Cruising in Norway

Norwegian Fjords – June & July early August

Stretching from Tananger and Stavanger, south of Bergen all the way up to Trondheim, the Norwegian coast has a unique geographical make up and follows a very distinct pattern. Outer fringes of sheltering islands of various sizes adorn this impressive coastline and a series of large sounds and fjords, formed millions of years ago by glaciers cut into the landscape form horizontal waterways penetrating miles inland and forming some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world.

This is fjord Norway, a sailor’s paradise in the North Sea through deep and dramatic fjords lying in gorges cut between majestic mountains. The climbing mountains on either side of the fjords are steep and high, and continue as far below the water as above. The headland of Statt divides the west coast into a southern section, starting in Stavanger, and a northern section, ending in Trondheim, where south and north Norway meet.

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, and lies conveniently between two of the most famous and interesting fjords, Hardangerfjord, which goes under several names winding its way northwest between low-lying landscapes and steep impressive mountains, and Sognefjord, reputedly the world’s longest natural fjord.

Stavanger is situated in the southwest corner of a large bay of islands surrounded by fjords. Lysefjord, with its dramatic pulpit rock (usually seen in most of the Norway Fjords’ tourist literature) is as steep and dramatic as the larger longer fjords further north.

Harbours are not crowded and you will find only a few other yachts. The islands themselves are diverse and varied – rich in cultural and historical interest. The history of the area tells tales and shows evidence from the era of the Vikings and the small fishing villages and fishing way of life is still abundant today.

The Geirangerfjorden is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal count Noth of Sognefjord, it is host to several impressive waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters.  It is a 15-kilometre (9.3 mi) long branch off of the Sunnylvsfjorden, which is a branch off of the Storfjorden (Great Fjord). The small village of Geiranger is located at the end of the fjord where the Geirangelva River empties.

Nærøyfjord is the narrowest in the world, while the Sognefjord stretches halfway to the Swedish border.  Sail up from Bergen and enter Sognefjord taking in the wonder of these amazing places can occupy a good week.  Sea is calm inside the Fjords and trips are all short with many distractions.

Along the sheltered fjords you see farms and villages. – Ålesund with its amazing Art Nouveau architecture, and Bergen with its seven mountains and Hanseatic Wharf, Bryggen, a World Heritage attraction. So is Urnes stave church, which has weathered 850 years, on a headland overlooking the Lustrafjord, far from any town.

Best time for cruising are the spring and summer months of June and July, long days, amazing skies and breathtaking back drops will make this a truly unique and educational trip for all.