The year 2023 has come to a close, and it’s time to reflect on our adventures from last year.
After the pandemic, we were eager to travel again. Our initial plan was to visit Madeira, a destination we had long wanted to explore. However, when airfare soared to nearly $1100 per person, we decided it wasn’t feasible. Other commitments also led to this being our least active travel year since the pandemic. Instead, we focused on bringing travel experiences closer to home. More details on that later, but first, let’s recount the trips we did manage to take.
Germany in April
In April, Jørn traveled to Germany on a business trip, specifically to a small town called Emden near the Dutch border. This provided an opportunity for an evening visit to Greetsiel, a charming village known for its canals and traditional architecture.
Poland in August
In August, it was Tora’s turn to embark on a business trip, which took her to Gdansk for an extended weekend.
Local Trips
Despite having fewer international trips in 2023, we managed to do some sightseeing closer to home.
Via Ferrata in Jøssingfjord
We’ve visited Jøssingfjord multiple times, including once when we spent the night in a road tunnel in hammocks and another time to see Helleren, unique houses nestled under a rock shelter. During our latest visit, we spotted a sign for a via ferrata, something we had never tried before. So, we decided to return for a new adventure.
But what exactly is a via ferrata? It is a climbing route where you are securely attached to a cable, with some challenging sections equipped with metal steps on the rock face. It’s like a beginner-friendly form of rock climbing, offering stunning views.
We thoroughly enjoyed climbing along the route, and the vistas over Jøssingfjord were breathtaking. It’s challenging to convey just how steep it was through photos.
Ghosts and History in Sauda
At the end of April, we traveled to Sauda. While there was plenty to see, our stay at a supposedly haunted hotel certainly made for an intriguing story. Initially, we were drawn to the area for its old mines and a stunning hydroelectric power plant. The decommissioned power plant stands as one of the few examples of Art Deco architecture in Norway, and it’s unfortunate that such designs are rarely seen today, as contemporary industrial buildings tend to lack character.
In addition to the power plant, Sauda offered many beautiful natural sites. We visited Brudesløret, a waterfall that resembles a veil, and the impressive Svandalsfossen waterfall. At the mines, we explored Allmannajuvet, a deep canyon formed by millennia of water erosion. A pipeline extends from here down to the Art Deco power plant, featuring an incredible arch that visitors can walk along.
Now, about the ghost! We checked into Sauda Fjordhotell, an establishment that has a rich history. Built in 1914 as a recreational retreat for the wealthy, the current owners have restored it to its original charm. According to local lore, a guest known as the “Colonel” never checked out of room 315, and his spirit is said to haunt the hotel. We didn’t experience anything supernatural during our stay, but of course, we had to take a photo of room 315!
To the Top of Langfoss
Langfoss is one of the longest waterfalls in Norway, plunging a remarkable 612 meters. It has been recognized by the World Waterfall Database as the most beautiful waterfall in the world and placed among the top 10 by CNN. While the waterfall is easily visible from the road in Etne, many don’t realize they can hike to the top, which we were determined to do.
The hike is typically manageable, but due to an illness we thought we had overcome, it turned out to be more challenging than expected. Still, we made it to the top, where we enjoyed a unique perspective of the waterfall that most visitors miss. This hike comes highly recommended, as there are also plenty of trees to set up hammocks if you choose to spend the night.
Fossjuvet
A lesser-known gem is Fossjuvet, a deep canyon located within a nature reserve in Rogaland. As its name suggests in Norwegian, it features a waterfall cascading into the gorge. The hike takes several hours each way, but it is incredibly rewarding.
We visited in September when the weather was still quite pleasant, and since it was late in the season, we found ourselves all alone in this beautiful spot.
Traveling in Our Own Home
Last year, we mentioned that we had purchased a house, and much of our time during 2023 was devoted to it as well. However, this commitment did not diminish our love for travel; we’ve simply had to adjust our priorities for a while. As a result, we’ve begun to incorporate travel memories directly into our home. Unlike the average house, our home is a stone-clad property from 1958, crafted by a stonemason who allegedly took a decade to finish it, resembling more of a Mediterranean style than a typical Norwegian home.
The interior is filled with unique rooms, some of which are in need of renovation. We’ve focused on decorating these spaces with mementos from our travels. When we acquired the house, the previous owner had begun work on a wine cellar, which we are now nearing completion on. We’ve created wine barrel displays adorned with photos and inscriptions from our trips.
In other areas, we’re working to restore the home to reflect a more authentic early 1900s style. Here, too, we plan to include details from our travels, allowing us to cherish the memories of past journeys every day.
Earlier Trips
Between 2016 and 2017, we traveled around the globe, spending a month in Africa. This year, we shared some of our experiences from Namibia in a guest post on Awayzing Travel (in Norwegian).
Don’t forget to check out our travel summaries from previous years: 2022 Travel Year, 2021 Travel Year, 2020 Travel Year, 2019 Travel Year, 2018 Travel Year, and 2017 Travel Year.
2023 in Numbers
Lastly, here are some statistics related to our travels in 2023:
- 2 countries visited (besides Norway), with no new countries added to the list.
- 12 flights taken.
- Over 4200 km traveled by car.
- 9 hours spent in the air.
- 4038 km flown.
- More than 1200 photos captured.
- Countless wonderful memories!
Looking Ahead to Next Year
We have two trips tentatively planned for next year. In May, we’ll be heading to Rome, as Tora will be singing in a choir there! It promises to be a lovely family trip, and we’re excited to visit Rome again, a city we never tire of.
For Christmas 2024, we’re likely to celebrate in the United States! A family member will be studying there, so instead of coming home for the holidays, we’ll head over to join him. While our itinerary is still in the works, we’re hopeful for a memorable experience celebrating Christmas American-style.
How was your travel year? Feel free to leave a comment below.😊
