Roads, Fjords, and Forever Bonds: Shadrak’s Norwegian Adventure with Friends
If you had asked me a year ago whether I would ever take a road trip through Norway, I would have laughed and said, “In another lifetime.” Life had been a relentless cycle of deadlines, meetings, and responsibilities, and my college friends - Arjun, Karan, and Rishi - were scattered across different cities, each of us too busy to even plan a weekend getaway.
Then, one evening, Arjun dropped a message in our long-silent WhatsApp group:
“Let us do a road trip. One we will never forget.”
At first, it felt like one of those ideas that sounded great but would never happen. But something about that message struck a chord. Maybe we all needed an escape, or maybe we just missed each other too much. Before we knew it, we booked our flights to Oslo and rented a car for an epic road trip through Norway.
Looking back, I realise now - it was not just about seeing fjords or crossing off bucket-list destinations. This trip was about rediscovering something we had almost lost: OUR FRIENDSHIP.
A Quiet Start to an Epic Adventure
The moment we landed in Oslo, we felt the difference in pace. The city was not loud or hurried; instead, it exuded a quiet confidence. Cobblestone streets, sleek architecture, and a fresh chill in the air welcomed us.
“I still cannot believe we pulled this off,” Rishi murmured as we stepped out of the airport, stretching after the long flight.
Our first day was all about adjusting to this new reality. We checked into our hotel, grabbed some local coffee, and strolled through the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. It was indeed a fascinating mix of Viking heritage, medieval churches, and centuries-old traditions. That evening, over a round of locally brewed beer at a quiet pub, we sat in comfortable silence, knowing that the real adventure had yet to begin.
Fjords, Ferries, and the Open Road
The next morning, we kicked off our road trip with the Oslo Fjord Cruise. As the ferry glided across the icy-blue waters, we were surrounded by rugged cliffs and charming little islands with scattered red cabins.
“This is unreal,” Karan whispered, his camera clicking away.
But the real magic began when we hit the road. Driving through Norway felt like a scene from a Hollywood movie - snow-capped mountains on one side and crystal-clear lakes on the other. Our next destination? Flåm, which is a tiny village situated between tall fjords.
The Norway in a Nutshell Tour by Thrillophilia was a masterstroke in scenic travel. The Flåm Railway took us through valleys and waterfalls so breathtaking that we were left speechless. When we finally reached Flåm, the sheer quietness of the village was humbling.
That evening, as we sat outside our cabin, wrapped in blankets and sipping on hot chocolate, Arjun spoke up.
“You know, we should do this more often.”
Rishi smirked. “You mean disappear into the mountains every time life gets too real?”
We laughed, but deep down, I knew we all felt it - the overwhelming sense of peace that only nature and good company can bring.
Sailing Through Fairy Tales
The following day, we went on a fjord cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. No picture could have prepared us for the sheer majesty of these fjords. As our boat cut through the still waters, the tall cliffs and waterfalls created an almost mythical atmosphere.
The most introspective of us, Karan leaned against the railing and sighed. “I have never felt this small before.”
I knew what he meant. In that moment, it felt like we were part of something much greater - a world that existed long before us and would continue long after.
From the fjords, we took a scenic drive to Bergen, a city straight out of a Nordic fairy tale. Colourful wooden houses lined the waterfront and the aroma of fresh seafood filled the air. We explored Bryggen Wharf, wandered through bustling markets, and feasted on freshly grilled salmon here.
That night, we sat by the harbour and watched the city lights dance on the water.
“This is the happiest I have been in a long time,” I admitted.
No one said anything, but their smiles said it all.
The Road Home and a Promise
Our final stretch of the journey took us back to Oslo, where we spent our last day at leisure, visiting the Kon-Tiki Museum and taking one last stroll through the city. As we packed up, reality started creeping in.
At the airport, we stood in a circle, not wanting to say goodbye.
“This does not have to be the last trip,” Arjun said, looking at each of us. “Promise?”
I nodded. “Promise.”
As our plane took off, I stared out of the window, watching Norway disappear beneath the clouds. This trip had been a reminder for all of us. A reminder that no matter how busy life gets, some things, like friendship and the freedom of the open road, are worth making time for.
And as long as we had each other, there would always be another road trip waiting.
Read More: Thrillophilia Norway Reviews