Urke

To the northwest, we now pass Urke and the small village of Maude, while the Stenes farm barely peeks out on the other side of the fjord. Here, in the heart of the Sunnmøre Alps, the villages cling closely to both the fjord and the steep, barren mountains. Urke is one of those small villages with a strong sense of community. A few dozen residents keep the place alive, and here we find what may be Norway’s most charming shop—Urke Landhandel. The store was saved from closure by local enthusiasts and now serves as a shop, meeting place, and historical museum. Here, you can buy everything from locally cured meats to homemade juice—and maybe a good story as a bonus. The fjord has always been both a source of food and a travel route, and the rugged mountains likewise. The steep slopes are difficult to traverse but provide both grazing land and shelter. In the summer, the mountain pastures fill with sheep and the bustle of farm life. In autumn and winter, however, the polar night, storms, ice, and meters of snow could be demanding for both man and beast. Can you imagine living here year-round, experiencing the contrasts between romantic, warm sunsets and calm seas, and icy storms with roaring rivers and waterfalls?