How to Travel in the Norwegian Fjords
Norway has four main fjords along its rugged west coast, where the sea cuts deep into the jagged mountains. This makes for other-worldly vistas from the mountain peaks and awe-inspiring views when looking upward from ships. Northern Norway is within the Arctic Circle and pays for its geography with cold, long winters but with a spectacular show of the Northern Lights in autumn and early spring. So pack your jackets, climbing pants and hiking boots and don't forget the camera. Just try to capture this astounding natural environment. When words fail, you can always show the pictures.
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Instructions
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Cruising the Fjords
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Start in Oslo, Norway's capital. The southernmost of the four main fjords is along the coast here, as a matter of fact, so many fjord cruises and ferries start from here and go up the coast, as do hiking trips along the fjords. Oslo is also a sight to see. The Inner Harbor area is bustling, and the modern buildings set in among traditional Norwegian architecture are eye-catching and attractive. If you don't like cities, however, Norway has 50 airports, so getting a flight wherever you want to go is seldom a problem.
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Hop on a cruise ship so you can see the majestic fjords from below and enjoy a bit of pampering while you're sightseeing. A popular choice is the Norwegian Coastal Voyage, which starts out in Bergen and takes you across the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes. The ship is large enough to carry cars so many traveling parties leave the ship to travel on their own, then rejoin the tour at any of the 34 ports of call
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Climb aboard ferries and express boats for island-hopping. Ferries are what connect Norway's fjords, and they are very popular, less expensive than cruises and not pretentious. Newer ferries are handicapped-accessible, while older ferries aren't. You may find queues for the more popular ferry destinations in summer.
Over Land
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Many hikers find hiking fjords to be a mystical experience. Get your boots on. Hiking the fjords has been likened to a mystical experience by many hikers. You can start at Moss, in southern Norway along the Oslofjord, with its beautiful meadows and beaches. The hikes are easy here, a good place for you to get your hiking legs on and take in some luscious landscapes.
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Step it up. Now that you're ready for more, try the Adventure Road fjord hike from Golsfjellet Mountain to Hallingskarvet National Park. This hike is 11 days round-trip, with four to eight hours of walking and hiking a day.
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If you're really feeling fit, hike a glacier, such as Folgefonna. You'll need to dress warmly and be good on your feet, however. Taking on blue-ice glaciers is not for the everyday hiker. Hikes range from three to six hours.
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References
- Photo Credit Keren Su/Photodisc/Getty Images Fjord view image by ABFellows from Fotolia.com
