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The Western Fjords: Exploring Norway’s Majestic Landscapes

The Western Fjords—the name has a fantastical, faraway ring. Yet they’re a very real part of the Norwegian landscape, as much as the snowy mountains and sweeping waterways look like something out a storybook. You might have to pinch yourself a time or two along the way, but you’ll see them with your own eyes on our Norway: Western Fjords Adventure.

For those who are curious to know more about this incredible destination, we’ve compiled a few of the tour’s biggest highlights.

Hiking and Sea Kayaking

A sea kayaker sits in the middle of Aurlandsfjord

Beginning on the first day, our journey takes us from city streets to the vast, wild spaces of Scandinavia. We hike around glacier-fed lakes, past roaring waterfalls, and ascend the largest high mountain plateau in Europe. When the day is almost through, we wash away the fatigue with a taste of Hardanger apple cider, made from the region’s signature apples.

Day Four finds us kayaking the Aurlandsfjord, where we paddle past steep green slopes and imposing rock formations. Curious livestock often looks back from the shore of local farms, and if we’re lucky, we might spot seals or even porpoises playing in the water. Despite Aurlandsfjord’s grandeur, it’s just a branch from Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, the mighty Sognefjord—which we view from our hike on Day 6.

Hopperstad Stave Church

Hopperstad stave church, seen from slightly above

Picture a medieval Norse building, and there’s a good chance the image that comes to mind will be a stave church. These timber-frame structures have a stark, angular look to them that’s perfectly suited to the rugged landscape. The Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik was built in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest stave churches left in the country. On our walking tour on Day 5 we study the intricate carvings and evocative roof paintings and learn how Christianity influenced early Viking beliefs.

Jotunheimen National Park

A flowering valley in Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen means “home of the Jötunn,” giants from Old Norse mythology. It’s a fitting name for Norway’s highest mountains, where few roads disturb the natural splendor. Here we hike through Skagastol Valley en route to a picnic lunch by Skagastol Lake. Witnessing the sheer scale of the peaks is an astounding, humbling experience.

Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Waterfalls down a mountain near Geirangerfjord

UNESCO has recognized this site for its sublime natural beauty. It’s no exaggeration to say Geirangerfjord may offer some of the greatest views in the world, with its jagged peaks and foaming waterfalls. The Seven Sisters waterfalls found here are among the country’s most recognizable attractions.

The Geirangerfjord makes a suitably grand finale to the Western Fjords Adventure—though you may be tempted to stay longer to rest and reflect on this remarkable nine-day journey.


Read more about Norway: Western Fjords Adventure here

If you’ve enjoyed reading and are inspired to join us or have questions about the adventure featured in this post, please give us a call at 1-800-941-8010 or send us an email at [email protected].

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