🐾 Road Trip with a Dog in Norway: Day 2, part 1

📍 Route: Valdresfjellet → Sjåk → Åndalsnes

🌄 Early Morning in the Mountains

We woke up on the mountain at 5 a.m. The sun was shining, but wow, it was freezing! We had some breakfast, took a short walk with Gizmo, and packed up to keep driving. We weren't entirely sure where we were headed, our goal was Geirangerfjord, but we took a wrong turn and ended up somewhere the road simply ended. We had to turn around.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Always keep your fuel tank full in mountain areas, gas stations can be few and far between.

• Bring warm clothes and base layers, even in summer, the mountains can be icy cold.

• Download offline maps or pre-plan your route in case of poor signal.

🛒 Stop in Sjåk

We made a longer stop in Sjåk, visited a grocery store, grabbed some water, picked up snacks, and took a short walk to stretch our legs.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Small towns are perfect places to take breaks, less traffic and more space for your dog.

• Restock on water and simple food along the way, mountain stores can be lifesavers.

🐑 Sheep on the Mountain Road

After Sjåk, we drove higher and higher up another mountain, where sheep roamed freely. We crawled along at 30 km/h, or even slower at times. Gizmo was fascinated watching the sheep, it was probably the highlight of his day!

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Always secure your dog with a car harness or crate, free-roaming animals can cause sudden stops.

• Drive carefully on mountain roads, sheep and goats can appear out of nowhere.

🏔 Arrival in Åndalsnes

We decided to head to Åndalsnes, I've always wanted to see where Kompani Lauritzen was filmed. Parking near the Rampestreken trail was full, so we parked farther away. I considered hiking Rampestreken but knew I wouldn't have the stamina today. Instead, we explored with Gizmo, and that's when we discovered Romsdalsgondolen.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Arrive early for parking near popular spots like Rampestreken or the gondola, Åndalsnes fills up fast.

• Check your dog's condition before committing to steep hikes, opt for shorter walks if it's hot.

🚡 Romsdalsgondolen with a Dog

I quickly googled whether dogs were allowed, it looked okay, but I asked to be sure. They confirmed: dogs ride free, but my round-trip ticket was 550 NOK. Gizmo was excited to greet everyone in line, so I kept him on a short leash.

The gondola climbed higher and higher. Gizmo loved the view, standing by the window the whole time. Me? I clung to the leash and the bench, it felt almost like a Ferris wheel! At the top, the gondola wobbled slightly while docking, which startled a few of us.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Use a short leash in crowded areas and gondolas, not everyone is comfortable with dogs.

• Bring water for your dog, it can get very hot at the top.

• If you're afraid of heights, sit down or focus on the horizon, it helps.

🌞 Enjoying the View at Nesaksla

At the top, I visited the restroom (with Gizmo), then we found a bench to drink some water. The 360-degree views of mountains and fjords were breathtaking. I took dozens of photos while Gizmo waited patiently. We sat on the edge of the mountain, drank more water, and simply enjoyed the moment.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat, the mountain sun can be intense.

• Dogs can overheat quickly, find shade and keep breaks frequent.

⛅ Heading Back Down

The gondola ride down was less scary, but Gizmo was exhausted and just lay down. Back on solid ground, we walked in the shade to cool off, offered him water (he wasn't interested), and returned to the car for snacks. Then we started searching for a place to stay overnight.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Don't panic if your dog refuses water, offer it frequently, but let them rest and cool off first.

• Always have a backup overnight plan, campgrounds and parking spots can fill up fast.

🌟 Summary

The day was full of wrong turns, incredible views, and unforgettable moments. Romsdalsgondolen was a highlight, terrifying but worth it! Gizmo behaved like a champ, and it was another reminder that on a road trip, the unexpected often makes the best memories.