Why Norway is an electric road trip dream
Alpine master Aksel Lund Svindal swaps his skis for an EV
A long, winding bridge over a fjord in Norway
How a legendary skier and renowned photographer used the electric Taycan to showcase unparalleled Norwegian splendour with the Porsche Travel Experience
Norway has many faces. Visit this most beautiful of countries and you can expect to meet vast inland valleys, mighty coastal fjords and an endless supply of long, curving roads. So who better to show us around such diverse landscapes than two men who know their homeland so well? Porsche brand ambassador Aksel Lund Svindal is one of the most successful Alpine skiers in history – a double Olympic and five-time World champion – while landscape photographer Christian Hoiberg is renowned for his fascinating depictions of Norway’s incredible scenery. We join them as they journey through the land of the midnight sun in an electric Porsche Taycan.
Two men talk, with Porsche Taycan in background, at sunset
Don’t let the sun go down on your Porsche: complete darkness is seldom glimpsed during Norway’s summers
Let there be light “July is probably the best month to visit Norway,” Aksel says as we set off. During the day, the roads are busy with tourists. But what exactly does ‘day’ mean so far north, and at this time of year? Shortly before midnight, the sun finally dips below the horizon, only to rise again a few hours later at around 3am. Such an abundance of daylight means that, on this Porsche road trip, we can enjoy spectacular sunsets from beautiful vantage points night after night, and on practically deserted roads.
“July is probably the best month to visit Norway,” Aksel says as we set off. During the day, the roads are busy with tourists. But what exactly does ‘day’ mean so far north, and at this time of year? Shortly before midnight, the sun finally dips below the horizon, only to rise again a few hours later at around 3am. Such an abundance of daylight means that, on this Porsche road trip, we can enjoy spectacular sunsets from beautiful vantage points night after night, and on practically deserted roads.
The summit of Dalsnibba (foreground), in south-west Norway, rises through the clouds
Leaving our hotel in Geiranger, we hit the road at sea level to drive up to the summit of Dalsnibba, which sits at an elevation of 1,500m. Before we even reach the peak, we know this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable moment. On the serpentine bends of the route known as The Eagle Road, we come across another car only every now and then. At the top, there is complete silence. There are no birds or animals up here, no wind either. This tremendous natural wonder is ours alone. It’s not only the dazzling light display that captivates us – the ride to the top in the Taycan has already put us on an electric high.
A silver Porsche Taycan drives through the Norwegian countryside
Cruising in a Taycan allows you to experience the landscape in a whole new way
Country roads, space to roam Aksel is particularly fascinated by the way his all-electric Porsche does such a fine job of immersing him in the beautiful countryside around him. In order to get even closer to nature, he drives with the windows down. For Aksel, embarking on this road trip through Norway means finally living out a childhood dream. “I’ve always dreamed of taking a road trip through my home country,” he says.The mountain tops along our route rarely higher top out higher than 2,000m. That may not sound so spectacular, but since most of the mountain roads start at sea level, the Norwegian passes still rival the best Alpine crossings for their fascination value as they tower in comparison to the coastal landscapes around them.
Two men on platform enjoy view of valley roads below
The Trollstigen pass, with its hairpin bends and incomparable views, is one of the world’s great driving roads
We encounter one of Europe’s most famous stretches of road on our journey – the Trollstigen mountain pass. With its 11 hairpin bends, it’s reminiscent of those great Alpine routes like the Stelvio Pass and Großglockner. Every now and then, small gravel roads branch off from our route, which mostly follow the course of the Porsche Travel Experience Norway. From 2022, Porsche enthusiasts will be able to embark on this Norwegian road trip for themselves.In search of the best spots for a sensational shot, we follow photographer Christian’s intuition. “In Norway, everyone is allowed to step into and enjoy nature – even private roads have practically no restrictions. Of course, you still must have the proper respect and consideration for the flora and fauna,” he says.Solitary paths often lead us along wild rivers that end in breathtaking vantage points. The landscapes are so diverse it’s hard to believe they can all exist within one country. Take for example the view from Litlefjellet, which looks down over the valley of the Rauma river in Åndalsnes. Bathed in golden light, you’d be forgiven for feeling like you’re surveying your own dazzling kingdom from such a lofty perch. This stunning sight is not far from the Juvet Landscape Hotel, where Porsche Travel Experience Norway participants will stay.
River running through lush Norwegian landscape at sunset
Golden valley: the Rauma river snakes through Åndalsnes
Ocean and emotionAfter two days spent in the Norwegian mountains, the sight of the sea surprises us as we reach the coast, crossing one of the eight bridges as we drive this most spectacular of sections on the Atlantic Ocean Road. Even for Aksel, this sight is not only a first, but the perfect way to bring the journey to a close. “I actually can’t believe that I haven’t driven this part of the Atlantic Ocean Road myself. All the better to be able to experience it at the end of our road trip,” he says.
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