Visiting Norway’s spectacular natural fjords is a dream for many, but when it comes time to make that dream a reality, it can be a confusing process. There is a lot to think about, and for those who don’t want to miss out on anything important, it can be a tricky road (or rather waterway) to navigate. With that in mind, this beginner’s guide should help you get started. We’ll look at both how and why you should visit the Norwegian fjords.
How to Explore the Norwegian Fjords
Since the fjords are long, thin waterways, the best way to really get up close and personal with them is by boat. You can do this in a number of ways, and one of the most popular is a cruise. You can get the best P&O cruises to take you right into the heart of the fjords so you can get a real chance to see them in a way that just wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Plus, because you’re on a cruise, you’ll also have a chance to explore Norway’s land and the attractions and beauty spots there too.
If you have journeyed to Norway for a holiday, perhaps arriving in by plane and staying in a land-based hotel, don’t worry – you can still see the fjords (and you should – it would be a shame to go to Norway and not enjoy them). There will be many guided boat excursions you can book yourself onto. Some will last all day, others for half a day, and others might only be for an hour or two, so make sure you know which is which before you pay any money.
Why Explore the Norwegian Fjords
The Norwegian fjords are some of the most spectacular natural waterways in the world, but just what is it that makes them such an ideal sport to explore?
The long, narrow bodies of water known as fjords in Norway are known for their dramatic cliff faces and for making visitors feel as though they are the only people in the world. Naturally, being on the water is the ideal way to take in these magnificent sights. The 179-kilometre-long Hardangerfjord is just one of the many magnificent fjords you’ll pass through on a trip. You might even be able to kayak over its pristine waters if conditions are right.
The Vega Islands, an island off the coast of Norway that has been inhabited continuously since the Stone Age, are just one of the many incredible sites to be found along this country’s breathtaking coastline. On the island of Bronnoysund, you can spend an hour hiking up the enigmatic Torghatten mountain, which is well-known for the natural tunnel that runs through its centre.
Snowshoe climbs, horseback rides, and boat safaris take you past moody beaches and spectacular mountain peaks, and you can find these experiences in the outlying settlements dotted along the coast.
It’s possible to sail during the summer’s magical “midnight sun,” when the sun stays up all night and casts a magnificent glow on the world. An encounter like this is truly Norwegian and one you won’t soon forget.