There are roads that simply take you from one place to another. Then there are roads that make you want to stop every few minutes. Gamle Strynefjellsvegen or "The Old Strynefjell Road" is definitely one of those places.

The road is about 27 kilometres long and reaches over 1,100 metres above sea level. Stone guardrails, mountain lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and snowfields shape the landscape.

Our journey started from Grotli and soon we were facing some exciting challenges. You definitely need to feel comfortable driving narrow gravel sections and sharp bends. Passing other vehicles sometimes takes patience. Driving slowly and staying alert makes it manageable.

We found a spot on the road where our mini camper fit perfectly. Just behind us, “1139 moh” was carved into a rock, marking the altitude.

We were greeted by a soft sunset glow on the mountains. What a sight!

The next day

Without a schedule, we had time to explore. After years of travelling, I've found this to be the most rewarding way to experience a place. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, simply choose a destination and stay awhile. Wander, take in the scenery, and let the landscape set the pace. It gives you time to connect with your surroundings and truly recharge.

We started the morning with a refreshing swim in a nearby lake. Since there was a heatwave in Norway, this beautiful turquoise glacial water did not feel as freezing anymore.

After a while we decided to pack our bags and head up a nearby mountain. It felt like a perfect spot to set up our tent and enjoy the views from even higher altitudes.

The climb was rewarding from the very beginning. Up close, we noticed details that disappear from the road below. As we gained elevation, the landscape opened up, revealing wider views with every step.

 

Reaching the summit area was one of the highlights. The panoramic views over glaciers, lakes and winding roads were worth every step.

Our tent blended into the landscape, looking just like another grey boulder. It is difficult to imagine that we were almost on top of a mountain, but that fine line underneath is the Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, where our car was parked.

In the evening, there was a storm brewing just behind us.. and yes, we slept next to a patch of snow in the middle of July. It's kind of funny for Estonians, as we have a famous song about having snow in July.

Luckily, the clouds stayed away, and we never got any rain during our time up there.

The final day

We woke up to the most beautiful morning, made breakfast and enjoyed the amazing views.

 

Cooking at 1400 metres felt different. Water reaches boiling at a slightly lower temperature at higher altitude, so it boiled a bit faster than usual at sea level. A small detail you only notice in the mountains.

We packed up our camp and began making our way back down the mountain. Since it was still early, we took a short detour to a nearby lake formed by melting snow.

And of course, my adventurous husband had to jump into that freezing water. It felt nothing like those glacial lakes back in the valley. This was a real ice bath.

Refreshed and full of endorphins, the descent felt shorter than expected.

After the hike back down, there was no better reward than another swim in the glacial water. It may sound strange, but once it became our daily bath, the freezing water no longer felt intimidating. Instead, it left us feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.

On our hikes, we always make time to stop and look around. One of our favourite things is discovering the flowers and plants that thrive in such harsh mountain conditions. It's amazing how much life can flourish among bare rock, snow, and strong winds. Some of these tiny plants are so beautiful that they leave you in awe.

  

Suddenly, we felt sad to leave this place. That feeling often comes when you get to know a place more closely.

While travelling in Norway, we try to stay mindful of leaving space for others and not overstaying in popular spots. Even when moving on, we could have searched for another nearby stop, but it felt right to continue the journey and free up space for others, especially since parking options in the area are limited.

We continued our journey west towards Videsæter. Along the way, we kept stopping at viewpoints and could not just drive past them.

Many others were also out enjoying the glacial waters, and the lake showed an even deeper turquoise colour than before.

After driving for a little while, the road began to descend and the valley opened up in front of us.

Another beautiful stop along the road was a small bridge over a river coming directly from the lakes we had just been swimming in.

And I am sure there are many other remarkable stops you can make along this road. If you plan to visit, make sure to tag us on Instagram @kaisartravels - would love to see your photos of this amazing old road!

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If you enjoy slow travel, hiking, photography, and quiet nights in nature, this road deserves a spot on your Norway itinerary.

Found this useful? Leave a comment or connect with us on Instagram @kaisartravels

Almost two years ago I quit my daily job and started moving toward the life I actually want to live. These past years have been full of change and learning. I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. I feel a sense of freedom I did not have before, and I recognize myself more clearly now being a creative happy person.

After I quit, my husband and I travelled to many different countries across three continents. The places were all different, but they shared something in common. Amazing nature, peace, and quiet, where you could actually hear your own thoughts.

That feeling started to pull me in more and more. It felt right, like something I wanted more of. Now I feel ready to take this blog in a more focused direction. From here on, I wish to share stories on slower travel and quieter places in nature. Places that are more remote, less visited, and where you can actually slow down and take in what is around you.

The blog will start to look more like a travel diary. Mostly photo-based posts from these places, with my own notes from the road. When I have them, I will also include YouTube videos that fit this style of travel (Kaisar Travel Youtube Channel).

If you have been following the blog before, nothing disappears. The older posts will stay as they are. They are part of the path that led here and still contain a good amount of travel advice.

This is just a clearer direction now. Slower travel. Quiet places. More time in nature.

Fresh travel content on Instagram @kaisartravels

Hinni Canyon sits in Võru County in southeastern Estonia. It is a short forest trail that leads you into a narrow sandstone valley surrounded by dense trees.

