Norway is known for its immense fjords: they are high, deep and breathtaking. Is exploring the Norwegian fjords also on your wish list? We have already collected some interesting fjord facts for you:
1. There are (no fewer than) 120.
And they extend from 58 degrees N to above 71 degrees N.
2. The fjords were created in the Ice Age
For millions of years, the ice scoured the Norwegian lands. Pushing and retreating, the glaciers eroded deep fjords. The longest fjord runs 200 km inland, the highest cliff rises 1400 meters above the water, and the deepest rock wall continues under water for 500 meters.
3. They bounce like a sponge
As the Ice Age came to an end and temperatures rose, the ice masses covering the land melted. With the disappearance of the ice, the land was also stripped of the enormous weight of the glaciers. The rocks “sprang up” like a sponge that was no longer squeezed. Norway is still slightly higher every year.
4. They form the longest coastline in Europe
Thanks to all those inlets, Norway has the longest coastline in Europe: 25,148 km. That’s quite a bit of cycling.
5. There is – even in winter – no ice in the fjords (but there are many animals)
Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream that runs up the Norwegian coast from Mexico, the fjords and waters around the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen are ice-free, even in winter (except for a few, high in the north). The relatively mild climate attracts many animals. Seals, porpoises, and various types of fish swim in the fjords. You can encounter whales and orcas. And in the sky, eagles, puffins, and other birds can be seen.
6. You will find a unique coral reef there
Almost everyone knows the beautiful (and fragile) Great Barrier Reef. But there is also a unique coral reef much closer to home: along the entire Norwegian fjord coast, at depths of 40 to 1000 meters. This cold water coral reef consists of a dozen types of coral. Put on a good wetsuit if you go snorkeling here.
7. They are more beautiful than the Galapagos, Grand Canyon, and Machu Picchu
We ourselves haven’t been able to compare them (yet), but UNESCO did and said the following about it:
“The natural beauty is due to the narrow and steep rock walls that rise up to 1,400 meters above the Norwegian Sea and are located up to 500 meters below the water level. The steep walls of the fjords have numerous waterfalls, while rivers flow past the deciduous and coniferous forests onto glacial lakes, glaciers, and rugged mountains.”
National Geographic experts also discussed the designation of the most important World Heritage Sites. In 2006, the Norwegian fjords were declared the winner. And which beautiful places did it all have to beat then? Well, the Galapagos Islands, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Grand Canyon, Angkor Wat, and Machu Picchu.
Are you going to discover the fjords of Norway with us?
For example, during our Sail & Hike-expedition | Legendary Senja
Or would you rather get on board for one of our other sail trips along the Norwegian coast?
(credits main photo: Edwald Sphere)
