188020@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There is an old saying that goes: "Whoever makes a journey has a story to tell."@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
188030@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is currently working on a "National tourist routes" project designed to touch the hearts and souls of tourists by showcasing magnificent scenery in a harmonious and non-exploitive way.@@@@1@33@@oe@20-11-2007
188050@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Running along fjords, coasts, mountains and waterfalls where time stands still and the past and present seamlessly intersect, these routes embrace Norway and its beautiful countryside, offering domestic and foreign tourists world-class scenery and vistas.@@@@1@35@@oe@20-11-2007
188060@unknown@formal@none@1@S@These are the National tourist routes, memorable drives through a kaleidoscope of contrasts in scenery, culture and climate.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
188070@unknown@formal@none@1@S@These tourist routes invite you to take a break from the stress and annoyances of everyday life and take life at a slower pace.@@@@1@24@@oe@20-11-2007
188090@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From now until 2015, eighteen sections of highway are scheduled to be designated National tourist routes, 1,850 kilometres in all through quintessential Norwegian countryside.@@@@1@24@@oe@20-11-2007
188110@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The designs will follow strict aesthetic standards in a way that harmonises with the surroundings and reinforces travellers' appreciation of the great outdoors and unspoilt countryside.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
188120@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Along the tourist routes, tourists will be able to fish, take waterfall tours and go mountain hiking, as well as avail themselves of services, accommodation, cultural attractions and much more.@@@@1@30@@oe@20-11-2007
188140@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Information about the tourist routes is available both en route and at various locations along the way, in the form of information plaques and guides.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
188150@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In addition, the National tourist routes are posted with the tourist route symbol.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
188160@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The guides are usually available at local tourist information offices and at service points along the tourist routes.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
188170@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Before you go, you can use this website and plan your trip.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
188190@unknown@formal@none@1@S@On the top menu you will find a travel planner.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
188220@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Four sections have already been designated National tourist routes: Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (the Old Strynefjell Road - Rv 258), Rv 7 across the Hardangervidda plateau and through Hardanger, Sognefjellsvegen (Sognefjell Road, Rv 55) and parts of Kystriksvegen (the Coastal Road) in Nordland (Rv 17).@@@@1@43@@oe@20-11-2007
188230@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Two of these, the Old Strynefjell Road and Sognefjell Road, are presented at this website with detailed description of the area, sections and points of interest.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
188240@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In plenty of time before next summer, Hardanger and Helgeland-Salten will also be presented in the same way.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
188250@unknown@formal@none@1@S@As they are designated National tourist routes, the other routes will be described in this manner as well.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
188270@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The majority of the tourist routes will be open all year, enabling motorists to experience the Norwegian outdoors under changing weather and light conditions the year round.@@@@1@27@@oe@20-11-2007
188280@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In some places there are ferry connections to take into consideration.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
188310@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Nevertheless, be considerate of nature and the environment.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
188320@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Dispose of waste in garbage receptacles or receptacles for paper and glass.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
188330@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Do not light open fires.@@@@1@5@@oe@20-11-2007
188340@unknown@formal@none@1@S@And leave wild or grazing animals undisturbed as much as possible.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
188350@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Do not assume that the ice on lakes is safe to walk on in the spring and summer months.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
188360@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Glacier hikes and mountain climbing should only be with a guide.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
188370@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Use campsites or other lodgings.@@@@1@5@@oe@20-11-2007
188380@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Rest areas are designed only for brief stops.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
188410@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Our contract addresses are: Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Scenic Roads Office, P.O. Box 1010, 2605 Lillehammer, Norway.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
188420@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Telephone: +47 815 22000 - fax: +47 61 25 74 80@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
188450@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In majestic surroundings, high in the mountains past blue ice, jagged peaks and emerald lakes, the Sognefjell Road runs between Sognefjord, the world's longest fjord, and the Gudbrandsdal valley.@@@@1@29@@oe@20-11-2007
