Naeroyfjord

The Naeroyfjord is the wildest and narrowest branch of the mighty Sognefjord, in places only about two hundred and fifty metres across between cliffs that rise over a kilometre. A World Heritage fjord, it is the dramatic climax of the classic cruise from Flam through Gudvangen, hemmed by waterfalls and hanging farms.

Background

The Nærøyfjord lies in Aurland Municipality in Vestland and branches off the Aurlandsfjord, itself an arm of the Sognefjord. It is about 17 km long and about 250 m wide at its narrowest, while the mountains around it rise to about 1761 metres. South of the village of Bakka it closes in to less than 500 metres, with only about 3 km between the summits on either side. Gudvangen sits at its inner end, where the river Nærøydalselvi flows in from the Nærøydalen valley, and the fjord has been part of a World Heritage Site since 2005.

Source: Wikipedia, "Nærøyfjord"

Highlights

• The narrows - the slim channel where the cliffs close in overhead.
• Waterfalls and hanging farms - falls streaking the walls and old farms perched high.
• The Flam to Gudvangen cruise - the classic boat trip through the fjord.
• Snow-capped walls - the high peaks above the water even in summer.

When to go

Late spring for the waterfalls at full flow; summer for warm cruising and long light. The Norway in a Nutshell route makes it busy, so an early or quieter departure helps.

What to expect

It is a highlight of a hugely popular tourist route, so the cruises can be crowded in peak season. The best experience is on the water, since road access is limited. Weather in the narrow fjord can be grey and wet even in summer, which suits its wild mood but hides the tops.

Nearby

Flam and its famous railway are at one end; the Stegastein viewpoint above Aurland is nearby.

Key facts