6 a.m. in the morning and approaching the pilot boarding ground, to embark our compulsory pilot. We had a long transit ahead of us, up the fjord towards Oslo, a 3½ hour journey. A glorious sunrise, (there are benefits of having to get up early) and it promises to be a glorious day.
Ahead of us, a DFDS ferry from Copenhagen is ‘ploughing the road’ and we match her speed as we head north.
We come to the ‘narrows’ a bottleneck of islands with a channel that weaves between them. Here lies a fort, guns facing south and it is here, on the 9th April 1940 that the Germans began their invasion of Norway. The fleet was let by a cruiser, the “Blucher”, the intention being to seize Oslo. The fleet was engaged by this ageing fort, (Oscarsborg), whose occupants were training coastal artillery servicemen, leading the Germans to disregard this motley bunch and their defensive value. However, unknown to the Germans, there was also a torpedo battery on the island, which would be used to great effect. The Fortress’s armaments worked, sinking the “Blucher” and forcing the Germans to retreat. The “Blucher” carried most of the troops and Gestapo intended to occupy Oslo and the loss gave enough time for the Royal family and government to escape. Oil from the “Blucher” still rises to the surface and we sailed through isolated spots on our way to Oslo. Between 650 and 800 Germans died during the sinking.
Onto lighter matters, onwards then continuing up the fjord and another ferry comes up from astern, the “Colour Magic”, she is in a hurry and, being an ‘old’ ferry man, I let him pass before we enter astern of her.
We enter the relatively narrow harbour, although it looks wide, there are reefs dotted around the area. We go to the Cruise terminal, a gorgeous spot, right under the Akershus Fortress and Castle, the guests were crowding the decks and gasping at the sight of it.
Into the harbour, this ‘house’ can be rented as a restaurant
Ahead of us, the berth
The Fortress
and our proximity to it
A jaunt on the hop-on bus and some lunch at a waterside restaurant, in my case, fresh mussels in a cream and wine sauce, marvellous.
The Opera house
Grand Hotel
Parliament building
The Nobel Peace House
Ships museum waterside
The cafes and restaurants
Finally, one of my amateur videos, however it will give you some idea of our fortunate berthing.
Just time to post this before sailing for Flam, arriving there the day after tomorrow. Famous for its scenery and magnificent fjords, it should present a wonderful photo opportunity!