188460@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Sognefjell Road was designated Norway's first tourist route in 1997 and has just been upgraded to a National tourist route in 2003.@@@@1@23@@oe@20-11-2007
188480@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Sognefjell Road has carried traffic since time immemorial.@@@@1@9@@oe@20-11-2007
188490@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Fish and salt from the west and butter, hides, iron and tar from the east were carried by people on their shoulders or on horseback.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
188520@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Sognefjell Road gives you access to Jotunheimen National Park, with Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest mountain, and several of the other of the highest peaks in Norway, and to Jostedalsbreen, Norway's largest glacier.@@@@1@32@@oe@20-11-2007
188530@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Here your can poke about on your own among soaring peaks, take a tour over glaciers and mountain tops with experienced guides, and go skiing all year round.@@@@1@28@@oe@20-11-2007
188550@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The route between the inland valley, high mountains and fjord offers breathtaking contrasts in climate and topography and a variety of plant and animal life, from lower elevations with farms, pine forests and the conditions for human settlement to the alpine terrain approx. 1,000 metres above sea level.@@@@1@48@@oe@20-11-2007
188560@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Up here you'll find bare rock with clear traces of the last Ice Age, with grass, moss, lichen interspersed with juniper and willow.@@@@1@23@@oe@20-11-2007
188570@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Here you'll also find hardy polar plants such as arctic buttercup, with mountain birch here and there.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
188590@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Wild as well as tame reindeer live on Sognefjell, and down towards the valleys there are moose and deer.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
188610@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In eastern regions there may be bears, lynx and wolverines, though they are few and very shy.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
188640@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Sognefjell Road runs between Lom in Oppland and Gaupne in Sogn og Fjordane.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
188650@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Lom is located in the Ottadalen valley 66 km west of the town of Otta on E 6 in Gudbrandsdal, about halfway between Oslo and Trondheim.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
188660@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You'll find tourist information offices in Lom, Vågå and Otta.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
188680@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Gaupne is located 30 km east of the regional centre Sogndal.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
188690@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There are tourist information offices in Sogndal, Gaupne and Skjolden.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
188710@unknown@formal@none@1@S@And even farther west is the ferry landing in Hella providing connections to Vangsnes and Vikafjellet, and Dragsvik and picturesque Balestrand, the starting point of the planned scenic road across Gaularfjellet.@@@@1@31@@oe@20-11-2007
188730@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From the east, the Sognefjell Road passes through Bøverdalen, a side valley to Ottadalen.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
188740@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Bøverdalen rises gently in a straight line in the terrain until it meets the high mountains and peaks in Jotunheimen.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
188750@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In the west, the terrain drops precipitously and dramatically towards Sognefjord.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
188770@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The area has several climatic zones.@@@@1@6@@oe@20-11-2007
188780@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The east side is well sheltered by the prevailing westerly winds and has a relatively dry climate.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
188790@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The highest elevations have an arctic climate with winter much of the year.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
188810@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The fjord climate is mild, and in the innermost reaches of Sognefjord there is also relatively little precipitation.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
188830@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Several side roads connecting to the Sognefjell Road lead into Jotunheimen.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
188840@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From Røysheim there is a road to Spiterstulen and from Galdesand to Juvasshytta, with its highest point 1,850 metres above sea level.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
188850@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You cannot get higher by car in Scandinavia.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
188860@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There is also a road through the Leirdalen valley to Leirvassbu, the starting point for many hikes in Jotunheimen.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
188880@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Fortun in the west is the starting point for hikes in Breheimen.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
188890@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From Skjolden a road runs along the south side of Lustrafjord to Urnes Stave Church, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
