Rocks rising straight out of the water, as well as snowy peaks and mountains abundantly covered with vegetation, are very popular among tourists from all over the world. These slopes are called fjords. They are part of the natural landscape. There are also “special territories” on the Internet. One of these special zones is the Howling Fjord. It is located in the southeast of Northrend (World of Warcraft), at the very top of the Great Sea.
Origin of natural rocky bays
Often, when hearing the word “fjord” in a conversation, not every person understands what they are talking about. Let's understand this issue a little. So, a fjord is a term commonly used to describe a long sea bay cut into land with rocky shores surrounding it. Typically, the length of a fjord is tens of times greater than its width. It has cliffs reaching a height of 1000 meters. The origin of fjords is due to a sharp change in the movement of tectonic plates. The result of this is the formation of numerous faults and cracks, which are subsequently filled with sea water. Such fjords are most often characterized by significant depth, in some cases reaching 800 meters.
The most famous rocky bays in the world
So, to the question: “fjord - what is it?” we partially answered. But for those who still have a poor idea of what we are talking about, we will give examples. The most famous are 4 areas with fjord formations. These include the coasts of Chile, North America, Norway and These places are most visited by tourists. In addition, there are fjords on the shores of Iceland, Russia, Scotland, and the Arabian Peninsula. They can even be found near some Arctic islands.
The longest rocky bay in the world
Fjords of Norway
What are these rock formations? Why are they remarkable? Many have repeatedly heard about So let's take a closer look at this point. It turns out that the second largest rocky bay is located in Norway. The Sognefjord (this is the name of this massif) is the largest in Europe, its length is 204 km. The royal capital of the fjords, Oslo, is a unique and distinctive city in Scandinavia. It is located deep in a rocky bay 107 km long. 8 rivers flow through the city, in addition, it is surrounded by 343 lakes and 40 islands. Anyone who wishes can admire the splendor of the beaches and untouched nature by simply taking a ferry to one of the islands. Norway is famous for its most picturesque and majestic rock formations, which is why its second name is the Land of Fjords.
Most visited bay
This place should be discussed separately. The most visited Norwegian bay is Geirangerfjord. It is located in the county of Mere og Romsdal, approximately 100 km from the city of Ålesund. When going on a trip to this corner of wildlife, be sure to visit the famous viewing platforms on the Fludalsjuve ridge and on Mount Dalsnibba. In addition, you should not deny yourself the pleasure of walking. But most importantly, don’t miss the opportunity to swim in these waters! Tourists (and not only others) have the opportunity to take a boat cruise and admire the wonderful waterfalls from its board. “Seven Sisters” or “Bride’s Veil” are very picturesque.
Road of Eagles
When describing this fjord (what it is is stated above), we should especially talk about the Eagles' Road - the steepest road section in the area. This path is a serpentine road. To get from the coast of Geirangerfjord to the highest point of the mountain by transport, you need to overcome 11 extremely sharp turns. This is a trip for thrill seekers. The highest point is located at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level. From there you can take simply stunning photographs of the surrounding area. For these purposes, as well as just to get acquainted with the area, special observation platforms have been equipped. The most famous among them are “Fludalsjuve” and “Dalsnibba”. They are included in the list of the most famous and visited attractions in the region.
History Center
It is located approximately a kilometer from the center of Geiranger. Here tourists have a unique opportunity to study the history of this region, as well as get acquainted with its nature and local residents, their morals and customs. You can choose to go for an easy walk or conquer a local mountain peak. It offers simply stunning views. Those who decide to take a risk and go to the mountains should definitely visit Hiking. This place has many trails, which are not only marked, but also provided with excellent maps of the area. Those who like easy walks can take a trip to a small village located on the southern side of the fjord. The road to it runs along the shore of a rocky bay and is 2.5 km long. In the village there is a small but very cozy cafe where you can try wonderful homemade local food. Those wishing to become more familiar with the local nature and surroundings should visit the Västerås farm. The famous waterfall "Storseterfossen" is located here. You can walk between a seething stream and a rock, the feeling is indescribable!
Most Popular Attractions
Tourists have a unique opportunity to visit the local farm "Herdalsetra". It is also located on the Geirangerfjord. What makes this trip unique is that the farm in question is located in Norddal. This region is included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List. Tourists can also watch the process of making caramel and goat milk cheese. Another attraction that also attracts the attention of guests is the Trollstiegen mountain road. It is considered the most picturesque, since it is surrounded by peaks rushing into the sky. Ski lovers should go to this wonderful place in winter. Vacationers will be able to descend from a height of 1500 meters directly to the coast. But those who relax in the summer should not be upset. You also have the opportunity to go skiing. At the beginning of the season, a summer ski center opens here; the exact opening time depends on the thickness of the snow cover. Now you should have no questions about the meaning of the word "fjord". What this is, we theoretically found out in the article. For practical understanding, you must definitely visit such a place at least once in your life.
