Dingja-Norway | Small Nordic Eden on a Striking, Strait Fjord.


Dingja is an almost, unknown hamlet of Norway but it represents with its scenic, unforgettable image a small Nordic Eden on a striking, strait fjord called Sognesjøen, representing the outermost section of that natural diamond named Sognefjord, a magnificent sea arm, icon of that marvellous Scandinavian country highlighting the beautiful Skjolden, the furthest town in the Norwegian innermost inland where it ends its spectacular course.

That very attractive village of approximately 40 residents is situated in proximity of the Motorway E39 in the county of Sogn og Fjordane on a scenic promontory in a fantastic position from where you can enjoy unique panoramic views towards a group of enchanting, scattered islands  among them that of Hiseryøna connected to the mainland since 2013 by a cable ferry which takes just 8 minutes to reach the coastline.

Part of the municipality of Gulen, a charming, historic site boasting an environment absolutely magnificent showing the most fascinating image of the wildest Norway in all its true, splendour Dingja lies at just 5,0 kilometres from the idyllic centre of Eivindvik lying on the north shore of another jewel named Gulafjorden well known for its famed salmon fish farms scattered along its 8,0 kilometres facing picturesque islets.

That marvellous area is highlighted by centres of an immense fascination such as Gudvangen Flam, Gaupne, Sogndal,  Kaupanger the mentioned Skjolden but including villages less known extremely enchanting showing all their captivating appeal of that spectacular land of Northern Europe with the wonderful Bergen, the second Norwegian centre behind Oslo situated at 140,0 kilometres of distance. (I wrote post about those two cities if you are interested)
 
Dingja lies in a marvellous, natural small bay on the shore of the Dingjaelva river and on that of the lake Dingevatn both boasting an  extraordinary beauty and despite its small size it is a very popular place well known by several Norwegian people.

It is since a long time ago a destination among the most loved for its spectacular location highlighted by bewitching landscapes in an intact environment very popular to be in addition a great site for salmon fishing, one of the favourite activities by locals.

The previously mentioned Sognefjord in that concrete geographic area forms a stunning network of its branches packed by fabulous bends, wonderful inlets, scenic, little gulfs, inspiring straight channels which all together are a stupendous mosaic of waters next to other numerous, natural marvels as a large extension of virgin forests beneath towering, high peaks which complete a frame to remember forever.

All that is immediately a great incentive to plan an unforgettable trip without hesitations with the opportunity to visit places absolutely unforgettable and so easy to remember for a lifetime.

That Scandinavian sublime land wrapped by a magic aura in every corner also highlighted by paths crossing an uncontaminated woodland making that  territory a fairytale dreamland also great to practise many outdoor activities such as sailing, rowing, kayak, a heaven for photography lovers, fantastic place for cycling, horse riding, a special paradise for tourism adventure staying in deep. constant contact with a marvellous nature.

Since a long time ago it is a beloved heaven for passionate trekkers who once explored that area have not hesitations to return there but also highly asppreciated by many people who simply want to enjoy long walks contemplating for hours a Paradise.

What is extremely relevant is the calm, serenity that place transmits in a while for that it is certainly the right destination for visitors who desire to recharge the batteries spending more than relaxing holidays.  

No traffic, silence, peace all features which make that idyllic site an inviting, desired vacation idea and in addition boasting an uncontaminated atmosphere due to a total absence of pollution elevating itself as a climatic Eden.

In that area you will enjoy a great stay thanks to the presence of some cabins but also fully equipped, charming cottages ideal accommodations to spend enjoyable days living a magic experience in that Nordic heaven.

Spring, summer but also early autumn are excellent periods filling great days with a large fan of excursions, visits, admiring the beautiful natural colours of the fjord and its outstanding surroundings while winter season is a superb chance for the lovers of a typical Nordic sport as Cross country skiing but also for adventure ski trips thanks to ther presence of many kilometres of trails permitting those kinds of activities.

The aspect gastronomy is another highlight, with a genuine, healthy cuisine, fish but also meat are of superb level with the chance to enjoy a varied list of dishes in a culinary panorama very ample satisfying all the most demanding palates.

The name Dingja derives from the river Ding also called Dingjaelva bordering the local lake flowing close to the inhabited agglomeration continuing its course until the local harbour ending in the fjord, a waterway which is since a long time ago one of the most important sources of the local community also in terms of communication. 

