Kristin and Svein's Journeys

The drive from Bulken to Dale over Hamlagrø and through Bergsdalen is one of Western Norway's most beautiful high mountain stages, where the road winds through a landscape characterized by untouched nature and living cultural history. The trip starts at Bulken, just west of Voss, where you quickly ascend from the lowlands and into the mighty Hamlagrø massif. Here you are greeted by a beautiful mountain plateau with sparkling water and dramatic peaks, and the area is an eldorado for both fishing and hiking under the auspices of the Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT). Hamlagrøvatnet is the natural center of the trip, and along the water there are many traditional stables that testify to a long history of mountain grazing and herding. As the road curves downward towards Bergsdalen, the landscape changes character to a narrower and more dramatic valley. Here you can experience true Western Norwegian hospitality at places such as Bergsdalstunet, a living farm that offers both dining experiences and accommodation in historic surroundings. For the active, the area is known for the Bergsdalen Opp uphill race, which follows the steep climb from Dale up to Storefossen, a powerful attraction you pass on the way down.
Culture is strong in this area, and in Bergsdalen, annual village days are held that bring people together for traditional food and local activities. The tour ends in Dale, a town with deep roots in the Norwegian textile industry, where you can combine nature impressions with a visit to learn more about the region's industrial heritage. The entire stretch is a quiet and scenic alternative route to the E16, perfect for those who want to see the authentic West Norway from the seat of a car or motorcycle.

5 days ago | [YT] | 6

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

The drive from Matagorda to Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote is a short but atmospheric journey along the south-eastern coastline. Although the distance itself is only about five kilometres and takes just under ten minutes by car, this route connects two of the island’s most popular holiday resorts. Matagorda is known as the quieter, more laid-back little sister of the vibrant Puerto del Carmen, and the journey between them takes you past golden beaches and the iconic seafront promenade that stretches all the way along the sea. The area is characterised by the typical white buildings that are so characteristic of Lanzarote, in line with architect César Manrique’s vision for the island. As you leave Matagorda, you pass the wide Playa de Matagorda, which is particularly popular with windsurfers and flying enthusiasts, as it is right at the end of the airport runway. It is a unique experience to watch the large planes pass low over the beach before landing. Further south you will drive through Los Pocillos, an area of ​​long beaches and large hotel complexes, before arriving at the livelier main street of Puerto del Carmen, Avenida de las Playas.
In Puerto del Carmen the atmosphere changes from quiet to energetic. Here you will find a huge selection of shops, restaurants and nightlife venues strung like pearls on a string along "The Strip". For those interested in culture and local history, the old port, El Varadero, is a natural highlight. This is the heart of the original fishing village, where you can still see fishing boats lying side by side with modern excursion boats. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood at local tapas bars or visit the nearby Biosfera Plaza Shopping Centre for shopping and entertainment.
Among the most popular attractions in the immediate vicinity is the Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, which offers everything from sea lion shows to a water park, making it a favorite destination for families with children. For those seeking more active experiences, the area around Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen is one of the island's best spots for diving and snorkelling thanks to its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Whether you choose to drive the fast road or take the longer promenade on foot or by bike, this stretch provides the perfect introduction to Lanzarote's combination of sun, sand and Canarian charm.