188920@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Along the Sognefjell Road you can enjoy the scenery from your car, but there is much more on offer.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
188930@unknown@formal@none@1@S@For hikers there is everything from mountain climbing and glacier hiking to short strolls from the highway.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
188940@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Many of the places catering for tourists along the road offer guided glacier or mountain hikes.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
188950@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You can also ski on prepared trails the year round and fish in lakes, rivers or the fjord.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
188980@unknown@formal@none@1@S@"The high mountain's glacial might", wrote the great Norwegian poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in a guest book in Grotli following a visit in 1896.@@@@1@23@@oe@20-11-2007
188990@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The majestic Strynefjell pass has inspired poets and artists up through the ages.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
189020@unknown@formal@none@1@S@A narrow road twists at one with nature through the Strynefjell pass, a bit of Norwegian road-building history, which was the only road for vehicular traffic between Skjåk and Stryn for most of the previous century.@@@@1@36@@oe@20-11-2007
189030@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In 1997 the road was designated a tourist route, and was upgraded to a National tourist route in 2003.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
189050@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Between the mountain community of Skjåk and the town of Stryn on the fjord, there were for years several paths for packhorses for transporting people and essential goods.@@@@1@28@@oe@20-11-2007
189060@unknown@formal@none@1@S@It was difficult and slow going.@@@@1@6@@oe@20-11-2007
189070@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In 1881 the decision was made to build a road between Grotli and Hjelle, and there was great excitement when the first wagons could set out on the road in 1894.@@@@1@31@@oe@20-11-2007
189090@unknown@formal@none@1@S@I 1978 the Strynefjell Road was superseded by a new 12-km-long all-year road with three tunnels.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
189110@unknown@formal@none@1@S@For it is not only the manual labour and the story of its construction that makes it a scenic road.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
189120@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Along its length of 27 km, the Strynefjell Mountain Road demonstrates the tension between the topography of east and west, the ancient, rounded forms in the east, and the sudden drop and the more recent alpine forms in the west.@@@@1@40@@oe@20-11-2007
189140@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Here you will find a true wilderness, inhabited only by birds and animals adapted to an arctic climate, perhaps a predator in search of prey, a wild reindeer, a golden eagle, or sheep in summer pastures.@@@@1@36@@oe@20-11-2007
189150@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Here there is plenty of space - and plenty of time.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
189160@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Change down to a lower gear and head into the mountains.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
189190@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Strynefjell Road runs between Grotli in Oppland and Videseter in Sogn og Fjordane.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
189210@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In Ottadalen you will find tourist information offices in Skjåk, Lom, Vågå and Otta.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
189220@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From Lom, 60 km east of Grotli, another tourist route, the Sognefjell Road, heads west, and at Langevatn, 13 km east of Grotli, you will find the planned tourist route along Rv 63 to Geiranger and Trollstigen.@@@@1@37@@oe@20-11-2007
189240@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The old and new roads through the Strynefjell pass meet at Videseter.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
189250@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Here the road winds precipitously downward towards Stryn and the centre of the municipality 37 km farther west.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
189260@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There you'll find a tourist information office as well as connections farther west in Sogn og Fjordane and towards Møre og Romsdal.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
189280@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Tourism has a long tradition in this area, dating back to the time the first cruise ships called in the western fjords in the early 1900's Tourists were brought on horseback, by car or bus up the steep roads in towards the mountains or from fjord to fjord.@@@@1@48@@oe@20-11-2007
189290@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The stunning mountainscape made a powerful impression on the King of Siam, when he travelled her in 1907 with a large entourage.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
189320@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Artists have drawn inspiration from the Strynefjell pass, creating music, art, poetry and films there.@@@@1@15@@oe@20-11-2007
189330@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Although Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson wrote that he "froze at the sight" of the "high mountain's glacial might", he also delighted in the mountains' stunning beauty.@@@@1@24@@oe@20-11-2007
189340@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The sharp contrast between the topography of east and west emerges clearly on the Strynfjell pass.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
189350@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The landscape is marked by the events connected with the end of the last Ice Age: plateaus, plains and rounded forms in the east, and alpine peaks, gorges and cliffs in the west.@@@@1@33@@oe@20-11-2007