According to archaeological excavations in the local area with the discovery of relevant artifacts that land was inhabited since the Iron Age before to be explored and settled by the Vikings who perfectly knew the entire course Sognefjord from its mouth until the last village situated in the latest innermost corner of that arm of the North Sea including all its branches and straits.

In addition thanks to its strategic position that place permitted to those settlers to have from that point a very easy, quick access to the North Sea moving very fast their Drakkar, those iconic ships of the Norsemen starting the navigation without natural barriers with many chances to have a rich fishing catch.
The nearest forests were also for that  population another considerable source for hunting, collecting timber to establish their houses but also largely used for the construction of their boats.

A very important historic event linked to the destiny of the entire country happened in that Norwegian territory when in that place was formed the first Gulating consisting in the first assembly with among the most influential characters participating to a political synod which took place in the 10th century celebrated for the first time in the region of Sogn og Fjordane.

 The name Gulating derives from the nearest town of Gulen of which Dingja is part, that emblematic meeting saw the presence of King Hakoon Haraldsson well known as Hakoon the good son of  Harald Fairhair remembered as the first Norwegian Monarch who reigned from 872 to 932 the land of the fjords.

In that event were  established new laws, arranged important, political decisions of a Reign which was increasing day by day its prestige, fame but searching unity.

It was undoubtedly a very relevant historic stage for the entire country because it called many important figures of the Kingdom something which was just some years before almost unthinkable considering some rivalry with also clashes among some powerful tribes.
 
Thanks to common agreements deleting old grudges, resentments, the territory including started to have a more defined subdivision in former counties, an assembly which also was useful for an important chapter related to the the constitutions of the present Faroe Islands and Iceland creating many bases of cooperation and solidarity.

That meeting originated the current Norwegian assembly born from that medieval event and for that place with Dingja is recognised as the political birthplace of an entire Nation representing in its kind a a true, historic  icon.

Since the 19th century the inhabitants of Gulen located at  just 10,0 kilometres away used  Dingja harbour as a post station along that marvellous waterway and in the early 20th century John Iverson, an experienced carpenter from Ardal, a centre close to Laerdal, a character who played an important role  for the development of the hamlet purchased a vast portion of land with also the rights for the use of the Dingjaelva river starting his activity.

That man established a power plant for his own business related to a timber company providing electricity to the other inhabitants of the village

The increasing success of that active enterpreneur generated the interest of a businessman from Bergen called Peter Strand, a Magnate of the same industry who in 1918 bought that factory which continued to have a notable development generating positive results for many years.

That centre was also known for another episode just some decades later during the Second World War with the occupation of Norway by German troops began on 9th April 1940 led by Reichskomissar Josef Terboven and General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst.

That land thanks to its more than strategic location became a sort of headquarter for the Wermacht Divisions which controlled with several patrols that entire sea arm on which was established sort of military dock becoming a very operative base of the Kriegsmarine, the German Navy of the Third Reich controlling a possible allied landing on Norwegian coasts but also to prepare attacks against Great Britain from that Scandinavian area.

The village is very small with its post office, some small, charming wooden houses in the shade of the nearest picturesque, towering heights, there are a couple of shops, a tiny but very captivating harbour, a local lighthouse with an idyllic environment highlighted by the spectacular view of the that striking, strait fjord which simply gives that Norwegian corner a shining image enchanting every visitor at first sight.

Once there you can see in a big space close to the harbour the structure which was used by Iverson and Strand who continued his activity until the 60's, that building was enlarged and currently occupied by a meeting hall with also a bar.
 
Dingja harbour despite its reduced size provides a service of ferry to and from Sollibotn, Straume, Nyhammar, Eivindvik, managed by the company Fjord 1 AS, that is a great opportunity to admire other natural beauties sailing planning your visits day by day also discovering those enchanting places.

The lake Dingevatn is one of the shining gems of the village, it is a small waters basin but more than attractive covering a surface of 2, 84 square kilometres, it is pretty deep reaching a depth of over 220, 0 metres.

Despite it is not very wide and the maximum distance coast to coast is just of 1, 6 kilometres, it is simply beautiful characterised by the splendid confluence formed by Dingjaelva river, an enchanting shaped jagged shoreline totally bordered by picturesque, verdant conifer forests.

That water basin is approximately 3,0 kilometres long it has some very attractive, wild, tiny islets small, striking inlets of its western coast while on its eastern side you can admire a pretty, wide large bay. 