It’s worth starting with the question of what the fjords of Norway are, and let’s clarify a little the meaning of the phrase fjords of Norway. Many tourists travel to Norway. The fjords of Norway are narrow, deep and winding sea bays with rocky shores that cut deep into the land.
The fjords of Norway are caused by a sharp and sudden change in the direction of movement of tectonic plates. Experienced tourists are well aware that Norway is a country of fjords.
During the Ice Age, deep valleys and narrow bays filled with ocean water, our planet creates such wonderful creations as the fjords in Norway. There are many fjords on earth, but those that adorn the coast of Norway differ from the rest in their picturesqueness and beauty.
Hundreds of tourists a year visit Norway to visit these beautiful places. And in this case, any tourist should take advantage of tours around the fjords of Norway. The mountains, local villages located around the fjords offer many incredible places to visit. We will learn about this from our list of the five most popular and beautiful fjords in Norway.
1. Nordfjord
This fjord in Norway is located in the western part of the country. It is known for its perfect combination of incredible landscapes and historical sites, and of course the wide range of events it hosts.
Regardless of the time of year, Nordfjord offers cruises around the fjord itself. In addition, visitors can choose from Norway's fjord tours, which include mountain excursions, fishing, water skiing and rafting.
In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing on the slopes and glaciers. You can also explore the surrounding islands, mountains and forests on hiking trips, and see local attractions such as beautiful waterfalls, the ruins of a 12th-century monastery and the highest point in Norway, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of glacial formations.
2. Hardangerfjord
Hardanger Fjord is the third largest fjord in the world. It is often called the garden of Norway. And this is because it is replete with many colorful fruit tree gardens. Many travelers plan their trip during May in order to see the blossoming of apple, pear, cherry and plum trees.
In addition to boating and kayaking around the magnificent fjord, visitors can take advantage of cycling routes to enjoy a number of natural wonders.
These include Norway's spectacular waterfalls, one of the most popular being the Verringsfossen waterfall. And be sure to visit natural glacial formations such as Folgefona and Troltunga.
3. Lyse fjord
Although this fjord is smaller than the others in size, it attracts about 300,000 visitors a year. Preikestolen, or “Pulpit Rock,” makes Lysefjord very attractive to tourists. Preikestolen is a gigantic cliff, 604 m high.
This fjord is known for its incredible views and photo spots. The Lysefjord area includes several historical sites that are impressive for their prehistoric carvings. Whose age begins from the sixth century BC. And in Ryfylka, visitors can see a reconstructed prehistoric settlement.
4. Norway Sognefjord
Being Norway's largest fjord, Sognefjord is full of adventure and fun for days. The tour includes visits to Norway's oldest stave church in Urnes, the Viking village of Gudvangen, the white cave of Gudvangen, the Aurland Valley, often called the Norwegian Grand Canyon due to its spectacular beauty and diversity of wildlife.
Sognefjord offers a wide range of holiday options. This includes riding the steepest railway in the world, through snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. Other activities include hiking along scenic trails and traveling to interesting places such as Nærøy, a wild and beautiful place in the Sognefjord.
5. Geirangerfjord Norway
With the wonderful and amazing sights of deep blue waters and majestic mountains in Geirangerfjord in Norway, it is no wonder that the fjord is one of the most visited. While spending your holiday here, be sure to take time to visit the amazing beauty of the famous waterfalls.
This is the Seven Sisters waterfall. Other types of recreation also abound here, such as skiing in winter, excellent fishing, canoeing and rafting, and hiking in famous places that represent Norway from its most interesting sides.
In conclusion, I would like to add some information for tourists who are full of strength and energy to travel through the fjords of Norway. You must remember that Norway is a country of fjords and trolls. And if the opportunity allows you to relax in such picturesque places in Europe, then feel free to take advantage of the moment. After all, such places in the world are very rare and beautiful precisely because of their pristine beauty.
Good luck to everyone in conquering Norway!
Videos fjords of Norway
When you come to the fjords, you can combine active recreation with quiet pleasures.
Start with hiking and leisurely strolls through towns and villages, or go on a guided tour of viewpoints and landmarks near the fjords, mountains and waterfalls.