189360@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In the east, the ice remained immobile, doing little to change the shape of the underlying rock, while in the west, the ice cut into the river valleys facing the sea, scouring the mountains to create their alpine forms.@@@@1@39@@oe@20-11-2007
189380@unknown@formal@none@1@S@A close neighbour to the south is Norway's largest glacier, Jostedalsbreen, of which Tystigbreen is a part.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
189390@unknown@formal@none@1@S@It is not only natural and topographical forms that part company on the Strynefjell pass, but also weather and wind.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
189410@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The winters are long, the summers short.@@@@1@7@@oe@20-11-2007
189420@unknown@formal@none@1@S@But all seasons have their uniqueness that attract visitors.@@@@1@9@@oe@20-11-2007
189440@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The old road is closed in the winter, but in early May it opens to traffic - and to numerous activities.@@@@1@21@@oe@20-11-2007
189450@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Don't forget to bring your skis.@@@@1@6@@oe@20-11-2007
189460@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You can put them on on the side of the road at Stryn Summer Ski Centre.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
189470@unknown@formal@none@1@S@And from the middle of summer and into autumn, it is hiking season.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
189480@unknown@formal@none@1@S@For cyclists the road is also a good choice.@@@@1@9@@oe@20-11-2007
189510@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Old Strynefjell Road, Rv 258, winds for 27 kilometres across the rocky, mossy mountainsides in gentle curves between Grotli and the mountain plateau in the east and the cliff at Videseter in the west.@@@@1@35@@oe@20-11-2007
189520@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From forests of gnarled birches the road rises to the arctic vegetation above the tree line, heading then to Stryn Summer Ski Centre, where the valley narrows to a point and then continuing down steep curves to the junction at Videseter.@@@@1@41@@oe@20-11-2007
189530@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The highest point on the road is 1,139 metres above sea level.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
189550@unknown@formal@none@1@S@As a piece of engineering, the road is more than a hundred years old and continues to impress with its fine handmade walls of carefully cut stone, long rows of guard stones and the old Jøl bridge.@@@@1@37@@oe@20-11-2007
189560@unknown@formal@none@1@S@It all bears witness to the exertion and the pride of craftsmanship of the locals and the Swedish casual labourers.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
189570@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The narrow and twisty gravel road provides you with a close-to-nature experience very different from speeding along a paved highway.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
189590@unknown@formal@none@1@S@All the way up until the 1950's, the snow was cleared by hand.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
189610@unknown@formal@none@1@S@That was how it was done!@@@@1@6@@oe@20-11-2007
189620@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Today, rotary snow ploughs clear the road of snow in the late spring in the course of a few days.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
189640@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In an appendix, you will find a guide, which discusses each stretch of Gamle Strynefjellsvegen.@@@@1@15@@oe@20-11-2007
189650@unknown@formal@none@1@S@This guide is in PDF format and you will need Adobe-Reader software in order to open it.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
189660@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You will find the link to a free download of Adobe here.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
189680@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Attachments@@@@1@1@@oe@20-11-2007
189690@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Guide Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (1,49 MB)@@@@1@5@@oe@20-11-2007
189730@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The classified road Rv 17 between Steinkjer and Bodø is known as the Coastal Highway.@@@@1@15@@oe@20-11-2007
189740@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The northernmost part of the road between Stokkvågen, west of Mo i Rana and Storvika south of Bodø make up the National Tourist Road for the Northern Coast of Helgeland.@@@@1@30@@oe@20-11-2007
189750@unknown@formal@none@1@S@It comprises several older stretches of road that have been connected in more recent times.@@@@1@15@@oe@20-11-2007
189770@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The landscape along the northern coast abounds with myths and legends.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
189780@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The sea along the coast was once Norway's main route for all sorts of ships and boats.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
189790@unknown@formal@none@1@S@People have lived in this area since the Stone Age, and through the generations, they have made their livelihood from coastal fishing and subsistence farming.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
189820@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The distance is short from Svartisen's mighty glacier arms, stretching between mountain peaks and down to the fjord, to the string of islands that bedecks the coast out to sea.@@@@1@30@@oe@20-11-2007
189840@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In crossing the Arctic Circle, you enter the land of the midnight sun.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
189850@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Night becomes day in the summer months while darkness reigns during the winter months.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
189860@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Sea and land meet to create an entire spectrum, from the red of the midnight sun to the purple of winter contours.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
