Fjord Norway

FJORD NORWAY
by Debbie Stone

You’d have to be totally jaded and utterly blasé not to be impressed by the fjords of Norway. These jaw-dropping natural wonders are a thing of beauty and upon seeing them, most people ooh and aah with fervor. Their eyes drink in the waterfalls that cascade from the almost vertical mountainsides, while creating veils of mists and an endless display of rainbows. And they stand mesmerized by the snow-clad mountains, deep gorges and blue glaciers, while marveling at the tiny villages that dot this dramatic scenery.

Put simply, a fjord is a deep, elongated body of water that extends far inland. Typically, it is set in a U-shaped valley with towering rock walls on either side. There are a number of countries that have fjords, but none quite like those of Norway, which boasts some of the longest, deepest and most majestic in the world. Fjords are a symbol of Norway, evoking traditions and a way of life rooted in the past, where time moves at its own pace in a secluded universe.

The Norwegian fjords were formed over a period of several million years. They were carved and shaped during a series of glacial cycles, leaving an extraordinary landscape that has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors from across the globe come to the Norwegian fjords to see Mother Nature at her finest. They cruise through the narrow passageways, hike winding trails to glaciers, drive the hairpin-curved roads to panoramic viewpoints, stand under the spray of thundering waterfalls and hear the numerous legends of the area (hint: trolls figure prominently in many of the stories). They also stroll the streets of fairytale-like towns, such as Alesund with its famed Art Nouveau architecture, or historical Bergen with its vibrant fish market, colorful harbor and renowned museums.

I spent ten glorious days exploring Fjord Norway, taking countless photos along the way. My pictures don’t fully capture the striking splendor of this wild and untamed landscape, despite my best efforts. They do serve, however, as a catalyst for my indelible memories and as a call to return to this special place.

Debbie Stone is an established travel writer and columnist, and regular contributor for Big Blend Radio and Big Blend Magazines, who crosses the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers and listeners. She’s an avid explorer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places, culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness and more. Her travels have taken her to nearly 100 countries and to all seven continents.

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