Michi Photostory

Nestled at the heart of Europe, the Swiss Alps are a quintessential symbol of mountainous grandeur. Switzerland's pristine landscapes, adorned with snow-capped peaks, glittering lakes, and charming alpine villages, are a visual feast for all who venture here. The Jungfrau Region, with its iconic trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, provides an unforgettable panorama. For those seeking adventure, a plethora of outdoor activities await, from skiing and hiking to paragliding. The Switzerland tour package from Chennai can seamlessly transport you to this alpine wonderland. 

Nestled along Norway's western coast, the Norwegian fjords stand as a testament to nature's artistic prowess. These deep, narrow inlets, carved by ancient glaciers, present a mesmerizing spectacle of steep cliffs, emerald-green waters, and cascading waterfalls. One of the most famous fjords, Geirangerfjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for cruise enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of the Nordic landscape. 

Tucked away in northern Spain, the Picos de Europa is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. This mountain range, characterized by jagged peaks, verdant valleys, and charming villages, provides a tranquil haven for nature lovers. Fuente Dé, a cable car-accessible viewpoint, offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. As you explore the hiking trails and encounter the local wildlife, the Picos de Europa reveals a side of Spain that goes beyond its vibrant cities and sandy beaches. For those seeking a unique adventure, consider booking a Switzerland package from Kerala to further explore the beauty of Europe's diverse landscapes 

In the northwestern corner of the United Kingdom lies a rugged expanse of untamed beauty – the Scottish Highlands. Vast stretches of heather-clad hills, serene lochs, and towering mountains create a landscape that is both majestic and mystical. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, commands attention, while Glencoe's dramatic glacial valleys offer a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. The Scottish Highlands are a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude amid breathtaking vistas.

Tucked away in the heart of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a natural wonderland that seems straight out of a fairytale. Sixteen interconnected lakes, adorned with cascading waterfalls and surrounded by lush greenery, create a landscape of unparalleled beauty. The vibrant colors of the lakes, ranging from azure to emerald, change with the angle of the sun, providing a captivating and ever-changing spectacle. Wooden walkways and hiking trails allow visitors to explore this pristine paradise, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. 

Italy's Amalfi Coast is a celebration of Mediterranean splendor, where towering cliffs adorned with colorful villages plunge into the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. The picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Narrow winding roads hug the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the sea and the dramatic cliffs. The Amalfi Coast is not just a visual feast; it's a sensory experience that captures the essence of la dolce vita. 

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a geological marvel that defies expectations at every turn. Volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls coexist in a harmonious dance of contrasts. The iconic Golden Circle route showcases the explosive power of geysers at Geysir, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the historical significance of Thingvellir National Park. The otherworldly landscapes of black sand beaches and the surreal beauty of the Blue Lagoon add to Iceland's allure, making it a destination that appeals to both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquility. 

Stretching across Central and Eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains are a treasure trove of natural wonders. Diverse ecosystems, dense forests, and alpine meadows create a landscape that feels enchanted and untouched. Romania's Transfagarasan Highway winds through these mountains, offering breathtaking views of valleys and medieval castles. The Carpathians are not just a feast for the eyes; they are also home to a rich array of flora and fauna, making them a haven for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts. 

The rugged cliffs of the Ligurian coastline cradle the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre, creating a coastal masterpiece that seems straight out of a cinematic dream. Each village, perched precariously on the cliffs, is a mosaic of pastel-colored buildings, vibrant vineyards, and azure waters. Hiking trails connect the villages, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the terraced landscapes. Cinque Terre is a testament to human ingenuity, as generations have carved a sustainable existence into the steep hillsides. 

Nestled in the southern part of Germany, the Bavarian Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a hill, overlooks the picturesque landscapes of the region. The Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, offers panoramic views that extend into Austria and Switzerland. From charming alpine villages to pristine lakes, the Bavarian Alps provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

This road is only 8.3km so it was just a short trip but of course, in order to enjoy the experience, you need to stop and enjoy the magnificent view. As you pass the Lauvøysund Bridge, Lauvholmen Bridge, Geitoysund Bridge, Storseinsundet Bridge, Hulvågen Bridges, and Vevangstraumen Bridge, there are four resting places and viewpoints where you can stroll, take pictures or have a snack. 

This road is a popular site for automotive commercials and even for movies because it is one of the shooting locations of “James Bond’s No Time to Die” movie. And because it became popular with tourists, natives opened restaurants, accommodations, fishing, and scuba diving resorts. 

Storseisundet Bridge is the longest among the eight bridges of Atlantic Ocean Road, it connects Hustadvika Municipality and Averøy Municipality. It is 260 meters long. 

I will share some trivia that was posted in their resting places. 

* During the six-year construction period, the workers endured a total of twelve hurricanes. The road was opened on July 7, 1989. 

* The Atlantic Ocean Road was voted Norway’s Construction of the Century in 2005. 

* National Tourist Routes offer spectacular and varied drives. Eight of the 18 routes selected as National Tourist Routes are located in this area, and they make for unique driving experiences. The area’s sheer mountainsides, magnificent glaciers and waterfalls, deep fjords, and rugged coastline allow you to experience the very essence of the National Tourist Routes. 

Aside from the Atlantic Ocean Road, here are some sights that you can visit in Averøy, Eide, and Fræna.

1. Bud is a fishing village in Fræna municipality. It is a paradise for those who love nature and fishing. A child-friendly village with several apartments and boathouses for rent. 

2. Bud Museum Ergan Coastal Fort and Culture Center is a German coastal fort that today is a war memorial museum. 

3. Kvernes Stave Church is one of the youngest Norwegian stave churches. 

4. Old Kvernes Rural Museum is an open-air museum. 

5. Halås Gårdsutsalg is a farm shop and bed and breakfast. 

6. Derinngarden is a farm shop and cafe. 

7. Håholmen is an 18th-century fishing village with original wharves, traditional fishermen’s shacks, and a bakery. 

I'm so thankful to God for giving us good weather because it's been raining since we left the house but no more rain when we drove to Atlantic Ocean Road. 

I was looking forward to our Holy Week break because even though we are in Norway, my son has classes so hindi rin naman kami makapagtravel talaga so naghihintay talaga ko ng walang pasok. Unfortunately, the weather was not good so we were stuck at home for the first few days. My son was preoccupied with his project. I’m thankful that my mom has the materials so I was able to save money, no need to buy art materials. 

Anyway, my mom’s sister-in-law has a cottage in Stugudalen and they usually go there every Holy Week so my mom decided to visit so we can meet them again after two decades. We were supposed to stay in Stugudalen but all accommodations were fully-booked. But we still pushed our trip kahit day tour na lang. So we had a last-minute grocery shopping so I can cook Pork and Liver adobo for our potluck. We also took advantage of the Easter Sale so we bought some chocolates. 

Day Trip at Stugudalen and Tydal Nature Park 

Travel time is more than four hours so we left early to catch the first boat trip. No more snow in Ørland but when we reached Stugudalen, parang Winter Wonderland na naman. We also dropped by at Tydal Nature Park on our way home. This deserves a separate post. 

We traveled more than 5 hours on our way home because we did not ride a Ferry so it was a long drive but I was able to see the second-longest bridge span in Norway which is Hålogaland Bridge. 

It was a long day for us but I couldn’t sleep yet because according to the Northern Lights forecast, there will be an 83% chance of Northern Lights. This was my second Aurora Borealis experience in Norway and the first experience for my son. 

My aunt invited us for Easter lunch so we eat, play, eat, and play. We also had an Easter egg hunt and I won.