Norway's Mystical
Fjordlands

©  Traveling Times, Inc.

On my first voyage through Norway's deep and frigid fjords, I was so small I could barely see over the ship's railings. Yet, even as a child I was mesmerized by the magnificent beauty of this time-honored land; drawn by some mystical force. I knew I would return.

     Here in the Norwegian fjords, where hearty Vikings sailed their ships centuries ago, every turn of the shoreline brings a scene more spectacular than the last. Waterfalls cascade down sheer mountain cliffs and plunge into the steel blue waters of the fjords. Snowcapped peaks and verdant mountain slopes give way to pine-fringed hills punctuated by farms and tiny fishing villages. And everywhere there are fair-haired people smiling. One cannot help but fall in love with this country and its people.

     The journey north along Norway's west coast might begin in Stavanger, the site at which the Vikings set their sails toward the rest of Europe, or Bergen, a Hanseatic waterfront city that has been welcoming visitors for nearly 1,000 years. From here, sail through the Sognefjord to Flam, a picturesque village huddled between mountains and sea in the Aurlandsfjord.

     In Flam you can catch the Flamsbanan ( Flam Line) electric train, which climbs 2,700 feet to Voss. And from Voss a motorcoach tour takes you through orchards and farmlands to Gudvangen at the head of the Naeroyfjord. The little town of Gudvangen affords a view of Norway's longest fjord.

     Sailing through the Geiranger Fjord, considered by many to be the most beautiful of all fjords, passengers witness dramatic scenery, for the cliffs that border this fjord are as sheer as walls. The waterfalls that cascade over these cliffs -the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil, among others -are nothing less than spectacular.

     Magnificent with cherry and apple trees, Hardangerfjord is home to the picturesque village of Ulvik. Here, you may wish to take an excursion to Osa Mountain, which ascends 3,900 feet above sea level to one of the most magnificent viewpoints in the area. Or you may choose to explore how early settlers survived as hunters and fishermen, and enjoy the stunning view of the Eidfjord.

     Further north lies Hellesylt, with its magnificent waterfall, and Trondheim, a city of great historical and political importance. In Trondheim you may wish to tour the Royal Residence of Stiftsgaarden or travel back in time to the Middle Ages at the Folk Museum of Sverresborg.

     Your voyage may also take you to tiny Andalsnes and Molde, the self-proclaimed "city of roses," which frequently figures in the history and literature of Norway.

     And, if you're intent on seeing the red glow of the Midnight Sun, your journey may take you all the way to Tromso, the base for expeditions to the North Pole, and the charming fishing village of Honnigvag, which lies at the North Cape.

     Summer and early fall months are favored for cruising the Norwegian Fjords. Many cruise lines offer these sailings, including Seabourn Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises and EuroCruises.
-Judie Karhan