A very spectacular point is a huge bend on its southern side which is also highlighted by a series of sharp tips forming captivating natural small coves and another special feature is that it is situated at just 1,0 kilometres from the strait of the fjord, perfect to combine in a day more than once that marvel with a stupendous, Nordic lake.

The fantastic, peaceful atmosphere makes that place a splendid oasis for rest and relaxation, ideal destination for fishing in tranquillity and for that a further place is the mentioned river Dingjaelva

Along its shoreline apart fishing the visitors can have the chance to enjoy pleasant walks discovering delighted by intact forests which have a special colour especially in spring spreading all theit the incomparable wilderness of a land born to donate dreams.

A spectacular place I suggest you to immortalise that village in stunning pictures with scenic, superb views is north of the inhabited agglomeration in proximity of the the road leading to Eivindvik, in that point you will have a fantastic post card of the local bay, admiring the silhouette of a couple of captivating islets with furthermore two stunning sharp promontories forming a very scenic gulf.

In addition if you move a bit towards north you will have a fantastic image of the confluence of the river with the Sognesjøen strait,another sight you will remember for a long time.
 
Also the astonishing images coast to coast make that place an ideal site for all the most enthusiastic photographers but perfect for all people who desire to stay in contemplation admiring that small Nordic Eden.

In just ten minutes driving you can visit the mentioned Eivindvik  admiring another fjord, the Gulafjorden, a spectacular sea arm approximately 8000,0 metres long which forms a splendid bay in proximity of the banks of the harbour of that municipality.

That place is a notorious destination for salmon fishing of excellent quality but also to admire very close the beauty of some islands such as Mjømna, Sandøyna, Byrknesøyna, Hiserøyna, the latter situated on the northern side of the fjord.

Beneath a low hill you can visit Gulen Kyrkje also known as Eivindvik Kyrkje , a charming wooden Church erected in the 19th century, consecrated on 13th December 1863 by the Dean Thomas Erichsen with a capacity of approximately 700 seats. 

Highlighted by its immaculate, white colour, large windows with a scenic tower topped by a beautiful spire, that Sacred Lutheran site is a work by an architect from Bergen called Georg Andreas Bull, well known to have designed two Oslo stations such as Vestbanestasjon and Østbanenstasjon.

Close to the Church you can see two stone crosses which according to historic information are over 10 century old probably placed there as first Religious devoted symbols when the locals embraced the Christian faith.

The name of that small centre was changed in 1890 in Gulen but despite that it continues to keep its old denomination.

Another place suggested for its natural beauty is a small village called Rutledal located at the mouth of the Sognefjord, totally encircled by a huge conifer woodland.

From there you can admire the most outstanding contrasts of tonalities between vegetation and water taking a ferry to the spectacular island of Solund which apart its magnificent scenery highlighted by stupendous inlets flanked by shaped cliffs it is is also well known to be the westernmost municipality of the county of Sogn og Fjordane.

On it you can admire some impressive rock formations with the view of the towering silhouette of lighthouse of the island of Utvaer.

In Solund on the west side of the island of Sula you can visit the Arboretum of Hardbakke which boasts in its boundaries 60 species of plants, among them a beautiful collections of rhododendrons, in addition along a path over 5,0 kilometres long you will enjoy wonderful, panoramic sights of the Sognefjorden.

A further excursion pretty recommended for its beautiful landscapes consists to reach Brekke, another small neighbourhood of Gulen, a place which  was well known sice the Middle Ages to have many farms and closely related to that it took its name from one of them called Brekka.
 
Situated on a magnificent position on the southern shore of the Sognefjorden, part of its boundaries lie on an inlet of the Risnesfjorden, a little branch of the previous well known historically for an event linked to the Second World War because on March 1945 a squadron of Bristol beaufighters of the British RAF attacked a group of German destroyer warships of the Kriegsmarine.

That site offers stunning sights from another perspective of the Sognefjord on its southern shore and it also has a Stavkyrkje, a wooden Church beneath a charming, cerdant hill elevated in 1862 highlighted by a long, grey roof with a charming tower boasting by a scenic spire.

That splendid Religious site was a work by a famed Norwegian architect born in Copenhaghen-Denmark called Christian Heinrich Grosch, very active in the capital of the country where he designed the Observatory, Stock Exchange and Oslo University too.


