The Norwegian Fjords

The Norwegian Fjords is an incredible place that provides some of the most beautiful scenery in Norway. In this article we give you an advanced look at The Norwegian Fjords, and all they have to offer.

Norway is a country of Mountains, Fjords and Glaciers. A fjord is formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by ice segregation and abrasion of the surrounding bedrock.

During many Ice ages both the Ice and the Rivers carved deep Valleys in the Norwegian rocks. As the climate changed most of the Ice melted, and the Valleys were gradually filled with Salt water from the Coast, thus creating the Fjords. Not all of the Ice melted, leaving parts of the high mountain areas still covered with Ice, thus creating the Glaciers we know today.

The Norwegian Fjords and Mountains are formed in some of the oldest and hardest Rocks of Europe. These Rocks are part of an old mountain chain – the Caledonian mountain range – that was once as high as the Alps or Himalayas, but is now eroded down. Nature has thus provided us some of the most exotic and spectacular scenery and tourist attractions in the entire world. The Norwegian fjords are considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

The Nærøyfjord, the pearl of The Norwegian Fjords, offers some of the more sheltered Sea Kayaking areas in the world ­- many of these areas can only be explored from the waters edge.

Settlements and small farms and villages are found along the fjords. The source of income has for centuries traditionally been based on small scale farming and fishing for most of the people living here.

The Norwegian Fjords have also served as main transport routes for more than a 1000 years, connecting different parts of Norway during winter when mountain passes where closed for traffic.

As society has changed, small scale farming has become more and more difficult and as a result many of these settlements are seeing a declining population today. Tourism has increased and has become an important source of additional income for many small communities, however, these areas are still relatively uncrowded and represent some of the most unspoiled nature in found in Europe today.

The Nærøyfjord area was in July 2005 included on UNESCO`s list of World Heritage Parks, thus ensuring that future generations can still enjoy what we are today. We welcome this accomplishment and our company and guides work actively to preserve this fantastic and natural resource.

Experiencing it all from a Sea Kayak is unique and maybe the most special way of visiting the Norwegian Fjords.

Click on the linked images below to read more about the our region of the Norwegian Fjords.

Nordic Ventures has been running Sea Kayaking tours on the Norwegian fjords since 1998 and we offer a wide range of tours that all travel away from the beaten track. With tours ranging from 1/2 day to 10 days in duration, we got something to suit everybody, covering large areas and visiting some of the most amazing places in Norway.

In certain areas along our fjords there are suitable hiking sections up the valleys and into the mountains. These hikes can be readily integrated with Sea Kayaking and our popular 3-day Guided Sea Kayaking Tour includes a full days hiking.

Contact us for details if you are interested in a longer experience and we will provide information about available tours of the Norwegian Fjords.