FJORD EXPLORED

There is hardly anything better than getting out into the wet element, feeling the wind and the sea spray drizzling your face, experiencing the feeling of freedom and discovering our narrow fjords, surrounded by tall and dramatic mountain ridges. Fjord aboard!

What is a fjord?

A fjord is a deep, narrow, long-stretched sea channel with steep land on three sides. The mouth of the fjord towards the sea is often shallow. Fjords were created by gigantic tongues of glaciers through several ice ages that formed the landscape. In western Norway, the fjords are often surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, and they often have more calm waters than the open sea and act as natural harbours. Fjord, descending from the Old Norse fjorðr, is one of the few Norwegian words used internationally.

Fjord cruise

The easiest and most popular way to experience the fjord is by boat from the water. The Lysefjord, the most famous fjord in our region, stretches 42 km inland and is only a short boat ride away from Stavanger. The fjord is renowned for icons such as Preikestolen, Kjerag and Flørli, and you can choose whether you would like to take a classic fjord cruise, a fast-paced RIB, or visit the fjord on a modern yacht or a veteran ship.

DID YOU KNOW THAT LAKES CAN ALSO BE FJORDS?

You will often find them in the extension of a fjord, where they have been separated from the sea. Ørsdalsvatnet lake is such an inland fjord and can be experienced on a boat trip with the M/K Ørsdølen on Sundays during summer.

explore the magnificent Lysefjord and Preikestolen on a 2,5 hr cruise daily departures at 12:15 June – September

Tickets: At the quay (Strandkaien)

Tourist Information norled.no

Cultural and industrial history in the fjords

As the fjords have served as transport routes since the arrival of ships, you can experience exciting cultural heritage sites in the fjords and discover traces of important industrial history.

The Jøssingfjord is known for Helleren, two small houses from the 1800s protected by a natural mountain shelter. The houses were inhabited for thousands of years. In the early

1900s, the mining industry was established in the fjord, which is the subject of the new science museum (see p.46). The Jøssingfjord is also known for the Altmark incident, considered the first act of war in Norway in February 1940.

The old industrial settlement of Flørli in the Lysefjord is known for being home to one of the longest and steepest wooden stairs in the world, with 4444 steps from the fjord up the mountain. Do you take on the challenge?

At the distinction of the flat landscapes of Jæren in the west and the mountains in the east, you will find the Gandsfjord. Experience the fjord on the short train ride between Stavanger and Sandnes. Sandnes is known for its brickworks and pottery industry.

The Hafrsfjord is an inlet. According to Norse sagas, it was in the Hafrsfjord that Harald Fairhair gathered Norway into one kingdom in 872, as the Swords in rock monument commemorates.

Activities in the fjords

The many iconic hikes along the fjords offer breathtaking views. Those looking for excitement and adrenaline can try the Via Ferrata high above the Jøssingfjord. Enjoy a kayak trip if you wish getting closer to the water. More information on water activites can be found on the next pages.