189870@unknown@formal@none@1@S@A mild coastal climate and lush flora prevail, while the weather provides harsh living conditions at the mouths of the fjords.@@@@1@21@@oe@20-11-2007
189890@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Sharp mountain peaks, Northern Europe's second largest glacier, Svartisen, and the National Park are near and mighty neighbours.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
189910@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Several places along the way have been arranged for fishing and hiking, with a starting point near the road.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
189920@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The sea eagle reigns among a rich bird life that includes many types of sea birds.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
189940@unknown@formal@none@1@S@A little south of Bodø you find Saltstraumen, the world's strongest tidewater maelstrom.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
189950@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Every sixth hour the narrow strait becomes a foaming river of fierce whirlpools.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
189960@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The river is a paradise for fishing.@@@@1@7@@oe@20-11-2007
189980@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Take the time to enjoy the coast of Norland's vivid landscape.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
189990@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Meet the people and take side trips by car, on foot - or by boat out to the islands.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
190020@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Kystriksveien Reiseliv as publishes a travel manual with detailed information about ferry boat schedules, overnight accommodation and other useful information for tourists.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
190030@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Information about the manual can be found here or by calling +47 74 16 36 17.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
190040@unknown@formal@none@1@S@(www.helgelandskysten.com)@@@@1@1@@oe@20-11-2007
190070@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The National Tourist Road for the Coast of Helgeland takes you through a mystical landscape of powerful natural forces surrounded by an island kingdom in the sea and dramatic mountain peaks.@@@@1@31@@oe@20-11-2007
190080@unknown@formal@none@1@S@This is the northernmost part of the coastal highway, Rv 17, between Stokkvågen west of Mo i Rana and Storvika south of Bodø.@@@@1@23@@oe@20-11-2007
190110@unknown@formal@none@1@S@So much to see, so much to experience.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
190120@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Take time to visit the coast of Norland's vivid landscape.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
190130@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Meet its people - take side trips by car, boat or on foot.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
190140@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Northerners consider it to be the world's most beautiful coast.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
190160@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The landscape along the Norland coast between Rana and Bodø has a multitude of myths and legends.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
190170@unknown@formal@none@1@S@A string of islands, isles and skerries decorates the horizon, and the seasons offer everything from the reddish glow of the midnight sun to purple winter contours.@@@@1@27@@oe@20-11-2007
190180@unknown@formal@none@1@S@This is where the magical Arctic Circle is crossed - where night becomes day and day becomes night.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
190220@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The mountain peaks, the deep fjords, the huge Svartisen glacier and the wide wilderness of the National Park and at Saltfjell are some of what characterises the mainland.@@@@1@28@@oe@20-11-2007
190230@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Come hike on glaciers or through the mountains, take boat trips and camp in the wilderness.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
190240@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The entire route provides opportunities for fishing in the sea or in mountain lakes and streams, for hiking in gentle terrain or for mountain climbing.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
190250@unknown@formal@none@1@S@A rich bird-life surrounds you everywhere and most types of seabirds can be found: from the puffin to the sea eagles of Europe's largest stock.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
190270@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Saltstraumen, a bit north of the tourist road's northernmost point, is the world's strongest tidewater maelstrom.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
190280@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Every sixth hour the narrow straight becomes a seething river of violent whirlpools.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
190290@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The maelstrom is paradise for all eager fishing enthusiasts, and the location has a long and rich cultural history.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
190310@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The coast was once the country's main road - and coastal culture has strong traditions of extensive trade and contact with other countries and cultures.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
190320@unknown@formal@none@1@S@They rowed and they sailed, they fished and they hunted, and there are monuments here that date back to the medieval period's stone churches.@@@@1@24@@oe@20-11-2007
190340@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Take time for a trip in the Nordland coast's vivid landscape, to one of the world's most beautiful coasts.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
190370@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The classified road (Rv) 17 between Steinkjer and Bodø is known as the coastal highway.@@@@1@15@@oe@20-11-2007