1 week ago | [YT] | 4

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

The drive to Pico del Veleta in the Sierra Nevada is one of the most spectacular road experiences in Europe, characterised by dramatic climbs and a landscape that changes character with every metre of altitude. As the highest paved road on the European continent, the route takes you from the warm lowlands of Andalusia up to an alpine world where snow often lingers well into the summer months.
The landscape is dominated by raw, grey rock formations and deep valleys such as the San Juan Valley, where glaciers have shaped the terrain over thousands of years. Along the way, you can experience a unique ecosystem of plants and insects found nowhere else in the world, and if you are lucky, you may spot majestic golden eagles, mountain goats or wild horses along the steep slopes. From the summit of Veleta, which rises over 3,390 metres above sea level, the views are overwhelming; on clear days you can see all the way across the Mediterranean to the African continent, as well as the neighbouring peak of Mulhacén, the highest mountain on the mainland.
Weather conditions at this altitude are very changeable and require careful planning, as temperatures can drop drastically even on warm summer days, and strong winds or fog can suddenly appear. The road is normally open to regular car traffic up to around 2,500 metres at Hoya de la Mora, from where you must continue by special transport, bicycle or on foot to reach the summit itself. Culturally, the area is characterised by the proud Andalusian mountain tradition, with charming white villages such as Monachil and Güejar Sierra nearby, where you can enjoy local gastronomy and hospitality after a day at the top. Among the main attractions are also the astronomical observatory and the sacred chapel Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, both of which underline the importance of the area for both science and faith.

1 week ago | [YT] | 7

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

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2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 8

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

The climb to the top of the Col du Galibier is a journey through cycling history and one of the most dramatic landscapes in the French Alps. The route often starts from the charming village of Valloire, and from the first bends you can see how the nature changes character from lush valleys to a barren, almost lunar mountain landscape as you climb towards the summit at 2,642 meters above sea level. Along the way you pass the famous monument dedicated to Henri Desgrange, the founder of the Tour de France, which stands as a reminder of all the epic battles that have taken place on these steep slopes since the pass was first included in the race in 1911. The view from the top is simply overwhelming, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks such as the Meije and the Écrins massif, and it is not uncommon to see snowdrifts along the roadside even in the middle of summer. However, you must be prepared for the mountain to have a life of its own; Even on a glorious summer day, temperatures can drop dramatically, and fog or snow flurries can roll in within minutes. The road is narrow and winding, and you're sure to share the tarmac with determined cyclists battling their way up the final "hors catégorie" climbs to feel the same sense of accomplishment as the pros. For the ultimate experience, it's recommended to ride early in the morning to watch the sun rise over the sharp mountain ridges before the traffic picks up.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 5

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

Driving over Aurlandsfjellet in late spring is like moving between two worlds in the same hour. The 47-kilometer stretch, which is one of the selected National Tourist Routes in Norway, usually opens between the beginning of May and the beginning of June. The road has been aptly nicknamed the Snow Road because the huge snowdrifts along the roadside can reach several meters above the roof of the car even well into summer.
The trip usually starts in the lush fjord village of Aurlandsvangen, where spring has already made its mark with green slopes and flowering gardens. From here, the road winds its way up the steep mountainside towards the first major highlight, the Stegastein viewpoint. This spectacular wood and steel structure juts out 30 meters straight out of the mountain and gives you a dizzying panoramic view of the Aurlandsfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a full 650 meters below you.
As you continue your journey up towards the plateau, the landscape changes drastically from deep fjords to a desolate alpine high mountain realm. At the highest point, 1306 meters above sea level, you find yourself in untouched and harsh terrain where winter refuses to let go. Here you can experience installations such as Vedahaugane, where a path and an art installation invite reflection in the open landscape. The contrast between the blue fjord down in the valley and the chalk-white snow landscape at the top is the very essence of the natural power of Western Norway. The descent towards Lærdal offers new cultural and visual impressions. At the end of the road lies the idyllic Gamle Lærdalsøyri, known for its unique and well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Rolling into these historical surroundings after crossing the barren high mountains completes the journey through Norwegian cultural history and natural contrasts. Thank you for watching, and please feel free to share our videos. You are also welcome to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 8

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

We are currently in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. Today we have driven through Teide National Park which contains Spain's highest mountain. Tenerife has many exciting and beautiful roads that we will drive, and which we will of course post here later.

