TOUR B - SIMA POWER PLANT & KJEASEN MOUNTAIN
Excursions
- 45 - 55
- 3 hours
- Limited capacity
The production hall itself is situated 700 metres (2,300 feet) inside a mountain, and from there the production room is 200 metres (650 feet) long, 20 metres (65 feet) wide and 40 metres (130 feet) high. Water resources from Osa Mountain, near Ulvik, are used for the Sima Power Plant, which opened in 1980.
Sima has four main water reservoirs, holding some 660 million cubic metres of water. A number of tunnelled waterways supply these reservoirs with water from surrounding lakes in the drainage area. The complete system is more than 27 kilometres (17 miles) long. Two large tunnels lead water from the reservoirs to a valve chamber above the power plant, located inside the mountain of Kjeåsen – 600 metres (2,000 feet) above the Simafjord. Two pressure shafts take the water from the valve chamber down to the power plant, where each shaft splits in two and thus feeds each of the four turbines. Having spun the turbines, the water is emptied into the Sima Fjord through an 800 metre (2,600 feet) long tunnel. After this visit we continue our tour on a road that zigzags up the mountainside. We can sit back in comfort as our driver skilfully negotiates the hairpin bends. The farmers of this inaccessible place always had to take the challenge of the climb. The path up is still safe, but most people nowadays cheat and use the five kilometre (three mile) road that was made to establish power lines in the areas behind Kjeåsen. The road is narrow, and half of it runs through a steep and dark tunnel which was built in connection with the construction of Sima Power Plant. Because of the narrow road, there are rules to abide by: you can drive upwards every hour, and downwards every half an hour between 9am and 5.30pm. The drive takes ten minutes. Arriving at a spectacular viewpoint at the top of the mountain, we will have time to admire the breathtaking scenery. We will travel back to our ship along the shores of the fjord and the bay of Simafjord. TOUR NOTES: This tour involves some walking: at the Sima Power Plant Information Centre (which is suitable for wheelchairs) – approximately 50 metres (165 feet) in the production room. This tour will present spectacular views, even if you choose to remain in your seat (all participants must be able to board the coach unaided). Please note this tour includes a journey with hairpin bends and tunnels, therefore it may not be suitable for passengers who suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia. DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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