7 Reasons To Visit Norway’s Nordfjord This Year

18.04.2024 - 17:21 / forbes.com

Seeking an authentic experience in the Norwegian fjords? The Nordfjord region epitomizes the beauty and cultural richness of the Norwegian fjords, offering everything from breathtaking natural landscapes to immersive cultural experiences.

In the years to come, there’s set to be an increase in the number of cruise ships visiting the Nordfjord. Norway’s upcoming environmental restrictions will see most cruise ships banned from the UNESCO World Heritage listed fjords, so lines are already looking to the Nordfjord as an impressive alternative for their guests.

Whether you’re choosing a Norwegian fjords cruise or planning an independent trip, here are seven reasons to make the Nordfjord region a top priority in your travel plans.

The Loen Skylift provides one of the most spectacular views in Norway, encompassing fjords, mountains, and distant glaciers. The cable car ride offers a breathtaking ascent from the shores of the Nordfjord to the summit of Mount Hoven, soaring more than 3,300 feet above sea level.

At the top, visitors can indulge in various activities, including hiking, dining at the mountaintop restaurant, or simply taking in the views.

The major downside of the trip is the cost. At 595 Norwegian kroner ($55), it’s an expensive attraction. Cruise ship passengers arriving in Olden should also factor in the transport to Loen.

Local tour providers such as Olden Cruise offer combined bus transfer and cable car tickets that, while expensive, cost less than cruise ship excursions.

A journey around Lake Lovatnet is both serene and thrilling with its clear, turquoise waters contrasted by steep mountains. The extremely narrow road traces the water's edge, offering views of lush landscapes and dramatic cliffs.

This drive presents numerous opportunities for stopping at small beaches or starting a kayak trip on the lake’s calm waters.

It also presents an opportunity to learn the tragic history of this beauty spot. In 1905 and again in 1936, devastating rockslides from fell into the lake from the surrounding mountains, causing massive tsunamis that wiped out nearby farms and took many lives.

These events have left lasting scars both on the mountainous landscape and the communities around Lovatnet.

Even though they are diminishing at pace, Norway’s glaciers are an awe-inspiring sight of the power of nature. A tour to see the Briksdal glacier is a popular day activity from Olden, especially for cruise ship visitors.

Briksdal is an arm of the larger Jostedalsbreen Glacier, which remains the largest glacier on continental Europe despite its shrinking size. The Briksdal arm descends from more than 6,000 feet above sea level, stretching over a horizontal distance of 1.25 miles towards its glacial lake.

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