Hurtigruten and Svolvær, 10-11 June

We hopped on the Hurtigruten, the coastal express liner that travels along the western and northern Norwegian coast, to the town of Svolvær. The Hurtigruten travels northbound from Bergen (west coast of Norway, about the same latitude as Oslo) and heads all the way up and over to Kirkenes, situated near the Russian border in the far north. We took the ship for just a small segment of its southbound journey from Harstad to Svolvær.

Kong Harald, named after King Harald V, current king of Norway

Our route took us on a brief side trip into the Troll Fjord, a beautiful sight with the drastic scenery of tall and steep cliffs plunging into the water below.

The Troll Fjord is relatively short, and the ship drove into this bay-like section and pulled a 180 degree turn to proceed out after everyone on board had their opportunity to marvel at the surrounding natural beauty. It was impressive seeing the massive ship turn around in such tight quarters.

Lucas showing off our article in the local Vesterålen newspaper from our time with the District 2270 Conference

Believe it or not, those are all fish hanging in the distance

The quintessential A-frame wooden racks for hanging fish to dry in the Lofoten Islands.

Dried stock fish

At Magic Ice, a tourist attraction in Svolvær with various ice sculptures and an ice bar

Our boat in ice form

Enjoying a local drink in a chalice also made of ice.