs and for sharing your Shetland life with all of us. You have no idea how many fans you have over here in Oregon! We speak of you familiarly as a dear friend, and look forward every morning to whatever you have written. ❤️
That is lovely.
I was briefly in Norway in 2019 as part of a Baltic country tour. really only in Oslo, but it was a beautiful country. looking at these photos I think this is something I would put on my bucket list. I do not expect that it will happen so have to enjoy these beautiful pictures.
I took many photos. It was an incredible place.
I remember enjoying your posts at the time, and I’m astounded it was that long ago.
What lovely hairy horses, and nice knitwear too!
Everything was incredible in a gorgeous Scandinavian way.
Beautiful memories/photos. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure.
I love it that you share all the beautiful home and travels with us. This set of pictures was truly amazing and makes me wish I could go to Norway. I was there once long ago in the summer and it was beautiful then as well but winter is obviously even more spectacular!
I have followed your posts for years and will continue to do so. Yours is the first voice I seek when I wake up to my computer.
Barbara Scot
Awww, thank you. x
My grandparents came over from Norway and it was always a dream to go and look up relatives. I have old 16mm movies of my Dad’s visit when he was about 12 and while they are only black and white, the sheer beauty of the countryside draws you in.
Your pictures warmly exhibit the vibrant colors that actually grace the clothing and architecture, bringing more life to the experience. It helps imagine being there.
I could live there