190380@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The northern part of the road from Stokkvågen, west of Mo i Rana, to Storvika, south of Bodø is the National Tourist Road for the Northern Coast of Helgeland.@@@@1@29@@oe@20-11-2007
190410@unknown@formal@none@1@S@This landscape full of legends and myths invites people to an adventure in the island realm.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
190420@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The mild climate of this area has created the conditions necessary for a vivid coastal culture with traditions that date back to the Stone Age.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
190430@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There is a wealth of bird life, including the world's largest stock of sea eagles, a wealth of marine life and a wide range of flora.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
190440@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The coast was once the country's main highway and the coastal culture has strong traditions of extensive trade and contact with other countries and cultures.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
190460@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Together with the sea, mountain peaks, Saltfjellet and the great glacier in Svartisen National Park are near and mighty neighbours.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
190470@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You may join groups for glacier hiking and mountain tours, take boat trips and go camping in the wilderness.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
190480@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There are opportunities to fish in the sea, hike in easier terrain or climb to mountain summits.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
190510@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Conquer mountains, fjords and the blue glacier, or give yourself time to visit the chain of island pearls out to sea.@@@@1@21@@oe@20-11-2007
190520@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Visit the world's strongest maelstrom at Saltstraumen - a paradise for fishermen.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
190540@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Travel through the vivid coastal landscape of Norland, and allow yourself to be seduced by the wonders and secrets to be found along this exotic coast.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
190570@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Hardanger National Tourist Route stretches from mountain plateau to fjord, through the beautiful and fertile countryside of western Norway, with the Folgefonna glacier gazing regally down from above.@@@@1@28@@oe@20-11-2007
190580@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In Hardanger, nature offers both idyllic stillness and high drama.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
190610@unknown@formal@none@1@S@But the distance between all these things is short.@@@@1@9@@oe@20-11-2007
190630@unknown@formal@none@1@S@It is quite possible to visit the Vøringsfoss waterfall, go summer skiing on Folgefonna and take a swim in the fjord - all on the same day.@@@@1@27@@oe@20-11-2007
190640@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The area offers a variety of walking opportunities and all along the Tourist Route there are places to stop for a while for a snack or a swim, try your luck fishing or just enjoy the views and the quiet.@@@@1@40@@oe@20-11-2007
190660@unknown@formal@none@1@S@These fantastic natural surroundings have been attracting tourists to the area for over a hundred years, whilst the natural forces made possible Hardanger's industrial adventure at the beginning of the 1900s@@@@1@31@@oe@20-11-2007
190680@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Hardanger also offers a very rich artistic and craft tradition, including a long history of boat building and textile crafts.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
190710@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Today no less than 40% of all norwegian fruit comes from Hardanger.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
190720@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The fjordside soils give the fruit it's own fresh, sharp flavour.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
190730@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In 2006 Hardanger Fruit received the status of a protected geographic appellation.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
190750@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In season, buy fruit from roadside stalls and eat yourself full and happy with pears, plums and cherries from Hardanger.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
190770@unknown@formal@none@1@S@For many people Hardanger is a picture of everything that is Norwegian, with its fjord and mountain, fruit blossom and folk art.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
190780@unknown@formal@none@1@S@With its green hillsides, ice blue fjord and the Folgefonna glacier like a white cloud crowning the landscape, Hardanger is stunningly beautiful even when the fruit trees are not blossoming.@@@@1@30@@oe@20-11-2007
190830@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Dramatic scenery featuring endless moors, steep mountainsides, waterfalls and glaciers drew the very first tourists to Norway to the Hardanger region.@@@@1@21@@oe@20-11-2007
190840@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Below steep mountains, the industrious people of Hardanger have cultivated beautiful orchards and developed their own rich tradition of art and craft.@@@@1@22@@oe@20-11-2007
190860@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Opportunities for walking are many and varied.@@@@1@7@@oe@20-11-2007
190870@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Most of the Hardangervidda plateau is now national park, with a good network of marked paths and cabins.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
190880@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Hardangerjøkul glacier attracts thousands of glacier and skiing enthusiasts every year and even has its own national day parade on the 17th of May.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
