Adventures by Disney Norway: Day Six
Day six of our adventure in Norway found us at the Geiranger Ferry Port, launching us into a journey toward soaring fjord landscapes and the mesmerizing emerald waters of Lake Loen. It was unforgettable day in Norway’s fjord country and was the icing on the cake of our Norway vacation. As our journey with Adventures by Disney was winding down, it somehow kept reaching new heights, and this day was one of the most spectacular yet. I’m sharing the highlights of our day below and be sure you don’t miss day one, day two, day three, day four and day five of our adventures in Norway!
Rope Dropping the Ferry
If you’ve ever been to a Disney park, you’re familiar with “rope-dropping”, where you arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of the day. Our guides understood the assignment and knew we needed to be first on the ferry to snag front-row seats and uninterrupted views. On our journey through the Geirangerfjord, we got to see several waterfalls, including the world famous Seven Sisters and their counterpart, The Suitor. As we drifted by the dramatic scenery, they took our beverage orders and personally delivered coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
Once we docked, we began the stunning drive toward glacier-fed Lake Loen. Along the way, our guides kept us entertained with stories—pointing out the location where one of the biggest stunts in cinema history was filmed in Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning, and sharing the history of the devastating rockslides that once struck Lake Loen, triggering a 200-foot wave that tragically claimed 130 lives. It was a blend of beauty and history that gave the landscape even more depth as we approached our next stop.
Lake Loen
We spent the rest of the day at Kjenndalstova Lodge, tucked deep in the Kjenndal Valley along the shores of Lake Loen. The charming setting made you feel like you had stepped back in time and had been transported to the most charming summer camp you never actually attended, yet somehow still remember. Have you ever visited a place that fills you with nostalgia even though it’s your first time there? That was Kjenndalstova for me.
The emerald green waters of the lake were surrounded by waterfalls tumbling down the mountains and the lodge was equipped with paddleboards, canoes, fishing gear and life jackets. We went fishing for mountain trout and enjoyed a serene canoe paddle through the glassy, glacial waters. The lodge was warm and cozy and for lunch we enjoyed burgers, fresh trout and got to enjoy Norwegian pancakes for dessert.
Glacier Bike Adventure
After lunch, we ventured on a mountain bike ride up to the massive Kjenndal Glacier viewpoint. The shades of blue were awe-inspiring and we learned more about the history of the area. Disney had named this itinerary day “Frozen in Time,” and standing there, surrounded by ancient ice and towering mountains, it truly felt like we’d stepped back into another age.
Farewell Fjord Country Dinner
Our final evening in Geiranger found us at the onsite grass roofed cabin at the Hotel Union. A crackling fire, wildflowers and a beautiful meal were waiting for us in the most storybook, Norwegian setting. Have you ever heard of the Norwgian word “Koselig“? It describes a feeling of coziness, contentment, and connection with others often associated with celebrating the simple pleasures of life, especially during the long, cold winters. This dinner was every bit of “koselig” you can imagine, except we were enjoying it on a beautiful, summer evening.
Our adventure guide Lisa greeted us wearing her bunad—Norway’s traditional folk costume, woven from wool, detailed with ornate embroidery, and often accented with heirloom silver passed down through generations. It was father’s day and we toasted the special Dad’s in our lives and then ended our evening making traditional Norwegian pancakes, known as sveler. We also discovered a life changing buttercream pancake topping (creamed butter and sugar) that I tried to smuggle some home, but no such luck.
This was our last evening in Geiranger and tomorrow we’d be making the journey to Oslo and then to our family farm in Rendalen. I was not ready to leave this stunning village on the edge of Geirangerfjord, and since we’ve been back home in Montana, there hasn’t been a day that I haven’t thought of our days in Geiranger. Day seven and eight of our Norwegian adventure is coming soon.
Tips from Day Six, Adventures by Disney Norway
- Pack layers and dress comfortably for all the outdoor activities including canoeing and mountain bike riding.
- Make sure you have your phone chargers/external batteries handy as you’ll be taking lots of photos.
- If you’re into cold plunging, pack a swimsuit for Lake Loen.
- If you’re not into outdoor activities, you can read or play board games inside the cozy lodge.
- Get out on the lake either through the net fishing opportunity or on a canoe. The glacier views are stunning.
- Be excited about the bus ride! We loved the trivia and the games our guides had ready for us.
Are you ready to plan YOUR Adventure by Disney vacation? Do you know the difference between a vacation and a trip? A vacation is something where the entire family can relax and I’d love to help you experience one of these epic adventures. Do you have questions on Adventures by Disney or other companies that I work with to make your vacation seamless with flights, transfers and all your favorite excursions bundled in? I am an Certified Travel Advisor and would love to work with you. Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here.