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 24

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

A road trip through the Bavarian Alps from Füssen to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a journey of fairytale castles, dramatic mountain passes and charming villages. Füssen serves as a perfect starting point, known as the southern terminus of the famous Romantic Road. Here, a visit to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, majestically perched on a cliff in the neighboring village of Schwangau, is a must. For the best photo opportunity, head out onto the Marienbrücke, a suspension bridge with spectacular views of the castle and surrounding lakes. Within Füssen itself, explore the colorful old town and the Gothic Hohes Schloss, or take a short walk to the azure Lechfall waterfall. When heading to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can take the scenic route through Linderhof Palace, another of King Ludwig II’s grandiose buildings, hidden in a lush mountain valley. The road takes you through Ettal, where the massive Benedictine monastery with its impressive Baroque dome is worth a stop before arriving in Germany's winter sports capital. Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies at the foot of the country's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, which you can easily reach by cogwheel railway or the modern gondola from Eibsee for a 360-degree view of the Alps. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, nature is always at the center, whether you choose to hike through the deep and mysterious Partnachklamm gorge with its cascading waterfalls, or visit the historic Olympic hill. The town itself is divided into two characteristic parts, with the Partnach side being particularly famous for its beautifully decorated house facades, the so-called Lüftlmalerei, which depict biblical scenes and everyday life. For those looking for a real adrenaline rush, the AlpspiX viewpoint offers two steel platforms that jut freely over the abyss with a view straight down into the Höllental.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 7

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

A journey on the Flåm Railway on a sunny summer day is like driving straight into a living postcard from Western Norway. The journey starts either in the idyllic fjord village of Flåm or at the high mountain station of Myrdal, and takes you through one of the world’s steepest and most beautiful railway routes. Along the way, the train clings to the mountainside as you pass wild waterfalls and lush valleys, with an obligatory stop at the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall, where the mythical Huldra often appears in the spray of water.
For those who want more excitement than just the train ride, it is popular to combine the journey with the Flåm Zipline, which is Scandinavia’s longest, before whizzing down the historic Rallarvegen by bike. Once down in Flåm, you can explore the Flåm Railway Museum to learn about the impressive engineering behind the railway, or hike up to the spectacular Brekkefossen waterfall for a fantastic view of the fjord.
The surrounding region offers world-class experiences, including fjord cruises on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord or a visit to the dizzying Stegastein viewpoint, which towers 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord. For culture, head to the small village of Undredal to sample award-winning goat cheese or visit the Viking village of Njardarheimr in Gudvangen for a historical dive. Thank you for watching our videos.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 7

Kristin and Svein's Journeys

Forcola di Livigno Pass, sitting high at 2315 meters, is an absolutely stunning mountain crossing between the Swiss and Italian Alps. It is probably most famous for those "wow" panoramic views and for being the main gateway into the duty-free zone of Livigno—a cool spot that mixes classic Italian charm with great deals.
In the summer, the pass turns into a total playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can tackle some serious hikes, like heading up to Monte Vago at over 3000 meters, or grab a bike for a scenic ride toward the Bernina Pass. The summer weather is usually packed with sunshine and perfect temperatures for getting active, though you should always be ready for the intense Alpine sun and quick weather shifts.
When winter hits, the whole place turns into a snowy wonderland. The road over the pass actually closes down from late November until early June because of the massive amounts of snow. But that’s what makes Livigno so famous—it’s one of the most snow-sure spots in the world and is even set to host snowboarding and freestyle events for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
You really have to visit this region to experience that rare mix of wild nature and great vibes. Whether you are hunting for deals in the duty-free shops, grabbing amazing local food, or hitting the epic off-piste runs, it’s the kind of place where you can go full speed in the mountains and then just kick back and enjoy life at the "roof of Europe."
We are so stoked to have you all along for the ride on our YouTube channel! It honestly means the world to us when you watch our videos, drop a comment, or ask us questions. A huge thank you to everyone who follows us and shares our adventures with their friends. If you haven't already, we’d love to have you on board—check out Kristin and Svein’s Journeys and hit that subscribe button to join the family!

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 5