According to historic documentations there was a Stave Church erected in the Middle Ages, recorded in 1327 established in the southern side of the village on Haugland Farm but moving from the hill  probably to the place of the the current Religious site but according to historic information dated 1686 due its limited size was replaced by the present.
 
There are many opportunities in all Norway to discover a multitude of astonishing places if you are planning holidays to that country with your arrival arranged landing at Bergen with the opportunity to rent a car developing a tailor made tour with different great stages.

I added some links below but if you need more information do not hesitate to contact me and it will be a pleasure to give you some suggestions.

Local gastronomy boasts among the best fish of the country highlighted by the divine salmon but also by exquisite cod, trout and herring. You can also try a superb smoked salmon but also the traditional Rakfist consisting in trout prepared with a special process before fermented and later salted.

Do not miss to taste the Sursild, fresh delectable pickled herring seasoned with a touch of vinegar, mustard, a bit of tomato sauce and salt. It is often served as appetiser, starter but also in snacks with a slice of fragrant or toasted bread.  

Simply delicious is Klippfisk consisting in dried, salted cod considered one of the most typical local plates while the Fiskesuppe is another gastronomic delight, a delicious fish soup completed by vegetables such as carrots, celery, onion adding potatoes.

Also meat occupies a relevant culinary panorama with protagonist the iconic Reinsdyrgryte, the famed reindeer stew.

Very appreciated is the Svinestek, a kind of roast pork seasoned with a gravy sauce or try the Svinekoteletter consisting in delicious big pork chops, both plates are generally combined with roast or boiled potatoes, fried onions and cabbage.

If you want to taste something different you can have the chance to enjoy the famous Farikal, a mutton stew prepared with cabbage, peppercorn served with potatoes. 

About desserts there is a wide range of cakes, pastry specialities using in their preparations fresh, sweet berries a product very common in the local forests also used in different bakery recipes

A special delight which worth a mention is certainly the Multekrem made with cloud berries mixed with whipped cream.  

The best fascination of the Norwegian fjords apart the the most popular, fantastic landmarks is greatly accentuated also in those small centres as Dingja because a tourist can have the chance to move along its shore in a very fast way than in more populated big centres admiring corners not very famous but equally outstanding.

Many times especially in high season it is very easy to find long queues of vehicles among them several buses following the classical routes programmed by several Tour Operators with their Coach Tours especially towards Kaupanger, Geiranger, Alesund apart bigger centres as Bergen and others. 

Planning a trip to Scandinavia to admire those wonders is always a great choice,those prolongations of the North Sea penetrating in the Norwegian mainland forming an unforgettable festival of colours with the blue of the their waters mixed with the green of the surrounding green forests is something to try and admire once in a lifetime.

There are many opportunities all around Norway to discover a multitude of astonishing places if you are planning holidays to that country with the chance to enjoy a fantastic FlyDrive fixing a concrete start point and from there planning a tailor made holiday with radial excursions.

Dingja for all that is simply perfect taking in consideration that from its harbour you can enjoy a ferry service alternating days of driving to sailing, that is undoubtedly a very captivating option for every tourist avoiding kilometres and kilometres every day by car having a break enjoying the day after a great navigation experience.

The village is situated at approximately two hours and fifteen minutes driving from Bergen landing on Flesland Lufthavn International Airport covering a distance of 155, 0 kilometres by E39 Motorway via Fana from there you have to follow in direction of Gulen and you will be at destination in a very easy way..

Dingja is a very a suggested place to discover the, true genuine, wild, wonderful face of Norway, a Nordic Eden on a striking strait fjord of that magnificent superb waterway called Sognefjorden which all around is frame is highlighted by an endless number of other amazing attractions as a splendid lake and a scenic river.

That village is as one of the best pictures of a novel titled Norway, so special also for those kinds of tiny shining jewels as that very attractive hamlet boasting an incredible charm highlighted by a scenery absolutely unforgettable, a place extremely easy to love in a while and remember for an eternity.



Francesco Mari


Recommended Accommodations in the area of Dingja


in the first link below you can find some information regarding flats and cottages for rent.
Eivindvik Fjordhotell (at Eivindvik-Gulen -9,5 km from Dingja)

Useful links



No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks a lot to read and note.

Portugal | Named Best Destination for Wine Lovers

  Portugal , southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean and bordering Spain featuring the westernmost po...