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norway
1 | GEIRANGERFJORD
Often described as “the world’s most beautiful fjord”,
Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one
of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations.
Starting from the tiny village of Geiranger, take a scenic drive
up the twisting mountain road to the lookout point at Eagle’s
Bend, then continue on to Flydal Gorge for yet another
vantage point of the spectacular fjord. As you cast your gaze
from the snow-capped mountains to the rugged cliffs and
the mysterious waters below, the sheer magnitude of your
surroundings will leave you in awe of nature’s wonder.
Other points of interest in the area include the tiny octagonal
Geiranger Church, Mount Dalsnibba and the beautiful Lake
Djupvatn, situated at 3,379 feet above sea level. The Geiranger
Fjord Center offers the opportunity to learn about the local
culture, history and nature through a series of informative
and experiential exhibits.
For those who prefer to take a more hands-on, adventurous
approach, exploring the fjord at sea level by kayak or high
speed R.I.B (Rigid Inflatable Boat) may be the ultimate
experience. Whether you choose to paddle or power through
the calm, deep waters, you will undoubtedly appreciate
the views of the steep rocky walls, quaint hillside farms and
thunderous waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil.
2 | LYSEFJORD
Located in the Ryfylke district near Stavanger, you will find
Lysefjord. The name Lysefjord means light fjord, and can
be attributed to the pale colored granite walls that reflect
the sunlight and illuminate the picturesque surroundings.
Measuring 26 miles in length with nearly vertical cliffs rising
3,000 feet into the air, this long, narrow fjord displays a
magnificent juxtaposition of natural features. The famous
French writer Victor Hugo described this location in his 1886
novel, Toilers of the Sea, “Nowhere do these terrific forces appear
more formidably conjoined than in the surprising strait known
as the Lyse-Fiord. The Lyse-Fiord is the most terrible
of all the gut rocks of the ocean.”
In addition to the unrivaled scenic beauty that abounds,
Lysefjord is also home to one of Norway’s most famous natural
attractions, Preikestolen. Also known as Pulpit Rock, this
steep, massive cliff stands nearly 2,000 feet above the water
with a virtually flat top. Pulpit Rock is a popular destination
for hikers, rewarding those who reach the summit with
a spectacular view. BASE jumpers utilize the plateau as a
staging point and launch pad before leaping off the cliff and
pulling their parachute. Beneath Pulpit Rock, the waters reach
a staggering depth of 1,300 feet, so you can cruise very closeby
and stare straight up the face of the imposing geological
feature. You may also catch a glimpse of the playful sea lion
community that inhabits the region or the curious goats that
roam the nearby hillsides.