There is a partial train strike, which warranted me getting up at 05:30 this morning to catch an early bus from Geilo to Kongsberg, where I could board a train for the rest of the journey to Oslo.
The bus ride took almost four hours, but it was quiet and the scenery was stunning. I realized later that, had I taken the train, I would have missed much of that scenery in exchange for tunnels.
We traveled through the picturesque Numedal Valley, and I watched the landscape gradually change from rugged mountain terrain and rolling Alpine scenery to rivers, forests, and blazing autumn colours as we descended downward in altitude.
I passed through several small, quiet towns and farmsteads and spotted traditional wooden farm buildings, including stabburs, along the way.
I was especially excited to spot a magnificent stave church right beside the road! I had no idea it was coming so I never managed to get a picture, but I have the memory and you can’t beat that. (The next time I’m in Norway, I’m doing a stave church tour.)
I was honestly disappointed to leave the comfortable, quiet bus and board the crowded train. Once I made my way out of the enormous, bustling, and confusing Oslo station and got settled into my Airbnb, I unpacked and promptly set out for Vigeland Park.
Vigeland Park is located within the beautiful Frogner Park and is the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, featuring more than 200 bronze, granite, and wrought-iron works by Gustav Vigeland. It was quite the experience.
From there, I made my way into the busy central district and somehow managed to find my friend Diane, who was on the Hurtigruten and happened to be in town. We had dinner together, took a bit of a walkabout, and then went our separate ways. It was so nice to see a familiar face!
Some reflective water pictures from my bus window:
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