Norway in a Nutshell – Part III

Tim and I stepped aboard our sightseeing catamaran, the Future of the Fjords, at 3:20 pm for a two-hour cruise through two connected fjords. The name of our boat is apropos, as it is the first all-electric, zero-emission, carbon-fiber vessel in the world and is likely the future of sustainable nautical travel. 

Future of the Fjords

From Flåm, we first sailed the waters of Aurlandsfjord and then turned into the adjacent, and very narrow, Nærøyfjord. For the entire journey, we were surrounded by mountains that flank the fjords and reach heights of over 4,500 feet. 

The Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to UNESCO, “The two fjords [including Geirangerfjord], among the world’s longest and deepest, are considered as archetypical fjord landscapes and among the most scenically outstanding anywhere.” What a treat to witness such a jaw-dropping landscape! The beautiful weather, with deep blue skies and fluffy white clouds, was an added bonus. 

Leaving Flåm Behind

Cruising Aurlandsfjord

The Pretty Village of Undredal

More Scenery

High Mountains Surround the Fjords

I ventured out on deck after we turned into the Nærøyfjord and remained there the rest of the cruise. I got caught up in the excitement shared by everyone that was out there. We all kept oohing and aahing every few minutes and made sure to point out sights on both sides of the boat to one another. Sharing this experience with the other passengers made the trip even more special.

I could go on and on to try and describe the steep mountainsides, hanging valleys, towering peaks, waterfalls, and small hamlets, but I just don’t have enough adjectives. Picturesque, stunning, breathtaking, amazingly beautiful, spectacular are just a few superlatives that I could use to describe what we saw. Perhaps the photographs will help.

Turning into Nærøyfjord 

Waterfalls Everywhere

Beautiful Views

Pretty Villages in an Amazing Place

What a Setting for the Village of Dyrdal

Wild and Wonderful

More Ribbon Waterfalls

Kayaking Is Popular

Another Charming Hamlet

Goat Cheese Is Big Here

Almost at the End of the Fjord

Arriving at Gudvangen (No Smelly Smoke from Our Boat)

Although I am a true train fan, and although the scenery along both journeys earlier today was gorgeous, I was totally blown away by the beauty of the fjords. Without a doubt, it was my favorite part of Norway in a Nutshell. Our trip ended in Gudvanger, where we disembarked for our next segment.

Up next – A bus trip through beautiful scenery and the magnificent Nærøy valley, or not!