Kayak Trip on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

It was late August 2013 when we drove from Oslo to Aurland by the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord. We paddled our kayaks on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, combining scenic paddling with hiking and exploring the fjord landscape.

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We had our kayaks on the roof of the car, and the plan was to paddle and go for a few hikes and just enjoy the beautiful nature that the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are surrounded by.

 

Important information about kayaking in the fjords

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY: Kayaking in the Norwegian fjords and lakes can be an incredible experience, but conditions can also be demanding and change rapidly. Read more about responsibility and important safety information here, and get an introduction to kayaking in Norway at Visit Norway.

GUIDED TOURS: For safety reasons, it is recommended to join guided kayak tours when paddling in the fjords. Njord Sea Kayak and Wilderness Adventures in Flåm and Nordic Ventures in Gudvangen offer guided kayak tours on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

GUIDE & EXPERIENCE: It is recommended to use a guide when kayaking in the fjords and lakes of Norway. For safety reasons, you should avoid paddling alone. You should be an experienced kayaker with knowledge of paddling, safety and rescue techniques.

COURSES & REQUIREMENTS: Many guided kayak tours require certifications such as the “Wet Card”, a basic kayaking course, and training in self-rescue and assisted rescue. Requirements vary between operators and between single and double kayaks.

CHECK WITH THE OPERATOR: Kayaks are usually provided by the guide companies. Always check with the operator regarding required skills, experience and certifications before joining a tour.

SEASON: Kayaking in the fjords typically takes place during summer. Check with the operators for exact seasons. Dates mentioned on this website are approximate.

EQUIPMENT & COLD WATER: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). A dry suit with warm layers, preferably wool, is strongly recommended. The water in Norwegian fjords and lakes is cold, even in summer. Bringing a paddle float for self-rescue is also recommended.

WEATHER, WIND & WAVES: Always check weather conditions before heading out. Fjords and lakes in Norway can be exposed to strong winds, currents and rapid weather changes. Sudden winds can create frequent and large waves. Avoid kayaking in thunderstorms, strong winds or rough conditions.

BOAT TRAFFIC: Keep a safe distance from boats, ferries and cruise ships. Always stay alert and check behind you frequently. Some fjords have heavy marine traffic.

STEEP MOUNTAINSIDES AND CLIFFS: Many fjords and lakes have steep mountainsides and cliffs. This can make it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to get ashore if the weather deteriorates or an emergency occurs. Keep a safe distance from steep terrain where there is a risk of rockfalls, landslides or avalanches.

WHALES & ORCAS: Whales and orcas are sometimes seen in the fjords. These are wild animals and must be treated with respect. Never paddle towards them, and always keep a safe distance.

 

Stegastein Viewpoint

Early morning at Stegastein, what a fantastic view!
Early morning at Stegastein, what a fantastic view!

We arrived Aurland late in the evening, and drove up to Stegastein Viewpoint above the Aurlandsfjord. We hoped to get some great photography opportunities from this viewpoint the next morning, so we decided just to sleep in the free air.

Early in the morning we woke up to the best view in the world. Stegastein Viewpoint is one of the best viewpoints in Norway, and the Aurlandsfjord and the view over the fjord was absolutely fantastic this day.

We packed our stuff early in the morning, before the first tourists came, and we stayed at Stegastein area for a few hours before we drove down the beautiful Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road towards Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord.

Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord

Undredal, the idyllic village by the Aurlandsfjord.
Undredal, the idyllic village by the Aurlandsfjord.

We continued to Undredal, a small and beautiful village on the other side of the Aurlandsfjord. The movie Frozen I is inspired by this small village, with the surrounding steep mountains rising straight up from the fjord.

Undredal, the idyllic village by the Aurlandsfjord, is known for its many goats and the locally produced white and brown goat’s cheese. Undredal Stave Church stands in Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord and is Norway’s smallest church with only 40 seats.

From Undredal we paddled out on the Aurlandsfjord in our kayaks. It was clear blue sky, wind still, and a perfect day for kayaking. Further out the fjord we rounded the foot of Mt Beitelen and paddled into the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord, one of two Norwegian fjords that are part of our common World Heritage.

The UNESCO Protected Nærøyfjord

Base Camp at Salthella in the middle of the Nærøyfjord.
Base Camp at Salthella in the middle of the Nærøyfjord.

In the afternoon, we reached our campsite at Salthella Beach in the middle of the Nærøyfjord. We put up our tent and had something to eat before it became dark.

In the morning I had a short hike to the hill above the campsite before we paddled further into the Nærøyfjord, towards Bakka, a small beautiful village beside the fjord.

From there we hiked up the Rimstigen trail so we could see the beautiful Nærøyfjord from above. The Rimstigen trail starts at Kvernaviki between Bakka and Tufto by the Nærøyfjord. The Hike from Tufto by the Nærøyfjord to Rimstigen Viewpoint is very steep. The two kilometer long Rimstigen Trail starts down by the fjord and ends 725 meters above it.

GUIDE – We recommend you to join a Guided Tour up Rimstigen. You can book guided hikes up Rimstigen via Fjord Tours.

Heading back to Undredal

Kayaking along the Nærøyfjord on our way back towards the Aurlandsfjord and to Undredal.
Kayaking along the Nærøyfjord on our way back towards the Aurlandsfjord and to Undredal.

The last day we paddled out the Nærøyfjord and into the Aurlandsfjord and back to Undredal which was our starting point for this fjord adventure.

We had three days in two of the most beautiful fjords in Norway where we did what we liked best; Photo, kayaking, hiking and camping.

We couldn´t have asked for more, and the weather showed its best side throughout the whole trip.

GUIDE – For safety reasons, we recommend guided kayak tours if you are going to kayak in the fjords. You can join guided kayak tours starting from Flåm in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord and from Gudvangen in the innermost part of the Nærøyfjord.

Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – What to See and Do

Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences and activities in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. On July 14, 2005, the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and the surrounding area were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Geirangerfjord. The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are both branches of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord, which is located in the middle of Western Norway.

Visit Sognefjord

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord area.

Salthella beach by the Nærøyfjord, this was our Base Camp during this fjord adventure.
Salthella beach by the Nærøyfjord, this was our Base Camp during this fjord adventure.

Hotels and accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of hotels and other places where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Sakte – Stay and Explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord 



“Sakte” is a collaboration between companies that provide adventures, accommodation, dining and short-travelled food- and products. “Sakte” are located in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and is an offer for those who want to contribute to a sustainable society in the world heritage area.

Reis Sakte - Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord.
Reis Sakte – Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord.

 

Here you will find an overview of recommended hotels and accommodations in Western Norway. FJORDS HOTELS in addition to FJORD SPA and FJORDS LIVING. You will also find an overview of MICHELIN KEY HOTELS in Western Norway, great hotels recommended by Michelin.

There are 14 restaurants that have awarded Michelin stars and Michelin awards in Western Norway. Eight of the Michelin Restaurants are in Stavanger, there are five in Bergen and one is out on the Hardangerfjord outside Rosendal. Here you will find an overview of MICHELIN RESTAURANTS in Western Norway.

USEFUL LINKS is a list of websites with great information on Norway and the Fjords.

The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – Map Overview