More challenging hiking routes include climbing to peaks that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. You can also go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), rafting, glacier climbing, rock climbing or via ferrata. In addition, there are guided sea, river and lake fishing tours.
In some places, such as the Sunnmør Alps, you have the opportunity to ski at any time of the year while enjoying the fjords. Summer skiing is a popular activity that can be combined with swimming in the fjords. Moreover, in one day you will have time to ski and plunge into the water of the fjord.
On the banks of the fjord historical places await you, ruins of ancient buildings, ethnographic museums, art museums, as well as the heritage of the Viking Age. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Hanseatic waterfront Bryggen in Bergen, Urnes Stave Church, Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord and their surroundings.
In this region there are several national parks with marked trails, self-catering overnight houses, cottages. There is rich flora and fauna, lakes, rivers, glaciers. You can also use the tourist assistance service.
World Heritage Sites
In 2005, the fjords of Western Norway, namely Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, received UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
“They owe their beauty to their steep slopes composed of crystalline rocks. The shores of the fjords rise above the waters of the Norwegian Sea to a height of 1,400 meters, and go to a depth of 500 meters. Numerous waterfalls fall from the steep banks of the fjords, and in their surroundings, covered with deciduous and coniferous forests, you can see glaciers, as well as glacial lakes, rivers and mountains,” is how UNESCO describes the Norwegian fjords.
In 2006, the National Geographic Council of Experts compiled a ranking of the most popular World Cultural Heritage sites. Norwegian fjords took first place, ahead of the Galapagos Islands, Egyptian pyramids, Grand Canyon, Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu.
“This confirms that, compared to other countries, Norwegians are excellent at protecting their property. Leaders in other areas would do well to learn from them and adapt the Norwegian experience to their own situation,” says Jonathan B. Tourtellot, director of the National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Communities.
How to get there and what to use to get around the fjords and surrounding areas
Don't know which fjord to choose?
There are more than a thousand fjords in Norway, so it is not at all surprising that many travelers find it difficult to choose. Find out which fjords are the most popular and use our tips when choosing where to go.
Five facts about the fjords
1. The Norwegian fjords, namely Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2. Fjords are often spoken of as Mother Nature’s masterpiece. The fjords were formed when glaciers began to retreat and seawater filled the oddly shaped valleys.
3. The villages of Gudvangen and Geiranger are among the most visited cruise ports in Scandinavia. They are located in the farthest corners of Nærøyfjord and accordingly.
4. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream and warm air currents moving under the influence of the Coriolis force, the climate in the Fjord Region is quite mild. The ice-free waters of the fjords are home to seals, porpoises (an order of cetaceans that were previously classified as dolphins) and numerous fish. Eagles and other birds soar over the mountains and water surface.
5. The depth of most fjords is very impressive. Thanks to this, large ships can pass here, from which you can fully enjoy the beauty of the fjords. . Its depth reaches 1,308 meters below sea level.
How to get there and what to use to get around the fjords and surrounding areas
Traveling to the Fjord Region by train will provide you with an incredibly scenic journey. This is often the fastest way to get to the fjords (with the exception of Northern Norway).
The traditional liner calls at many port towns and villages in the Fjord Region.
Most localities offer short and longer excursions to help you get to know the area better.
Electric ferries and conventional ferries ply the fjords all year round.
The tunnels and bridges stitch the Fjord Region together, making it much easier to get around the region by bus, caravan or car.
Larger cities have airports that can be reached by domestic flights.
The meaning of the word “fjord” in Scandinavia is more general than in the rest of the world - for example, in the eastern part of Norway the term is also used for narrow freshwater lakes or even rivers.
However, a fjord is usually considered to be a rocky sea bay with a sinuous shape, penetrating inland for many kilometers. Most fjords are deeper than the adjacent sea level. The height of the rocks that form the shores of such a bay reaches several hundred meters, and the length exceeds the width many times. Usually, many branches branch off from the main fjord, forming a kind of tree-like structure.
Some regions of Chile, New Zealand, the USA, Russia, Canada and other countries can boast of the presence of such natural wonders. But the most interesting fjords are located in Scandinavia, and the most picturesque in Norway.
Norwegian fjords
Located in Greenland, Scoresby, whose length is 350 km, and the height of the rocky shores reaches almost 1.5 km, is considered the longest in Europe.
The second and third places are rightfully occupied by the Norwegian Sogneford and Hardangerfjord. The length of the first is 204 km with a maximum width of 6 km and a bank height of just over 1.3 km. The dimensions of the second are more modest - length 183 km, width 10 km, and height 750 m.