190890@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Hardangerjøkul was also used as the location for filming Star Wars II: The Empire strikes back (1980).@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
190910@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From the flat expanse of the mountain moorland, the road descends through the steep Måbødal valley, past the famous Vøringsfoss waterfall, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Norway with an unbroken fall of 145 metres.@@@@1@37@@oe@20-11-2007
190920@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Several of Norway's largest and most impressive waterfalls are in the Hardanger area.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
190940@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Folgefonna is Norway's third largest glacier and can be spotted from the car in many places as you drive through Hardanger.@@@@1@21@@oe@20-11-2007
190950@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From Jondal you can make your way up to Folgefonn Summer Ski Centre.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
190960@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Here you can ski, toboggan or walk on the glacier - in the middle of summer.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
190980@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The unique Norwegian Museum of Hydropower and Industry in Tyssedal tells you the story of Hardanger's industrial adventure and the building of modern Norway.@@@@1@24@@oe@20-11-2007
191010@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The settlement at Agatunet is an outstanding example of western Norwegian building customs and cultural history and contains exhibitions, sale of home crafts and a weaving room.@@@@1@27@@oe@20-11-2007
191030@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Boatbuilding also has long traditions in Hardanger.@@@@1@7@@oe@20-11-2007
191040@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You can see examples of this at Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter in Norheimsund, in the boatbuilder's in Herand and in the fishing quays along the arms of the fjord.@@@@1@27@@oe@20-11-2007
191070@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Hardanger National Tourist Route follows Highway 7 from Halne on the Hardangervidda plateau to Steinsdalsfossen near Norheimsund and Highway 550 from Utne to Jondal.@@@@1@24@@oe@20-11-2007
191090@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The section along Highway 7 is 123 kilometres long with a ferry connection between Brimnes and Bruravik.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
191110@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The longest of these is between Bruravik and Granvin (7.5 kilometres) and in the Måbødal valley there are four tunnels which make the descent possible in all kinds of weather and driving conditions.@@@@1@33@@oe@20-11-2007
191130@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The section along Highway 550 is 37 kilometres long.@@@@1@9@@oe@20-11-2007
191140@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Utne can be reached via the Sørfjord from Odda or by the ferries from Kvanndal and Norheimsund on Highway 7 and from Kinsarvik on Highway 13.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
191150@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There is a ferry over the Hardangerfjord from Jondal to Tørvikbygd on Highway 49.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
191160@unknown@formal@none@1@S@This section has two short tunnels just before coming to Jondal.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
191190@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The tourist route stretches from Melbu in Vesterålen, across Hadselfjord to Fiskebøl in Lofoten and then southwards through the archipelago, before coming to a natural end where the road terminates at Å, 166 kilometres further south-west.@@@@1@36@@oe@20-11-2007
191210@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The fantastic nature, combined with the rich cultural history and the living culture of the coast, draw thousands of visitors each year to the Lofoten archipelago.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
191220@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Most come during a few brief weeks in summer and fill the rorbu cabins, art galleries and seafood restaurants of the fishing hamlets with bustle and life.@@@@1@27@@oe@20-11-2007
191230@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Lofoten is an eldorado for fishing, kayaking, sea rafting, climbing, golf and diving.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
191240@unknown@formal@none@1@S@But it is also a place of peace and quiet.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
191260@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In summer the midnight sun shines out over green mountainsides, turquoise sea, chalky white beaches, red-painted rorbu and time-lagged tourists.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
191270@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Winter is the time of the famous Lofoten fishery, which is still vital to the population of Lofoten.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
191290@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In Lofoten, nature is always close at hand.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
191320@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Lofoten is full of myth, legend and mystery.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
191330@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Countless artists have been inspired by Lofoten's nature and its people.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
191340@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Moskenesstraumen, one of the world's strongest and most dangerous tidal currents, has inspired story tellers of all eras, including Jules Verne and Edgar Allan Poe.@@@@1@25@@oe@20-11-2007
191360@unknown@formal@none@1@S@One of the world's biggest sea eagle colonies is here.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
191370@unknown@formal@none@1@S@On Lofoten's southernmost islands you can see enormous bird rocks, swarming with hundreds of thousands of puffins and other seabirds.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
