Hellmoboten and Trollfjord
Early this morning, we awoke in some of the most dramatic scenery of the Norwegian fjords. Kilometer after kilometer of vertical walls surrounded us, with smatterings of vegetation throughout. Small settlements appeared in the only flat areas of this glacially carved landscape.
Our destination this morning was the head of Hellmeboten Fjord, a beautiful, unspoiled example of the toll that glacial ice can take on a landscape. We anchored at the head of the fjord and went ashore to hike through the boreal forest. Familiar birch and pine were the dominant tree species, but upon closer inspection, we were surrounded by lovely varieties of berries, dwarfed by the surrounding vegetation. Crowberries and lingonberries were plentiful, and the season’s last remnants of raspberries were peeking out from under their leaves. We walked alongside a beautiful stream, crossing over at several points as we made our way higher. At one stop, we viewed a spectacular waterfall as it slid down the granite face of a mountain. It was beautiful and lush and the birch trees were beginning to show signs of autumn colors.
After departing, we continued our journey south, taking advantage of the good weather and wind conditions that came our way. National Geographic Explorer entered Tysfjord to visit Norway’s national mountain, Stetind. At just over 4,000 ft. elevation, this dramatic peak is unmistakable and was voted as Norway’s favorite. Its sheer, granite face climbs straight up from the water to end at a tall horn, truncated at its very top.
Upon leaving the fjord, we made our way out toward the Lofoten Islands, with the hope of seeing Trollfjord this evening. We cruised alongside beautiful, low-lying islands, eventually re-entering the dramatic landscape of the fjords in the late evening. Trollfjord, aptly named for the rock faces that loom down from every angle, is spectacular! Narrow, to the point that ships larger than ours would have a difficult time entering it, Trollfjord boasts almost vertical rock faces on every side. In keeping with Lindblad tradition, our Captain adeptly maneuvered the ship close to one shore, and we fetched a small branch from a rowan tree for good luck!
Minds and eyes full of incredible sights, tonight we follow a leisurely path, through ever beautiful scenery, toward our day tomorrow in the Lofoten Islands.
