Forming Norway’s famous fjords

Forming Norway's famous fjords

Think Norway and you think fjords. But what exactly is a fjord and how is it created?

The word stems from the Norse word fjöðr for “crossing” and from the verb “to travel”. And travel them you can…

Icons of the Norwegian coast

Fjords exist in several countries, but those in Norway are particularly impressive. Deep clear bodies of water are a key element, but just as breathtaking is the surrounding landscapes; from fertile green hillsides to spectacular towering mountains, with enchanting waterfalls.

In the valleys above the fjords, you sometimes find blue glaciers that open into rivers of green, glacial water that flows directly into the fjord itself.

Sognefjorden

Sognefjorden, is a well-known Norwegian fjord. Not only is it the longest and deepest in Norway, but it’s the second longest and deepest fjord on the entire planet. It’s greatest depth goes down 1,308 metres, and yet the mouth of the fjord is only 150-200 metres deep.

THERE ARE MANY MORE

Another fine example is the Nærøyfjord, one of the world’s narrowest fjords. In 2004, it was titled “the world’s top unspoiled travel destination” by National Geographic, and it’s even inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

There are so many more fjords worthy of mention, enough to fill several books. Hjørundford surrounded by the Sunnmøre Alps is a hidden gem, while Hardangerfjord is particularly attractive in spring when it’s fringed by apple orchards in full blossom. Even the tiniest of fjords like Trollfjord among the picturesque Lofoten Islands, are special and unique.

Nærøyfjord

Hjørundfjorden

hardangerfjord

TROLLFJORD

It’s known for its outstanding wildlife and nature, attracting explorers from around the world. People arrive in winter to witness the beautiful Northern Lights dance across the sky, while in summer, there’s the Midnight Sun, bringing 24 hours of daylight.

SVALBARD IS UNLIKE
ANYWHERE ELSE

But what most visitors to Svalbard don’t realise is that housed unseen within this magical landscape is an important treasure trove crucial to the survival of the planet.

Nature’s
masterpieces

The key to the creation of Norway’s fjords is the many glaciers which covered the country during glacial periods in the last 2.6 million years.

The grinding of these huge masses of ice worked together with meltwater, slowly deepening valleys to finally create long, narrow inlets between the mountains that would eventually be filled by the sea.

The sea is also an important factor in the formation of the fjords. When the sea meets a glacier arm, a slow meltdown begins. Ice, meltwater, sand and rocks course into the ground, using the immense pressure from the elements to push down and forward. Because of this, fjords are often deeper than the ocean that surrounds them.

An integral part of coastal culture

In comparison to life by the open sea, the tranquillity of the fjord is striking. The landscape of mountains and hillsides shield it from the icy wind and extreme weather that can ravage the outer coast. That’s one of the reasons why people have settled by the fjords since ancient times.

EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF

This unique wonderland of water has fuelled Norwegians’ love of exploration and the outdoors for centuries, even coining the unique word and concept of friluftsliv, which broadly means the “outdoor life”.

While travelling with us you are guaranteed to see some of Norway’s most fantastic fjords, inspiring you to experience friluftsliv for yourself.

It’s known for its outstanding wildlife and nature, attracting explorers from around the world. People arrive in winter to witness the beautiful Northern Lights dance across the sky, while in summer, there’s the Midnight Sun, bringing 24 hours of daylight.

SVALBARD IS UNLIKE
ANYWHERE ELSE

But what most visitors to Svalbard don’t realise is that housed unseen within this magical landscape is an important treasure trove crucial to the survival of the planet.