There but for the grace of cod. These are very large drying racks for cod at Svolvaer. The world's richest cod-fishing takes place every winter in Lofoten. For nearly 1000 years, dried fish has been exported to Europe from here. To preserve the fish, it is dried on these large drying racks. It does not need to be salted or smoked, as the temperature in Lofoten in the winter is just below freezing. The fish does not freeze into pieces, but it doesn't rot either and the birds cannot get a foothold on these racks the way they are laid out. The fish simply dries in the sun and wind from late winter until spring.
The statue of a fisherman's wife at the end of the pier, presumably waving her man going off to sea to fish.
The boats in the little harbour of Svolvaer.
The chain of seven mountains that look so beautiful that local legend claims they are female trolls turned into stone - these are the Seven Sisters. Apparently the seven mountain tops are so close that an experienced hiker can climb them all in a single day. The Norwegian Trekking Association estimates that a fit walker should take just under 13 hours to complete the 27km hike, which includes a 3,225m altitude difference. Stortinden, at 910m high is the easiest for less experienced hikers.
Our next stop was at Bronnoysund. Not a noteworthy place but we had a short stroll around town.
A cute little island with a couple of houses on it just opposite where we berthed.
The church in town with the lovely dry-stone wall.
This plaque was to commemorate those who died during the WWII, either presumably killed in action or in battle.
This Jewish person was singled out for special mention as having died in Auschwitz.
Torghatten is a granite mountain on the island of Torget is known for its hole or natural tunnel through its center. It is possible to walk up to the tunnel and through it, on a path.
We arrived back at Trondheim at 6:30am on the soutbound voyage which is not nearly as nice a time as the afternoon on the northbound. Overall, we think the northbound voyage is our preferred one. Except for one thing. On the northbound the boat passes through the wonderful Trollfjord at night which doe snot allow oen to admire and appreciate it.
A pretty painted church.
The ice formed on the bridge.
The town of Kristiansund. One of our last stops before Bergen.
And thus ends this great Hurtigruten boat trip. We enjoyed every moment of it. We are still sailing back to Bergen and will be there tomorrow morning. We have a day and a night in a hotel there but probably no more opportunity for lovely scenery and photos.
But here is a nice group photo of the pleasant people we chatted to and had drinks with some evenings. Two more Aussies (well Tasmania actually) and two Brits.
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