Norway Untouched: A Journey into the Fjords
Experience deep blue fjords and dramatic mountain scenery during a cruise nearby Bergen, Norway. Credit: Victoria Boyd.
Hop aboard a ferry in the Bergen harbour and journey into a world of snow-covered mountains and majestic waterfalls diving straight into the calm waters of the North Sea. Half a day is all you need to get a glimpse into the Western Norwegian fjords.
A fjord is a long, narrow inlet bordered by steep mountains. Over the course of several ice ages, fjords are carved by glacial erosion extending below the current sea level. The sea fills the resulting valley floor as the glacier retreats, creating some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.
With its etymological roots in the Norwegian language, the term fjord means “where one fares through”. The word was coined by ancient Vikings who fared the fjords before setting sail on the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Each corner rivals the others in beauty in the fjords. Credit: Cristiano Berta.
A trip to Norway isn’t complete without a cruise through these incredible natural wonders. Starting from the quaint fishing town of Bergen, tourists can select excursions ranging from two weeks to half a day.
For those travelling on a budget, Rodne Fjord Cruise offers two half-day options that won’t clean out your wallet.
Cruise the fjords aboard the White Lady
Travel back in time aboard The White Lady, a vintage ferry that has sailed the fjords for over 50 years. On this trip, passengers tour the intricate maze of waterways surrounding Bergen.
The multi-lingual guided journey begins with a short tour of the Bergen harbour, passing by the historical Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf and the famous ‘Fisketorget’ fish market.
Bergen is home to the Bryggen Wharf, a cluster of traditional Hanseatic homes dating back to the 12th century. This charming village has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Credit: Victoria Boyd
The White Lady then journeys up the Osterfjord and sails past Osterøy, the largest inland island in Norway. On this scenic route you’ll pass a number of isolated fishing villages set against the backdrop of colossal snow-covered mountains.
Typical wooden houses zigzag along the fjord’s shoreline. Credit: Cristiano Berta.
Quench your thirst or grab at snack at the White Lady’s kiosk. Relax in the spacious lounge or enjoy the salty sea air on the sundeck. No matter where you choose to enjoy the ride, a magnificent view awaits you.
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 500NOK/$80CAD
Departure from Zachariasbryggen by the Fish Market.
Isolated homes cling to the edge of the fjords, surrounded by an astonishing vista of mountains, water, and sky. Credit: Victoria Boyd.
Cruise the fjords to Mostraumen
The cruise to Mostraumen offers the perfect alternative for those seeking to reach the more rugged and remote corners of the Western Norwegian fjords.
Watch as charming coastal villages fade away and are replaced by rugged mountain ranges. Credit: Victoria Boyd.
After drifting through the historical Bergen wharf, the ship heads north to the innermost part of the Osterfjord. The modern, high-speed catamaran soars past the more populated regions and into the northernmost reaches of the expansive fjord.
On the way, passengers witness several stunning waterfalls spilling over the edge of towering cliffs and diving down into the dark sea.
Look closely at the shoreline – the Osterfjord is home to many sparkling waterfalls. Credit: Cristiano Berta.
At the top of the Osterfjord, the catamaran sails into the Mostraumen channel, a narrow river dredged in 1913 to connect the Osterfjord to the Mofjord. The ship narrowly squeezes through as vertical cliffs close-in on the blue waters of the channel.
Once through the Moustraumen, the ship reverses into the base of a tall waterfall. Three lucky passengers, clad in bright orange fishing gear, have the honour of filling a tin bucket with the crystalline water. The crew then divides the water and serves a refreshing glass to all who wish to taste it.
The afternoon departure takes an alternative route back to Bergen. This return journey offers increasingly wilder landscapes. The ship cruises past magnificent mountain peaks, scenic glacier fields, and a beautiful double waterfall called Heskjedalsfossen.
View on the return to Bergen. Credit: Victoria Boyd.
The catamaran boasts a spacious upper deck and a covered lower cabin complete with a snack bar. Don’t be fooled by the heat of the sun on shore, dress warmly for the journey. It can be cold and windy aboard the high-speed ship, and besides, Bergen’s weather is notoriously unpredictable!
Duration: 3 hours (morning tour), 3.5 hours (afternoon tour)
Price: 500NOK/$80CAD
Departure from Zachariasbryggen by the Fish Market.
Have you travelled to Norway? What was the best part of your trip?
The post was originally published on Anew Traveller on June 9th 2015.
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