Karl WP Beyer The grandiose fjord and mountain landscape of the Nærøyfjord, which branches off from the Sognefjord, is a popular travel destination in Norway because of the spectacular landscape. In contrast to the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord, the Nærøyfjord is only 17 kilometers long. At its narrowest point, it measures 250 meters.
The rocky landscape of the Nærøyfjord
The Nærøyfjord - UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2005, the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the name “Western Norwegian Fjords”. The sub-organization of the United Nations honored the Nærøyfjord for its unique natural diversity and the landscape that is largely unaffected by human intervention.
Nærøyfjord - pasture area and lonely homestead near Holmo
The Nærøyfjord - an unparalleled landscape
Ship passengers receive the best impressions of the unique fjord landscape. On the short drive through the fjord, steep walls of the high mountains, waterfalls, high alpine pastures and sheltered bays with trees alternate constantly. The landscape, favored by the climate, is rich in plants and animals. The highest mountains in the Nærøyfjord measure 1.760 meters.
Nærøyfjord - on the way with the cruise ship - amazed passengers
The Nærøyfjord ends at Gudvangen, a small town. Individual settlements and farms along the fjord are only inhabited in summer and can only be reached by water. A road starting in Gudvangen leads to the small community of Bakka with the church built in 1859.
Sights and attractions of the Nærøyfjord
The fjord trip
The main attraction is the fjord trip with ferries and cruise ships. The smaller cruise ships, often coming from Flåm in the Aurlandsfjord, make a short stop in front of Gudvangen to pick up passengers coming from Flåm to Gudvangen by land.
Image gallery
Gudvangen
Gudvangen, the name stands for “Field of the Gods by the Water”, is surrounded by majestic mountains and waterfalls. Since a steamboat connection was established from Bergen to Gudvangen in 1865, the place has experienced an upswing as a holiday resort. And that although there is nothing spectacular to see apart from the landscape.
Welcome to Gudvangen
Gudvangen - the main street
The visitors who came by cruise ship walk through the small town, look around the souvenir shop or take a look at the "Fjordtell Hotel", that offers its guests rustic “Viking rooms” or well-equipped apartments for several people. Some ship guests hike to the Kjelfossen waterfall. It falls more than 800 meters in depth. Its maximum free fall height is 149 meters.
The white caves
Eight kilometers behind Gudvangen are the White Caves near Glashamaren. The cave labyrinth was created by mining anorthosite, a deep rock resembling white marble. The “magical grottoes” are worth seeing. During a 45 to 60 minute guided tour, light effects, background noise and music by Edvard Grieg entertain the visitors.
Image gallery
From Flåm to Gudvangen and back
A round trip that is not suitable for cruise passengers is the combined bus and ferry trip from Flåm to Gudvangen and back. Several departures are offered daily. Prices start at 505 NOK (46,50 euros). The combined ride is also available in the opposite direction.