Fjords of Norway, (made by glaciers – a million years’ hard work)

What are these fjords?

Fjords are geological phenomenon where the coast lines are formed of deep narrow inlet of the sea formed between steep cliffs; as per geologists they are formed by the submergence of glaciated valleys). The origin of the word fjord is of Norwegian itself is proof to the prominence of Norwegian fjords. They are so deep that even ocean going vessels can sail safely close to the coast. Norway (Kingdom of Norway) is one of the Scandinavian country (a peninsula consisting of Norway and Sweden and Finland) in the northern edge of Europe (borders Sweden, Finland and Russia). It is 148746 sq ml in area with a population less than 5 million. In human development index Norway is placed at the top of the world.

Once more, that dream!

Scientists say that these fjords had been made by glaciers eroding the soft portions of the rock that formed the coast letting the sea to gush in. A process that would have taken about millions of years; real perseverance on the part of the glaciers! The scenic beauty of these fjords that are presented in a canvass; so vide that even ocean going big ships look like small toy boats put in a puddle. These panoramic views include steep forest covered cliffs, deep fjords with clear blue waters that reflect the sky; so immaculate that tourists once to this spot go on dreaming of yet another vacation.

Bergen and the seven sisters,

Bergen is the transit point for tourists destined to visit the fjords; it is located in the southwestern coast of Norway at the center point of the Syv Fjell meaning seven hills; also called ‘seven sisters’. Bergen itself has some good locations for the visitors to spent one day before visiting the fjords Bergenhus Fortress a 13^th century complex with several interesting structures like Haakon’s Hall that functioned as a cathedral and Bishop’s residence a fortress; Rosenkrantz Tower etc are famous tourist spots.

From Floyen to Ulriken with grand children; going up and up,

Bergen is virtually a hub offering all sorts of entertainments like city sight seeing tours, booking vessels for coastal voyages, luxury travels, honey moon packages, family tours, escorted tours, cottage holidays, trekking tracts for experienced as well as novices, activity tours and whatever the tourist name; they have it.

Opting for a ride in the funicular rail between Fleyen and Ulriken will be a good family entertainment which even children and grandparents can jointly take part. Floyen is 320 meters above s/l while Ulriken is 643 meters in altitude; it would be a real experience; riding in a wagon being toyed by steel ropes; while one up the other down; seeing beautiful sights all the way. Going up and up; some tea and stroll then down and down!

Fjord Counties

The North Sea and the Norwegian Sea borders the western portion of Norway; where fjords are frequent; of the total 19 counties of Norway (county is a fist level administration area which are further divided in to municipalities); four counties share this total area in its western coast which is of interest for tourists. They are More og Ronsdal, Sogn and Fjordane, Hordaland and Rogaland.

More og Ronsdal,

It is the Southernmost among the ‘fjord counties’ in the western coast of Norway; its coast is dotted with numerous islands many of them inhabited. Its inner part is occupied by tall vertical hills making road transport difficult hence the ferry service flourished from long time catering the needs of coastline towns and the islands around. These ferries also offer comparatively inexpensive sight seeing opportunity to tourists who find chartered tours unaffordable. This county has three territories, Nordmore, Remsdal, and Sunnmore. There are many sites of interest to tourists; like Trollstigen, Trollvegen, Rauma River, Rumdalshorn etc.

Sogn og Fjordane.

It is the westernmost part of Norway; its coastline is 200 km long; it has the longest fjord; the largest ice-cap is here (Josledalsbreen the biggest glacier in Norway). Places of interest to tourists are Fjaerlandsfjord, Austerldalsfjord, Flam Railway, Briksdal Glacier, Naeroyfjord, Nigardsbreen glacier etc. Main towns are Sogn og fjordane, Stryn, Sandane Homindalsvatnet (the deepest lake), Ramnefjellsfussen (the tallest waterfall in Norway the third tallest in the world) etc.

Hordaland County

It is located in the center of western Norway; Bergen, Voss, Stord etc are main towns. Hardangerfjorden is a gigantic fjord that almost splits this county, is an important tourist destination. Hardangervidde National Park (65,000 sq km park; largest in Europe; 1100 meters above sea level; Hardangerjokulen is the highest glacier 1863 meters above s/l) is mostly in this county. Numerous islands, fjords, mountains, glaciers, waterfalls etc make good tourist destinations. Folgefonna and Hardangerjokulen are famous glaciers; skiing, kayaking etc are main tourist activities.

Rogaland

Of the four fjord counties this is the southernmost; it also the center of petroleum industry in Norway; population 450,000; Stavanger, Sandnes, Egersund, Haugesund, Jorpeland, Sauda, Bryne, Akra etc are main towns. It has large deposits of copper and the metal for the making of the Statue of Liberty was mined from here. Tourist spots are Lyserfjord (a fjord surrounded by high mountains), Kjereg Mountain, Solastranda Beach etc.

Booking first

Norway is one of the most affluent countries in the world; with its oil and mineral deposits; its tourism industry is also on fast track; though it is an expensive destination; it renders the best service to the visiting tourists. Its summer with temperate climate offers best packages for skiing enthusiasts, hikers, honeymooners, and those who are all for family tours. There are cruise ships to small boats for pleasure trips along the deep blue fjords between vertical hills; flight seeing for affluent groups, numerous ferry services for budget travelers, guided tours for not so adventurous team etc. In short a tour to Norway is worth if properly planned and bookings done in advance; winder is always hard hence go for summer packages.