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After breakfast we said our goodbyes to the Sortland Hotel and set off for Svolvaer. We were advised to take a detour along the narrow fjord of Raftsundet to see the opening to Trollfjorden and down to Arsteine. We instructed the sat-nav to do just that but it would seem that there is more than one Arsteinen in Norway and the silly bint took us miles out of our way. Not that we could complain because we passed through the most breathtaking scenery, at times surrounded on all sides by snow covered mountains and frozen lakes, climbing the fabulous E10 to be rewarded with the most amazing views from high above the fjords. We guessed all was not well direction-wise so decided to try another destination that we were more sure of. We had a tourist map that we picked up from the hotel but that was making no sense and we remembered we had a proper map buried in one of the cases. Lady sat-nav seemed happy with the direction in which we were going so we dutifully followed her instructions for a good few miles more before she found a suitable place for us to turn round in! If only she had instructed us to 'turn round when possible' as we were already parked and able to turn around from the start! Once the blue air cleared we retraced our journey enjoying the scenery from a different perspective.
After the fourth tunnel we followed the shore of the fjord all the way down to the bottom in search of the bridge which would take us on to the island on which Arsteinen (which is henceforth affectionately known as ****-End) was located. We knew it was one way in and one way out so we were curious when the smooth Tarmac road gave way to gravel. Should we continue? Is this the end? Well, let's go as far as we can and find out. It was a rough old road but we were so glad we persevered. We came across the most beautiful little beach I have ever seen and I'm not even sure I can describe it. More of a sandbank really stretching from the shore to a huge boulder off-shore so it had water on both sides. The sand was soft, fine and yellow in the middle becoming courser and whiter towards the water with perfect symmetry on each side. And oh, the water. It was crystal clear and turquoise blue even though the sky was leaden and did nothing to enhance its colour. We stayed there a good while in the freezing cold and drizzly rain but I can honestly say we didn't even notice
The journey to Svolvaer and our final destination, Svinoya Rorbuer was picturesque and straight forward. We are staying in a traditional style fisherman's cabin in this charming fishing town. The complex is actually situated on its own island with fantastic scenery of jagged peaks (some of the oldest rocks in the world), fjords, rugged cliffs and idyllic white sand beaches. This two-bedroom accommodation is our home for 2 nights.
The first thing I spot is the fish-racks which I must admit have lost a bit of their novelty value after yesterday. Our little cabin on stilts is nearly at the end of the row and stands higher than the others. We eat in the town which actually has shops and restaurants!
After the fourth tunnel we followed the shore of the fjord all the way down to the bottom in search of the bridge which would take us on to the island on which Arsteinen (which is henceforth affectionately known as ****-End) was located. We knew it was one way in and one way out so we were curious when the smooth Tarmac road gave way to gravel. Should we continue? Is this the end? Well, let's go as far as we can and find out. It was a rough old road but we were so glad we persevered. We came across the most beautiful little beach I have ever seen and I'm not even sure I can describe it. More of a sandbank really stretching from the shore to a huge boulder off-shore so it had water on both sides. The sand was soft, fine and yellow in the middle becoming courser and whiter towards the water with perfect symmetry on each side. And oh, the water. It was crystal clear and turquoise blue even though the sky was leaden and did nothing to enhance its colour. We stayed there a good while in the freezing cold and drizzly rain but I can honestly say we didn't even notice
The journey to Svolvaer and our final destination, Svinoya Rorbuer was picturesque and straight forward. We are staying in a traditional style fisherman's cabin in this charming fishing town. The complex is actually situated on its own island with fantastic scenery of jagged peaks (some of the oldest rocks in the world), fjords, rugged cliffs and idyllic white sand beaches. This two-bedroom accommodation is our home for 2 nights.
The first thing I spot is the fish-racks which I must admit have lost a bit of their novelty value after yesterday. Our little cabin on stilts is nearly at the end of the row and stands higher than the others. We eat in the town which actually has shops and restaurants!
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