There are more than a thousand fjords in Norway. Some of them are extremely narrow (in some places no more than 250m), for example, Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, while others, on the contrary, are wide like bays - Boknafjord or Thornheimsfjord. Often the fjords are so deep and wide (especially in western Norway) that they can only be crossed by ferry. Historically, these bays were the only possible main routes, since overland travel through such terrain is difficult, if not simply impossible. To this day, the fjords remain a serious obstacle to the construction of railways and highways.
Climate
In winter, the fjords usually do not freeze, thanks to the relatively warm ocean. Summer temperatures also depend on the distance of the ocean - on the outer parts they are quite moderate, while inside the summer is relatively long and warm. This climate makes it possible to grow fruits and berries on an industrial scale inside the fjords, in fields protected from the winds. Most of the fruit and berry products grow on the slopes of the Hardangerfjord.
The most beautiful fjords
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, located in southwestern Norway, are separated by a distance of 120 km and are part of the western Norwegian fjord, which stretches from Stavanger in the south to Åndalsnes 500 km in the northeast. Two fjords, which are among the longest and deepest in the world, are included in the list of the most picturesque. Numerous waterfalls, forested shores, lakes and glaciers create an unusually beautiful landscape. In 2005, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition to the Sogne, Hardanger, Geiranger and Nærøyfjords, the following are popular among tourists:
- Lysefjord, thanks to the picturesque cliffs of Preikestolen and Kjerag;
- Oslofjord, on whose territory there are hundreds of small islands;
- Westfjord, in whose waters killer whales live, and many others.
Coral reefs
At the beginning of the 21st century, along the bottom of some Norwegian fjords, coral reefs located at depths of 40 to 150 m were discovered and partially explored. It is believed that it is thanks to their presence that the Norwegian coastline is such a good place for fishing. Many forms of life are found on reefs: plankton, corals, anemones, fish, several species of sharks and others. Most are specially adapted to living under high water pressure and in complete darkness.
Norway is considered one of the most interesting countries in Europe precisely because of the beauty of its landscapes, which are made unusual by the fjords that intricately cut almost the entire coastline.
With rocky shores. The length of the fjord is several (most often tens) times greater than its width. The shores of the fjord are in most cases formed by cliffs up to 1000 meters high.
Most often, fjords are of tectonic origin and arose when there was a sharp and sudden change in the direction of movement of tectonic plates from counter to opposite. As a result of this, at the edges of the plates, already compressed by the preliminary oncoming movement, numerous cracks and faults are formed, which are filled with sea water. In this case, the fjord can have significant depth, up to 800 meters. In a number of cases, the emergence of fjords is the result of the processing by glaciers (during the Quaternary glaciation) of river valleys and tectonic depressions, followed by their flooding with water.
The world's most famous fjord regions are located on the western coasts of Norway, Chile, the South Island of New Zealand and North America from Puget Sound (Washington) to Alaska. Fjords are also found on the shores of Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Labrador Peninsula, Maine (USA), Russia (Kola and Chukotka Peninsulas) and on some Arctic (Spitsbergen, Novaya Zemlya, Canadian Arctic Archipelago) and Antarctic (Kerguelen, South Georgia) islands.
Thanks to their beauty and picturesqueness - cliffs rising straight out of the water, mountains covered with dense vegetation, snowy peaks - the fjords enjoy deserved interest among tourists all over the world.
Some fjords
| Name | Location | Length (km) | Width (km) | Depth (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scoresby | Greenland | 350 | 6 | 1450 |
| Sognefjord | Norway | 219, (204 ) | 6 | 1308 |
| Hardangerfjord | Norway | 183 | 10 | 750 |
| Trondheimsfjord | Norway | 137 | 24 | 600 |
| Nordfjord | Norway | 113 | 5 | 565 |
| Kola Bay | Russia | 57 | 7 | 300 |
| Milford Sound | New Zealand | 19 | 3 | 390 |
| Portland Canal | Alaska (USA) | 145 | 3 | 385 |
| Loch Fyn (English) | Scotland (UK) | 65 | ||
| Saguenay | Quebec (Canada) | 120 | 5 | 30 |
On the east coast of Greenland is Scoresby, the longest fjord in the world. It has a tree-like structure with many branches. The longest of them is 350 km in length.
This largest fjord was formed as a result of the flooding of a tectonic depression by the sea. In 1822, it received its name in honor of the whalers William Scoresby and his son. They were the first to explore Scoresby Fjord and put it on the map.
