Verrafjord & Grip
Yesterday we crossed the Arctic Circle as we travelled south, making our way towards Bergen. This morning we stopped to explore another beautiful fjord. As National Geographic Explorer made its way through Verrafjord, the calm waters reflected the landscape of mountains and colorful farmhouses. For the morning activities, some of us had the opportunity to kayak, while others went hiking into the coniferous forests, dominated by Scots pine, Norway spruce intermixed with alder, birch and rowan. The hikers explored through old farm trails surrounded by forests, while gradually gaining elevation. We were rewarded at the end of the trail with a beautiful lake, with water calm as a mirror. There was some evidence of elk on the trails, although this elk is what in North America we would call moose.
Verrafjord is located on the mainland, and is a typical example of small-scale farming in this part of Norway. Most of the farms have a combined production of timber, milk and different crops. As we sailed into the head of the fjord we saw many grass fields with big, white plastic egg-like balls [named “tractor eggs” by the locals], which are silage bales. The grass is harvested and it is then stored and fermented for feeding the cows through the winter season. A farm in this area will typically consist of about 100 to 200 hectares of managed forests, and 5-10 hectares of fields for hay and crops. Most of the forests and streams of this part of Norway are privately owned. Because of the principle of free trespass, everyone is entitled to walk through all forested and mountainous areas without permission from the owners.
During the late afternoon we made a stop at Grip, a fishing village outside of Kristiansund. This was once a community of about 400 inhabitants; today there are only a handful of owners, who retain this picturesque village as their summer home. Grip was inhabited until 1974 and is now used for leisure purposes. About 45 houses that are all very well maintained, and some true standing relics adorn the small island, making it a very interesting stop and offering great photo opportunities.