191380@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Seals, killer whales and whales are regularly spotted in the seas off Lofoten.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
191410@unknown@formal@none@1@S@You can also set out on some of the world's most beautiful mountain walks, with paths leading you high up to spectacular views of ocean and midnight sun.@@@@1@28@@oe@20-11-2007
191430@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Enjoy your trip!@@@@1@3@@oe@20-11-2007
191460@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Lofoten archipelago stretches 200 kilometres out into the Norwegian Sea.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
191470@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Lofoten consists of a few large and many small islands, with powerful tidal currents flowing between them.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
191480@unknown@formal@none@1@S@These natural forces and the ocean are the source of the Lofoten fishery and the rich cultural tradition.@@@@1@18@@oe@20-11-2007
191510@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The mountains were shaped by the ice of several ice ages.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
191520@unknown@formal@none@1@S@When the last ice age withdrew 12,000 years ago, the glaciers had gouged out deep valleys, leaving the jagged peaks standing.@@@@1@21@@oe@20-11-2007
191540@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Lofoten is famous for its jagged mountains, red-painted rorbu cabins and racks with fish hanging closely packed to dry.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
191550@unknown@formal@none@1@S@But there are also level, fertile farmland, modern fisheries and lively villages with museums, galleries and cafes.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007
191570@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The good fishing around Lofoten led communities to grow in fishing hamlets.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
191580@unknown@formal@none@1@S@They now exist in all sizes, from small clusters of houses to towns.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
191590@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There is a big difference between the fishing hamlets on the exposed "outer side", where the midnight sun shines, and those on the more sheltered "inner side".@@@@1@27@@oe@20-11-2007
191610@unknown@formal@none@1@S@But it is easy to detour from the main road out to the fishing hamlets by the open sea, to marvellous ocean views, the midnight sun and surfers playing in the waves off Eggum and Unstad.@@@@1@36@@oe@20-11-2007
191630@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There are many reminders of Lofoten's cultural monuments.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
191640@unknown@formal@none@1@S@In the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg you can visit a reconstruction of the largest chieftain's residence in Scandinavia.@@@@1@19@@oe@20-11-2007
191650@unknown@formal@none@1@S@One of the oldest inhabited spots in Lofoten is to be found at Hov.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
191660@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The golf course beside the seashore is quite new, but is becoming well known for its location and the chance to play in the midnight sun.@@@@1@26@@oe@20-11-2007
191680@unknown@formal@none@1@S@On Vestvågøy you can find the two fantastic beaches at Utakleiv and Hauklandsstranda.@@@@1@13@@oe@20-11-2007
191690@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Hauklandsstranda has been voted the best in Norway, whilst in 2005 The Times newspaper of Britain called Utakleiv Europe's most romantic beach, no less.@@@@1@24@@oe@20-11-2007
191710@unknown@formal@none@1@S@There are beautiful and well marked walking paths throughout Lofoten.@@@@1@10@@oe@20-11-2007
191720@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From the hamlet of Reine you can take the local boat into the Reinefjord, one of Norway's most beautiful fjord areas.@@@@1@21@@oe@20-11-2007
191730@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Enjoy the view from on deck or hop ashore and explore the fjord landscape.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
191750@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Many of the rorbu cabins offer boat hire - go fishing and catch your own dinner.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
191760@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Sea kayaking and rafting are also popular activities.@@@@1@8@@oe@20-11-2007
191770@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From Melbu there are boats to Trollfjord, a very narrow and deep arm of the fjord, which can only be reached by boat.@@@@1@23@@oe@20-11-2007
191780@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Or try rafting in the world's most powerful tidal current Moskenesstraumen.@@@@1@11@@oe@20-11-2007
191810@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Millions of seabirds nest on the bird rocks south of Røst, including about 1.2 million puffins.@@@@1@16@@oe@20-11-2007
191830@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Whales, seals and killer whales are also to be seen in the area and organised boat trips give you the chance of a closer look at the bird rocks and sea creatures.@@@@1@32@@oe@20-11-2007
191860@unknown@formal@none@1@S@From Vesterålen there are two ways of joining the tourist route: The ferry across Hadselfjord from Melbu to Fiskebøl or the new E 10 Lofast road across Hinnøya and Raftsundet to Austvågøya.@@@@1@32@@oe@20-11-2007
191880@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The route then continues across Austvågøy, Vestvågøy and Flakstadøy before ending at Å on Moskenesøy, 166 kilometres to the south-west.@@@@1@20@@oe@20-11-2007
191890@unknown@formal@none@1@S@Svolvær on Austvågøy is Lofoten's "capital" and an important hub for the entire region.@@@@1@14@@oe@20-11-2007
191910@unknown@formal@none@1@S@All the islands along the route are connected by bridge or tunnel.@@@@1@12@@oe@20-11-2007
191920@unknown@formal@none@1@S@The Nappstraum tunnel connects Vestvågøy and Flakstadøy.@@@@1@7@@oe@20-11-2007
191930@unknown@formal@none@1@S@This undersea tunnel is 1,776 metres long and lies 63 metres below the sea at its deepest.@@@@1@17@@oe@20-11-2007