Today, near Scoresby there are an unusually large number of animals for Greenland. This is explained by the presence of open water in this region, which does not freeze even in winter, as well as fairly fertile lands. Thus, deer and musk oxen graze here, arctic foxes, stoats and lemmings live here, and until the beginning of the 20th century, the Melville Island wolf, distinguished by its beautiful white fur, could be seen here. The Scoresby coast becomes even more picturesque when colonies of migratory birds, numbering up to a million individuals, arrive here. These include little auks, Arctic terns, herring gulls, loons and many others. The waters of the largest fjord are inhabited by a variety of polar species of fish and mammals. For example, Scoresby is home to the ringed seal, bearded seal, harp seal, and Atlantic walrus. The beluga whales and narwhals that have settled here feast on arctic crustaceans and fish.
Interestingly, the second largest fjord - Sognefjord - is located in Norway. It is 204 km long and is the largest fjord in Europe.
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Notes
Literature
- // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
Excerpt describing Fjord
“Petya, I’m telling you, shut up,” the count shouted, looking back at his wife, who, turning pale, looked with fixed eyes at her youngest son.- And I’m telling you. So Pyotr Kirillovich will say...
“I’m telling you, it’s nonsense, the milk hasn’t dried yet, but he wants to go into military service!” Well, well, I’m telling you,” and the count, taking the papers with him, probably to read them again in the office before resting, left the room.
- Pyotr Kirillovich, well, let’s go have a smoke...
Pierre was confused and indecisive. Natasha's unusually bright and animated eyes, constantly looking at him more than affectionately, brought him into this state.
- No, I think I’ll go home...
- It’s like going home, but you wanted to spend the evening with us... And then you rarely came. And this one of mine...” the count said good-naturedly, pointing at Natasha, “she’s only cheerful when she’s with you...”
“Yes, I forgot... I definitely need to go home... Things to do...” Pierre said hastily.
“Well, goodbye,” said the count, completely leaving the room.
- Why are you leaving? Why are you upset? Why?..” Natasha asked Pierre, looking defiantly into his eyes.
“Because I love you! - he wanted to say, but he didn’t say it, he blushed until he cried and lowered his eyes.
- Because it’s better for me to visit you less often... Because... no, I just have business.
- From what? no, tell me,” Natasha began decisively and suddenly fell silent. They both looked at each other in fear and confusion. He tried to grin, but could not: his smile expressed suffering, and he silently kissed her hand and left.
Pierre decided not to visit the Rostovs with himself anymore.
Petya, after receiving a decisive refusal, went to his room and there, locking himself away from everyone, wept bitterly. They did everything as if they had not noticed anything, when he came to tea, silent and gloomy, with tear-stained eyes.
The next day the sovereign arrived. Several of the Rostov courtyards asked to go and see the Tsar. That morning Petya took a long time to get dressed, comb his hair and arrange his collars like the big ones. He frowned in front of the mirror, made gestures, shrugged his shoulders and, finally, without telling anyone, put on his cap and left the house from the back porch, trying not to be noticed. Petya decided to go straight to the place where the sovereign was and directly explain to some chamberlain (it seemed to Petya that the sovereign was always surrounded by chamberlains) that he, Count Rostov, despite his youth, wanted to serve the fatherland, that youth could not be an obstacle for devotion and that he is ready... Petya, while he was getting ready, prepared many wonderful words that he would say to the chamberlain.
Petya counted on the success of his presentation to the sovereign precisely because he was a child (Petya even thought how everyone would be surprised at his youth), and at the same time, in the design of his collars, in his hairstyle and in his sedate, slow gait, he wanted to present himself as an old man. But the further he went, the more he was amused by the people coming and going at the Kremlin, the more he forgot to observe the sedateness and slowness characteristic of adult people. Approaching the Kremlin, he already began to take care that he would not be pushed in, and resolutely, with a threatening look, put his elbows out to his sides. But at the Trinity Gate, despite all his determination, people who probably did not know for what patriotic purpose he was going to the Kremlin, pressed him so hard against the wall that he had to submit and stop until the gate with a buzzing sound under the arches the sound of carriages passing by. Near Petya stood a woman with a footman, two merchants and a retired soldier. After standing at the gate for some time, Petya, without waiting for all the carriages to pass, wanted to move on ahead of the others and began to decisively work with his elbows; but the woman standing opposite him, at whom he first pointed his elbows, angrily shouted at him:
- What, barchuk, you are pushing, you see - everyone is standing. Why climb then!
“So everyone will climb in,” said the footman and, also starting to work with his elbows, he squeezed Petya into the stinking corner of the gate.
Petya wiped the sweat that covered his face with his hands and straightened his sweat-soaked collars, which he had arranged so well at home, like the big ones.