Water shaped this canyon over a long period. Sandstone walls stand on both sides of the trail. Tree roots cross the edges. Moss spreads across rocks and fallen wood. A small stream runs through the bottom of the valley and shifts with recent rain.

Hinni Canyon does not offer wide views or long hiking routes. It works as a short stop in Võru County. You come here for the experience of moving through a narrow natural space, not for distance or elevation gain.

Hinni Canyon is a good reminder that not every nature spot needs to be large or remote. Small places can still change how you move and what you notice.

It has been years since we visited China, and in between, traveling there became somewhat complicated. Looking back now, we are in awe of our photos from Shanghai - it felt like a city of contrasts, where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers and quiet gardens hide behind busy streets. Spending New Year’s Eve there, high above the skyline, gave us a perspective on a city that never stops evolving. Can't help but wishing to travel there once again some day.

We were in Shanghai for New Year’s Eve, a time when the city usually doesn’t have traditional fireworks because of rules that limit or ban fireworks in China. It was unbelievable to witness that noone would ignore this ban. At midnight the sky remained calm.

At midnight, thousands of balloons were released from the ceiling of that hollow atrium, falling gently around us as champagne glasses clinked. It felt surreal - like the hotel had created its own kind of light and movement inside this magnificent tower.

The Bund and Pudong

One of the most famous places in Shanghai is The Bund, a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. Historic buildings with golden-hued facades tell stories of Shanghai’s past, while across the water, the futuristic towers of Pudong showcase the city’s rapid growth.

Lined with historic buildings in European architectural styles, it offers a striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Pudong across the river.

The Pudong - it is one of the most iconic views of Shanghai and the Bund itself is well worth visiting. Its wide promenade invites long walks, offering ever-changing views of the river and skyline.

It is especially striking when it gets dark.

Nanjing Road

Strolling along Nanjing Road, we felt the city’s buzz.

Cavalleria Eroica is a bronze sculpture by the French artist Arman, placed in front of the Shanghai Exhibition Centre on Nanjing Road.

The piece dates from 1987 and shows a cluster of galloping horses made with Arman's well known accumulation technique. It stands outdoors near the main entrance and has become a visible landmark on one of the city’s busiest streets. You can reach it easily from the Nanjing Xi Lu metro stop, and it is free to view at any time.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden, also known as Yu Garden, brought calm with its classical architecture and ponds.

Hidden behind white walls and traditional curved roofs, the garden opens into a carefully designed world of rock formations, wooden pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and zigzag bridges. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it reflects the precision and symbolism of classical Chinese garden design. Each window frames a different scene, each corridor reveals a new composition.

Shanghai Tower

Going up Shanghai Tower gives you perspective on the city’s scale.

One of the tallest buildings in the world, it rises high above the financial district of Lujiazui.

The Huangpu River curves below, and familiar landmarks suddenly look small. If you are short on time, even walking around the base of the tower offers impressive angles for photos, especially when the surrounding skyscrapers reflect the changing light.

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower stands out immediately with its pink spheres and futuristic design.

It feels bold and slightly playful compared to the glass towers around it. You can visit the observation decks for sweeping views, but even from the ground the structure makes a strong impression. From across the river at the Bund, it becomes one of the defining elements of Shanghai’s skyline, especially after dark when it lights up and dominates the scene.

The French Concession

The French Concession has a different rhythm from the financial district. Tree-lined streets replace wide boulevards, and low-rise buildings create a more intimate atmosphere.

Former villas, small boutiques, and cozy cafés give the area a slower pace. It feels less vertical and more residential. Walking here without a fixed plan works best. Turn into side streets, notice balconies and hidden courtyards, and observe how quickly Shanghai’s mood can shift within just a few blocks.

Thai Gallery in Jing'an Park

Restaurant Thai Gallery sits inside Jing’an Park right beside the water, offering a calm pause from the surrounding streets.

Food markets

Shanghai’s food stayed with us long after the trip. Soup dumplings filled with hot broth, sweet and sour pork with crisp edges, and fresh seafood prepared on the spot created some of our strongest memories.

M50 Art District

For art lovers, M50 Art District revealed the city’s creative side. Former industrial buildings now house galleries and studios, and you can walk from one exhibition space to another within minutes. The atmosphere feels raw and experimental, a contrast to the polished skyscrapers nearby.

Jing’an and Jade Buddha Temple

Jing’an Buddhist Temple sits in the heart of Shanghai. Originally built in the 3rd century and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it now stands restored with golden roofs and red walls that contrast sharply with the modern buildings around it. The renovation involved roughly 500,000 sheets of gold foil on the pagoda and roof structures. 

The temple complex feels contained and timeless, even though traffic and high-rises surround it. Walking through its courtyards feels like stepping briefly into another era within the same city.

Tips that helped us

• Take the metro - fast, cheap, and easy, but at peak hours can get quite busy. If that happens you start to hear these kind of high pitch sounds from people which is how they let you know they want to pass and get off the train.
• Also taxi is quite affordable.
• Carry some cash for street vendors. Although most places accepted card payment.
• Avoid peak times; Shanghai gets crowded on holidays. But if you are there for the holidays, I can assure it will be magical.
• Look where you step - dog poop on the ground is quite common, although in the touristic areas they try to keep it clean.

If you enjoyed this post, share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with us on Instagram @kaisartravels. We would love to hear about your own experiences in Shanghai or answer any questions you might have.